Things Not To do In Ghana.
We all remember that one time doing the right thing turned out to be the bad one. Well, I have a similar story too and you can share yours with me and others under the comment. If we had known it was going to turn out bad I don’t think we would have done that. These things are not laws or guides leading us, but they are human behaviors or how others respond to things. And if I know people’s thought I’m pretty sure I won’t offend them.
Many travelers face the same problem during their visit to any country. Wondering what to do and what not to do is one problem travelers face when visiting new a destination. Ghana is no exception and in this article, Mrpocu.com will outline 13 things not to do in Ghana when visiting for the first time.
Ghana is one of the best places to visit in Africa. Besides, it is the second peaceful country in Africa and also one of the peaceful countries in the world. We all have our culture and way of life. There are things you can do in your country that seems super cool but will be counted as bad behavior here. This piece will guide you through the thing you shouldn’t do when you are visiting Ghana for the first time. Following this guide will help you enjoy your trip to Ghana.
Ghana Travel Restrictions 2021
Ghana is open to most travelers again. I mean travelers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.
THING NOT TO DO IN GHANA
1.Don’t Expect Good Timekeeping
We have our own meaning of GMT (Ghana man’s time). So lower your expectations when it comes to good timekeeping. But it is best to show up on time when you’re attending a business meeting. But a food order can take an hour, schedule a meeting for 2 pm won’t start until 4 pm.
Normally when someone tells you “I will be there soon” means just relax and wait. Soon can take about an hour. Maybe your tour guide can disappoint you when you need him or her. Your cap driver can delay you when you waiting for him to pick you up. Call him 30 min before you get ready.
Patience in Ghana isn’t just a virtue; it’s a necessity.
2. Don’t Accept The First Price A Cab Driver Gives You
When you are exploring Ghana with a tour guide, then it is the best way and your guide can help you with some simple tips when picking a taxi. But as a solo traveler don’t accept the first price a cab driver gives you.
If a trip is $1 USD, a cab driver will overprice it to $2 USD. It is up to you to ask for a reduction. They do it to locals and not only tourists. Before you jump in a cab, ask the people around you how much an average taxi fare should be and set a budget for it.
Using online cabs like Uber and Bolt is also a cheap way of exploring Ghana, but remember they don’t work everywhere.
3.Don’t Smoke In The Mix Of Locals
Smoking may seem ok and cool in your country. As I said earlier, we all have our way of life and our culture. Smoking in Ghana is not illegal, but locals see it as a bad thing for one to do. When I was a kid, I use to think everyone that smoked is a bad person. I also think smoking close to me can get me sick. Well, people still have those thoughts.
In Ghana, locals think you have no respect when you smoke in their mix. They also assume you are a bad person and also affect them with your smoke. If you want to smoke, ask your accommodation staff if you can smoke inside or smoke at a nightclub and a bar.
4. Don’t Give Something Out With Your left hand
Using the left hand for basic things is something that most non-Ghanaians struggle to come to terms with because it is very normal in several other parts of the world. This is something Ghanaian don’t play with.
When in Ghana, try not to give something out with your left hand or even point to a location using your left hand. I don’t know the myth about the left hand but Ghanaians see it as a sign of disrespect when you give them something with your left hand or even point at a location with it.
5.Don’t Forget To Greet Locals
Greeting is really important everywhere in the world. And Ghanaians don’t take their greetings as jokes. There is a saying, “whoever that greets never lot his or her way”. Locals are willing to give you directions if you greet them. A topical Ghanaian won’t mind you or show you the way if you don’t greet.
Even if you are in a hurry, it is best to greet. When you don’t need direction to a place, it’s still best to greet anyone you meet on the way. They can give you information or tell you whatever that is going on in that direction. So if there is any bad incident there, they will warn you not to go.
6.Do Not Flaunt Your Wealth
This is for your safety and not to get yourself in a mess. There are bad people in every country and Ghana is no exception. It is best not to flaunt your wealth to draw attention to thieves or bad people. Bad people will start targeting you since they see you as rich and a tourist. Whether you are here for business or here just to explore the country, it is best not to flaunt your wealth for that short period of time.
If you want to have that luxurious lifestyle here, it is best to get a tour guide to protect you and show you around. With that, they can take you to the safest place in the country and help you to stay out of sight.
7. Do Not Drink Excessive Amounts Of Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption is considered shameful in Ghana. Locals look at you and have all bad thoughts about you. It is best to know your limit and stay in your shell. Or even not drink at all. As a tourist, there are eyes on you everywhere. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol will also give thieves the chance to rob you. Try your best to stay vigilant that short period you are spending here in Ghana.
8. Don’t Throw Trash On The Street
Well, Ghana might not be one of the neatest countries in the world but you still don’t have the right to throw trash on the street. The government and some private sectors are trying their best to keep the country clean. It is the responsibility of locals and tourists to help the government keep the city clean.
There are trash cans on every corner of the street you can dispose of your trash. You might see large trash gathered on the street and you don’t have to add up to it. Always best to find a trash can and dispose of your trash.
9.Do not Fight With locals
Getting yourself into a fight in a different country will be the last thing to think of and I am not sure you are going to do that. If you find yourself in a situation that can bring a fight, just get out of there and report it to law enforcement. Allowing law enforcement to settle issues will be the best thing to do as a tourist.
Fighting as a tourist can get you deported and that can bring a bad image to your travel life. Contact the Ghana police service for more information.
10.Don’t Cross Your Legs When Sitting With Elders
As I said earlier, we all have our traditions and culture. Respecting elders or people with higher positions is an important part of our culture here in Ghana. You can’t talk with elders anyhow, you can’t relate with them anyhow, you must have a limit.
Crossing your legs while sitting with an elderly person is one disrespectful thing to do in Ghana. We know it is very normal with your culture, but ours is very disrespectful to do that. Try your possible best to avoid it.
11.Ask Locals Before Taking Pictures Of Them.
To be honest, I would love to pose and look nice in your pictures, but ask me first so I can get ready with my pose and all expressions (lol). Others don’t like to be in your pictures, so it’s best to ask any local before taking pictures of them.
There have also been instances in the past of photo books of Ghanaians at less than their best being published abroad. Sort of poverty porn, so tourists aren’t’ given the benefit of the doubt that this isn’t what they’re up to. Just be respectful and ask locals before taking pictures.
12.Avoid Walking Late On Dark Streets
Most street robberies in Ghana are in late-night on dark streets. Tourists love to explore places at night and also enjoy nightlife and avoiding using dark streets in Ghana is the best way to explore the nightlife in Ghana.
13. Don’t Depend Much On Google Map.
Adding this point is also one of the important things you should notice. Technology is the new way of life and Ghana as a country is improving very well. Ghana has a very bad address system (the government is still working on it) and that is why your google map is going to get you lost if you depend on it most. Asking locals for direction is another best way to find your way around Ghana. Read more on renting a car in Ghana and self-driving as a tourist.