CUCG

RECEPTION BOOKLET 14.15

HEY AIESEC!

Greetings from AIESEC CUCG.

As you are reading this then you most probably have decided to partake in a volunteering

programme with AIESEC, and you have also decided to come to Ghana, West Africa to do so. Kudos

to you. The joy acquired from volunteering is one that can help inspire you as you go through this

amazing journey we call life.

This reception booklet is basically an information hub, to help provide you with all the facts about

Ghana, AIESEC CUCG and other relevant information which would help make your stay with us truly

a remarkable and memorable one.

Brace yourself, you are in for quite the ride!!!!!

TABLE OF CONTENT

- Map of Ghana

- About Ghana; Basic Information

- Culture

- About Sunyani and CUCG

- Mode of Transport

- Finances

- Intern House

- Health Information

- Security

- Travel Information

- Arrival

CUCG

ABOUT GHANA; BASIC INFORMATION

Climate

Ghana’s climate is one described as tropical and has two

main seasons: the Wet Season and the Dry Season

Religion

Ghana is considered to be a very religious nation. She is

largely a Christian country although there is a considerable

number of Muslims as the minority. Traditional beliefs are

also practiced.

RELIGION 2010 CENSUS Christianity 71.2% Muslim 17.6% Traditional 5.2% None 5.2% Other 0.85

Language

There are over one hundred ethic languages spoken in

Ghana, however the most common one spoken is Twi.

English is the official language of the country. The English

proficiency however of the citizenry varies from fluent to

pidgin to none at all.

English is the official language of AIESEC, as such, all

participants and members of AIESEC are required to

understand and speak basic English. AIESEC CUCG

encourages both members and interns to speak English for

easier communication and promotion of understanding.

Throughout your stay your English proficiency would be

improved significantly.

Ghana, officially known as the Republic of Ghana is one of 18

countries in Western Africa and among the 15 recognized states of

ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Ghana is a

constitutional democracy made up of ten administrative regions with a

population of approximately 27 million people as at 2014. Ghana

gained independence on the 6th of March 1957 and became a Republic

on the 1st of July 1960.

Ghana’s varied geography consists of woodlands, savannas, forests, a

coastal line, cave systems, mountains, estuaries, springs, wildlife parks

and natural reserves.

In terms of export, Ghana is one of the world’s largest gold and

diamond producers. Ghana is a regional power in West Africa and on

the continent Africa, a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement

and a member of ECOWAS and the Group of 24(G24)

Basic Facts

Area 238,535 km2 / 92,099 sq mi

Population 27 million (2014 estimate)

GDP (nominal) Per Capita $1,902

Currency Ghana Cedi (GH₵)

Time Zone GMT (UTC +0)

Calling code +233

Internet TLD .gh

CUCG

CUCG

CULTURE

Culture is the way of life of a group of people and the Ghanaian culture is one that you would truly admire.

Ghanaian Cuisine

The dishes of Ghana are mainly organized around a starchy staple food which normally is accompanied by a sauce or soup with a

protein source.

Most Ghanaian dishes are quite spicy for the average person but one can easily get accustomed to it. However, there is always the

option for some meals to order with no spices.

The option of vegan meals is not as easy to come by, however, the easiest option is to order for a meal without meat. Soya milk, fresh

vegetables are readily available and can be used to supplement.

Food vendors are numerous in Ghana as well as restaurants though the former is more predominant. Snacks are readily available at

mini supermarkets and shops. Portable drinking water in plastic bottles and water pouches are safe for drinking and available

everywhere.

Traditional Clothing

There are quite a number of ethnic groups in the country all having their own individual cloth. The most well-known among them is the

Kente Cloth. Kente is the most famous of all the Ghanaian cloths. There are numerous other cloths all with different designs and make.

Dance and Music

Music is very popular here in Ghana with many varies between all the different ethnic groups and regions. The genre of music took a

huge turn in the 1990s when a new one was created by the youth called HIPLIFE. Ghanaian artiste of international fame include

Sarkodie, Fuse O. D .G, Sway, R 2 Bees among others.

Of course where there is music there is dance as well. Popular Ghanaian dance moves include Azonto, Al-Qaeda among others. Trust

me, you would want to learn how to dance all of these.

ABOUT SUNYANI AND CUCG

Sunyani is a city and the capital of the Brong-Ahafo Region in Ghana. Sunyani is the 5th largest

city in Ghana and home to the Catholic University College of Ghana. The location of Sunyani

makes it easy to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables and at a relatively cheaper price. The city is a

relatively calm place with a few beautiful sceneries.

