Ghana

Violent Crime

Violent crime occurs across Ghana. This includes:

• Assault
• Armed robbery (including in a taxi)
• Sexual assault
• Break-ins and burglars may be armed
• Carjacking

The risk of violent incidences can happen at any time of the day but increases after dark and during holiday periods. Your risk also increases if you're a woman travelling alone.

If you're a victim of a violent crime, including sexual assault, get medical assistance. HIV/AIDS is common in Ghana.

Theft

If you're travelling to Ghana, you could be a target for:

• mugging
• bag snatching
• petty theft
• pickpocketing

Take particular care in and around Accra, especially in crowded market areas and along tourist beaches. Do not visit beaches alone and take care on public beaches.

Some taxi passengers have been robbed by drivers.

Some pedestrians may deliberately cause accidents to extort money from you. Be aware of your surroundings when driving. 

Attacks on passengers in vehicles are also on the increase. Take particular care when stationary. Keep windows up and doors locked. Some of these attacks on vehicles also involve the use of weapons.

Power outages may occur after dark. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.

Officials or people posing as officials may try to detain foreigners or extort money from them, including at the airport. Legitimate airport staff wear a current ID card with their name and photograph.

To protect yourself from crime:

• only use registered taxis or limousines, arrange these through your hotel
• don't use taxis hailed on the street or other public transport
• don't walk alone, particularly in the evening and at night
• avoid travelling alone, especially if you're a woman
• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• be alert when approaching traffic lights
• lock your accommodation, including when you're inside
• keep your passport and valuables in a secure place
• keep your credit card in sight when you're using it
• don't wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches and keep mobiles out of sight
• stay alert after dark or if there's a power failure
• stay away from isolated beaches and picnic spots

Scams and fraud

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and employment opportunities. These scams often originate in West African countries.

If you travel to West Africa as a scam victim, you're at risk of:

• financial loss
• kidnapping
• assault
• robbery
• murder

This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as trying to seek compensation or revenge.

Common fraud schemes fall into two main categories — commercial and relationship scams.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of 'safe' bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may: 

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites, chat rooms or social media. Once they've made a connection with you, they may:

• ask you to send money so they can come to Australia
• ask you to come to Africa to meet them

Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends. If you travel to Africa to meet the criminals, you may be in danger.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked details about them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Ghana to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Drink Spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.

More information:

• Partying safely

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Chieftaincy conflicts, land disputes and political tension can lead to localised inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest throughout Ghana, especially in Upper West and Upper East Regions.  

Due to the ongoing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku, there's an increased risk of politically motivated attacks in the Upper West and Upper East Regions. 

There's been an increase in reported incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. In January 2024, unidentified gunmen attacked a bus travelling on the Walewale-Bolgatanga highway, resulting in several injuries. 

Ghana has issued a curfew from 8pm to 5am covering Walewale and its surrounding areas in the North East Region. You should plan your travel movements to avoid breaking the curfew and follow the directions of local authorities.

Pay attention to your personal safety and surroundings.

Be cautious around large public gatherings like football matches.

Disputes involving local ethnic groups can also turn violent. 

Demonstrations and protests

Protests, demonstrations and strikes can occur with little warning, in response to political or economic issues. Strikes may affect essential services across Ghana. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. 

When you're in Ghana: 

• avoid protests, rallies and demonstrations
• if you encounter a protest or unrest, leave if it's safe to do so
• monitor the media for reports of unrest, and avoid those areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

Be prepared to change your travel plans in case of protests or strikes. If your travel plans are affected, you can contact your:

• airline
• travel agent
• travel insurer 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Ghana. There's a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the northern areas of Ghana bordering Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and particularly Burkina Faso, where terrorists, other armed groups and militias are active.

An attack could happen anywhere and at any time.

• consider likely targets and level of security provided, including places visited by foreigners, such as shopping centres.
• always be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
• report any suspicious items or activities to the police.

To protect yourself from being involved in a terrorist attack:

• monitor the media for possible threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist attack:

• leave the affected area immediately if it’s safe to
• avoid the area afterwards in case of more attacks

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling, including in Ghana. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically lower risk.

Criminals increasingly target foreigners for violent crime in Ghana. This includes kidnapping. Scammers may kidnap you to seek a ransom for your release.

There is a threat of kidnapping across Ghana. The risk is higher in northern Ghana, including the Upper West and Upper East regions. If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings, particularly at night
• get professional security advice for travel to locations with a heightened kidnap risk
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
• avoid predictable movements.  Vary travel routes and times, particularly on your usual routes
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• don't display money or valuables
• use ATMs inside banks, hotels and shopping centres during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone
• always use licensed taxi services arranged through your hotel
• when travelling by road, keep windows up and doors locked, especially at night

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.

See the 'Crime' section under 'Safety' for more details.

More information: 

• Kidnapping

Ghana experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including flooding.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for alerts.

Wet season

The wet season is from May to October.

Flooding may happen in the:

• Northern region
• Upper East region
• Upper West region

Roads can shut quickly, stranding travellers.

If you travel during the wet season or after a natural disaster, check if services at your planned destination have been affected.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ghana. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is, including its generic name
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use.

More information:

• Medication

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. It has now spread across a number of countries in Africa, including Ghana.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include:

• rash
• fever
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• low energy
• swollen lymph nodes

Seek professional medical advice on Mpox vaccines.

Maintain strict hygiene standards. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has Mpox.

See a doctor if you feel unwell and isolate from others if you develop any Mpox symptoms.

