The Certified Africa traditional naming ceremony is a wonderful and meaningful event that brings together members of the diaspora who are returning to Ghana. Be in the  presence of esteemed traditional queen mothers and chiefs and receive your Ghanaian name to signify your connection and return to your roots. During the ceremony, you will experience the lively display of traditional rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations. In addition to the cultural significance, the Certified Africa traditional naming ceremony also offers a culinary experience. You will have the chance to sample a variety of traditional Ghanaian drinks. Ghanaian food will also be served.

Attire: African Wear

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY: This experience is Non- Refundable, We highly recommend you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage  after booking that includes a "Cancel for Any Reason" option to cover your non-refundable travel experience. Trip cancellation insurance is the only means of receiving reimbursement for  non-refundable expenses should you cancel your trip for any reason, whether voluntarily or as a result of Certified Africa's actions.

Certified Africa Booking Policies, Terms, and Conditions

The following terms and conditions “terms” apply to all travel products and services purchased. Please review these terms in detail as by purchasing any travel product or service you are bound by the terms set forth in this agreement.

AUTOMATED PAYMENTS REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT PLANS: As of January 1, 2020, all payment plans require monthly automated payments to be debited from your credit/debit card.  Manual payments where clients can log in and pay at their leisure can no longer be supported. At any time, you may contact our office to pay in full.

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY: This experience is Non- Refundable, We highly recommend you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage  after booking that includes a "Cancel for Any Reason" option to cover your non-refundable travel experience. Trip cancellation insurance is the only means of receiving reimbursement for  non-refundable expenses should you cancel your trip for any reason, whether voluntarily or as a result of Certified Africa's actions.

PAYMENT PLANS: As a courtesy, we offer payment plans for our trips. Your monthly payments start the following month after booking on the same day you paid your deposit. A monthly payment of the minimum amount due is required each month via debit. You may contact us to change your payment date after booking prior to 72 hours of your payment date. Our system sends courtesy reminders about your upcoming payment but you are responsible for ensuring your payment is successful and your card is up to date. If your payment is declined we will attempt 2 consecutive days.  After a 3rd failed attempt you charged an interest fee.

MISSED PAYMENTS:  Once you miss two monthly payments your trip is subject to cancellation.  Once your trip is canceled you will be notified via your email. You may reinstate your trip within 7 calendar days of cancellation by paying the full amount past due.  

FINAL PAYMENT DATE: Trips must be paid in full by the final payment date of the trip noted in the confirmation email.  If full payment is not received by that date a penalty charge of $100 will be placed on the account after 3 business days.  After 7 business days of failing to make the final payment Certified Africa reserves the right to cancel the trip.

TRANSFER POLICY: You can transfer your trip to another traveler by notifying us via email.  There is a one-time transfer fee of $199.

BOOKING PRICING & AVAILABILITY:  Tour pricing fluctuates and at any time prior to a confirmed reservation the tour price may be increased or decreased without warning. Once a tour is confirmed the price is locked in and will not increase; unless the offering is no longer available.  Occasionally we offer discounted pricing based on inventory which is not retroactive to previously purchased bookings. Any changes in occupancy done post booking will be done at the current pricing available.

ROOMMATE POLICY: If you book double occupancy for your trip and you do not have a roommate, as a courtesy, we will attempt to pair you with another client who also needs a roommate. However, if 90 days before your trip, you do not have a roommate; you will be required to pay the single occupancy supplement for your trip. Payment of the single occupancy supplement can be paid over the 3 months prior to the trip departure date. Effective for all trips departing after April 1, 2019. 

ITINERARY CHANGES: While we make every effort to execute the itineraries provided on the website, itineraries are subject to modification and change due to availability or vendor partner changes.  In the unlikely event that there are major changes to the itinerary, clients are notified as soon as possible and an equivalent substitution will be offered.

