Where are we staying?
Participants are spread at the Movenpick and Kempinski Hotels.
Movenpick Ambassador Hotel – Accra; Pmb Ct 343, Independence Ave, Accra, Ghana ;+233 30 261 1000
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast - Accra; Ministries PMB, 66 Gamel Abdul Nasser Ave, Accra, Ghana; +233 24 243 6000
Where is the meeting?
Open Society’s Global Convening for the Restitution of African Heritage will take place at the W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Center for Pan African Culture.
A round-trip shuttle bus will be provided daily from both Movenpick and Kempinski hotels to the meeting venue. Due to traffic congestion in Ghana, the shuttles will depart hotels at 07h45.
Do I need a visa?
Do I need a Vaccine?
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into Ghana. For other vaccine related information please visit the CDC website.
Although the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for entry to Ghana, it is recommended that all travelers protect themselves and others. The coronavirus situation continues to spread worldwide, and we encourage all participants to take protective measures against coronavirus.
Do I need to register?
This event is private and is by invite-only. If you have not registered, you will not be allowed into the event. For more information on this please contact restitutioninitiative@opensocietyfoundations.org
Will it be recorded?
Yes, this event will be recorded and shared on our website post-event. Please make sure you have signed a consent form. For more information on this please contact restitutioninitiative@opensocietyfoundations.org
Arrival and Accomodations:
Participants travelling by plane will arrive at Kotoka International Airport. Taxis are available outside the arrival exit, however; we have arranged transportation services from the airport to the hotels. Please look for a kiosk outside the airport labeled “The Global Convening for the Restitution of African Heritage.”
Accommodations have been arranged for registered international participants at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel and Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel. Check-in begins on Monday, August 21 (3 PM) and check-out is on Friday, August 25 (by 12 PM). Please provide an ID and credit card upon check-in to cover incidental expenses or additional nights. Both hotels have shopping centers nearby that are walkable distances.
Hotel amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception and room service, concierge, and a full-service restaurant.
Note: It is recommended to have cash on hand in Ghana; there are ATMs and a currency exchange outside the airport on the left-hand side.
Should you have any urgent questions regarding the convening in advance of your arrival, please contact the restitution initiative team at restitutioninitiative@opensocietyfoundations.org
Meals and Additional Expenses:
Breakfast is included in your hotel reservation. Lunch, coffee, tea, and refreshments will be available during the convening at the W.E.B. Du Bois Center. Meals outside of the convening will be covered by stipend, dispersed upon arrival.
All meals (during the convening) and travel related incidentals will be covered by the stipend you will receive upon check-in. Accommodation for registered participants (if applicable) will be covered and/or by the Culture and Art program. We kindly ask that you pay for all personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, and any other charged services).
Note: OSF staff are to cover their own meals and additional expenses.
Logistical Assistance:
For any issues with your travel, please contact travel@scconferences.com
For travel related emergency: Call Martmarie Cotter at +27 (83) 274 0309
Technology Specifications:
For Ghana there are two associated plug types, D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and type G is the plug which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Ghana operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Cell Phones:
Ghana Country Code is +233. SIM-cards can be found in the airport next to the ATM's on the left-hand side - you will need a passport for this.
Weather and Clothing:
August in Accra, Ghana is the end of the rainy season, therefore it is normal to expect some light rain, please be prepared. Daily temperatures can reach a high of 30 degrees Celsius/ 85 Fahrenheit. Given its tropical West African climate, please expect mosquitoes. Note that it can get colder at night, so a light sweater or jacket would be advisable.
Attire for the meeting is business casual– please dress comfortably and bring a light sweater since the meeting space will be air-conditioned.
Local Transportation:
Accra has several modes of available transportation, including taxi, and bus services. It is recommended that you use Uber for transportation outside of the convening and hotels.
Accra is home to 3 million people, because of this traffic congestion is high – please allow yourself ample time to reach your destination.
Uber and taxis are available throughout Accra however, Ubers do not go to the airport.
Please note for Taxis & Uber: Uber is available in Accra and can be accessed through the application. You will find taxis available all over the city and they are identifiable by their yellow corners and Insurance and registration stickers that are displayed on the front windscreen. For normal taxis it is recommended to have cash, as most taxis may not offer payment with a credit card.
Safety:
Accra has a stable political system and a low crime rate, and Ghanaians generally experience a safe lifestyle. However, you should observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would when travelling anywhere, whether at home or overseas. Always keep your personal belongings close to you (your ID and passport most importantly), especially while in transit or at local markets- always be aware of your surroundings. The national toll-free number for emergencies is 193.
Emergency Information:
|
Ambulance |
193 |
|
Covid-19 Emergency |
112 |
|
Fire Service |
192 |
|
National Security |
999 |
Medical Assistance:
For medical assistance, please ask the hotel concierge to call for a doctor’s assistance. The nearest hospital to both the meeting venue and the hotels is:
The Greater Accra Regional Hospital-Castle Rd ;+233 24 781 2770; Website
For the convening; we will have on-site medical assistance
Pharmacy: Both Movenpick and Kempinski hotels have in-house pharmacies, please ask the hotel concierge for assistance if needed
Important: If you need access to a pharmacy after business hours, please ask the hotel concierge for a 24-hour pharmacy open.
Further Questions?
If you have other concerns or questions please contact the restitution iniatiative team at restitutioninitiative@opensocietyfoundations.org
