World Press Freedom Day 2018
Practical Information
Visa’s and Customs
A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity and a Ghanaian visa is required to enter the Republic of Ghana. A visitor’s visa may be obtained from the nearest representation of Ghana (Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates) or other Embassies authorized by the Government of Ghana to issue visas on her behalf.
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter the Republic of Ghana: Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Citizens of Member States of ECOWAS are also exempted (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte D'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo).
Please note that yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and that the original vaccination certificate will be required to enter the country.
All international participants, who are registered through the online registration form and who have provided a scan of their passport, will be guaranteed visa-on-arrival (free of charge).
Please note that only participants who have registered online and provided a copy of their passports before 5 April 2018 can be guaranteed a visa-on-arrival.
Travel
International air traffic to Accra arrives at and departs from Kotoka International Airport, which is located centrally in the capital. A welcoming desk will be set up to receive and guide participants after their arrival. This will be located after the baggage claim. A shuttle service will also be organized to bring participants to the venue.
Metered taxis are available but the majority of the taxi services at the airport and throughout the city operate via a public pool, which require bargaining for the passenger. Ride-hailing service Uber has been made available since June 2016. A ride from the airport to the 2018 World Press Freedom Day venue would be around 30 minutes at an average cost of 20 to 25 GHS.
Accommodation
Participants are advised to stay in the hotels suggested below due to safety and traffic conditions. All of these hotels are situated within a 6-min drive from the venue. Self-financed participants are advised to contact the hotels directly. Access to discounted rates will be provided upon completed online registration.
a) Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra (5* hotel, conference venue – limited number available)
b) Movenpick hotel (5* hotel)
c) Swiss Spirit Hotel or Alisa Hotel (4* hotel)
d) Accra City Hotel (4* hotel)
Venue
The main events, including the Academic Conference and Policy Lab, of World Press Freedom Day 2018 will be held at the Kempinski Hotel. (External link)
Address
Kempinski Hotel
Gold Coast City Accra
Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue
PMB CT21 Cantonments,
Accra, Ghana
T +233 544 312 677
Press Accreditation (international media)
Please contact Munira Abdul Karim (nirakarim2@gmail.com) and Selasi Spencer (selasispencer@gmail.com) for press accreditation to cover World Press Freedom Day in Accra.
Additional Information
Languages
English is the official language of the country, which is used for official communication by the government as well as in schools. Ghana hosts many other regional languages, of which Twi is the most widely spoken. In the city of Accra the majority of locals will be able to understand and converse in English.
English will be the official language of World Press Freedom Day 2018, with interpretation to French available for selected sessions.
Climate and Clothing
Ghana is a tropical country and during the time of the conference the rainy season will have started. It lasts from April to June and will have average temperatures between 21° C (70° F) and 31° C (88° F). Light clothing is advisable.
Currency
The Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) is the official currency. The average exchange rate is 4.50 GHS for 1.00 USD. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any Forex Bureau in the country or at some commercial banks. Most ATMs accept Visa and/or Mastercard.
Electricity
Outlets in Ghana are of the G type, which is of British origin. The standard voltage is 230V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. A plug adapter and a step-down transformer will be necessary when your appliances use a lower voltage and/or another type of plug.
Insurance and Health
It is recommended that participants take out insurance in their home country to cover pre-journey cancellation for personal reasons as well as necessary travel insurance to cover accidents, medical expenses, and loss of personal belongings for the duration of their visit. Before visiting Ghana, being vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, polio, typhoid, meningitis and diphtheria are strongly recommended. Being vaccinated against yellow fever is mandatory.
There is a risk of contracting malaria in Ghana. Measures to prevent mosquito bites are advised and include the following: wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellent, and sleeping with a mosquito net or with the airconditioning running. The use of antimalarial medication is recommended as well.
It is recommended to use bottled drinking water and not to consume Ghanaian tap water.
Force Majeure
UNESCO and its partners are not liable for any claims for damages and/or losses if the entire conference has to be cancelled due to a force majeure incident.
Disclaimer
UNESCO and its partners are not liable for damages and/or losses of any kind which may be incurred by the participants or by any other individual(s) accompanying them, both during the conference as well as going to/from the conference. Participants and delegates are responsible for their own safety and belongings.