Risk level

Safety and security

Border areas

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence.

There is a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the northern areas of Ghana bordering Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin, and more specifically, Burkina Faso, where armed groups and militias are active.

The expansion of extremist militants and the limited capacity of the Ghanaian authorities to control borders may increase the risk posed by criminals.

Inter-ethnic violence

Chieftaincy disputes and political tension can sometimes lead to localized violence and unrest.

While possible throughout Ghana, these conflicts most commonly occur in the Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions.

During times of unrest, local authorities may impose curfews.

If you're travelling to an area where unrest is possible or if unrest breaks out where you are:

• monitor local media to stay up to date on the current situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• adhere to curfews

Latest curfews imposed – Ministry of the Interior, Republic of Ghana

Crime

Crime has steadily increased in the recent years in Ghana, especially in large cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and their surroundings.

In Accra

Several violent incidents have occurred in the following Greater Accra neighbourhoods:

• Agbogbloshie
• Ashaiman
• Avenor
• Nima
• Sowutuom
• Sukura

Avoid going into these neighbourhoods at night.

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasions and kidnapping, occurs. Thieves often target affluent areas where foreigners live. They sometimes carry firearms. In some cases, they have seriously assaulted their victims for failing to comply.

Armed robberies of vehicles at night also occur and armed attacks have been reported along the Accra–Tema and Accra–Kumasi–Tamale highways.

• Ensure that windows and doors in your residence are secured
• If you are the victim of an armed robbery, don’t resist
• Limit intercity travel to daytime hours

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common at crowded markets, beaches, parks and other tourist areas. Attacks by individuals on motorbikes are also frequent.

Theft of luggage and belongings occurs in hotels.

• Ensure that personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone
• Avoid going to isolated beaches
• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery and watches

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies have been victims of violence and discrimination.

2SLGBTQI+ persons could face increased risks to their safety since the “anti-LGBTI” bill was introduced in August 2021.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Ghana.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards or when making payments at a payment terminal.  Connectivity issues may prevent the transaction from going through and you may be charged twice.

• Pay with cash whenever possible
• Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Scams

At the airport

At the Kotoka International Airport, thieves sometimes pose as uniformed porters or officials appearing to work at the airport. Official airport employees wear ID cards bearing both their name and photograph.

Be wary of unsolicited assistance

On the road

On the road, scammers may pose as police officers to stop and demand money from foreigners.

If this occurs:

• don’t hand over your money or your passport
• ask for their name tag and Identification number

Tourism industry

Local tour operators or hotels may offer you steep discounts for their services. They could be fake businesses.

• Do your research before booking
• Use reliable internationally known tourism agencies only

If you have lost money to such scams:

•  don’t attempt to confront your scammers
• seek assistance from local authorities or local legal aid

Online scams

Be wary of Internet romance or friendship scams via dating or social media websites. Scammers often use fake profiles to target Westerners and steal from them. Once they succeed in building a virtual relationship, they ask for money for various purposes.

If you are travelling to Ghana to meet someone you met online, keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam.  Victims of this type of scams have lost thousands of dollars.

Be also wary of unsolicited emails offering enticing business or financial opportunities, often related to the gold industry.

If you intend to make business in Ghana:

• ensure that any business opportunity is legitimate before leaving; if in doubt, contact Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
• don’t travel to Ghana with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a fraud as confrontations have resulted in assaults

Trade Commissioner Service in Ghana - Government du Canada

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time in Accra and other major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. They are generally good in cities, but poor in rural areas.  Most secondary roads are poorly lit. Pedestrians and roaming livestock pose further hazard, especially at night.

Many Ghanaian cars, especially commercial vehicles, are in poor condition and lack standard safety equipment. Drivers often don’t respect traffic laws. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Most often, victims are pedestrians. Traffic accidents are also common on the road from Accra to Cape Coast and Kumasi.

In town, people may try to get you to stop your vehicle. Pedestrians may bang on your car, making it appear as if they have been hit. Drivers may attempt to cause minor vehicle collisions. Crowds gathering because of these types of incidents can become dangerous.

Police roadblocks are common. You could be subject to inspections. Armed security forces may demand money.

