Relatively Stable Public Safety in West African Nations! Security Information and Safety Tips for Ghana

Ghana is a country in Africa. While not very large, the name is familiar to many—often associated with chocolate. Ghana is famously known as a cocoa-producing country. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, with Burkina Faso to the north and the South Atlantic Ocean to the south. The country is rich in nature, and popular tourist destinations include Cape Coast and Mole National Park, the largest wildlife reserve in Ghana. Among African countries, Ghana enjoys relatively stable security. This article provides security information and safety tips for visiting this attractive destination.

1. Beware of Robberies

Ghana is said to have one of the more stable public safety environments among West African nations. It was one of the first African countries to gain independence, in 1957. Democracy has taken root, and its GDP continues to grow steadily. Politically and economically stable, Ghana is considered a suitable destination even for short-term stays.
However, it's hard to say there's no risk at all. As of February 2017, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a Level 1 alert for all areas of Ghana: “Exercise sufficient caution.”
For example, there have been cases of criminals threatening stopped vehicles with firearms and robbing the occupants of valuables. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, the wise choice is to hand over your cash without resistance.

2. Crimes Targeting Foreigners Especially in the Capital Accra

As is often the case around the world, tourists in Ghana are seen as having money and may become targets of crime.
In Ghana’s capital city, Accra, incidents such as robberies, property damage, and home invasions occur frequently, making safety precautions essential.
Dressing the same way you would will make you stand out in Ghana. It’s best to wear casual clothing and avoid carrying branded bags or wallets.
Additionally, avoid opening guidebooks in public, stay indoors at night, and do not approach dimly lit alleys even during the day.
It’s crucial to remember that the safety conditions in Ghana are very different.

3. Sophisticated Scam Cases

Although Ghana is considered relatively stable compared to other West African countries, there are cases of sophisticated scams targeting tourists.
For example, a dishonest guide may ask for your emergency contact information “just in case.” Later, they might call your family, falsely claiming you’ve been injured and need a large amount of money urgently.
This is essentially a highly elaborate version of the so-called “remittance scam.” Naturally, the tourist is not injured and is completely unaware that such a call has been made.
To protect yourself, it's best to use a tour service from a trusted company and keep in regular contact with your family back home.
Dishonest guides in Ghana may devise other schemes as well. Always stay up to date with the latest security information.

4. Gold Mining Sites

Ghana is home to sites where the valuable resource of gold can be mined. Thanks to this precious commodity, it’s also true that Ghana’s economy has achieved a degree of stability. However, illegal mining by foreigners is also taking place in these areas, and repeated clashes with Ghanaian authorities have led to deteriorating security conditions.
If a person (or any foreigner) is found wandering near a mining site without any clear purpose, they may be mistaken for an illegal miner. This misunderstanding could potentially lead to involvement in a serious incident. For your safety, it’s best to avoid approaching gold mining areas with poor security unless you have a legitimate reason. It is important to be aware of areas where security is compromised.

5. Caution in the Northern and Volta Regions

Aside from the mining zones, there are other specific areas in Ghana where public safety is poor.
In the Northern Region, areas such as Bimbilla, Kpatinga, and Bunkpurugu are experiencing ongoing instability.
Due to the death of a traditional chief, disputes have broken out over succession. In some cases, clashes have occurred between tribal groups and the Ghanaian government. A night-time curfew has been imposed in these areas. Even during the day, the security situation is not good, so it is recommended to avoid traveling there if possible.
Similarly, in the Volta Region, conflicts have arisen in Alavanyo and Nkonya over the appointment of a traditional chief. A night curfew has also been declared in these areas, so it’s best to refrain from entering them.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced Ghana’s security situation, which is considered relatively stable among West African countries.
However, crimes such as robbery and fraud—which occur in many countries—are also frequent in Ghana.
Moreover, Ghana faces unique security issues involving tribal conflicts, which further undermine its safety.
For travelers, tribal disputes may be unfamiliar and difficult to imagine.
Therefore, it is essential to gather up-to-date information both before your trip and while on the ground, and to remain vigilant throughout your travels.