Safety

Safety in Ghana

Ghana maintains a reputation as one of West Africa's safest and most stable countries, though urban crime has increased since 2021. Understanding risks and taking precautions ensures safe living.

Overall Safety Assessment

Positive Factors:

• Stable democracy with peaceful power transfers
• Relatively low violent crime compared to regional neighbors
• Welcoming culture toward foreigners
• Strong police presence in major cities
• Expat-friendly neighborhoods with good security

Challenges:

• Petty crime increasing in Accra
• Some burglaries escalating to more serious incidents
• Foreigners targeted due to perceived wealth
• Road safety concerns

Crime Trends and Types

Petty Crime (Most Common):

• Pickpocketing: Markets, transport hubs, festivals
• Bag snatching: Often motorcycle-assisted
• Phone theft: Particularly at night or in crowded areas
• Credit card fraud: Use ATMs in secure locations

Property Crime (Increasing):

• Burglaries: Targeting expat residences
• Some escalations to kidnappings (rare but concerning)
• Residential break-ins in areas with foreign residents
• Vehicle break-ins and theft

Violent Crime (Relatively Rare):

• Assault and robbery with weapons have increased
• Most violence concentrated in specific neighborhoods
• Foreigners occasionally targeted
• Evening/night incidents more common

High-Risk Areas to Avoid

Accra Neighborhoods to Avoid:

• Agbogbloshie: Slum area, very high crime
• Ashaiman: High crime, avoid especially at night
• Nima: High-crime neighborhood
• Avenor: Elevated crime
• Sukura: Safety concerns

Roads Prone to Carjacking:

• Tamale-Wa Road
• Graphic Road (Accra)
• George Walker Bush Highway
• Roads around Labadi Beach

Safe Neighborhoods for Expats

Low-Crime Areas:

• East Legon: Gated communities, 24/7 security
• Airport Residential: Secure, expat-concentrated
• Cantonments: Diplomatic area, very secure
• Ridge: Government/diplomatic area
• Roman Ridge: Upscale, secure

Security Features in Expat Areas:

• Gated compounds
• 24/7 armed security guards
• CCTV surveillance
• Controlled access
• Community watch programs

Northern Border Region

Travel Advisory:

• Reconsider travel near Burkina Faso border
• Civil unrest and spillover from Sahel conflicts
• Terrorism concerns in border regions
• Check current advisories before traveling north

Practical Safety Tips

Daily Life:

• Don't display wealth: Expensive jewelry, watches, phones
• Avoid walking at night: Especially alone
• Use trusted transportation: Uber/Bolt, not random taxis at night
• Keep copies of documents: Passport, visa separate from originals
• Be aware of surroundings: Especially in crowded areas

Home Security:

• Choose gated communities: With 24/7 security
• Install additional security: Alarm systems, bars on windows
• Don't advertise absences: On social media
• Know your guards: Build relationships with security personnel
• Join neighborhood WhatsApp groups: For security alerts

Technology Safety:

• Use ATMs in secure locations: Banks, shopping malls during day
• Cover PIN entry: When using cards
• Avoid phone use on street: Especially in traffic or crowded areas
• Backup phone data: Device theft is common

Scams to Watch For:

• Romance scams: Online dating, "sakawa"
• Fake job offers: Requesting money upfront
• Overcharging: "Obroni price" at markets
• Fake officials: Requesting bribes or fees
• Real estate scams: Verify property ownership

Police and Emergency Services

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 191 or 18555
• Ambulance: 193
• Fire: 192
• National Emergency: 112 (mobile)

Police Response:

• Response times can be slow
• Police stations easy to find in cities
• Some corruption exists
• Community policing initiatives improving
• Tourist police available in some areas

What to Report:

• Serious crimes: Assault, robbery, burglary
• Lost passport: Report to police and embassy
• Vehicle accidents: Required by law

Health and Environmental Safety

Malaria: Endemic - use prophylaxis and mosquito protection

Water: Don't drink tap water - bottled or filtered only

Food Safety: Stick to reputable restaurants initially

Air Quality: Generally good, except near burning waste

Road Safety

Major Concern for Expats:

• Aggressive driving common
• Poor road conditions in places
• Pedestrians at risk
• Night driving more dangerous

Safety Measures:

• Use seatbelts always
• Avoid night driving outside cities
• Defensive driving essential
• Expect the unexpected

Women's Safety

Generally Safe But:

• Harassment can occur (catcalling)
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Dress modestly in certain areas
• Use trusted transportation
• Join women's expat groups for advice

LGBTQ+ Safety

Important Considerations:

• Homosexuality is illegal in Ghana (though rarely prosecuted)
• Social stigma exists
• Discretion advised
• No legal protections
• Some violence toward LGBTQ+ individuals
• Accra more tolerant than rural areas