If driving in Ghana:

• avoid driving after dark
• keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times
• proceed immediately to the nearest police station to make a report if you are involved in any traffic incident
• always carry a copy of you ID documents, such as your passport, your International Driving Permit and the vehicle registration

Public transportation

Public transportation is unregulated and unsafe. Many buses and taxis are not well-maintained and have poor safety standards.

Taxis

Most taxis are in poor mechanical shape in Accra. They often lack seatbelts and most of the time, air conditioning is not functional.

Criminals often target foreigners travelling in taxis at night and violent robberies are frequent.

If you have to use a taxi in Ghana:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• use only officially marked taxis
• ensure that there is no other passenger in the car
• limit trips to daytime
• always agree on a fare before departure

If you use a trusted ride-sharing app:

• confirm the driver’s identity before getting in the car
• be aware that the driver might only accept cash payment

Minibuses

Privately owned minibuses, known as tro-tros, have a high accident record.  They are often overcrowded and poorly maintained. Drivers are reckless and drive at excessive speeds.

Private intercity buses are available and they are often better maintained and safer.

Shortages

Periodic shortages of electricity and running water can occur, particularly during the dry season, from November to March, although the situation is improving, especially in Greater Accra.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range.

• Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
• Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Water safety abroad

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Gulf of Guinea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Ghana authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ghana.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Resident registration

If you reside in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority of Ghana to get a non-citizen card. This applies to foreign nationals:

• aged 6 and over
• permanently resident in the country
• resident in the country for at least 90 days in any calendar year

National Identification Authority – Republic of Ghana

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate outside Accra.

Emergency medical attention and serious illnesses require medical evacuation. Medical services usually require immediate cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Ghana.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Carry a copy of your prescription(s)
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Ghanaian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to 25 years in prison.

Even though there are few convictions, 2SLGBTQI+ persons have been arrested and victims of extortion and discrimination based on their identity and sexual orientation.

Since the anti-LGBTI bill was introduced in August 2021, there is an increased risk of violence and discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should:

• carefully consider the risks of travelling to Ghana
• be cautious and avoid public displays of affection with someone of the same sex

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Ghana.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Ghana, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Ghana.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Ghana by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Ghana to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Authorities can ask you to show identification at any time.

You should carry a photocopy of your travel documents and keep the originals in a secure place.

Minerals import and export

Gold, diamonds and other precious natural resources are subject to strict import and export regulations. Only agents licensed by the Ghana’s Minerals Commission are authorized to handle import-export transactions of these natural resources.

Individuals who commit offences may face prosecution, and penalties include imprisonment.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public areas. It’s sometimes permitted in private businesses, such as bars or restaurants.

Military clothing

Wearing military clothing or clothing that has military elements is prohibited.

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• military sites
• government buildings
• bridges
• Accra's international airport

Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings and individuals.

Dress and behaviour

Ghana is a conservative society. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions.

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit. You can use it for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you will need to obtain a Ghanaian license.

If you have resident status in Ghana, you should request your Ghanaian license as soon as possible.

All cars must be equipped with:

• up-to-date road-worthy insurance stickers
•  a first aid kit
• a fire extinguisher
• a warning triangle

Vehicles with temporary license plates are prohibited from travelling anywhere in Ghana between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles may be seized for the night and fines imposed for non-compliance.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS).

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currencies.  They must be declared upon arrival and exchanged for local currency at banks or foreign exchange bureaus only.

Upon arrival, you will receive an Exchange Control Form T-5. If not, you should request it. You must record foreign currency and all transactions made while in the country on this form.  The T-5 declaration form must show that the money obtained while in Ghana were from an authorized dealer in foreign exchange. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal. Keep the form in a safe place to avoid trouble upon departure.

The export of cedis is prohibited. Before departure, you must spend unused cedis or reconvert them into foreign currency.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from March to November.

Flooding is common in the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions during the rainy season. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders

Seasonal wind

The harmattan, a burning, dusty and sand-filled wind, blows in from the Sahara from December to March.

The harmattan can cause disruptions to travel. It can also strongly affect the health of people with respiratory ailments.

• Consult a physician before departure to determine associated health risks
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information