Ghana

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112, 191, or 18555 for police. 
• Dial 193 or 112 for ambulance.
• Contact the U.S. embassy to report emergencies at +233-30-274-1000

When calling emergency services, remain calm, state your location clearly, and leave your phone line free for follow-up calls from police.

Terrorism

West Africa faces an increased threat from transnational groups. Terrorists have targeted Westerners and/or locations frequented by Westerners in Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin, and Mali. Attacks from terrorist groups in Burkina Faso have occurred in areas very close to the border with Ghana. Review the Burkina Faso Travel Advisory for more information.

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Crime

Violent crimes, such as armed robbery and kidnapping, occasionally occur. 

• Robberies on highways are of particular concern, especially at night. 
• Armed robbers sometimes target vehicles coming from Accra International Airport. 
• If your car is hit by another car while you are driving, go directly to the nearest police station to report the incident. 
• Reports of residential robberies continue to be on the rise.
• Street crime remains a serious problem in Accra and other large cities. Thieves carry out crimes of opportunity, such as “snatch & grabs,” on city streets in isolated areas as well as from vehicles idling in traffic. Pickpockets are also prevalent in crowded areas.
• Luggage and travel document theft occurs at Accra International Airport in Accra and in hotels across Ghana. Always keep your documents secure, and do not leave your baggage unattended.
• Be wary of all offers of unsolicited assistance at the airport from anyone other than uniformed porters or officials.
• Credit card fraud is common. Exercise caution when using credit and ATM cards in Ghana. It is very common for scammers to tamper with credit card terminals. Skimming is the primary means of credit card fraud and is undetectable until fraudulent charges appear on statements. 
• If you choose to use a credit card anywhere in Ghana, monitor your credit card activity closely.
• There are some ongoing disputes between local chiefs over limited resources. Several of these disputes have erupted into violence and unrest during recent years.
• Exercise caution in rural areas and remain alert to outbreaks of unrest. Please review the Travel and Transportation section for more information. 

For more information about crime trends in Ghana, the Ghana Police Service Criminal Investigations Department issues advisories on the Ghana Police Service site.

Maritime security

There are pirates and armed groups in the Gulf of Guinea. 

• Pirates and armed groups typically carry out attacks on vessels using automatic weapons. 
• Crew and passengers are often attacked, kidnapped for ransom, and robbed. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  The United States is working closely with the Government of Ghana and other international partners to investigate and prosecute cyber and transnational criminals perpetrating crimes against Americans. 

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Ghana. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported financial losses from questionable transactions involving gold and other precious metals. The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on these natural resources. All agents must be licensed, and all transactions must be certified.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchases
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers
• Bank overpayments

If using dating apps or websites in Ghana:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing +233-302-779-331 or +233-302-760-330.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Do not connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• If you want to fly a drone for fun in Ghana, you must have a license. All drones must be registered with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. Visit the GCAA website for more information. 
• To use a local SIM card in Ghana, your phone must be unlocked. Locked phones will not work with Ghanaian SIM cards or most travel eSIMs. You can unlock your phone by contacting your carrier before you travel. 
• SIM cards are available at Accra International Airport and in shops across Accra, Kumasi, and other major cities. 
• Only purchase a SIM card from official stores such as MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, or AirtelTigo for proper registration.
• Visitors must present a valid passport for SIM registration. This may include a photo and biometric verification. Avoid unregistered SIM cards from street vendors, as they may be deactivated.

GPS 

Prior to using GPS abroad: 

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe. 
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated outside of major cities:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• • If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Ghana seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  
• Public smoking is illegal in Ghana. The U.S. embassy is aware of arrests for cigarette smoking in public places, but has not received reports of prosecutions.
• Most cities in Ghana ban drinking alcohol in the street, except at registered cafes and bars.
• It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products or derivatives into Ghana. You may face arrest and detention for long periods of time. Using narcotic drugs in Ghana may also lead to arrest for long periods of time. 
• It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Ghana. You may face arrest and detention for long periods of time. 

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Detention conditions

Detention facilities in Ghana are underfunded and overcrowded. 

• The level of medical care and resources available varies between facilities.
• Most facilities have a small store with food and sundry items for purchase.
• Meals are served twice daily, and potable water is available.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Same-sex activity is illegal under Ghanaian law. This law is mostly used against men.

• If found guilty, a person could face a fine or up to 3 years in jail.
• The U.S. Embassy has received reports of police arresting and extorting people for same-sex activities. There are also reports of conversion therapies and practices pressuring gay and lesbian people to “recant” their identities.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Ghana prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. The law is not enforced. 

• The most common accessibility features in Ghana can be found in major hospitals, hotels, and selected tourist attractions. Travelers are encouraged to look for facilities that offer barrier-free entrances, roll-in showers, grab bars, and other supportive amenities designed to enhance comfort and mobility.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. Because many streets are unpaved or not well-maintained, people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking face challenges. 
• Accessible Ghana provides helpful guidance specifically tailored to travelers with disabilities or special needs. This includes recommendations and accessibility insights across the country.
• People with disabilities continue to face discrimination.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

Rape is a crime in Ghana punishable by 5 to 25 years in prison. However, rape is significantly underreported and remains a serious problem. 

• Domestic violence is a crime punishable by up to 2 years in prison or a fine. Police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence.
• Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) is prohibited in Ghana. However, FGM/C remains a serious problem for girls younger than 18 in some regions. Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• The minimum legal age for marriage in Ghana is 18. The law is not enforced. Child marriage remains a problem in many regions. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers and for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Human rights issues in Ghana include: 

• Credible reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions.
• Violence or threats against journalists. Review our information for journalists.
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Ghana Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 211 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. 

• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment and are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Ghana. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation

Vaccinations

• Yellow fever: Required for all travelers 9 months or older, including travelers transiting through Ghana.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Malaria

• Malaria is endemic in Ghana and remains a major public health threat in Africa. Travelers are strongly advised to bring antimalarial medications and use repellants and bed nets to prevent malaria. 
• Visit the CDC for more information on preventing malaria. 

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available in Accra and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They do not follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Ghana 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Ghana. 

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Check with the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority to ensure the medication is legal in Ghana. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Ghana only allows the importation of prescription drugs for drugs that are not available on the Ghanaian market. Travelers may import these drugs for their personal use if they have a valid prescription.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine 

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Ghana. 
• We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medical practices or herbal medicine. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Ghana to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Ghana with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Ghanaian courts. This lack of regulation means that some doctors practicing ART may not have formal training as fertility specialists and standards for care may vary across facilities and agencies. 
• There are no specific regulatory requirements regarding the screening of donors or surrogate mothers.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Ghana via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.  Due to medical errors and the lack of regulation in surrogacy, some parents have faced citizenship issues for children born via surrogacy, including stateless children. 
• Please review our information on ART in Ghana.

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is not safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Ghana.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• The air quality varies considerably and changes with the seasons. It is typically at its worst during the Harmattan season when trade wind blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa from November to March. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 
  • Infants, children, and teens. 
  • People over 65 years of age. 
  • People with lung disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 
  • People with heart disease or diabetes. 
  • People who work or are active outdoors. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Main roads in major cities are generally paved and in good shape. Secondary roads and many roads outside of major cities are mostly in poor condition. 

• Many accidents occur on the highway from Accra to Cape Coast and from Accra to Kumasi. 
• Traveling at night, particularly outside the major cities, is extremely dangerous due to poor street lighting and the unpredictable behavior of pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals. 
• Robberies have increased on the highways from Bole-to-Wa and Kintampo-to-Tamale, as well as on other minor roads within parts of the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Eastern, Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions. 
• Embassy staff are not allowed to travel at night outside of major cities. 
• Embassy staff require special authorization to travel to the northern border in the Upper East Region, the North East Region, the Upper West Region, and areas west of the N12 highway in the Savannah Region. See our Travel Advisory for more information 
• Remain vigilant, and drive with doors locked and windows up.

Traffic laws  

Driving in Ghana can be very dangerous due to road conditions, unpredictable and aggressive driver behavior, and poorly maintained vehicles. 

• Many intersections are not posted with stop signs and traffic lights are routinely out of service. Crossing at these intersections depends largely on defensive driving techniques and patience. 
• Motorcycles are common throughout Ghana. Motorcycle drivers often lane-split and negligently pass on the left-hand side. They can cause traffic collisions when a vehicle is turning left.  
• Travelers are routinely stopped at police checkpoints throughout Ghana. Vehicles and passengers may be searched. The likelihood that police officers will ask for bribes is very high in Ghana.
• Drivers must possess an international driver’s license (available from AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance) or a Ghanaian driver’s license. When foreign drivers apply for their Ghanaian driver’s license, they may be asked to have their international driver’s license or their home country driver’s license confirmed by their embassy. 
• The U.S. Embassy in Ghana is unable to authenticate such state-issued or international drivers’ licenses, and advises U.S. citizens to contact the National Identification Authority in Ghana or have their U.S. driver’s license authenticated in the United States prior to arriving in Ghana. 
• While in Ghana, you should carry documentation of your immigration status, such as a passport and a visa.
• Scammers may intentionally bump into vehicles and pretend to be hit. They then attempt to demand money from the vehicle’s occupants. Scams of this nature most commonly occur in congested urban areas.

In the event of a traffic accident, call local police by dialing +233-302-779-331 or +233-302-760-330 to report the traffic accident.  

Taxis and ride-shares

U.S. government employees are not allowed to use taxis due to safety concerns. 

• It may be safer to choose ride-share apps like Uber and Bolt. Use the in-app "Share Status" or "Share ETA" feature to send your ride details to friends or family.
• Drivers in Ghana may not accept your ride if you are going to a high-traffic area or are going on a long trip. 
• Drivers may prefer payment in cash, especially outside of Accra.

Safety tips:

• Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.
• Sit in the back seat.
• Use your own GPS mapping app to monitor the route and ensure the driver is taking you to your destination.
• Avoid long-distance travel at night on roads. These can be poorly lit and dangerous.

Public and commercial transportation 

Small private buses, often called tro-tros, are not safe. 

• U.S. government employees are not allowed to use tro-tros due to safety concerns.
• Visit the website of Ghana’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  
• Due to safety concerns, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority prohibits all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone devices on air carriers.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Ghana should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea remains a concern. Pirates and armed groups often attack vessels with automatic weapons. Attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and robbery of crew, passengers, and ship property happen often in this area. 

Weather and Natural Disasters

Weather conditions

Ghana has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round. Southern Ghana has a tropical coastline, while northern Ghana has savannahs. Ghana’s wet season lasts from April to October, and its dry season lasts from November to March.

• Heavy rainfall and flooding – Accra and other major cities often flood during the rainy season. Rural areas may also experience flooding from rivers.
• Drought – Drought is likely during the dry season, particularly in the northern savannah regions. Drought may affect local water and food supplies.
• Harmattan winds – Dry, dusty winds from the Sahara often happen during the dry season. Harmattan winds reduce visibility, cause problems with breathing, and affect air travel.

Helpful resources

• National Disaster Management Organization
• Ghana Meteorological Agency

U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates