As the sun casts its golden rays over the vibrant landscapes of West Africa, Ghana emerges as a destination ripe for adventure, cultural enrichment, and unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of Accra to the serene shores of Cape Coast, this enchanting nation beckons travelers from around the world to immerse themselves in its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. However, before packing your bags and setting off on a journey of a lifetime, it’s essential to address a fundamental question: How safe is Ghana for travel?
Safety is a paramount concern for any traveler, and understanding the security landscape of your chosen destination is the first step in planning a worry-free and enjoyable trip. In this article, Mrpocu.com will delve into the various aspects of safety in Ghana, exploring not only the potential challenges but also the strategies and precautions that can help ensure your visit to this West African gem is a safe and memorable one. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or embarking on your very first international adventure, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate Ghana’s landscapes with confidence and peace of mind.
Is Ghana Safe To Visit?
Yes. Ghana is a safe nation. This nation is regarded as one of Africa’s true successes. It has improved their development while maintaining a stable democracy. The majority of first-time visitors are advised to visit Ghana because, in comparison to other African nations, it has a significantly lower crime rate.
However, there is a significant cultural, religious, and geographic divide between the northern and southern regions of the nation.
Like every major city, Accra’s capital has some crime. Criminals may target tourists, primarily women who are traveling alone. Most of the offenses involve bag snatchers, minor theft, muggings, and potential pickpocket encounters. The majority of these take place at tourist destinations like local markets, bazaars, and tourist sites.
Although there has been a little increase in violent crimes such as armed robberies, rapes, and home invasions, violence against foreigners is still quite low compared to other African nations.
No-GO Areas For Ghana
Accra’s Agbogbloshie Bazaar is a high-risk location. Due to the presence of numerous tribes there, the area is unstable. Two people died as a result of recent attacks between two tribes on the community.
The township of Accra is another risky place that gives cause for concern in Accra. There was a case where a local police officer was slain following a car theft. Local residents called the police for help after reporting an upsurge in criminal activities in the neighborhood.
Petty crime has also been recorded in the circular interchange, which is where the majority of the marketplaces are located and is the hub for transit. It is generally advisable for tourists to keep their belongings close to them.
Ashaiman, which is located in the southern region of Ghana, is one of the biggest towns in the Greater Accra Region’s Ashaiman Municipal District and one of the largest towns in the capital city of Accra. However this area of the city continues to record alarming crimes, primarily auto theft and street robberies.
James Town is deeply rooted in Ghana’s affluent heritage and culture. The number of petty offenses that have been reported has slightly increased.
Safety Tips For Ghana Travel
Always take a taxi from your accommodation to pubs or restaurants when traveling at night. Be mindful of your surroundings, lock up all of your valuables, and keep an eye out for anyone monitoring you, especially in crowded places.
Use caution and stay away from crowded locations when using your phone in public. When visiting public beaches, exercise caution. Small-time theft is a significant issue in these places. A few instances of women being sexually attacked on beaches have also been reported.
The country has seen a rise in credit card fraud. Never leave your credit card out of your sight, and avoid using nighttime or public street ATMs.
Transport System In Ghana
Local transportation, which primarily consists of cabs and buses, is a pretty safe means to go throughout the nation. Although Ghana’s roadways are generally well-maintained, some of the rural roads outside of the cities are in disrepair.
You will require both your home license and an International Drivers Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car and drive in Ghana. Make sure you always have your driver’s license, IDP, rental agreement, and insurance papers with you.
Avoid traveling at night, and if you must, it is best to find lodging in the location where you are running late and continue your journey the next day.
Get to the closest police station and report the occurrence right away if you are involved in a car accident.
Always lock your doors and shut your windows when driving.
How Bad Is Crime In Ghana?
Like any large city, Accra’s capital will have some crime. Opportunistic crimes like muggings, bag snatchings, petty theft, and pickpocketing, which frequently happen in marketplaces, at tourist destinations, beaches, and places where expats prefer to congregate, might target travelers, especially ladies traveling alone.
Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in crowded situations, and keep your valuables protected. Take only as much as you require for the day. Take care where you use your phone and don’t saunter around with it all the time because there have been allegations of cell phone stealing events on occasion.
Additionally, caution should be exercised at open beaches in Ghana. Although theft is the main issue, there have been a few isolated cases of foreign women being harassed or sexually assaulted. Always take a taxi to and from pubs or restaurants at night if you intend to go out.
Although there has been a little uptick in armed robberies and other violent crimes including rape and home invasions, violence against foreign nationals is still low when compared to other African nations.
In Ghana, credit card fraud is becoming a bigger issue. Avoid using ATMs on the street or at night, and never let your card out of your sight.
