Cape Coast- Extended Stay and Questions

1.You can expect standard African weather. Temp. 30, humidity 80%
2. In Accra yes, in Cape Coast you can find many students who come for some sort of exchange programs. But not many expats. You can find some expats in Takoradi, mostly mining people. White skin is also available on weekends on several beaches around Cape Coast.
3. When I made my first six months in Ghana, Kumasi I was on Lariam. Later on on another contract in Accra I had not been taking anything for about 5 years.
4. NO, Accra some sort. If you want to be sure you will get the best available health care register with WARA, http://www.westafrican-rescue.com/newsletter01.htm
5. No problem with Apple. All you need is the internet connection, which is available but extremely slow.
6. My girlfriend was also a nurse and I have to say that it is not easy to start working in gov. hospital. You need to pass an exam held once a year somewhere in Accra, than continue with 3 moths praxis in a governmental hospital.
7. Motorbikes extremely cheap, the same with bicycle. But not recommended if you do not want to be pushed into a gutter one day. Moped starts from 200USD, bike 50USD. Good motorbike 600ccm maybe 2000USD
8. Many internet cafes in town.
9. No
10. Street food is a shit. Generally diet in Ghana is very bad. I guess the worst in all west Africa. But no worry you can survive eating it for some time. When I was on an exchange program I kept eating it for 6 months. You can PM me if you need something specific.

Okoto - the fountain of Ghanaian knowledge after living there for years ... great posts!

Kira

Hello Sir / Madam,
His Majesty Travel and Tours Agency are there with own area of expertise going to assist to plan your trip successfully.I would like you to send us mail from our suggestion and enquiry forms so that one of our representative is going to assist you will all you need to make your travel wonderful.

Thanks ,
Sam

1. I will be there during the dry season. Should I expect it to be extremely hot and humid the whole time?
   It feels more humid than hot--hot is relative though.
2. Besides a large number of tourists, are there, are there large numbers of expats in Cape Coast?
   Not really. They are around, but there is no steady expat crowd. If you go to Oasis near the castle you'll meet most of the expats around at the time.
3. If I am staying to for 5+ months, would you recommend taking a daily/weekly anti-malarial?
   Whatever you prefer. It doesn't make much of a difference. They have their pros and cons.
4. Is there access to Westernized healthcare in Cape Coast, should it be needed in an emergency situation?
   No. For basic emergencies like malaria or any of the common illnesses, you can go to a number of local clinics or Interbetten (you'd think I know the spelling...anyway, the regional hospital which everyone knows). As No. 2 poster said, you can only get top quality health care in Accra. Cocoa Clinic near Circle (about 10 minutes by dropping taxi) is quite good, but do register as well.
5. Will there be compatibility issues if I bring an Apple computer?
   No, and anyway there are so many viruses that you're better off with Apple that won't get infected.
6. I want to ask my girlfriend to come wit me. She is a nurse. Do you think she would be able to find work as a nurse or something in the field in Cape Coast?
   No paid work, but tonnes of volunteer work in a clinic or hospital.
7. Are bikes expensive in Cape Coast? What would it cost to purchase a used bike to use for commuting between the University of Cape Coast and the city?
   Probably cost about 20 Cedis. Just bargain around.
8. What is internet access like in Cape Coast-- cafes etc...?
   It's not bad. Oceanview in Kingsway area and a few cafes between the crab statue and Kotakoraba market were the best a few months back.
9. Though I am not very religious, will being Jewish cause complications in such a heavily Christian area?
   No, Ghanians are very tolerant of different religions--Muslims and Christians live peacefully side by side, even in the same family.
10. Does the body adjust to the food provided by street vendors etc... after an extended stay in Cape Coast?
    Yep. Expect the "welcome bug" and give yourself time to adjust. You might get sick in the first couple of weeks. Then, be careful and you'll be fine.
    Please take your time and if any of these questions remind you of an experience or you think you may have some good advice, I would be very appreciative of your contributions.

If you want more info go check out my blog
http://gisforghana.blogspot.com
about life in Ghana. I lived and worked in CC for a couple of years. It's home.