Staying Safe in Ghana
Local Laws
Ghana operates with a legal framework that's largely up-to-date and forward-thinking, though it's always wise to be mindful of local laws and traditions. You should know that drug offenses are treated with considerable gravity; even possessing a small quantity of marijuana could result in jail time. Additionally, same-sex relationships are not legally recognized, so discretion is advised for same-sex couples.
The age for legally smoking, drinking alcohol, and driving is 18, while the age of consent for sexual activity is 16. It's against the law to photograph military sites, airports, or other sensitive locations, even if they aren't explicitly marked. If you're unsure about photographing any building, especially one with guards present, it's best to ask for permission first.
Dressing modestly is recommended, particularly when you're in rural areas, visiting religious sites, or attending cultural events. Wearing military or camouflage attire is also not permitted.
When you're introduced to a group of people, it's customary to start with the person on the far right and move towards the left. Always use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and when giving or receiving anything, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. It's also polite to ask for permission before taking pictures of individuals, especially in rural settings or during traditional ceremonies.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Ghana presents significant safety concerns and an unfriendly environment due to its legal framework and prevailing social attitudes. Same-sex sexual acts between males are criminalized under Ghanaian law, carrying penalties of up to three years imprisonment. Furthermore, recent legislative efforts, such as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, aim to broaden criminalization to include identifying as LGBTQ+ and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, with severe punishments proposed.
Socially, there is widespread hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals, with over 90% of Ghanaians expressing negative views, and instances of discrimination, harassment, and violence are commonly reported. As such, Ghana is not considered a safe or welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, who are advised to exercise extreme caution and discretion.
Scams
When visiting Ghana, it's good to be aware of a few common ways people might try to take advantage of tourists. You might run into individuals pretending to be airport staff, trying to get their hands on your luggage or asking for money. Similarly, some might pose as police officers and ask for payments.
There are also 'diamond scams' where people will try to sell you fake or illegally obtained diamonds. You could also be approached by someone offering to help at an ATM, who might be trying to copy your card details or see your PIN.
Another trick involves someone asking you to take their picture, then claiming their camera is broken and demanding money. Then there's the 'bird poop scam,' where a substance is thrown on you, and a 'helpful' stranger assists while a pickpocket works their magic. Be mindful of taxi drivers who might overcharge you too.
You might also come across 'advance fee fraud.' This is where someone promises you a lot of money or a great business deal, but keeps asking for fees along the way, often using fake documents and creating a sense of urgency. Lastly, romance scams are out there too, where people create fake profiles on dating sites to ask for money.
Crime
While Ghana is generally a safe place with less crime than many other countries in Africa, it's still wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy spots like markets, popular tourist sites, and beaches. You might encounter petty theft, such as pickpocketing or someone snatching your bag. We've also heard about cell phones being taken and, unfortunately, some foreign women experiencing unwanted attention or sexual assault, particularly on public beaches.
There's been a slight uptick in more serious crimes like muggings, armed robberies, and break-ins. If you resist an attacker, you're at a higher risk of getting seriously hurt. Credit card fraud is also becoming more of an issue.
In Accra, certain neighborhoods like Agbogbloshie and Ashaiman tend to have higher crime rates, so it's best to steer clear of them after dark. You might also hear about banditry happening on passenger buses in the Upper West and Upper East regions. If you're a woman traveling by yourself, you might unfortunately be more of a target for opportunistic crimes.
