Published: September 17, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Ghana Travel Advisory and Ghana Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Accra
#24 Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra.
Tel: +233 030 274 1000; After-hour emergencies: +233 030 274 1775.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1700; Friday, 0730-1230.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Country Chapter in Accra is active.
Contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Ghana Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crimes and violence against women travelers and members of the LGB community. Travelers should reconsider travel to the Upper East Region, North East Region, Upper West Region (within 20 km of the border with Burkina Faso), and the western portion of the Savannah Region (all areas west of the N12 Highway) that shares a border with Burkina Faso and Cộte d’Ivoire due to civil unrest and crime. Travelers should also avoid the city of Bawku in the Upper East Region and should exercise caution in Walewale in the North East Region.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ghana as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ghana, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Street crime is a serious problem throughout the country and is especially acute in Accra and other large cities. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various scams are the most common forms of crime expatriate’s encounter. Most frequently, criminals target travelers in crowded areas and secluded beach areas. Travelers should remain alert and keep cell phones and other valuables hidden whenever possible.
Violent crime is on the rise, including armed robberies in expatriate residential areas. Most cases occur at night. Nationwide, violent crime results in more than 500 deaths per year. Criminals frequently carry weapons; the most prevalent are locally manufactured pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Reliable sources estimate that there are 1.2 million unregistered guns in Ghana. Victims of robbery should comply with perpetrator demands, as resistance may cause the situation to escalate to violence.
Victims of opportunistic and violent crime are more likely to be targets based on perceived affluence and/or perceived vulnerability, not based on nationality. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark and in poorly illuminated or isolated areas; doing so may increase risk of criminal targeting. Opportunistic crimes targeting motorists and passengers in vehicles are common. Criminals may exploit unlocked car doors or open windows to steal belongings from vehicles stopped in traffic. Motorists should exercise caution and heightened awareness if opening doors/windows to give money to beggars or street vendors.
Travel to tourist and historic areas of the country is popular and generally safe, but highway robberies are common on rural roads, especially near border areas. Bandits typically place obstructions in the road or simulate a crash/broken-down vehicle to stop traffic to steal vehicles or belongings. There are occasional reports of clashes between government forces and criminal groups, but these seldom affect foreigners. Check with local authorities before venturing off main roads into outlying areas.
In Accra and other urban areas, thieves and armed robbers target motorists using ruses to extort money. In some cases, robbers have intentionally caused minor accidents or pretended to be hit to get vehicles to stop. Others have attempted to “warn” drivers of a mechanical problem or flat tire. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one ahead while stopped in traffic to enable evasive action and to avoid being in a situation where criminals box you in.
Property crimes against foreigners remain a concern, especially residential burglaries and vehicle theft. Carjacking occurs sporadically; on average fewer than ten incidents occur each month nationwide, half of which occur in Greater Accra. There have been burglary attempts against expatriate residences, but perpetrators generally lack the sophistication required to overcome home alarm systems and security guards. Guard dogs have also been known to scare off intruders. Robbers may wait outside houses to ambush residents as they enter or exit the property.
Security managers responsible for younger or inexperienced travelers may want to review common security practices and stress the importance of situational awareness in high-crime environments, particularly those that, like Ghana, may seem comparatively safer and welcoming of travelers at first glance.
Travelers should exercise increased caution specifically due to crime in urban areas and crowded markets, when traveling by private or public transportation after dark, and in areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has labeled certain areas as “flashpoints” because of the large amount of crime, the lack of police presence, and other factors in the area that make them dangerous for everyone, including the police. The U.S. Government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas, as U.S. government employees may not travel at night outside of major cities. Per the GPS, these flashpoints include:
- Ejura-Manpong-Yeji Highway
- Kintampo-Buipe-Tamale Highway
- Atebubu-Prang-Yeji Highway
- Kwahu Afram Plains (usually highways)
- Tamale (primarily robberies at fuel stations)
- Sawla- Damongo-Fufulso Highway
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ghana.
In 2019, Ghana experienced a string of high-profile kidnappings of locals and foreigners alike. Over the past year, two American citizens became victims of romance scams that escalated into their being held against their will by Nigerian perpetrators in Ghana. In addition to their captivity, the victims' bank accounts were completely drained. Proactive or particularly concerned security managers with personnel or travelers in Ghana may want to review their kidnapping-related measures.
Important to note is the threat of kidnapping for ransom in all Ghana’s neighboring countries due to violent extremist organizations using it as a regular tactic for funding their activities. Ghana has porous borders with these countries, and the threat of this happening in Ghana should not be ignored, especially when operating close to the northern border.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ghana as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ghana.
