Accra Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Accra.
Healthcare System
Accra has the best healthcare facilities in Ghana, with a mix of public hospitals, private clinics, and specialized medical centers. The public healthcare system is often overcrowded and under-resourced, while private facilities offer higher standards of care at international prices.
Hospitals
Recommended facilities for tourists include Nyaho Medical Centre, Trust Hospital (Airport Residential Area), Euracare Advanced Diagnostics and Heart Centre, and the 37 Military Hospital (which accepts civilians). These private facilities have English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and accept international insurance, though payment is typically required upfront.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Accra, particularly in neighborhoods like Osu, Airport Residential Area, and East Legon. Many common medications are available over-the-counter, but quality can vary. Stick to reputable pharmacy chains and bring essential prescription medications from home with proper documentation. Counterfeit medications exist in the market.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and often required by private hospitals before treatment. Medical costs can be high at private facilities, and payment is expected upfront before or immediately after treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letters
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, including yellow fever (required for entry), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations
- Consider malaria prophylaxis and bring mosquito repellent; malaria is present year-round in Accra
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records accessible
- Private hospitals require upfront payment; keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers readily available
- Heat exhaustion is common; stay hydrated and take time to acclimatize to the tropical climate
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and phone theft are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in pairs or groups and target distracted visitors in crowded areas. 'Smash and grab' incidents where items are stolen from vehicles at traffic lights also occur.
Road safety is a significant concern in Accra. Poor road conditions, inadequate street lighting, aggressive driving, overloaded vehicles, and minimal traffic law enforcement create dangerous conditions. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited, and accidents involving motorcycles (okadas) are common.
While less common than petty theft, armed robbery and mugging do occur, particularly after dark. Criminals may target individuals walking alone or in isolated areas. Home invasions and car-jackings are rare but have been reported.
Credit card skimming, online scams, and ATM fraud occur in Accra. Ghana has been associated with various internet scams, and tourists can be targeted for romance scams, fake business opportunities, or fraudulent accommodation bookings.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and other gastrointestinal illnesses are risks due to variable food hygiene standards and water quality. Tap water is not safe to drink without treatment.
Malaria is endemic in Accra year-round, though risk is lower in the dry season. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses also occur. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers approach tourists claiming to have access to gold at below-market prices, often presenting fake certificates or samples. Victims are convinced to invest in purchasing gold that turns out to be fake or the sellers disappear with advance payments.
Unlicensed taxi drivers or those at airports and tourist areas quote inflated prices, sometimes 3-5 times the normal fare. Some drivers claim meters are broken or take unnecessarily long routes.
Scammers befriend tourists online or in person, building trust over time before requesting money for emergencies, business opportunities, or travel expenses. Some involve elaborate stories about family emergencies or investment opportunities.
Individuals approach tourists offering to be guides or help with directions, then demand payment afterward or lead tourists to shops where they receive commissions on purchases. Some may become aggressive if payment is refused.
Scammers approach tourists with emotional appeals for donations to orphanages, schools, or medical causes. Some fake orphanages exist solely to solicit donations from well-meaning tourists. Money rarely reaches intended beneficiaries.
Individuals posing as police officers or government officials stop tourists claiming document checks or violations, then demand on-the-spot fines or bribes. Some show fake badges or identification.
