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Published by Civitas Operational Team • October 2026 • 6 min read

Nothing spoils the excitement of landing at Kotoka Airport in December faster than arriving at your house at midnight to discover that the air conditioner blows warm air, the water pump doesn't turn on, and the dust of twelve months has settled into every fabric. Here is the ultimate pre-arrival checklist to guarantee you arrive home to luxury, not labor.

Why You Must Start 3–4 Weeks Before Flying

During November and December in Accra, demand for skilled AC technicians, plumbers, and deep cleaning crews spikes dramatically. Artisans get booked weeks in advance, and spare parts prices rise. Scheduling maintenance before late November ensures you get priority dates and unhurried quality.

The 7-Step Pre-Arrival Checklist

1. Comprehensive Air Conditioning Deep Servicing

AC units that have sat idle for months accumulate mould, dust, and gecko nests in the blower wheels. Running an unserviced AC can burn out the capacitor and circulate stale, allergenic air. Have every unit pressure-washed, filters treated, and refrigerant gas levels tested 2 weeks before your flight.

2. Water Tank Flush & Booster Pump Test

Water sitting in overhead Polytanks or underground reservoirs for over 60 days can develop bacterial biofilms and mineral odours. Have the tanks drained, scrubbed, and disinfected. Run the booster pump to ensure the pressure switch operates and no pipe seals have perished.

3. Backup Power & Solar/Generator Audit

Verify that your automatic transfer switch (ATS) kicks in when mains power is cut. Have the generator serviced with fresh oil, fresh filters, and clean diesel. If you run solar/inverter systems, inspect battery bank health and clean photovoltaic panel surfaces of coastal dust.

4. Pre-Arrival Deep Cleaning & Window Sanitisation

Standard sweeping won't remove months of settled fine dust. Book a thorough deep clean that includes tile steam-scrubbing, louvre and glass polishing, kitchen cabinet degreasing, and wardrobe wiping so your clothes can be unpacked immediately upon arrival.

5. Mattress & Upholstery Freshening

Closed rooms in tropical humidity create ideal conditions for dust mites and damp odours. Professional mattress sanitisation and couch extraction ensure you and your visiting guests sleep in pristine, hotel-grade freshness.

6. Perimeter Security & Exterior Lighting Check

Ensure motion sensors, gate motors, security floodlights, and compound fence lines are operating reliably. Replace blown bulbs with energy-efficient daylight LEDs so returning late from holiday gatherings is well-illuminated and safe.

7. Pre-Paid Meter & Utility Verification

Ensure ECG smart meters are topped up and Ghana Water accounts are credited in advance so you don't face sudden service interruptions on your first evening.