By AccraEventsGH
Be prepared for any eventuality on your night out in Accra with this list of items that could save you time, energy and stress.
Heading out for a night of fun and excitement? Whether you’re hitting the club, attending a concert, or just meeting friends for dinner and drinks, it’s important to be prepared. Your priorities may differ, but here are the 10 essential items you should carry on a night out in Accra to ensure your night out goes as smoothly as possible. These little items may not be necessary but they are handy when the need arises. This article is in the order of how important the item is.
1: A LOADED PHONE
The key word here is "loaded." Your phone is your lifeline. It’s essential for staying connected with friends, ordering a ride home, and capturing memorable moments, but merely having a phone isn't enough. It must have sufficient data and airtime to utilize all its functionalities and resources when needed. This ensures you can keep in touch, take photos, stay updated on what's happening around you, hail a rideshare service, and more with little difficulty. While networks in Ghana can be unreliable, they still provide the basics. Free Wi-Fi might be available at some cafés, hotels, Airbnb's, and higher-end establishments, but it’s not a city-wide provision, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2: A FULLY FUNCTIONAL PAYMENT METHOD
Though cash, Mobile Money (MOMO), cards, and bank transfers are all standard modes of payment in Ghana, card usage isn't as prevalent. Many service providers, such as taxis and corner stores, deal exclusively in cash or MOMO, rendering your card useless in these situations. Additionally, it's wise to have some cash on hand for tipping or cover charges, as not all places accept cards. Fortunately, the streets of Accra are lined with ATMs, so you can always access your money... at least that's the assumption; but anything can happen. This is why you must have at least 2 functional methods of payment available at all times. Even if someone else is funding your night out, having backup funds to get to and from home can save you from potential embarrassment.
3. CHARGER & POWER BANK
Don't forget a portable charger or a fully charged power bank to ensure your phone doesn’t die mid-evening. With advancing technology and increasingly power-hungry features, phone batteries seem to drain faster than ever. This makes power banks essential for any activity. A typical night out in Accra runs from 9 PM to 7 AM, and those odd hours are the worst time to have an emergency without access to a functioning phone. During these hours, we need our phones to document the fun, get information on where to go, communicate with our friends, find transportation, or handle emergencies. A dead phone is useless in any of these scenarios, so give your phone a backup power supply to stay connected and prepared.
4: PROTECTION
Safety should always be a priority, and protection encompasses a variety of items that enhance your security, including mosquito repellent, condoms, a mini first aid kit, sunscreen, pepper spray, stun guns, a small flashlight, a personal alarm, drug test strips for drinks, and other safety essentials. Carrying some of these inconspicuous items can make you feel more secure, especially if you present as female. Protection isn’t limited to physical safety—sexual protection like condoms, and medical protection like insect repellent and sunscreen, are equally important. Ghana’s sunny climate necessitates UV protection year-round, even during the rainy season. Moreover, Ghana still grapples with malaria, a prevalent and deadly disease we don't yet have under control. Being out at night means small insects have the upper hand, so safeguard yourself accordingly
5: ID CARD & EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
In Ghana, clubs typically do not ID patrons, but this doesn’t mean you should go out without any form of identification. Leave your passport at home, but carry your driver's license, National ID, voter card, or any laminated card with your basic details. It’s also wise to have your emergency contact information on this card. In case of an emergency, it's crucial to have this information easily accessible. Alternatively, you can have a note with your emergency contact details on your phone’s lock screen. Information on your phone will be harder to find or access, but having an easily reachable emergency contact can be a lifesaver when the need arises!
6: KEYS & A BACK UP PLAN
This might seem like a no-brainer until you find yourself locked out of your house at 3AM because your keys are lost in one of five possible spots. Always have a spare key for your home and car. Store this key in a secret but easily accessible location known only to you. House and car keys are essential, and it's easy to misplace them in the excitement of a night out. To avoid this, secure them with a keychain or carabiner attached to your bag or belt loop. If you still manage to lose them, you’ll be grateful for that spare key. Additionally, have a backup plan, such as a friend or family member who knows your whereabouts and can assist you if needed.
7: BREATH MINTS OR GUM
We've all endured a social interaction with someone whose breath was so foul, it dampened our mood. Don't be that person. Stay fresh and confident by keeping breath mints or gum on hand wherever you go. These small but mighty essentials can make a significant difference, especially after enjoying a meal or beverage. A refreshing burst of flavor not only combats lingering food odors but also revitalizes you, making you ready to engage with others. Whether you're heading to a meeting, a social gathering, or a date, having breath mints or gum can give you an extra boost of confidence. Make it a habit to carry breath-freshening products, ensuring you're always prepared to face any social situation with a smile.
8: SANITIZER
Given everything we've learned over the last three years from the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of carrying hand sanitizer should be crystal clear. In fact, hand sanitizer should no longer be considered optional but essential. Beyond general hygiene, it's particularly necessary in Ghana due to the prevalent handshaking culture and the crowded spaces often encountered during a night out. Sanitizer helps you stay protected against germs and bacteria, ensuring your hands remain clean after every handshake and contact with shared surfaces. So, to wrap it up: don't just think about it—make carrying hand sanitizer a non-negotiable part of your routine. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to keep you healthy and safe.
9: PORTABLE FAN
Portable Fans should be much higher on this list of necessities because GHANA. IS. HOT! Most males would rather be sweaty and uncomfortable than be caught dead with their own portable fan. This nifty item best serves those who don’t let their egos keep them in distress. Good quality fans last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours when fully charged and are really efficient with air circulation. If you’d rather be a "Tough / Hard Guy", this refreshing accessory is not for you! You can choose exclusively air-conditioned hang-out spots, keep using your drenched handkerchief with more sweat than a marathon runner in the Sahara Dessert, or kneel and pray for some cool breeze.
10: CHANGE OF CLOTHES
Given that events in Accra are typically condensed into a 5-hour timeframe, it's often impractical to return home and change between each event, especially when they vary in theme. This is where having a change of clothes becomes invaluable. A go bag with a selection of versatile clothing items is particularly useful because you can't always predict every scenario. Include travel-sized toiletries such as a mini toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and soap, along with a casual change of clothes that can adapt to different event settings. This preparedness ensures you're ready for whatever the evening brings, allowing you to transition seamlessly from one event to the next without missing a beat. Also, if something ruins your outfit, you'll have a handy backup!
A successful night out is all about having fun and staying safe. Although the above are not an absolute necessity, these essentials prepare you or almost every eventuality during your nightlife in Accra. By carrying these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the evening brings. So, pack wisely, and enjoy your night out with confidence and peace of mind. To read more about 'Things to do in Ghana' or 'Events to attend in Ghana', check our social media platforms, or our other countdown lists here. Check back in 2 weeks for our next article and browse through our website for more updates. Till then, "Life is for the Living, so Live It Up!"
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