It is very Hot! And very Humid! Year round. It also has rain seasons that dump rain and flood streets.
Depending on the mission president, missionaries often wear KEEN sandals (2 pair) and Crocs or slides for the shower and to wear around the apartment. If sandals are not allowed, laser cut wingtips have been recommended for venting while still looking professional.
Serve shirts were made for this kind of climate! Light-weight golf pants are pretty important too.
Some have a washing machine that is pretty basic, others do wash in buckets, but they hang their clothes to dry.
Get a fanny pack, that can fit a Book of Mormon, not the crossbody bags. They are too hot and stain your shirt. Also bring a backpack for short travels and for long days away from home.
Bring 2 different debit cards in case one gets stolen.
Equipment that is WONDERFUL to have:
Several Power banks. The power often goes out, sometimes for a couple days, and it is invaluable to have a power bank to charge phones and power fans.
Solar, rechargeable fan
Sun hat
Water filtration bottle. Apartments have filtered water, but there may be areas where there is not running water for a time.
Rechargeable headlamp. Again, for power outages at night.
Flossers
Multitool and duct tape
Deodorant- an entire mission's worth.
Rechargeable clippers. Very handy in Ghana
Take your malaria meds! A probiotic is very helpful in dealing with gut issues that the meds create.
You sleep with a net. Bringing a hammock from home has been recommended as a super nice comfort to have.
Elders really love the ties made out of Kente fabric that they can purchase there.
You do a lot of service, especially in areas outside of the major cities. You help with crops, chop wood, haul water, and that sort of thing.
The children of Ghana love missionaries and will steal your heart!
LDSxpress can deliver packages here, but they are pricey, so it is best to send supplies for a full mission.
Have a suggestion or correction for the Ghana Sunyani? Submit it here.
Tips on Vaccinations like Yellow Fever and Typhoid: The cheapest options mentioned are Costco, GoodRX (request coupon), Walgreens, and County Health Department. You often have to request these vaccines and may have to pay for a travel consult. One helpful tip is to ask your doctor to send in a prescription for the vaccinations — some have had insurance cover the cost that way. Because of taking Doxycycline daily to prevent Malaria, probiotics have been recommended as very helpful for gut health. The Doxy also makes you more susceptible to the sun, so sunscreen is important.
Missionaries really like this brand! It is one of the most recommended. It has 4 way stretch, moisture wicking and dries fast- Perfect for lots of hot and humid climates and every other climate, really. They hold up well and are super easy to take care of.
These sandals are extremely popular with elders serving in African and Caribbean missions, where sandals are allowed.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.