The Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Centre in Ghana is a centre working on the treatment of Buruli Ulcer and was at the conference to share it thoughts on the surgical therapy of the Ulcer disease. The centre is particularly experienced in this field after being the main destination for most suffers.

The conference had two real points of discussion, firstly the Adoption of the Cotonou Declaration on Buruli ulcer and the plans for rollout of the Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative.

The Conference saw the participation of top some Heads of states, big political players and specialist from cosmetic surgery from key countries namely, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Ghana is considered home to many species of wildlife including:
~Monkeys
~Antelopes
~Hyenas
~Lions
~Leoparts
~Elephants
~Pythons
~Buffalo
~ 725 different species of birds

Much of the wildlife is protected and is contained in national parks or wildlife preserves to ensure they continue to be a part of the landscape of Africa. Many are extinct or becoming extinct and are therefore considered protected animals. Visiting one of Ghana’s national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or resource reserves is the best and safest way to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Keta Lagoon is a protected lagoon and is a breeding ground for turtles and a haven for migrating birds. It is being developed to include the opportunity for tourists to see many of the animals that are housed here. It is considered protected land.

Boaben-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is a specific protected sanctuary for monkeys. Monkeys have long been an honored animal in Africa. These animals have long been a fascinating and sought after animal that without protection may become extinct.

Mole National Park is the largest park in Ghana. Its forested area covers a vast area that is home to antelopes, hyenas, lions and elephants among many other species of wildlife. Although they are protected they are also used to human company and visitors to the park may have the opportunity to see many of these animals up close and personal.

Visiting any of these parks will provide a great opportunity to see African wildlife in its natural habitat.
Ghana has an intense respect for the animals that share their home and does everything possible to protect the land and the wildlife who share it.

Tourists and foreigners to Ghana should take care not to put themselves in compromising positions. Many times crimes are aimed at those who are not natives of Ghana. The Ghanaian Police have limited resources to deal with non traditional crimes such as internet scams or identity theft. Crimes of this nature often go unsolved because of the limited resources.

~While crime can happen anywhere you want to be cautioned to be extra careful during trips to major cities in Ghana. Urban areas naturally have a higher rate of crime. Avoid carrying large sums of cash on you or withdrawing large sums from ATM machines. Avoid traveling alone or late at night.

~Avoid being a target of a crime. Be aware that there are scam artists that may wait to prey on unsuspecting tourists. Do not take a meeting with someone that you do not know. Meetings with persons with whom you have connected with on the internet may be other than legitimate and can be dangerous.

~Luggage and Documents should be kept secure at the airport and in your hotel. Never carry important documents with you, rather lock them in a safe at your hotel. Avoid traveling with valuables if possible.

~Beware of those offering assistance at bus terminals, airports or other transportation terminals. Unless the person is dressed in official uniform offers of help should be politely declined. Many crimes take place during travel times by those posing as officials. You should confirm the identity of those that are providing you with transportation or luggage services.

~You need a VISA to travel to Ghana. Always honor your time limits. Not doing so could result in legal action or refused permission to leave the country.

~Ensure that you obtain travel and medical insurance before traveling. Ensure that your policy will cover you for all of your planned activities and be sure you have the appropriate paperwork with you in the event that you need to utilize this policy.

Online fraud is so common that there are regular complaints made about such examples every week, including the American embassy in Ghana, who receive more than ten every single week. They often involve scams carried out on dating websites, but they can also take the forms of fraudulent business opportunities. The problem is getting worse largely as a result of the scammers themselves becoming highly skilled in their craft. It means that the sorts of people who are being scammed are not just vulnerable people with a few wires loose as is the stereotype, but people who are sensible and taken in by an elaborate and convincing scheme.

If it is a romantic scam it will often involve someone making contact via a dating website and then the contact declaring that they are working in Africa. As the relationship progresses this person will then trick them into sending them money for various purposes – they were in an accident, they need it to pay for work or they might pretend that they are having other financial difficulties. The problem is, once the person realises that they have been the victim of a scam it is too late as there is little chance of recovering the money. Some people only send hundreds, but there have been cases where people have sent hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It may seem like it would be easy to spot a fraudulent business, but the scammers have done their homework. It means that fraudsters operating in Ghana will know exactly how to make their claims seem legitimate to try and trick even the smartest of people.

It means that background checks are very important with anyone you deal with in these circumstances.

Region Capital
Greater Accra Region Accra
Central Region Cape Coast-
Ashanti Region Kumasi
Eastern Region Koforidua
Western Region Sekondi Takoradi
Northern Region Tamale
Upper East Region Bolgatanga
Upper West Region Wa
Volta Region Ho
Brong Ahafto Region Sunyani

The following facts were researched from world fact book at the time of last census. The population of Ghana is 21,029, 853. Ghana has a population growth of 1.779% and a mortality rate of 56.54 deaths to every 1,000 live births. Tema, Cape Coast and Takoradi are the largest cities in Ghana.

The estimated percentages of population based on age are as follows:
~Birth to 14 years: 41%
~15-64: 55%
~65 and older 4%

It is noted that the estimates for population and birth and death ratios should take into account the effect of AIDS on the mortality rates. This factor is noted on all statistical resources gathered to identify the population counts. AIDS and HIV is a top health factor in Ghana and many other areas of Africa. Ghana is 98.5% black African with the major tribes being Akan, Gurma and Yoruba. Europeans make up 1/5% of the population. Religious practices are 63% Christian, 16% Muslim and 21 % other beliefs.

Ghana’s climate is considered tropical. It is warm and dry along the southeast coast, hot and humid in the southwest and hot and dry the more north in Ghana you go. Ghana’s terrain is mostly low plains with some plateau areas in the south central region Ghana does have a few natural hazards to its regions. It can be dry and dusty with heavy wind warnings from January through March. Given its tropical region, droughts are a major concern across all of the regions of Ghana. Droughts have historically affected agriculture, caused erosion and threatened wildlife populations as well as limited clean water supplies. Ghana has irrigation systems set up to deal with the potential for harmful droughts; despite this drought is one of the major natural disasters that pose a major financial issue for Ghana.

Beaches
There are several beautiful beaches close to the capital city Accra. There’s Labadi Pleasure Beach located 8 kilometres east of Accra on the Accra Tema Beach Road. The beach is Accra’s main public beach and provides wshower and changing facilities and food.

Kokrobite is loacted much further away from the capital about 30 kilometres west of Accra. The beach has a wonderful backdrop of hills and is a hotspot for tourists because of how secluded the beach is and the nature sights it provides.

Castles
Ghana has many castles and forts offer historic proof to one of the world’s most tradic events – the Slave Trade.

Cape Coast Castle has seen the comingand going of many different ruling powers. Initially constructed in the 16th century, the castle was made bigger and beame a substantial fort by the mid 17th Century. It was eventually captured by Sweden and named Fort Carolusberg before falling into British hands in 1664. Cape Coast Castle became the seat of British colonial administrationand shipped millions of slaves to the Caribbean and the United States.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit cards are accepted by most leading hotels, restaurants, banks, businesses and some shops. It is possible for some banks to give cash advances thtrough credit cards. Be aware that card fraud is extremely common and we advise using your credit card as little as possible. In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi ATMs are commonplace.

Traveller’s Cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged in large hotels, banks and foreign exchange bureaux.

Because of the how easy it is to travel these day more and more people travel to Ghana each year and the response we receive from visitors is always very good. Tourists speak about how great it is to really get away from the busy city life and experence the wildlife through Ghana’s nation parks.

Africa is fast becoming a very popular destination and is only going to become more popular with South Africa hosting next years World Cup.