More information:

• Mpox (Australian Government)

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is common in Ghana. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria and other insect-borne diseases are also common. 

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common in Ghana. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Lassa fever

Lassa fever may be a risk when you have contact with rodents or with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.

To protect yourself from disease:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests and their droppings
• ensure all foods are well-cooked and covered in rodent-proof containers
• keep your body, personal belongings, utensils and common contact surfaces (including door knobs and counters) clean
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming rodent droppings
• avoid contact with infected people, body fluids and infected items

Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including a fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• cholera
• hepatitis
• meningococcal meningitis
• tuberculosis
• dengue fever
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you.

Medical facilities in urban areas are basic.

In rural areas, facilities are limited. The standard of care may be less than what you would expect in Australia.

You may need to pay cash upfront before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Some activities that are legal in Australia are illegal in Ghana. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drug laws

Penalties for drug offences are severe. This includes mandatory jail terms.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ laws

Engaging in same-sex activity is illegal and could lead to prison sentences. LGBTQIA+ relationships and identities are largely regarded as socially unacceptable despite not being illegal in Ghana.

Violence, threats, extortion, eviction and arbitrary arrest of LGBTQIA+ people occur, and the debate around an anti-LGBTI bill has increased these risks to the LBGTQIA+ community. LGBTQIA+ travellers should consider travel plans and personal security carefully.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

It's also illegal to:

• carry pornographic material
• wear military style or camouflage clothes
• take photos near government buildings or infrastructure, such as oil fields
• import or export natural resources such as gold, diamonds and precious metals without a licence from the Precious Metals and Mining Commission

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Ghana recognises dual nationality.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Travelling on your Ghanaian passport may affect your rights and responsibilities, including:

• civil service
• military service
• access to Australian consular services if you're arrested or detained.

Check with the High Commission of Ghana before you travel.

You can get a dual nationality card from the Ghana Ministry of Interior.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative.

Check with locals. Take care to not offend.

Visa conditions

You'll need a visa to travel to Ghana.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or high commission of Ghana for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when you arrive. 

Measures are frequently reviewed and may change at short notice. Check the Kotoka International Airport website for details.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need to carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana. You may be asked to show your certificate when arrive and when you leave by airport officials. See 'Health'.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Ghana.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health and Aged Care).

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 252KB)

Ghanacard

If you'll stay in Ghana for more than 90 days in a year, you must register for a National Identification Authority Non-citizen Ghanacard. You'll need this for ID checks on some transactions.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Money facilities

The local currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).

Declare all GHS or other currency when you arrive in Ghana. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can't exchange Australian dollars in Ghana. However, you can easily exchange US dollars and euros for GHS at commercial banks and exchange services.

Larger towns have ATMs. Banks and businesses may not accept credit cards other than Visa.

Credit card fraud is common.

To ensure your access to money:

• always keep an eye on your credit card, even when you're using it
• contact your bank to make sure your cards will work

A curfew is in place from 8pm to 5am, covering Walewale and its surrounding areas in the North East Region. You should plan your travel movements to avoid breaking the curfew and follow the directions of local authorities.

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence. 

Chieftaincy disputes and political tension can sometimes lead to localised violence and unrest across Ghana. 

There have been an increasing number of reported incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. In January 2024, unidentified gunmen attacked a bus travelling on the Walewale-Bolgatanga highway, resulting in several injuries. 

There are security risks with using public transport (see 'Safety').

Driving permits

You can drive in Ghana for 12 months with:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must be over 18 years old.

After 12 months, you'll need a local licence.

More information:

• Australian High Commission in Accra

Road travel

Road safety and driving in Ghana can be dangerous, due to:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• aggressive driving
• poor street lighting
• roaming animals
• pedestrians and cyclists

These risks increase at night and in rural areas.

Police roadblocks are common. These will often happen in major cities after dark. You may need to show:

• identity documents
• vehicle registration
• ownership papers

If you can’t produce your identity documents, vehicle registration or ownership papers, police may fine you or ask for a bribe. If this occurs, don’t hand over your money or your passport, but ask for their name tag and identification number. 

During the wet season, flooding can make roads impassable.

Crowds can quickly gather at the scene of traffic accidents and become aggressive.

To stay safe on the road:

• understand local traffic laws and practices
• carry photo ID, vehicle registration and ownership papers
• be alert to hazards, especially at night
• get local advice on road conditions, especially during the wet season
• always keep car windows up, doors locked and valuables out of sight
• be wary of people who may try to stop your vehicle

If you're in an accident, go to the nearest police station.

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you for accidents while driving a motorbike or quad bike. Check before you drive.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. If you can, arrange these through your hotel.

There are security risks with using unregistered taxis and rideshare services.

Take care when travelling alone at night (see Safety).

Public transport

Public transport is limited.

Safety and maintenance standards can be unreliable.

There are security risks with using public transport (see 'Safety').

Sea travel

Ferry travel is risky due to generally low safety standards and adverse weather.

There may be too many passengers and not enough life jackets. Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Pirates operate in the coastal areas of Ghana. Check piracy reports with the International Maritime Bureau.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Ghana's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline.

Fire and rescue services

Call 192.

Medical emergencies

Call 193 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 191 or go to the nearest police station.

Other numbers for the police are:

• (0302) 77 36 95
• (0302) 77 39 06
• (0302) 78 73 73

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian High Commission, Accra

2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana

Phone: (+233) 302 216 400
Fax: (+233) 302 216 410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au

Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGHA

See the High Commission website and social media channels for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia
• 1300 555 135 in Australia