Is Ghana Safe for Travelers in 2025? My Honest Safety Guide After 7 Visits - Xplrverse

My Personal Experience with Safety in Ghana

The first time I landed at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, I was gripping my backpack like it contained the crown jewels. My stomach was in knots after reading all those forum posts about scams and theft. Fast forward to today—after seven visits spanning nearly a decade—and I’m ashamed of how unnecessarily anxious I was. That’s not to say Ghana is without risks (no country is), but the warm smiles that greeted me that first day turned out to be the genuine article, not the prelude to a scam I’d feared.

During my most recent three-month stay in early 2024, I traveled solo through Greater Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi, and up to Tamale, using everything from tro-tros to motorcycle taxis. The reality of safety in Ghana is far more nuanced than most online resources suggest, which is why I’m writing this comprehensive guide for 2025 travelers.

Overall Safety Situation in Ghana (2025 Update)

Ghana consistently ranks as one of West Africa’s safest countries. The Ghana Immigration Service reported that tourism increased by 47% between 2022 and 2024, partly due to the country’s reputation for stability and safety.

The 2024 Global Peace Index ranks Ghana as the 3rd most peaceful country in sub-Saharan Africa, behind only Mauritius and Botswana. That said, there are significant regional variations in safety that travelers should be aware of.

Traveler Tip: Download the Ghana Police Service app before your trip. It allows you to report incidents directly and contact emergency services with GPS location sharing. I’ve never needed to use it, but several travelers I met found it reassuring to have.

Regional Safety Map of Ghana

The map above highlights safety levels across different regions based on my experiences and official advisories.

Crime and Security Concerns

While violent crime against tourists is rare in Ghana, petty theft and scams do occur, particularly in crowded areas. During my travels throughout Ghana, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what to watch for.

Common Security Issues for Travelers

Pickpocketing – Most common in markets like Kejetia Market in Kumasi and Makola Market in Accra
Bag snatching – Occasionally happens from vehicles in traffic, particularly along high tourist traffic routes
The “Ghana Black Star” scam – Someone claims to work for the tourism board and offers special rates that don’t exist
Romance scams – Unfortunately common, especially on dating apps and social media
Counterfeit goods – Particularly electronics in markets

My worst experience came in 2019 when my phone was snatched by someone on a motorbike while I was taking photos near Jamestown in Accra. I was standing too close to the road, clearly distracted—a rookie mistake I now warn others about.

Crime Statistics (2023-2024)

Crime Type	Incidents per 100k residents	Tourist Risk Level
Violent crime	2.1	Low
Theft/pickpocketing	18.7	Medium
Scams	22.3	Medium-High
Assault	3.8	Low
Terrorism	0.1	Very Low

Source: Ghana Police Service Annual Report

Unsafe Areas to Avoid

While most of Ghana is welcoming to visitors, there are some areas where extra caution is warranted:

Northern Border Regions – The Ghana-Burkina Faso border has seen increased security concerns since 2023
Agbogbloshie (Accra) – The electronic waste dump area can be dangerous and is best visited with a local guide if at all
Parts of Nima and Mamobi (Accra) at night – These areas are generally fine during the day but best avoided after dark
Isolated beaches – Especially around Busua and Dixcove, beach robberies occasionally occur

I made the mistake of wandering into Agbogbloshie alone during my second visit to Ghana, thinking I could just explore. The environmental devastation aside (which is heartbreaking), I quickly felt unwelcome and unsafe. A local shop owner actually escorted me out, explaining that tourists sometimes get robbed there. If you want to learn about this area, there are NGO-led tours that are both safer and more educational.

Health and Medical Safety

In my experience, health concerns pose a more significant risk to travelers than crime in Ghana. The good news is that with proper preparation, most health risks are manageable.

Common Health Risks in Ghana

Malaria – Endemic throughout Ghana; I take prophylaxis and still got a mild case in 2021
Traveler’s diarrhea – Common but usually mild
Yellow fever – Vaccination is legally required for entry
Dengue fever – Increasing cases reported since 2023
Heat-related illness – Often overlooked but a real risk, especially in the northern regions

Medical Facilities in Ghana

Ghana’s medical infrastructure varies dramatically between urban and rural areas:

City	Recommended Hospitals	Emergency Number
Accra	Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Nyaho Medical Centre	112
Kumasi	Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital	112
Tamale	Tamale Teaching Hospital	112
Cape Coast	Cape Coast Teaching Hospital	112

Money-Saving Insider Tip #1: Medical care in Ghana is inexpensive by Western standards, but costs add up quickly. I recommend West African Health Insurance (WAHI) for short trips rather than expensive international policies. At ₵300 (about $18) per month, it covers most routine care at better facilities. I learned this from an expat in Osu after overpaying for global insurance my first three trips!