Things To Consider
Here are a few other tips to help you stay safe in Accra:
- Beaches are also popular targets for criminals, so avoid hanging out on deserted beaches alone.
- If you explore Ghana’s nature, be aware of dangerous local animals such as snakes, black widow spiders, and bats.
- During the rainy season, from March to November, certain regions experience flooding. Check weather reports, especially in the north of the country.
- Ghana is not safe for travelers who are openly LGBT due to homophobic laws and conservative local attitudes. Reconsider travel if you identify as LGBT
Airport scams
At Kotoka International Airport in the nation’s capital, Accra, thieves frequently pose as airport employees.
Always keep in mind that all legitimate airport employees display a current identification card with their name and picture on it. Cards without pictures are not recognized. There have also reportedly been instances of bogus police officers extorting tourists.
When picking up a rental car at the airport, travelers should verify the identity of their driver, either by asking for proper documentation or by making sure the driver is an official from a company or a hotel. This is because bogus drivers are approaching passengers before the main arrivals area and posing as the passenger’s driver or contact more frequently.
The name of the passenger will have been gained by the imposter driver from the board that the legitimate driver had posted in the arrivals area of the airport. Once the traveler is in their car, they will next try to extort money from them.
LGBTQ+ Safety In Ghana
In Ghana, there is scant tolerance for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and many Ghanaians do not acknowledge the existence of such partnerships. A penal code prohibits some same-sex sexual actions that could result in a 3- to 25-year prison term. There were arrests at a gathering of the LGBTQ+ community in May 2021.
It is highly recommended that LGBT+ visitors use discretion and refrain from making public displays of affection.
Photography
It is strictly forbidden to take photos in close proximity to important locations, such as military bases or airports. Such locations might not be prominently identified, and the restrictions’ application is up to interpretation.
If there are guards on duty outside a building, photographers should get permission before taking any pictures.
Additionally, you should ask for permission before taking someone’s picture (you might need to give them a modest tip or “dash”). But watch out for unelected officials who try to tax visitors to popular tourist destinations to take pictures.
What To Wear In Ghana
It is not permitted to dress in military-style or camouflage gear. This is a common law that can be found in many African nations. The last thing you want to do is be connected to something criminal, especially with so many rebel and terrorist groups working in the area.
Is Ghana Safe For Women Travelers?
Ghana is generally a safe destination for female tourists. Keep your possessions secure and be mindful of your surroundings because opportunistic criminals may target lone female travelers.
Ghana is a Christian nation where people follow traditional dress and behavior codes. It is advisable for female travelers to dress respectfully and modestly, preferably in long skirts and shirts with sleeves. Inappropriate attention from local Ghanaian men can be decreased by dressing modestly; yet, if approached or talked to, be polite but forceful in your response.
Ghana is generally a safe destination for female tourists. Keep your possessions secure and be mindful of your surroundings because opportunistic criminals may target lone female travelers.
Ghana is a Christian nation where people follow traditional dress and behavior codes. It is advisable for female travelers to dress respectfully and modestly, preferably in long skirts and shirts with sleeves. Inappropriate attention from local Ghanaian men can be decreased by dressing modestly; yet, if approached or talked to, be polite but forceful in your response.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Safe Ghana Is
Here are some other things other people interested in traveling to Ghana wanted to know:
What should I avoid in Ghana?
Avoid traveling at night or exploring new parts of the city, as that is when most crime incidents occur. Avoid visiting deserted beaches alone as that is also a frequent locale for crime.
Is there a lot of crime in Ghana?
Ghana has a moderate rate of crime. However, this crime rate has been increasing over the past few years, causing many residents to feel concerned for their safety.
Is Ghana safe for female travelers?
According to some surveys, Ghana is one of the safest countries for female travelers in Africa. However, female travelers still experience inconveniences and dangers that their male counterparts do not, and there have been situations when female travelers were sexually assaulted.
Take extra care when moving around, especially at night. Beaches, in particular, are a source of danger for female travelers, so make sure there are always a few other people around.
Where is the safest place in Ghana?
Some of Ghana’s safer cities are the smaller towns such as Aburi, Tamale, and Cape Coast. Kumasi and Accra can also be safe as long as you stick to the right neighborhoods.
What are the top crimes in Ghana?
The most frequent crimes in Ghana are corruption, human trafficking, fraud, and domestic violence. Of these, fraud is the most likely to affect visitors, while locals bear the brunt of most other types of crime.
So, Is Ghana Safe to Visit?
The answer is relative. Ghana is one of the safer countries in Africa but might have more crime than your hometown or other tourist destinations that you’ve been to.
Make sure you take basic precautions and try to explore mostly during the day, and you should have an excellent time in Ghana. So what are you waiting for — book your trip and experience Ghana for yourself!