Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Ghana is one of the more stable countries in West Africa. Use normal caution against petty theft in Accra and check current government advisories for the northern border regions.
- Overall risk
- Relatively stable for the region; exercise normal caution
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in cities; northern border areas
- Emergency number
- 112 or 999
- Ghana is generally welcoming to visitors and comparatively stable within West Africa. Take normal precautions in Accra and other cities, and consult the latest official travel advisories before visiting the northern border regions.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Most tourist areas are safe. Take extra care in the far northern regions near the borders with Burkina Faso and follow official advice.
- Northern border
- Regions near Burkina Faso warrant extra caution
- At night
- Avoid poorly lit and isolated areas in cities
- The main tourist areas along the coast and in Accra are generally safe. Security concerns are higher in the far north near the border with Burkina Faso; check the latest official advisories before travelling there.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Ghana has a tropical climate. Prepare for a hot, humid wet season with flooding risk, and dry, dusty Harmattan winds from the Sahara in winter.
- Wet season
- Heavy rain and localised flooding, especially in Accra
- Harmattan
- Dry, dusty Sahara winds roughly November to March
- Seismic risk
- Generally low
- During the rainy season, poor drainage can cause flash flooding in Accra and other cities. From about November to March, the Harmattan brings dust haze that can affect air quality and visibility.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and malaria is present year-round. Do not drink tap water; use bottled or treated water.
- Yellow fever
- Vaccination certificate required for entry
- Malaria
- Present nationwide; take antimalarial precautions
- Water
- Drink bottled or treated water only
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required on arrival. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito-bite prevention are strongly recommended. Seek medical advice well before travel and carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded parts of Accra and at markets. Be alert to online, romance and advance-fee scams targeting foreigners.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Markets, transport hubs, busy streets in Accra
- Scams
- Romance, business and advance-fee fraud
- Keep valuables out of sight and avoid displaying cash or expensive items. Be cautious of unsolicited business or romance approaches, and never send money to people you have not met in person.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Ghana is a stable multi-party democracy with regular elections and a good governance record for the region.
- Government
- Stable multi-party constitutional democracy
- Demonstrations
- Occasional; can disrupt traffic, avoid large gatherings
- Ghana holds regular peaceful elections and is considered one of the more stable democracies in West Africa. Political demonstrations can occur, particularly around election periods; avoid large gatherings as a routine precaution.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Respect local customs and dress modestly outside resort areas. Drug offences carry severe penalties, and same-sex relationships are criminalised. Traffic drives on the right.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties for possession and trafficking
- LGBT+
- Same-sex relationships are illegal; exercise discretion
- Photography
- Avoid military and government buildings
- Ghana is generally conservative; dress modestly away from beaches and resorts. Do not photograph military or sensitive government sites. Penalties for drug offences are severe, and same-sex relationships are criminalised, so be aware of local law.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 or 999 for emergencies. Response times can vary, so keep your embassy and accommodation contacts handy.
- All emergencies
- 112 or 999
- Police
- 191 (or 999)
- Ambulance
- 193 (National Ambulance Service)
- Emergency numbers are 112 and 999. Response can be slower than in some countries, so note your hotel and embassy contacts and consider private medical evacuation cover.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical and evacuation cover is strongly recommended, as private care must often be paid up front.
- Cover
- Medical treatment and emergency evacuation
- Payment
- Private facilities often require upfront payment
- Include
- Repatriation and any adventure activities
- Public healthcare can be limited outside major cities. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital costs, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and keep insurer contact details with you.