Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traveling to Ghana.
Who is the trip's host? Eford Group International LLC is led by CEO Simone Joye Eford.
Has the Eford Group ever traveled to Africa before? Yes. This is CEO's 4th trip to Africa. Her first trip was a group trip she organized with Hunter College and a member of the NYS Parole Board to visit Senegal. The last Eford Group trip to Ghana included 21 people from the USA. Three of three of them have since relocated to Ghana permanently. Simone has extensive knowledge of Ghana and is a consultant to a former government official, as well as being a Queen Mother of Development in Kumasi. Simone has traveled internationally since she was 5 years old to Bermuda and also hosted trips to Paris, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, a cruise to Mexico with Atlanta Radio Personality Si-Man, and Amsterdam.
Are you a travel agent?
No. We are not a travel agency, we a travel group who are experts at group travel, especially internationally.
Here is a list of a few of our other past trips. Barbados - February 2019 | Paris - 2017 |St. Lucia - 2016 |
Ghana - 2011 and 2012 | Mexico - Cruise with Si-Man Baby of Atlanta's Radio One: 2012 | Senegal- 1992 | Bahamas Cruise - 2009
Contacting Us: The fastest way to reach us regarding Ghana is via email or telephone (347) 816-6122.
We will not respond to text messages about the trip. Please read through this entire FAQ before contacting us with questions as your answer may already be here.
Conference Calls: We have several conference calls to answer questions of potential and booked travelers. Join our e-list to be notified of the next one.
Flight Information
What airlines will we travel on?
We are traveling NONSTOP to and from Ghana on South African Airways.
Can I book my own flight and still travel with the group?
Yes. We do provide land-only "Silver" packages. Land-only packages should do their best to land with (or before) the full group to travel with us to the hotel. If not, you will be responsible for getting to the hotel on your own. We cannot wait for your flight.
If I choose to leave from another city than Washington, DC, can I still attend the trip?
Yes. You can purchase a land-only "Silver" package and join us in Accra.
If my final destination is not Washington, DC will I receive a discount on my flight?
No. Our airline ticket prices are based upon leaving and returning from Washington, D.C. on specific dates.
How will I receive my plane ticket?
We expect to send your plane ticket to you by June 13, 2019 via an e-ticket or as soon as issued by airline.
Can you provide me with a bulk-seat or exit door seat on our flights?
We will do our best to obtain these larger seating areas for you from the airline and they are first come, first serve. However, there are no guarantees they will honor our request.
How can I purchase a Business or First-Class seat?
Select our "Platinum Plus" Level package for Business seats. If you will require a first-class seat, you will need to do so on your own.
Travel Insurance
Although we do our best to provide a refund any monies, or provide a credit, from the airline and/or hotel, due to unforseen circumstances, we advise you to purchase travel insurance. Your deposit is non-refundable.
You can use TravelInsurance.com to find the best rates for you. This is not an endorsement from us and is provided only for informational purposes.
Pre - Travel Information
What travel documents are needed for the trip? You can find Travel Information here.
Can I travel as a single passenger?
Yes. We have great people who travel with us and often may do not have traveling companions. Check out our great solo packages and come on! You will be better than fine. We all become like family.
Can I bring my teen on the trip? No. You must be 18 years old to attend the trip.
Payment Information
Can you explain the payment plan?
You can pay your trip in full or in monthly payment plans. Our payment plan provides the minimum amount needed each month. You can pay any amount, at any time, in which you are comfortable with as long as the total due is received by the due date. All final payments are due by July 5, 2019.
How do I make my payments?
You can pay online or via mail.
Pay Online - For amounts over $500, you will be charged a 2.9% processing fee. For amounts less than $500, you will be charged a 5% processing fee. Platinum VIP guests are charged 2.9% for all online transactions.
Payment via PayPal: Request an invoice from us via email.
Pay By Mail:
Make check payable to: Eford Group International LLC and mail to:
Simone Joye | PO Box 340052 | Brooklyn, NY 11234
We accept personal, business, certified bank checks and money orders issued through USA banking institutions.
If you require payment confirmation for payments sent by mail you must send to us via Certified Mail, Return Receipt or another route, which would require a signature.
All checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged $35 to your account.
General Questions about Ghana
Exploring Ghana:
I have heard there is a lot of war and famine in Africa, is Ghana safe?
Ghana is very safe! And even safer with us! Ghana is a very friendly country, ideal for first time travelers to
Africa, the people are generally very helpful and welcoming. In addition, as in any metropolitan city, you are advised to watch your personal belongings and beware of pickpockets, etc.
