Traveller safety

Is Ghana safe to travel?

Short answer: yes. Ghana is widely considered one of the safest countries in West Africa, with stable politics, warm hospitality, and English spoken almost everywhere. Like anywhere, a little local know-how goes a long way — here's the practical guide we wish every visitor had.

Emergency numbers — save these now

  • Police: 191
  • Fire: 192
  • Ambulance: 193 (or 112)
  • Ghana Tourism Authority: +233 302 244 611

See more numbers and clinics on the essentials page.

Solo travel — including solo women

Ghana is a popular and welcoming destination for solo travellers. To stay comfortable:

  • Stay in well-reviewed hostels and lodges — Ghana has a strong backpacker network in Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and Busua.
  • Share your daily plan with someone back home or a fellow traveller.
  • Dress comfortably and modestly in rural areas and around chiefs' palaces or mosques.
  • It's normal for locals to greet you warmly — friendly attention is not the same as a safety threat.

Cities at night

  • Use ride-hail apps (Bolt, Uber, Yango) after dark — they're cheap and metered.
  • In Accra, Osu, Cantonments, Airport Residential and East Legon are busy and well-lit late into the evening.
  • Keep phones in front pockets in crowded nightlife streets; petty pickpocketing happens around busy bars.
  • Skip unlit beaches at night — Labadi is fine if you stay on hotel grounds.

Common scams to ignore politely

  • Strangers offering to be your "guide" for free — they'll ask for a large tip later.
  • "Volunteer at my orphanage" appeals on the street — go through accredited NGOs only.
  • WhatsApp investment, romance, or "I'm a chief / pastor" requests for transfers — block and move on.
  • Taxi drivers without a meter quoting a flat rate — agree the fare before getting in, or use Bolt/Uber.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights between Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi are reliable (Africa World Airlines, PassionAir).
  • STC and VIP coaches connect major cities — safer than tro-tros for long distances.
  • Don't drive at night outside cities — unmarked speed bumps, livestock and unlit vehicles are real hazards.
  • Border crossings: bring your passport, yellow-fever certificate and small change in cedis.

Health basics

  • Yellow-fever vaccination is required for entry — bring the card.
  • Take malaria prophylaxis and use repellent at dusk; nights in Mole and the north are mosquito-heavy.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water (locally branded sachets are fine if the seal is intact).
  • Top private hospitals in Accra: Nyaho Medical Centre, Trust Hospital, Bank Hospital. Travel insurance with evacuation cover is worth it.

Money and valuables

  • Cedis (GHS) are the only legal tender — carry small notes for taxis and markets.
  • Mobile Money (MTN MoMo) is accepted almost everywhere; foreign cards work at most supermarkets and hotels.
  • Use ATMs inside bank branches or malls, not standalone units.
  • Keep a copy of your passport on your phone and leave the original at the hotel safe when possible.
Ready to explore?

Pair this guide with our essentials page for clinics, chop bars and hotels, then jump on the map to start collecting heritage stamps.