Street money changers offer better rates than banks but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit notes, or switch bundles of cash. Some work in teams to distract victims during the exchange.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; leave excess money and valuables in hotel safes
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person and in bags
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines at night
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and visa separate from the original
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for important documents and backup cash
- Be discreet when handling money; count cash in private, not on the street
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks; have backup payment methods
Transportation
- Use reputable ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) or hotel-arranged transportation
- Avoid motorcycle taxis (okadas) as they're dangerous and officially banned in some areas
- If using regular taxis, negotiate fares before entering and ensure doors lock
- Don't share taxis with strangers, even if the driver suggests it to save money
- Avoid traveling by road at night when possible due to poor lighting and increased accident risk
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic
- Be cautious at night; consider having someone meet you at your destination
Accommodation
- Book accommodations through verified platforms and read recent reviews
- Choose hotels in safer neighborhoods like Airport Residential Area, East Legon, Osu, or Labone
- Ensure your room has working locks and use additional security features like door chains
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Don't allow strangers into your room; verify hotel staff identity before opening doors
- Keep emergency contact numbers and your hotel's address written down in case your phone is lost
- Share your accommodation details and itinerary with someone back home
Personal Security
- Stay aware of your surroundings; avoid being distracted by phones in public
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself
- Walk confidently and purposefully; avoid appearing lost or vulnerable
- Don't wear expensive jewelry or carry luxury items that attract attention
- Keep bags zipped and in front of you in crowded areas
- Avoid isolated areas, beaches, and poorly lit streets after dark
- If confronted by criminals, comply and don't resist; your safety is more important than possessions
- Learn basic phrases in local languages (Twi or Ga) to help with interactions
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Apply insect repellent regularly, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Stay hydrated but only drink bottled, sealed water or beverages
- Carry a basic first aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, and bandages
- Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers due to risk of schistosomiasis
- Get adequate rest to maintain your immune system in the tropical climate
- Seek medical attention promptly if you develop fever, as it could indicate malaria
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional areas
- Ask permission before photographing people, religious ceremonies, or government buildings
- Greet people respectfully; handshakes are common in business and formal settings
- Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items (left hand is considered impolite)
- Be patient with service and bureaucracy; things often move slower than in Western countries
- Bargaining is expected in markets but should be done respectfully and with humor
- Respect local customs and traditions, particularly during festivals and ceremonies
- Avoid public displays of affection, which can be considered inappropriate
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable and affordable communication
- Save important numbers including your embassy, hotel, and emergency contacts
- Download offline maps before traveling to areas with poor connectivity
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for safety updates and assistance if needed
- Learn about current events and any local tensions through reliable news sources
- Keep your phone charged; consider carrying a portable power bank
- Be cautious about sharing travel plans and accommodation details on social media in real-time
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling relatively safe in Accra compared to other West African cities, though they should take additional precautions. Verbal harassment and unwanted attention can occur, particularly from men offering services or seeking romantic relationships. Physical assault is less common but not unheard of. Ghanaian women are often modest in dress and behavior, and female travelers who follow similar norms may experience less unwanted attention.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; cover shoulders and avoid very short skirts or shorts, especially outside tourist areas
- Be firm but polite when declining offers of help, tours, or advances; a direct 'no thank you' is usually respected
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted transportation even for short distances
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted romantic advances
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and never leave drinks unattended
- Solo female travelers should inform hotel staff of their plans and expected return times
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers and reduce solo exposure
- Trust your instincts; if a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Book accommodations in safer neighborhoods with good reviews from other female travelers
- Carry a charged phone and have emergency contacts readily available
- Be aware that some beaches and nightlife venues may attract more aggressive attention
- Consider connecting with local women's groups or expat communities for advice and support
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Ghana under colonial-era laws, with potential penalties including imprisonment. However, these laws are rarely enforced against tourists. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships, and no anti-discrimination protections exist for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners; discretion is essential for safety
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity openly, especially with strangers or in public
- Be extremely cautious about using dating apps; there have been reports of entrapment, blackmail, and violence
- Book separate beds or rooms if traveling with a same-sex partner to avoid questions or problems
- Research accommodations carefully; some international hotel chains may be more understanding
- Be aware that local attitudes are generally not accepting; prepare mentally for a conservative environment
- Don't wear clothing or accessories that might identify you as LGBTQ+ (rainbow items, pride symbols)
- If confronted or harassed, prioritize your safety; don't argue about rights or try to change minds
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel resources and forums for current information and support
- Consider whether visiting Ghana aligns with your personal values given the legal and social climate
- Have a cover story prepared if questioned about traveling companions or relationships
- Be especially cautious in rural areas and smaller towns where attitudes may be even more conservative
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Accra and Ghana. Medical care at quality private facilities is expensive and requires upfront payment. Medical evacuation to South Africa or Europe for serious conditions can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, trip disruptions, lost luggage, and theft are real risks that insurance can help mitigate. Many private hospitals will not treat patients without proof of insurance or significant cash deposits.
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