Ghana

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.

If you're travelling to Ghana, you could also 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. 

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.

More information:

• Scams that affect travellers

Drink Spiking

Methanol poisoning 

Cyber security

Intercommunal disputes and violence has increased near the northern borders areas with Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso causing deaths and displacement of communities. 

There's been an increase in incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. 

If you're travelling in the area you should keep informed about the situation, seek local advice and take precautions.

There are several curfews in place across Ghana: 

• Binduri Township and surrounding areas in Upper East Region from 10pm to 5am
• Bawku Municipality and surrounding areas in Upper East Region from 10pm to 5am
• Nkwanta Township and surrounding areas in Oti Region from 10pm to 5am
• Nalerigu Township and surrounding areas in North East Region from 10pm to 5am
• Sawla-Tuna-Kalba and Bole Townships and surrounding areas in Savannah region from 12am (midnight) to 5am.

You should plan your travel movements to avoid breaking the curfew and follow the directions of local authorities. 

See the Ministry of the Interior website for updates on curfews. 

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 

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. 

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 incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

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

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.

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to stop or take evasive action if you sense danger
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It's essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse.

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.

More information: 

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers
• Reducing the risk of piracy

Ghana experiences extreme weather and natural disasters, including flooding.

If there's extreme weather or a natural disaster:

• 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 to receive alerts on major disasters.

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.

Mpox 

There's currently an outbreak of mpox in parts of 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 

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

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Ghana for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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 relationships 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 laws still apply even when you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

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:

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

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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Ghana. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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

Several curfews are in place across Ghana. 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. 

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 and rideshare services

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

Rideshare services operate within Ghana (Bolt and Uber). Always use the app-based booking system. 

Avoid flagging down taxis or rideshare services in the street.

Ask your accommodation host or tour guide for advice on using public transport. Book local transport through a reputable provider. 

There are security risks with using unregistered taxis and rideshare services, especially at night. Consider sitting in the back seat rather than the front.

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

Public transport

Public transport is limited. Safety and maintenance standards of public transport can be unreliable.

Avoid using commuter buses (vans) due to safety concerns related to overcrowding, poor maintenance and reckless driving.

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

• Reducing the risk of piracy

Air travel

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australian High Commission, Accra

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

Phone: (+233) 302 216 400
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