How is the food in Ghana?
Ghanaian food is spicy and reminds us a lot of New Orleans Cajun-style and American Soul food. Fish and chicken are delicious and plentiful, along with fried rice, salads etc. There are also many American, British, Indian and Chinese restaurants. You will not go hungry in Ghana! In addition food prices are very reasonable (usually $10-$15 for a large meal). Only bottled water is recommended to drink.
How will we get around in Ghana?
We will be transported by a private driver in air-conditioned modern chartered SUVs. Water and snacks will be available each day. For individual excursions, we will have taxi’s and private car drivers available for you.
What is the temperature in Ghana and what type of clothes should I bring?
Pack Light! You should bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. For Ghana, you should pack as if you are visiting a Caribbean island or Florida during the summer. A sweater, light jacket or denim jacket is suitable for nighttime. Don’t forget your bathing suit and sun hats! Remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent.
I understand we will be stopping at a school in Ghana. What should I bring?
Although not a requirement, we ask that you bring school supplies for the high school students we will visit.
In Ghana, families must pay for their child to attend high school, so every little bit helps, but remember airline luggage weight restrictions.
Can I use American dollars, credit or debit cards?
In Ghana: $1.00 equals $4.86 Ghanian Cedis which gives us a lot of bang for our buck!
We do not recommend using your debit/credit card during your stay except for an emergency. Our hotel has room safes to store your valuables.
How much spending money will I need?
That depends upon your spending habits. In the past some have bought as little as $300 and were comfortable, others a lot more. However, you should know Ghana is a very economical destination. You can purchase things relatively cheap compared to the USA. For example, full-course meals are $10-$20. Taxis average $1.00 per
mile and to get dresses/suits made you will be about $50 per dress or suit. One of our favorites is get your hair braided with extensions is approximately $25. Also, a $10 tip is like receiving $50 in the USA.
FYI. Ghana has harsh penalties for illegal drug use. Please refrain from traveling with, or asking for, any marijuana, known as "Wee", or anything that could be deemed an illegal drug. You are risking arrest and imprisonment. The cultivation, sale, and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal in Ghana.
Who is the trip's host? Eford Group International LLC is led by CEO Simone Joye Eford.
Has the Eford Group ever traveled to Africa before? Yes. This is CEO's 4th trip to Africa. Her first trip was a group trip she organized with Hunter College and a member of the NYS Parole Board to visit Senegal. The last Eford Group trip to Ghana included 21 people from the USA. Three of three of them have since relocated to Ghana permanently. Simone has extensive knowledge of Ghana and is a consultant to a former government official, as well as being a Queen Mother of Development in Kumasi. Simone has traveled internationally since she was 5 years old to Bermuda and also hosted trips to Paris, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, a cruise to Mexico with Atlanta Radio Personality Si-Man, and Amsterdam.
Are you a travel agent?
No. We are not a travel agency, we a travel group who are experts at group travel, especially internationally.
Here is a list of a few of our other past trips. Barbados - February 2019 | Paris - 2017 |St. Lucia - 2016 |
Ghana - 2011 and 2012 | Mexico - Cruise with Si-Man Baby of Atlanta's Radio One: 2012 | Senegal- 1992 | Bahamas Cruise - 2009
Contacting Us: The fastest way to reach us regarding Ghana is via email or telephone (347) 816-6122.
We will not respond to text messages about the trip. Please read through this entire FAQ before contacting us with questions as your answer may already be here.
Conference Calls: We have several conference calls to answer questions of potential and booked travelers. Join our e-list to be notified of the next one.
Flight Information
What airlines will we travel on?
We are traveling NONSTOP to and from Ghana on South African Airways.
Can I book my own flight and still travel with the group?
Yes. We do provide land-only "Silver" packages. Land-only packages should do their best to land with (or before) the full group to travel with us to the hotel. If not, you will be responsible for getting to the hotel on your own. We cannot wait for your flight.
If I choose to leave from another city than Washington, DC, can I still attend the trip?
Yes. You can purchase a land-only "Silver" package and join us in Accra.
If my final destination is not Washington, DC will I receive a discount on my flight?
No. Our airline ticket prices are based upon leaving and returning from Washington, D.C. on specific dates.
How will I receive my plane ticket?
We expect to send your plane ticket to you by June 13, 2019 via an e-ticket or as soon as issued by airline.
Can you provide me with a bulk-seat or exit door seat on our flights?
We will do our best to obtain these larger seating areas for you from the airline and they are first come, first serve. However, there are no guarantees they will honor our request.
How can I purchase a Business or First-Class seat?
Select our "Platinum Plus" Level package for Business seats. If you will require a first-class seat, you will need to do so on your own.
Travel Insurance
Although we do our best to provide a refund any monies, or provide a credit, from the airline and/or hotel, due to unforseen circumstances, we advise you to purchase travel insurance. Your deposit is non-refundable.
You can use TravelInsurance.com to find the best rates for you. This is not an endorsement from us and is provided only for informational purposes.
Pre - Travel Information
What travel documents are needed for the trip? You can find Travel Information here.
Can I travel as a single passenger?
Yes. We have great people who travel with us and often may do not have traveling companions. Check out our great solo packages and come on! You will be better than fine. We all become like family.
Can I bring my teen on the trip? No. You must be 18 years old to attend the trip.
Payment Information
Can you explain the payment plan?
You can pay your trip in full or in monthly payment plans. Our payment plan provides the minimum amount needed each month. You can pay any amount, at any time, in which you are comfortable with as long as the total due is received by the due date. All final payments are due by July 5, 2019.
How do I make my payments?
You can pay online or via mail.
Pay Online - For amounts over $500, you will be charged a 2.9% processing fee. For amounts less than $500, you will be charged a 5% processing fee. Platinum VIP guests are charged 2.9% for all online transactions.
Payment via PayPal: Request an invoice from us via email.
Pay By Mail:
Make check payable to: Eford Group International LLC and mail to:
Simone Joye | PO Box 340052 | Brooklyn, NY 11234
We accept personal, business, certified bank checks and money orders issued through USA banking institutions.
If you require payment confirmation for payments sent by mail you must send to us via Certified Mail, Return Receipt or another route, which would require a signature.
All checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged $35 to your account.
General Questions about Ghana
Exploring Ghana:
I have heard there is a lot of war and famine in Africa, is Ghana safe?
Ghana is very safe! And even safer with us! Ghana is a very friendly country, ideal for first time travelers to
Africa, the people are generally very helpful and welcoming. In addition, as in any metropolitan city, you are advised to watch your personal belongings and beware of pickpockets, etc.
How is the food in Ghana?
Ghanaian food is spicy and reminds us a lot of New Orleans Cajun-style and American Soul food. Fish and chicken are delicious and plentiful, along with fried rice, salads etc. There are also many American, British, Indian and Chinese restaurants. You will not go hungry in Ghana! In addition food prices are very reasonable (usually $10-$15 for a large meal). Only bottled water is recommended to drink.
How will we get around in Ghana?
We will be transported by a private driver in air-conditioned modern chartered SUVs. Water and snacks will be available each day. For individual excursions, we will have taxi’s and private car drivers available for you.
What is the temperature in Ghana and what type of clothes should I bring?
Pack Light! You should bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. For Ghana, you should pack as if you are visiting a Caribbean island or Florida during the summer. A sweater, light jacket or denim jacket is suitable for nighttime. Don’t forget your bathing suit and sun hats! Remember to bring plenty of mosquito repellent.
I understand we will be stopping at a school in Ghana. What should I bring?
Although not a requirement, we ask that you bring school supplies for the high school students we will visit.
In Ghana, families must pay for their child to attend high school, so every little bit helps, but remember airline luggage weight restrictions.
Can I use American dollars, credit or debit cards?
In Ghana: $1.00 equals $4.86 Ghanian Cedis which gives us a lot of bang for our buck!
We do not recommend using your debit/credit card during your stay except for an emergency. Our hotel has room safes to store your valuables.
How much spending money will I need?
That depends upon your spending habits. In the past some have bought as little as $300 and were comfortable, others a lot more. However, you should know Ghana is a very economical destination. You can purchase things relatively cheap compared to the USA. For example, full-course meals are $10-$20. Taxis average $1.00 per
mile and to get dresses/suits made you will be about $50 per dress or suit. One of our favorites is get your hair braided with extensions is approximately $25. Also, a $10 tip is like receiving $50 in the USA.
FYI. Ghana has harsh penalties for illegal drug use. Please refrain from traveling with, or asking for, any marijuana, known as "Wee", or anything that could be deemed an illegal drug. You are risking arrest and imprisonment. The cultivation, sale, and possession of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal in Ghana.