When I had a motorbike accident near Elmina in 2022 (nothing serious, just road rash and a sprained wrist), I was surprised by the quality of care at the local clinic. The total cost was ₵425 (about $25), including X-rays and medication. That said, for anything serious, you want to be in Accra.

Transportation Safety

Getting around Ghana safely requires some knowledge of the various transportation options and their relative risks.

Road Safety

Ghana’s roads present perhaps the biggest daily safety challenge. According to the National Road Safety Authority, road accidents are the leading cause of injury to tourists. From my experience:

Intercity highways are generally in good condition but often have dangerous overtaking
Rural roads can be unpaved and hazardous, especially during the rainy season (April-June and September-October)
Urban roads in Accra and Kumasi are congested with aggressive driving patterns

Transportation Options Safety Ratings

Transport Type	Safety Rating (1-10)	Cost Range (2025)	Notes
STC Intercity Buses	8	₵80-300	Most reliable option for long distances
Tro-tros (minibuses)	4	₵5-40	Cheap but overcrowded and often poorly maintained
Uber/Bolt/Yango	7	₵15-50 (local trips)	Reliable in major cities
Regular taxis	5	₵20-60 (local trips)	Negotiate price before entering
Rental cars (self-drive)	3	₵350-700/day	Not recommended unless very experienced
Rental with driver	8	₵500-1000/day	Best option for exploring rural areas
Motorcycle taxis	2	₵10-25	High risk, no helmet options in many places

I learned the hard way about tro-tros when one broke down halfway between Accra and Cape Coast, leaving us stranded for three hours in the midday heat. Now I always spend the extra money on STC buses for intercity travel.

Money-Saving Insider Tip #2: Most tourists overpay massively for transportation by using hotel taxis. Download both Uber AND Bolt apps—they compete fiercely, and you’ll often find one offering 30-50% discounts. In 2024, I paid just ₵255 (about $15) for a 45-minute ride from Kotoka Airport to Osu using a Bolt promo code, while the standard taxi wanted ₵680.

Night Travel Concerns

I strongly advise against traveling on roads outside major cities after dark. Highway robberies are rare but do occur, particularly in the Eastern Region and on roads to the northern territories. Even more common are accidents due to poor lighting, unmarked hazards, and fatigued drivers.

The stretch between Accra and Kumasi has been significantly improved with new lighting and police checkpoints since my first visit, but I still prefer daytime travel.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Concerns

Ghana is fortunately spared from many of the natural disasters that affect other regions, but there are still environmental factors to consider:

Climate and Weather Risks

Flooding – Occurs during rainy seasons, particularly in low-lying areas of Accra
Harmattan – The dry, dusty wind from December to March can cause respiratory issues and reduced visibility
Coastal erosion – Affects beaches in Keta and parts of the Western Region, creating occasionally dangerous conditions

In 2023, I experienced a severe urban flood in Accra that trapped me in a restaurant for hours. Climate change has intensified these events, with the Ghana Meteorological Agency warning that 2025 could see unusual weather patterns.

Political Stability and Social Issues

Ghana remains one of Africa’s most stable democracies, though 2024’s presidential election created some tension. The transition period into 2025 has been largely peaceful, though occasional demonstrations occur in Accra.

Current Political Climate (2025)

The new administration has maintained Ghana’s historically friendly stance toward foreign visitors. Occasionally, you’ll encounter political rallies in urban centers, which are generally best avoided simply due to crowds and traffic disruptions rather than any danger.

LGBTQ+ Safety Considerations

Same-sex sexual activity remains technically illegal in Ghana, though the law is rarely enforced against tourists. The social climate can be challenging for LGBTQ+ travelers, with public displays of affection potentially attracting negative attention.

During my visits with gay friends, they’ve generally found it safest to present as friends rather than couples in public. Private upscale establishments in Accra and certain beach resorts are more accepting, but discretion is advised throughout the country.

Cultural Considerations for Safety

Understanding local customs can significantly impact your safety perception and reality in Ghana. Ghanaians use the phrase “Akwaaba” (welcome) sincerely—hospitality is deeply ingrained in the culture.

Cultural Practices That Enhance Safety

Greetings – Taking time to say hello properly (“Ɛte sɛn?” – How are you? in Twi) establishes respect
Community vigilance – Neighbors look out for each other and visitors
Respect for elders – Showing deference to older people earns community approval

Potential Cultural Misunderstandings

On my second trip to Ghana, I nearly created a serious problem by photographing a traditional ceremony without permission. I’d misinterpreted friendliness as an invitation to document everything. Always ask before photographing people, ceremonies, or certain government buildings.