REQUIRED TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE:  All clients attending an Certified Africa trip are required to purchase a Travel Medical Insurance policy that includes (1) Emergency Medical Coverage, (2) Emergency Medical Evacuation, and (3) Repatriation of your remains should you perish.  A Proof of policy document from your insurance provider is required 60 days prior to the trip departure date. Your US Health insurance will most likely not satisfy these requirements.

HEALTH & WELLNESS POLICY: All trips require that you are able to walk at least 5 miles each day on your own. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness level for travel and participation in planned activities. Certified Africa does not provide medical advice.  

I take full responsibility for my medical, psychological, and physical condition for the duration of my travels with Certified Africa. I am unaware of any medical, psychological, or physical problems that would, in any way, impair my ability to complete the trip safely or to engage in all of the activities of it, nor am I aware of any health-related condition or limitation that might impact the safety, security, or comfort of my traveling companions. Should I receive any new information regarding my health before my trip departs, I will notify Certified Africa and my Group Leader. Should any health-related problems arise during my travels with Certified Africa, I will immediately notify the trip leader and take full responsibility for promptly accessing necessary and appropriate medical care. I take full responsibility for possessing adequate medical health insurance coverage to pay for medical care I may require during my travels with Certified Africa  

Certified Africa, its contractors, service providers, and other affiliates are not responsible for medical expenses I incur during or as a result of my trip, including in the event that Certified Africa, its contractors, or affiliates coordinate or otherwise arrange for medical care to be provided to me. 

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE: Photography and video of the trip activity is taken throughout the experience and shared with clients post trip. By participating on this trip or at this event you are giving Certified Africa ; its representatives and employees the right to use photographs, video, and testimony given by you during any Certified Africa “Trip”, “Tour”, “Lifestyle Experience”, or “Lifestyle Event”.  

VISA REQUIREMENTS: Travel visas are required for many countries visited on our packages. It is the responsibility of each traveler to comply with them and to secure the proper travel documents. To avoid disappointment and unnecessary expenses, please carefully review the requirements so that you can obtain all necessary documents well before your trip. Requirements are subject to change, often without notice, and we suggest you verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate. We will not be held responsible for any charges, trip interruptions, or cancellations due to incorrect or missing visas.  

PASSPORTS: Passports are required for all U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Due to TSA Secure Flight requirements, you must enter all traveler names on your reservation exactly as they appear on each traveler’s passport, including titles such as Jr. or Sr. and any multiple first, middle or last names. If accurate information is not provided, airlines may charge penalties to make corrections or even deny boarding, and you may not be permitted to enter some countries. Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately via email. Note that any name changes or changes in passport information after you complete your booking may result in additional fees.  

DAMAGES: We accept no responsibility for accidents, damage, baggage losses, delays and/or accidental expenses due to weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of governments or authorities, wars, terrorism, criminal acts committed by third parties, hostilities, civil disturbances, riots, strikes, sickness, quarantine, defects of vehicles or breakdown in equipment, or to the fault or default of any company used for carrying out these packages. Regarding any and all services and accommodations furnished, we expressly disclaim all responsibility or liability over any matter whatsoever for loss, damage, injury or expense to property or person due to any cause whatsoever occurring during the duration of the trip or otherwise. All such losses or expenses will be borne by the passengers.

TRIP CANCELLATION FOR REASONS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL: In the rare event that it becomes necessary to cancel the trip for reasons beyond our control, such as terrorism, strikes, acts of governments, weather, etc. we will reschedule the trip. If you are unable to attend the new dates, we will offer refunds in a queue based on the booking date as we fill your spot, but we cannot guarantee a refund. Your travel insurance should cover these circumstances should they occur.

NON-TOUR ACTIVITIES

Non-Tour activities do not form part of the trip. Any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging such activities does not render Certified Africa liable for mishaps thereon in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider.

BAGGAGE

Baggage and personal property are at owner’s risk at all times.

VOLUNTARY ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

TRIP OVERVIEW: I have received and reviewed the tour itinerary and am familiar with the circumstances surrounding the tour. 