There have been no terrorist acts specifically targeting U.S. interests or citizens in Ghana. However, over the past year, terrorist groups have conducted a string of attacks throughout neighboring Burkina Faso. Consult travel advisories from the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou prior to crossing into Burkina Faso or visiting areas near the Burkina Faso border.
Regional terrorist groups, including al-Qa’ida and ISIS affiliates in the Sahel have demonstrated their desire and ability to conduct kidnappings and active shooter-style attacks targeting Westerners. There have been multiple active shooter-style attacks on locations foreigners frequent in West African capital cities since 2015. Soft targets (e.g., hotels, resorts, restaurants), hard targets, security forces, and areas of congregation could also be targets. Road travelers and foreigners operating in rural areas have been the victims of kidnapping in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. None of the aforementioned acts have occurred in Ghana.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ghana as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ghana, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Ghana is a stable democracy that has held eight elections since 1992, with three peaceful transitions of power between political parties. The most recent election occurred in December 2024. Former President John Mahama won with 56.55% of the vote, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. While there was sporadic election-related violence, particularly between grassroots supporters of the two major parties, Ghanaian politics generally takes place in a peaceful context. In recent years, vigilante groups (politically affiliated gangs) have disrupted local elections, public meetings, and court proceedings, and staged protests at government facilities. The Government of Ghana has set up a commission to address ways to disband political vigilante groups to head off potential violence.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests and demonstrations are common throughout Ghana and are generally peaceful. The Ghana Police Service requires prior notification for protests and will commonly block roads and provide security support for public gatherings. It is a safe practice to avoid large crowds and demonstrations as these situations can change rapidly.
Worsening economic conditions in 2022 and 2023 prompted several large demonstrations in Accra. In September 2023, thousands of protesters gathered in Accra over multiple days in response to the worsening economic crisis affecting Ghana due to spiraling public debt. Protesters demanded an increase in jobs and living wages. Ghana deployed riot police to prevent protesters from entering Jubilee House. Authorities arrested 49 people, including several journalists, on charges of unlawful assembly. There were no reports of violence or clashes between protesters and security forces. While the September protests subsided after a few days, protests erupted in Accra again in October 2023. Protesters demanded the resignation of the central bank governor on grounds that his mismanagement of the economy during the public debt crisis led to hyperinflation. Riot police were deployed again, however there were no reports or violence, clashes, or arrests.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, numerous protests took place. Although spontaneous demonstrations continue to occur, they appear to be smaller in scale and have remained peaceful since the election.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There is minimal anti-U.S./Western sentiment in Ghana.
Law Enforcement
The emergency line in Ghana is 112 for a unified emergency line and 191 to reach police. Reach the Ghana Police Service Information Room (emergency services) at +233-302-773-906 or +233-302-787-373 or use MTN/Vodaphone short code 18555.
GPS are likely to answer emergency phone calls, but GPS cannot consistently respond to emergency events. GPS has limited response capability in Accra and this capability diminishes with distance from the capital. GPS is likely to request callers come to the station if they want police to investigate a crime. Response times for medical and security emergencies may exceed two hours, if police do respond.
GPS maintains a specialized Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) to assist victims of domestic violence, especially women and children. In addition to its law enforcement responsibilities, DOVVSU can refer victims to medical providers and counselors, as well as to community support services. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) is the primary law enforcement agency throughout Ghana and employs over 30,000 officers. The head of GPS is the Inspector General of Police, who is headquartered in Accra.
Under the Interior Ministry, GPS is responsible for maintaining law and order; however, the military, which reports to the Ministry of Defense, continued to participate in law enforcement activities in a support role, such as by protecting critical infrastructure. The National Intelligence Bureau handles cases considered critical to state security and answers to the Ministry of National Security. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. There were reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses.
There are numerous security or private guard companies available for hire in Ghana; research their reliability and experience before using their services.
Police Response
The Ghana Police Service is almost solely a reactive force and demonstrates moderate proactive techniques and ability to deter crime. Police checkpoints on highways and chokepoints entering neighborhoods in Accra are common after dark. Police often lack the equipment, resources, training, and personnel to respond to calls for assistance or other emergencies. Local police may lack the resources to respond to and investigate serious crimes throughout the country, including areas of Accra. There is a visible police presence in Accra, and the U.S. Embassy receives good support from the GPS and the Special Police Units that protect U.S. government facilities.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Ghana, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ghana.
