Health & Safety

For the purpose of the health and safety of all of our participants, please review these general health and safety guidelines if you are planning to attend the side events on March 18, 2024, 12th ICT4D Conference from March 19 & 20, 2024 and/or ICT4D Training Day workshops on March 21, 2024 at the Alisa Hotel North Ridge in Accra, Ghana.

Generally, Ghana is a relatively safe country and Accra is a moderately safe city, but as always, you should remain vigilant regarding your safety and the security of your property.

GENERAL:

Restrictions relating to COVID-19 are no longer in place in Ghana. However, the health, safety and well-being of all participants are extremely important to us, and we have put in place the following safety procedures and recommendations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

  • As is standard protocol for large events, the ICT4D Conference will have medical officers onsite during the event
  • To minimize crowding, participants can collect badges on Monday, March 18, 2023
  • Windows and doors will be left open where possible to improve ventilation
  • All attendees must wear their badge in all meeting spaces to confirm they are a participant
  • Venues will be regularly cleaned in accordance with the venue’s own policies
  • Masks are not a requirement, but participants are more than welcome to wear masks as they see fit
  • We recommend frequent handwashing and bringing hand sanitizer with you
  • We encourage each participant to carefully assess their symptoms each morning before coming to the conference. If you are sick and/or have symptoms of illness or COVID-19, we ask that you refrain from coming to the Conference and any side events. If you test COVID-19 positive while in Accra and require medical assistance, please contact a local healthcare provider listed below or your insurance company
  • After the Conference and upon your return home, we recommend you monitor your health in the coming days. If you develop symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider

OUTSIDE THE ALISA HOTEL NORTH RIDGE:

  • Petty crime and crimes using distraction methods are common in public and tourist areas. Particularly pickpocketing, as well as purse and/or cell-phone snatching. Robbery and/or threats of robbery are also common in the suburbs surrounding Ghana. If accosted, do not resist and comply with demands to turn over personal property. Remember that personal safety is of paramount concern
  • Keep your valuables safe: Carry only the minimum amount of cash that you need for the day, only take a certified copy of your passport and visa and Use caution when walking or driving at night. Always walk with at least one other person, and only walk in well-lit areas or use a known taxi recommended by the hotel even for short distances or Catholic Relief Service recommended transport vendors (see contact details below)
  • Avoid public transport. Public transportation vehicles, such as buses and motorbikes, are unsafe due to poor maintenance, high speeds, and overcrowding and periodic robberies inside unmarked vehicles.
  • Food and drinks should never be left unattended in public especially in local clubs
  • Do not engage in any political discussions and avoid expressing negative sentiments about the host country

INSIDE THE ALISA HOTEL NORTH RIDGE:

  • Always wear the name badge provided at the events you are attending including before and after the scheduled program
  • Keep your belongings safe. Do not leave laptops, tablets, mobile phones, or other items unattended. If you leave any devices in your room, such as your laptop while going to dinner, lock them in your suitcase
  • Take care of your electronic room keys
  • Be aware that most of the public spaces at the Alisa Hotel North Ridge are under CCTV surveillance that is monitored and recorded 24/7. Corridors leading to hotel rooms, lifts landing areas, lobbies, bars, and restaurants are all under CCTV surveillance. Private spaces like hotel rooms or restrooms are not
  • We do not tolerate unprofessional behavior or harassment in any form. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from all events, without a refund, at the discretion of the conference organizers. If someone is made to feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it to the Registration or Help Desk or speak to a member of the ICT4D Conference organizing team. View the Terms and Conditions here www.ict4dconference.org/terms-conditions
  • Lost & Found: If you have lost something or found an item, please report this to the Conference Registration or Help Desk. The Alisa Hotel North Ridge has their own Lost & Found desk for guests at the Reception Desk
  • Possession of items such as knives, guns, and other gadgets is strictly prohibited, irrespective of whether these items are duly registered

EMERGENCY SERVICE NUMBERS:

  • Emergency numbers:
    • Police: 191 or 18555 or +233 302 775769
    • Fire Service: 192 or 999
    • Ambulance: 193
  • Local medical services:
  • Alisa Hotel North Ridge: Samuel Ajindo (Head of Security) +233 (0) 50 163 1269
  • Security Focal Point, Catholic Relief Services Ghana: Timothy Akanpabadai +233 (20) 01273955 or William Darko Security Officer +233 (20) 9978292
  • ICT4D Conference Manager: Sonja Ruetzel
  • Recommended taxi numbers:
    • NII Plant Logistics: +233 547 598 608
    • Rjam Rentals: +233 201 942 442/+233 244 568 566
    • Uber and Bolt operate in Ghana. If you select ‘pay in cash’ as preferred payment method it will give a better success rate for finding a ride

    Local alert signal information:

    The U.S. Department of State provides safety and security alerts at travel.state.gov.

    EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

  • Follow instructions from the ICT4D Conference Organizing Team, the Alisa Hotel North Ridge, and local authorities about security and evacuation
  • Review the Alisa Hotel North Ridge emergency guide (coming soon)
  • Keep in touch with ICT4D Conference Organizing Team, hotel staff, airline, and local officials for evacuation instructions
  • Contact your country’s nearest Embassy/High Commission/Consulate if you need emergency help

  • Conference Floor Plan:

    Alisa Hotel North Ridge ICT4D (coming soon)