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Ghana
- The primary risk to travelers in Ghana is moderate crime, including petty theft and infrequent armed robbery, particularly in urban areas. The northern regions of the Upper East and Upper West pose higher security risks due to banditry and inter-ethnic violence.
- Traffic accidents are frequent, and road safety is poor, especially outside major cities. Public transport can be unreliable and unsafe.
Risk Factors
- Areas with well-developed tourism amenities, such as Cape Coast, Elmina, the Volta region, and Mole National Park, are generally safe.
- Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and scams are common, especially around touristic areas like Osu, Labadi Beach, and Makola Market in Accra.
- Although not widespread in tourist areas, incidents of armed robbery have occurred in Accra, primarily at night in less-populated areas. Criminals may target pedestrians, vehicles in traffic, or isolated residential areas, especially after dark. Limit displays of wealth and avoid traveling alone, particularly at night.
- Criminals often carry locally procured pistols or edged weapons; victims should comply during robberies to avoid escalation to violence.
- Residential robberies have increased in recent years, particularly in areas popular with expatriates, such as Airport Residential and Cantonments. Incidents often occur at night, so accommodations with 24-hour security, secure locks, and alarm systems are recommended.
- Carjacking, while infrequent, can occur, especially at night or in quieter areas of the city. Smash-and-grab thefts from vehicles, particularly in traffic or at stoplights, are also a risk, as thieves may break windows to steal visible belongings.
- The risk of kidnapping of foreign nationals in Ghana is low. Several high-profile cases occurred in 2019, though none have been reported since. Avoid border regions, reduce displays of wealth, and prioritize reputable transportation to further reduce risk.
- There is a heightened threat of terrorism in the northern areas bordering Burkina Faso, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire. Extremist groups operating in these regions have targeted Westerners in recent years. Avoid unnecessary travel to these areas, particularly the Bawku Municipal Area in the Upper East region.
- Ghana is regarded as one of the more stable countries in West Africa. However, civil unrest can still occur, especially around election periods and in urban centers such as Accra and Kumasi. While most protests in Ghana are peaceful, they can escalate to violence. Avoid large gatherings and monitor alerts to stay abreast of developments
- Traffic accidents are common due to reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles, and hazardous road conditions, particularly outside urban areas. Limit intercity travel to daylight hours, as road visibility and emergency response are limited at night.
- Roads in rural Ghana are often poorly maintained and prone to flooding during the rainy season (May to October), particularly in the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions. Avoid traveling in these areas without a local guide and a 4x4 vehicle during the wet season.
- The risk of roadside robbery and banditry is low compared to neighboring West African countries, but it is still a potential threat, particularly in rural areas, on isolated roads, and during nighttime travel. Self-driving is not recommended. For overland travel, the safest option is to arrange a car service through a reputable hotel or provider. In rural areas, knowledgeable local drivers can help navigate less developed roads and avoid high-risk areas.
- Ride-hailing services (i.e., Bolt and Uber) are widely available in major cities such as Accra and Kumasi and offer a safer alternative to hailing taxis on the street, as drivers are vetted and trips can be tracked.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis or accepting rides from strangers, as reports of robberies and assaults by taxi drivers have occurred. If a traditional taxi is necessary, arrange it through your hotel or a known provider rather than flagging one down on the street.
- Many hotels in Ghana offer secure transportation options for guests, including airport transfers and local travel. These vehicles are generally more reliable and are driven by trusted drivers familiar with local traffic patterns and safe routes.
- Public transportation, especially tro-tros (minibuses), can be overcrowded and unsafe. Opt for private transport whenever possible, especially for long journeys.
- The northern regions, including the Upper West and Upper East, face a higher risk of inter-ethnic violence and banditry. The Walewale-Bolgatanga Highway has seen incidents of armed attacks, and travelers should reconsider their need to travel through these regions.
- Bawku Municipality in the Upper East is subject to frequent curfews and roadblocks due to ongoing ethnic disputes. Travel to this area should be avoided unless essential.
- In Accra, areas such as Graphic Road, George Walker Bush Highway, and Awudome Cemetery Road have seen increasing vehicle-related crimes, particularly when cars are stationary in traffic.