Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Ghana

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Accra

Languages

English (official); Akan and other languages

Currency

Ghanaian cedi (GHS)

Executive Summary

Ghana is classified as a LOW risk destination and is one of the more stable and democratic countries in West Africa, with peaceful transfers of power and a welcoming reputation for visitors. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, so the everyday risks are petty crime and scams, road safety, health and, in the far north, a watch on Sahel spillover rather than instability. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and a range of scams, some targeting foreigners including romance and business fraud, is the most common issue in Accra, Kumasi and tourist areas, with some more serious opportunistic crime after dark. The country is politically stable, with credible elections, though protests over the economy can occur. The main watch-point is the far north, near the borders with Burkina Faso, where the wider Sahel jihadist insurgency has raised concern about potential spillover, though Ghana has so far avoided attacks on its soil. Elsewhere, road safety is a serious hazard, malaria is endemic, and medical care is limited outside the main cities.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict; a Sahel-spillover watch in the far north.
Terrorism	Low	No attacks to date; a spillover concern in the far north near Burkina Faso.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is rare; some risk in the far north.
Crime	Moderate	Petty theft, fraud and scams; some opportunistic crime after dark.
Civil Unrest	Low	Occasional protests over the economy; generally peaceful.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Reasonable private care in Accra; limited elsewhere. Malaria endemic.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Poor road safety, long distances and far-north caution.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Online fraud and scams are notable; guard financial data.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against petty crime and scams, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and romance and business fraud.

2Watch the far northern border area, near Burkina Faso, given Sahel spillover concern.

3Take care on the roads, as road safety is poor and accidents are a leading hazard.

4Take malaria and health precautions, as malaria is endemic and care is limited outside main cities.

5Avoid protests and demonstrations, which can occur over the economy.

6Be alert to fraud targeting foreigners, including advance-fee, romance and gold and business scams.

7Use reputable transport and operators, for intercity and tour travel.

8Respect local customs, in a diverse and religious society.

Security Situation

Low

Ghana is one of the more stable and democratic countries in West Africa, with uncommon violent crime against tourists. The everyday risks are petty crime and scams, road safety, health and a far-north spillover watch rather than instability.

Accra and the Coast

Low

Accra and the coast are the main hub, functioning with petty crime, scams and traffic the main concerns.

Kumasi and the Centre

Low

Kumasi and the centre are commercial and cultural areas functioning with standard precautions.

The North and the Border

Medium

The north and the border carry a Sahel-spillover watch near Burkina Faso and are more remote.

The West and Volta

Low

The west and Volta include coastal, forest and lakeside areas, generally safe with road and remoteness considerations.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Ghana is not in armed conflict. The only conflict-related concern is potential spillover from the Sahel jihadist insurgency into the far north, which Ghana has so far avoided.

Terrorism

Low

There have been no terrorist attacks in Ghana to date, but there is a spillover concern in the far north near Burkina Faso given the regional insurgency. Standard vigilance is sufficient elsewhere.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is rare, with some risk in the far north, and the main issue is petty crime, fraud and scams, including romance, business and gold scams targeting foreigners, with some opportunistic crime after dark.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Poor road safety, long distances and far-north caution are the main travel concerns. Intercity travel is manageable with reputable transport, and domestic flights serve some routes.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Reasonable private healthcare is available in Accra, but care is limited elsewhere, and malaria is endemic. Serious cases may require evacuation, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Low

Ghana is diverse, with Christian, Muslim and traditional communities, and is known for its warmth and hospitality. Respect for local customs, chieftaincy traditions and religious practices, and modest dress in the north, are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex activity is criminalised and there has been legislative pressure to strengthen anti-LGBT laws, with conservative social attitudes. LGBT travellers face risk and should exercise discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Low

Ghana is a stable democracy with credible elections and peaceful transfers of power, functioning institutions and good consular access. Governance is robust and the main risks to visitors are not political.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Online fraud and scams are notable, including advance-fee, romance and business fraud, and card fraud occurs. Travellers should guard financial data and be sceptical of unsolicited offers.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Yellow Fever
Required for entry; carry certification.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Recommended; the north lies in the meningitis belt.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: High risk year round. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Road safety: Poor road safety is a leading hazard; use reputable transport.
Food and water hygiene: Practise strict hygiene outside reputable venues.
Remote care: Care is limited outside Accra; hold evacuation cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Ghana is available on a specialist basis, with the far northern border area addressed on referral. Accra, the coast and the main tourist areas are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and evacuation.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Routine checkpoints operate; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. The far north near Burkina Faso warrants caution. Do not photograph military, security or government sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. Some risk exists in the far north near the border. Romance, business and gold scams target foreigners. Some opportunistic crime occurs at night.

High-Risk Travellers

Far-north travellers face a spillover watch. Those targeted by fraud face financial scams. Night urban travellers face opportunistic crime. Remote travellers face limited care.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Ghana is low risk; standard precautions suffice. Watch the border area near Burkina Faso. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Be sceptical of unsolicited business and romance offers.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against advance-fee, romance and business fraud. Guard cards and financial data. Consider a local eSIM. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Use reputable transport and take care on the roads. Approach the northern border with care. Use reputable tour operators. Avoid demonstrations.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Respect customs, chieftaincy and religion. Be aware of strict anti-LGBT laws. Keep valuables out of sight.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.