From the natural beauty of beaches, waterfalls, and national parks to museums and attractions, there are numerous reasons to visit Ghana, but there are some things tourists need to know before visiting. 
Culture is unique and dynamic at the same time depending on where one may find him/herself. In Africa and more specifically Ghana, core values are held in high esteem and morality is treated with so much decorum. From how to take photographs to how to use a taxi, here are a few things to take heed of and are forbidden to do whilst visiting Ghana.
Hand something to someone or receive something with your left hand
In the days before the W.C. and toilet paper, the left hand was reserved for cleaning oneself after going to the bathroom. Therefore, all instances involving interacting with another person were done with the right hand. To show someone a left hand was a direct way of showing disrespect. In modern times when the majority of people do use toilet paper, W.C.’s, hand sanitiser and all manner of hygiene products, the rule still holds and the insult is still monumental.
Disrespect an elderly person
The elderly are revered in Ghana; a special respect reserved for those who have survived so long in a world such as this. Regardless of the relationship with an older person, to address them as ‘Ma’, ‘Papa’, ‘uncle’, or ‘aunty’ is the norm. To treat them with anything other than respect is the equivalent to doing the same to one’s own parents. Do so and prepare to be admonished for it by everyone around who was a witness.
Walk around Kokrobite barefoot during rainy season
This rule holds fast to all beach resorts surrounded by lively fishing villages. The lack of good sanitation, the numbers of people living in the area, and its being a water source make it an ideal breeding ground for the parasites that favour attaching themselves to feet. During the rainy season, the water gets washed around so much and mixed up that a basic street that looks muddy could contain all manner of crawling microbes. Beware.
Light up a cigarette in a market area with lots of Ghana locals
Ghanaians are funny about cigarettes. Around town at night, outside bars, clubs, in mixed areas, and at home, there isn’t a thing for smokers to worry about. Try lighting up on a busy street lined with kiosks, containers, and indigenous peoples around and receiving some disgusted looks or even being asked to put it out is inevitable.
Take photographs of people In Ghana without their permission
Ghanaians like to pose, love a selfie, and love being asked to have their picture taken. But take a candid of, say, a busy streetscape with people going about their daily business and someone is bound to be furious. There have been instances in the past of photo books of Ghanaians at less than their best being published abroad—a sort of poverty porn—so tourists aren’t’ given the benefit of the doubt that this isn’t what they’re up to. Be respectful.
Compare it to their own country
Ghana is truly a unique place. Tourists will have a lot more fun and get to know it more deeply if they just navigate things as they unfold instead of expecting things to be any kind of way. Embrace the daily weirdness and idiosyncrasies that are sure to surprise.