Other potential issues include:

Using your left hand for giving/receiving (considered unclean)
Pointing fingers directly at people (use your chin or full hand instead)
Overly casual dress at religious sites or when meeting community leaders

Money-Saving Insider Tip #3: Foreign visitors often fall into the “obruni tax” trap (obruni meaning foreigner, particularly white person). When shopping in markets, I’ve learned to use the phrase “Ɛyɛ boɔ dodo” (it’s too expensive) with a friendly smile, then walk away. Almost always, the price drops by 50-70%. Start at about 1/3 of their initial ask. At Makola Market, I got beautiful fabric down from ₵250 to ₵85 using this approach.

Safety Trends for 2025

Having visited Ghana over several years, I’ve noticed several emerging safety trends that visitors should be aware of:

Improving Factors

Digital payment infrastructure – Reducing the need to carry cash
Tourism police units – Now present in major tourist areas
Improved emergency response – Particularly in Accra and Kumasi
Better road infrastructure – Major highways have seen significant improvements

Concerning Developments

Increasing sophistication of scams – Now often involving technology
Rising economic pressure – The cedis’s fluctuations have created financial strain
Climate impacts – More unpredictable weather patterns affecting travel

I’ve particularly noticed the improvement in digital payments since my first visit. In 2018, I had to carry cash everywhere. By 2024, I was using MoMo (Mobile Money) and bank cards at most establishments in urban areas. This significantly reduces the risk of theft.

Safety Tips for Different Types of Travelers

Safety needs vary significantly depending on who you are and how you travel. Here’s my advice for different traveler types:

Solo Female Travelers

Ghana is generally respectful toward women travelers, but unwanted attention can occur. My female friends who’ve visited Ghana recommend:

Dressing relatively conservatively, especially outside tourist areas
Being firm but polite when declining unwanted advances
Using reputable accommodations with 24-hour reception
Avoiding walking alone at night, particularly in urban areas
Connecting with female expat groups on Facebook for current advice

Families with Children

Ghana is remarkably child-friendly, with locals often going out of their way to help families. I’ve traveled with friends who brought their children and observed:

Ghanaians commonly offer assistance with children
Major health concerns revolve around sun protection and preventing mosquito bites
beaches near Accra can have strong currents—stick to hotel beaches with lifeguards
Child-appropriate medication can be difficult to find outside major cities

Business Travelers

Business visitors to Ghana typically spend most of their time in Accra, where safety standards are highest. Key considerations include:

Using hotel-arranged transportation for initial meetings
Being cautious with business proposals that seem too advantageous
Verifying business credentials through official channels
Maintaining digital security, as business-targeted scams have increased

Technology and Communication Safety

Staying connected safely is increasingly important for travelers to Ghana. The digital landscape has evolved dramatically since my first visit.

Mobile and Internet Connectivity

Ghana has excellent mobile coverage in urban and many rural areas. As of 2025:

Major providers: MTN (best coverage), Vodafone, AirtelTigo
4G/LTE available in all regional capitals and many smaller towns
5G now available in parts of Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi
SIM registration requires passport ID and biometrics (new enforcement since 2023)

I was genuinely impressed by how I maintained solid 4G coverage even while traveling through rural areas along the coast. The signal only became spotty in the most remote locations.

Digital Security Concerns

While physical theft of devices occurs, digital security issues are also worth noting:

Public WiFi networks (especially in cafes) can be compromised
Phone credit scams are common via SMS
Banking apps should only be used on secure networks

During my 2022 visit, I noticed significantly more public WiFi options but also heard more reports of compromised accounts. I now use a VPN consistently while in Ghana.

Sustainability Tip That Saves Money: Instead of buying a new SIM card each visit (creating e-waste), I keep one MTN SIM that I reactivate. You can maintain your Ghanaian number by loading just ₵5 every six months. This has saved me both money and the hassle of registration each time I return.

Accommodation Safety

Where you stay significantly impacts your overall safety in Ghana. The range of accommodation has expanded dramatically over my years of visiting.

Types of Accommodation and Safety Considerations

Accommodation Type	Safety Level	Price Range (2025)	Security Features
International Hotels	Very High	₵1500-5000/night	24hr security, CCTV, secure parking
Boutique Hotels	High	₵600-1500/night	Gated compounds, night guards
Guesthouses	Moderate to High	₵250-600/night	Varies widely, check reviews carefully
Hostels	Moderate	₵80-200/night	Basic security, often lockers available
Airbnb	Varies	₵350-2000/night	Highly variable, apartment buildings often have guards

During my first visits to Ghana, I stayed exclusively in hotels. By 2021, I was comfortable enough to use Airbnb, which provided a much more authentic experience. My favorite find was a small apartment in Osu (Accra) with 24-hour security that cost just ₵400/night—about a quarter of nearby hotel prices.

