Ghana

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Be cautious around large public gatherings like football matches.

Disputes involving local ethnic groups can also 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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Kidnapping

Criminals increasingly target Westerners, especially women, for violent crime. This includes kidnapping.

In June 2019, two foreigners were kidnapped in Kumasi.

To protect yourself from kidnapping:

• be particularly alert at night

• vary travel routes and times, particularly your usual running and walking routes

Theft

Travellers are a target for:

• mugging

• bag snatching

• petty theft

• pickpocketing

Your risk increases if you're a woman travelling alone. Take particular care in and around Accra.

Some taxi passengers have been robbed by drivers.

In April 2019, a foreigner was robbed at gunpoint while using a rideshare service (Uber) in Accra.

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

Criminals may also target you in:

• house invasions

• armed robbery (including in a taxi)

• other violent crimes

Thieves may pose as:

• police officers, to demand money from you

• airport staff at Kotoka International Airport in Accra

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 rideshares, 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 in it

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 are at risk of:

• financial loss

• kidnapping

• assault

• robbery

• murder

This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as looking for 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 have formed a connection, 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 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.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Ghana.

To protect yourself from being involved in a terrorist attack:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places

• report any suspicious activity or items to police

• monitor the media for possible threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Terrorism

• 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.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

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

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use.

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever (Department of Health) 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 (World Health Organization) and other insect-borne diseases are also common. 

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

• 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 (World Health Organization) is common in Ghana. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases include these listed by the World Health Organization:

• cholera

• hepatitis

• meningococcal meningitis

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

• tuberculosis

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.

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 evacuation to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. 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

Other laws

The death penalty can apply for serious offences, such as murder.

Same-sex relationships are illegal. Avoid open displays of affection, especially in rural areas.

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

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.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

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

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB) (World Health Organization)

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.

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

Driving permits

You can drive in Ghana for 12 months with:

• a valid Australian driver's licence

• 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. You may need to show:

• identity documents

• vehicle registration

• ownership papers

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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

Twitter: @AusAmbGHA

See the High Commission website 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