There are banks, hospitals, postal services and other basic facilities that would make your stay a

memorable one.

The Catholic University College of Ghana (CUCG), is a private university found in Fiapre Sunyani.

It was established in March 2003 and has been in operation ever since providing degrees in

various fields for the citizenry. AIESEC CUCG is the local committee which operates here and has

been in existence since March 2012. The university is a 15 minute drive from the LC house,

which is where you and other amazing individuals would be staying.

MODE OF

TRANSPORTATION

The mode of transportation in Ghana is pretty much the

same everywhere except for the fact that more people in

Ghana patronize the road network seeing as it is

relatively cheaper as compared to the other modes.

Ghana has one International Airport, the Kotoka

International Airport which receives both domestic and

international flights. There are however four domestic

airports which are located in Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale

and Takoradi.

Most movement within the country is mainly by road.

The most common modes are by taxi, private car, mini

bus locally called “tro-tro” and by bigger buses for longer

journeys.

FINANCE

CUCG

GHANA is a peaceful and safe country, however it would be best to have

your money stored up in a bank. Ghana has a number of banks and financial

institutions to aid in that. The common banks in Ghana include Ghana

Commercial Bank, Standard Chartered, Barclays, Zenith, Ecobank, UT

bank, Société Générale Social Security Bank, Agricultural

Development Bank, UBA, Access Bank, Stanbic Bank and Guaranty

Trust Bank (GT Bank).

The banks available in Sunyani are Barclays, Zenith, Ecobank, Ghana

Commercial Bank, Fidelity Bank and Agricultural Development Bank. Each of

these banks have ATM services which support such as VISA, MasterCard

and American Express.

For security reasons it would be best to have your money stored up in a ban

and withdraw when necessary. There are also various exchange points /

Forex Bureaus to help facilitate the exchange of money. The commonly

changed money in the country include the Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Euro

and Naira. Other currencies are available but it would be best to have either

of the above for easier transaction.

INTERN HOUSE

AIESEC CUCG is happy to be able to provide you with that unique experience of living under one

roof with other interns from different parts of the world. We believe that in addition to the

exchange experience, living together with different individuals would also enhance one’s

understand of different cultures as well as promote more cultural integration and cordiality among

interns and members of AIESEC CUCG.

English, being the official language of AIESEC, is also the language we encourage interns to speak to

help in the whole integration and cordial living process. There are 6 bedrooms, three bathrooms, a

kitchen, a hall and a porch. There is water and electricity. Water sometimes is turned off from the

main station but we make efforts to ensure there is always water for interns. Wi-Fi is also available

in the house. Room allocations are done so as to ensure everyone is comfortable and happy.

The intern house is 10 minutes away from town and a maximum of 30 minutes away from the

furthest site we run our projects.

Electricity in Ghana

The voltage is between 220v – 2240v. Plugs

in Ghana are the same as those used in

Great Britain (large 3 pin). One can plug

directly into the mains but getting an

adapter to plug your laptop into the power

outlet would be ideal. They are widely

available from large and small shops. The

power grid is unreliable in many

developing countries such as Ghana but it

is not a rampant occurrence.

WHAT TO PACK

Appropriate everyday clothing

(Generally hot)

Smart – casual for attending

meetings

Boys: collared shirts, long

trousers and smart shoes

Girls: skirt below the knee, flat-

soled shoes, long trousers

A mosquito net, sleeping cloth and

pillow

A towel

Swimming Costume

Toilettries (conditioner, shampooo,

perfume among others)

Mobile phone (you would be

assissted in getting a SIM Card in

Ghana)

Laptop, headsets and any other

electrical applicances to make you

feel comfortable.

Country’s flag and other souvenirs

for show and exhibition in the

house.

An AIESEC shirt from your home

LC (Optional)

Photocopy of important documents

Passport, Ghana Visa, Flight

details, travel insurance policy.

Yellow Fever Certificate

HEALTH INFORMATION

CUCG

Ghana is found in the tropics and as such the hot climate may be unfavourable for some who have never experienced such conditions

before.

MALARIA

This is one of the most common diseases and is carried by the mosquito. Malaria can be easily treated within 3 – 5 days with malaria

drugs, rest and healthy eating but one must do well not to get infected seeing as it can be potentially fatal if left untreated for a long

period. Malaria preventive drugs are also available here locally and well as in your respective countries. Kindly contact your various

doctors for the best recommended one. Mosquito and insect repellants also help.