RISK OF TRAVEL ABROAD: I understand that participation in this tour includes risks not associated with activities within the Certified Africa LLC itinerary. Such risks include: traveling to, within, and returning from one or more foreign countries; foreign political, legal, and social regulations; transportation, health, and economic conditions; different standards of design, safety, and maintenance of buildings; local medical facilities and healthcare providers; and local weather conditions. Moreover, I have read this disclosure statement, the U.S. State Department Travel Information on the country, and the Center for Disease Control Travel Information. I have discussed the possible dangers of this tour with Certified Africa LLC’s administrators or representatives. I have had the opportunity to determine the nature of the tour and the manner in which it will be conducted. I fully understand and appreciate the dangers and hazards inherent in the tour. I understand that the tour is not a requirement and is undertaken on a purely voluntary basis. 

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: I understand that Certified Africa LLC is not an agent of, and has no responsibility for, any third party which may provide any services including food, lodging, travel, or other goods or services associated with the tour. I understand that Certified Africa LLC is providing these services only as a convenience to participants and that accordingly, Certified Africa LLC accepts no responsibility, in whole or in part, for delays, loss, damage or injury to persons or property whatsoever, caused to me or others prior to departure, while traveling, or while staying in designated lodging. I further understand that Certified Africa LLC is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control. I acknowledge that Certified Africa LLC reserves the right to make any modifications to the itinerary as deemed necessary. 

INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY: I understand that if I have travel plans that deviate from the

organized tour agenda, I am responsible for my own travel arrangements, expenses, and safety, and that Certified Africa LLC is not responsible for any loss or damage l may suffer. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY: I state that there are no health-related reasons or problems that preclude or restrict my participation in this trip. I have obtained the required immunizations, if any. I understand that I may be required to pay up front for my medical expenses that I incur while traveling and in the host country. Further, I understand that l am responsible for submitting any medical receipts to my insurance carrier upon my return. 

Certified Africa LLC cannot prevent you [or your child(ren)] from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while utilizing Certified Africa LLC’s services or premises. It is not possible to prevent against the presence of the disease. Therefore, if you choose to utilize Certified Africa LLC’s services and/or travel with Certified Africa LLC, you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT: I understand that each country has its own laws and standards of acceptable conduct, including dress, manners, politics, behavior, and drug/alcohol consumption. I recognize that behavior, which violates those laws or standards, could harm Certified Africa LLC's relations with those countries and institutions therein, as well as my own health and safety. I will become informed of and will abide by all such laws and standards for each country to or through which I will travel during the tour. I will attend to and assume responsibility for any legal issues or problems I encounter with any foreign nationals or government of the host country. Certified Africa LLC may, but is not required, to provide any assistance under such circumstances. 

TRAVEL CHANGES: If I become separated from the tour group, fail to meet a departure airplane, bus, or train, or become sick or injured, I will, to a reasonable extent, and at my own expense seek out, contact, and reach the tour group at its next available destination. 

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: Knowing the risks described above, and in voluntary consideration of being permitted to participate in the tour, I do for myself, my parents or legal guardian, my heirs and personal representatives, or any other person who may have any losses, damages, or injuries arising out of or in connection with this tour, hereby defend, hold harmless, indemnify, release and forever discharge Certified Africa LLC and its officials, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, sponsors and trustees from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action, for property damage or personal injury and death which may result from my participation in the tour. 

I have read and understood the above warning concerning COVID-19. I hereby choose to accept the risk of contracting COVID-19 for myself and/or my children in order to utilize Certified Africa LLC’s services and enter Certified Africa LLC’s premises. These services are of such value to me [and/or to my children,] that I accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19 in order to utilize Certified Africa LLC’s services. 

WAIVER OF LAWSUIT/LIABILITY: I hereby forever release and waive my right to bring suit against Certified Africa LLC and its owners, officers, directors, managers, officials, trustees, agents,

employees, or other representatives in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19 related to utilizing Certified Africa LLC’s services and premises. I understand that this waiver means I give up my right to bring any claims including for personal injuries, death, disease or property losses, or any other loss, including but not limited to claims of negligence and give up any claim I may have to seek damages, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen.