Dodge the traffic in Ghana's hot, sprawling, smiling capital.
If an award were given for the country with the friendliest people in West Africa, Ghana would be a strong contender. Spend a few hours in the breezy capital at Accra, and you'll swear the wind and waves off the Gulf of Guinea have infused the land and people alike with equatorial warmth.
Severe flooding in the northern regions of the country (including the Upper West and Upper East) has washed out roads and bridges, and has left hundreds of thousands homeless. A state of emergency has been declared by the government. More rain is expected and outbreaks of water-borne diseases are likely. Travel in the area will be difficult and should be avoided if possible.
See what travellers are saying about Africa at Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum.
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