DIARRHOEA

It is likely that you will experience some form of diarrhoea during your stay. You should be aware that this is a normal part of travelling, and usually occurs because your body is not immune to the local bacteria. While it is uncomfortable and irritating, it shouldn't get in the

way of you having fun and enjoying your Ghanaian experience! Treatment for sustained diarrhea is best found in Ghana.

SUN SAFETY

Ghana is in the tropics, as such the Sun is far stronger here than it is in other parts of the world. Those prone to sun burn and sun stroke

should come prepared - as a general rule, the whiter your skin, the higher the effect from the sun on you. Kindly come along with your

sunscreen.

In general, Ghana is an incredibly safe country to live, work and travel in. Ghanaians are very honest

and helpful, and generally don't try to take tourists 'for a ride'.

Nonetheless, to avoid any misunderstandings you must be a street wise and take necessary precautions

- don't flash expensive technology or huge wads of cash around; guard your pockets in busy markets;

don't walk around very late at night on your own.

These guidelines apply especially to girls - even during broad daylight you may find some men keen

just to touch your arm, in particular if you are non-African. Try to ignore it as best you can.

It must be said that Ghanaians are not used to the sight of non-African people. Children become very

excited at seeing non-Africans walking past, and they and some adults will shout 'obruni' at you as pass.

This means 'foreigner' and is usually meant inoffensively - often they are simply curious to see humans

that look differently to themselves.

Even so, looking different cannot help but attract attention, and non-African people are perceived as

wealthy - so be aware thieves may think you're a target simply based on how you look.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

CUCG

Visitors coming to Ghana must obtain a visa from any of the Ghanaian diplomatic missions unless they come from either one of the

below 24 countries or territories that are either 90 Days maximum visa exempt or whose citizens may obtain a 30 Days maximum

visa on arrival.

Visa Exemption

Benin Côte d'Ivoire Guinea-Bissau Mali Senegal Swaziland Burkina Faso Gambia Kenya Niger Sierra Leone Togo Cape Verde Guinea Liberia Nigeria Singapore

Visa on Arrival

Lesotho Malawi Tanzania Trinidad and Tobago Uganda Zimbabwe

Those who would need a visa are advised to request for a tourist visa. The cost of these visa’s range from between $50 to $200

depending on the country you are coming from. Some countries also do the visa processing at the airport in Accra.

International Airlines

Below are a list of airlines that frequent Ghana.

British Airways Delta Airlines Egypt Air Emirates Ethiopian Airlines Iberia Kenya Airways KLM Lufthansa Middle East Airlines Royal Air Maroc South African Airways TAP Portugal Tunisair Turkish Airlines

International Bus Services

From: Nigeria, Benin From: Togo From: Burkina Faso From: Côte d'Ivoire ABC Transport, CHISCO Cross Country

ABC Transport Buses from the border are available as well

Imperial Express STC

The above are the most come ones patronized by past interns. There may be others seeing as the transport business is a growing

one.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOP WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Most interns arrive into Ghana via Accra by air at Kotoka International Airport or by road at the

station of the bus service they took. Upon arrival you would be picked up by an AIESEC member. From here, interns will be taken to the VIP Bus Station, where you'll take a bus from Accra to

Sunyani. The journey would last for between 6 – 7 hours. Your destination is the VIP Sunyani Bus Station where you will be met by another AIESEC member and be shown to the LC House.

Occasionally you will stay the night in Accra before continuing to Sunyani, but you will be informed of this by whomever picks you up at the airport or bus station.

Much of this information may look very serious and it may look like your time in Ghana will be difficult and uncomfortable - we assure you that most people have an amazing experience here! With most of travelling, you

get out what you put in - make an effort to try local things, get involve and keep a positive attitude, and you'll find the fun and enjoyment will come to you.

In our experience, people who come underprepared mentally are those who then don't enjoy fitting in to a new

culture. This guide is here to help you prepare mentally for your internship - we wish you the best of luck and are

looking forward to welcoming you to AIESEC CUCG.

Akwaaba!

LC CONTACTS

Kweku Boatin

Local Committee President 14.15

+233249292589

kweku.boatin@aiesec.net

Andrew Awadey

Local Committee Vice President iGCDP 14.15

+233541611860

andrew.awadey@aiesec.net

Visit us:

FACEBOOK PAGE AND GROUP

AIESEC CUCG Page, AIESEC CUCG Group.