Neighborhood Safety in Major Cities

Location matters tremendously when choosing accommodation. In Accra, for example:

Airport Residential/Cantonments – Very safe, diplomatic presence, expensive
Osu – Generally safe, tourist-friendly, vibrant nightlife
Labone/Labadi – Safe, quieter residential areas with good accommodation options
East Legon – Upscale, safe area popular with expats
Jamestown – Historic district, safe during day, exercise caution at night

I made the mistake in 2018 of booking a suspiciously cheap hotel in Nima (Accra). While nothing bad happened, the area felt uncomfortable at night, and I moved to Osu after two days. The extra ₵200 per night was absolutely worth it for peace of mind.

Conclusion: Is Ghana Safe for Travelers in 2025?

After seven visits spanning nearly a decade, my honest assessment is that Ghana is indeed safe for most travelers who take reasonable precautions. It’s significantly safer than many perceive it to be, while still requiring common-sense vigilance.

I’ve traveled solo through much of the country, experienced its incredible hospitality, navigated its challenges, and come away with overwhelmingly positive experiences. The rare negative encounters I’ve had were largely due to my own mistakes or lack of preparation.

Ghana rewards travelers who approach it with respect, openness, and appropriate caution. The sound of children playing in village squares, the scent of jollof rice simmering in roadside stalls, and the genuine warmth of “Akwaaba” are what I remember most—not security concerns.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for Safe Travel to Ghana

Pre-Trip Preparation – Get required vaccinations, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, register with your embassy’s STEP program (or equivalent)
Arrival Strategy – Pre-arrange airport pickup through your accommodation, get a local SIM card at the airport (MTN preferred), download offline maps
Daily Security Routine – Use hotel safes for valuables, carry only necessary cash, use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing taxis, keep emergency contacts accessible
Health Maintenance – Take malaria prophylaxis consistently, use insect repellent, drink bottled water, carry basic medications
Cultural Integration – Learn basic Twi phrases, dress respectfully, ask permission before photos, engage with local communities through organized tours initially

I came to Ghana the first time full of apprehension and left planning my return. Seven visits later, it feels like a second home—one where I remain alert but rarely afraid. If you’ve been considering Ghana but hesitating over safety concerns, I hope this guide gives you the confidence to experience this extraordinary country for yourself.

FAQs About Safety in Ghana

Is Ghana safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Ghana is generally safe for solo female travelers who take standard precautions. Women should expect some unwanted attention but usually nothing threatening. Dressing modestly outside beach areas, avoiding isolated places at night, and being firm but polite when declining advances helps minimize hassles. I’ve met dozens of solo female travelers during my visits who’ve had overwhelmingly positive experiences.

Do I need special vaccinations to visit Ghana?

Yes, Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Ghana. Proof is checked at immigration. Additionally, I strongly recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and ensuring your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult with a travel health specialist 6-8 weeks before your trip.

Is Accra safer than other parts of Ghana?

Accra generally has better infrastructure and security than rural areas, but also higher rates of petty crime due to being the largest city. Regional capitals like Kumasi and Tamale are similarly safe. Remote rural areas have fewer crime issues but more limited emergency services. Beach towns along the western coast have occasional targeting of tourists but remain generally safe.

Can I drink tap water in Ghana?

No, tap water in Ghana is not safe for visitors to drink. Stick to bottled water (check seals are intact), water purified through reliable filters, or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you’re at high-end establishments that use purified water for ice. I got sick from mistakenly brushing my teeth with tap water during my first visit.

How should I handle money safely in Ghana?

Use ATMs attached to banks during daylight hours, carry only necessary cash in divided amounts (different pockets), and use mobile money (MTN MoMo) where possible. Credit cards are accepted at major establishments in cities but rarely in smaller towns. The currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS/₵), and the exchange rate fluctuates considerably—check current rates before exchanging money.

Are there dangerous animals or insects I should worry about?

The main concern is mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Snake encounters are rare, even in rural areas. Beaches occasionally have reports of jellyfish, particularly after storms. Ghana doesn’t have the dangerous wildlife concerns of some other African destinations. The national parks with elephants (Mole) have professional guides to ensure safety.

Is it safe to use public transportation in Ghana?

Safety varies by type. STC intercity buses are generally safe and comfortable. Tro-tros (minibuses) are very cheap but often overcrowded and poorly maintained—I use them for cultural experience but not when safety is a priority. In cities, ride-hailing apps provide the best balance of safety and affordability. I avoid motorcycle taxis (okada) entirely due to the accident risk.

How reliable is healthcare in Ghana for travelers?

Major cities have private clinics that provide adequate care for minor issues. For serious medical problems, evacuation to Accra or internationally may be necessary. Always purchase travel insurance with evacuation coverage. Carry a personal medical kit with essentials, as specific medications can be difficult to find or may be counterfeit in local pharmacies.