Public perception of the police is very negative. The local population perceives the rule of law to benefit those in power and/or with wealth. Police are known to harass the citizenry at roadblocks for bribes. If you are detained or harassed by the police, contact American Citizen Services.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by government officials, but the government has not implemented the law effectively, and officials frequently engage in corrupt practices with impunity. There have been numerous reports of government corruption. Corruption is present in all branches of government, according to media and NGOs.
The government has taken steps to implement laws intended to foster more transparency and accountability in public affairs. Authorities commissioned the Right to Information (RTI) secretariat in 2020 to provide support to RTI personnel in the public sector, although some civil society organizations state the government has not made sufficient progress implementing the law.
Cybersecurity
U.S. citizens frequently consult the U.S. Embassy regarding questionable business offers originating or claiming to originate from Ghana. Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens. Such fraudulent schemes are now prevalent throughout West Africa. Business scams typically begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who pitches a business opportunity promising quick financial gain. These “opportunities” usually involve the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country and the payment of a series of “advance fees,” such as fees to open a bank account or to pay certain taxes to complete the transaction; however, the final payoff never occurs. The purpose of the scams is to collect money from the victim through these fees. The Embassy has received reports of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions via the internet or direct mail. If you receive business offers or charity requests, particularly unsolicited ones, carefully check out the requesting entity before committing any funds, providing any goods or services, or undertaking any travel.
Email spear-phishing campaigns originating or claiming to originate from Ghana also frequently target U.S. citizens. Spear-phishers make contact under the guise of a business contact or possible future business associate and attempt to pass information via emails that contain questionable links. Unwitting recipients click on these links, compromising their email accounts and making personally identifiable information readily available to cyber criminals. Many of these operations link to internet cafés in Accra, with some cafés developing reputations for certain types of fraud based on trends in schemes originating from their location. Victims in Ghana have recently reported ransomware attacks, common throughout the world. Take necessary precautions, including vetting IT staff, preventing unauthorized access to servers, installing a virtual private network (VPN), controlling administrator passwords, and updating software and anti-virus programs.
Multiple variations of internet romance or friendship scams target Westerners through various dating and social networking websites. Scam artists use fake social media profiles, steal photos and identities from other social media accounts, and swindle victims out of thousands of dollars. Some perpetrators may claim to have a U.S. visa; often these are fake, even when they provide images. The perpetrators, once in a virtual relationship, typically ask for money for hospital expenses, travel expenses, visa costs, or expensive gifts. Do not travel to meet internet romantic partners or friends who have requested large sums of money; doing so may increase risk of kidnapping for ransom.
In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from questionable transactions allegedly involving the purchase of gold and other precious metals. The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on the sale of these natural resources; all agents must have licenses, and all transactions must be certified.
Credit/debit card fraud and related scams are common. Skimming, the primary means of credit fraud, is undetectable until fraudulent charges appear on statements. Exercise caution when using credit cards; a growing number of travelers have been victims of credit card fraud. If you use a credit card anywhere in Ghana, monitor credit card activity closely.
Four telecom operators offer mobile money transactions in Ghana. Fraudsters have taken advantage of the expansion of mobile money platforms to scam users of the service. Most scams involve someone alerting you to a transaction “made in error” and asking to reverse the charges. Often the caller claims to be an employee of the telecom company or a vendor with whom you have recently transacted. Mobile money users should never disclose their PIN to anyone, never approve any transaction they have not initiated, and call 100 if you want to verify any information; this number connects to the customer service department for any telecom in Ghana.
Import/Export Restrictions
Counterfeit and pirated goods (including pharmaceuticals) are widely available in Ghana. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
Under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), ownership of a satellite phone in Ghana is not illegal. The Act primarily regulates the operation of electronic communications services rather than private possession of devices. Section 2, 3, and 66-73 are some of the useful sections in the attached document. However, operation is restricted. Using a satellite phone to connect to networks such as Thuraya, Iridium, or Inmarsat constitutes providing a public electronic communications service, which requires a license from the National Communications Authority (NCA). Commercial use of it is the problem. Tourists and travelers may lawfully carry satellite phones into Ghana but switching them on without authorization breaches Section 3(1). Additionally, all communications equipment must be type-approved; otherwise, customs or the NCA may confiscate the device even if unused. In practice, while mere possession is not punishable, unlicensed use or possession of non-type-approved devices may lead to seizure and enforcement action. The law therefore targets operation and compliance rather than ownership.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
