Ghana – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Advisory Issued July 7, 2026

There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indicator was added. The “unrest” indicator was removed from the area of increased risk. Advisory summary was updated. 

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Ghana due to crime, poor health infrastructure, violence against women, and violence against lesbian and gay travelers. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to the northern border in the Upper East Region, the Northeast Region, the Upper West Region, and areas west of the N12 highway in the Savannah Region due to crime.

Advisory Summary   

Crime

Violent crime, such as carjacking, street mugging, assault, and rape occurs in Ghana. These crimes often happen at night and in remote locations. Criminal groups may use blockades to slow down or stop vehicles. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or driving at night. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Crimes of opportunity, including petty theft, are a serious problem in Ghana. Thieves often target people who seem wealthy or vulnerable. These crimes usually happen at night and in remote places. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking by yourself.

Sexual assault, such as rape, is significantly underreported in Ghana. Domestic violence is a crime in Ghana, but police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence. Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in Ghana. However, both remain a serious problem for girls younger than 18 in some regions.

Poor health infrastructure

Medical infrastructure is limited in Ghana. There are limited emergency medical services outside of Accra. Serious medical emergencies in Ghana require medical evacuation. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.

Violence involving Sexual Orientation

Ghanaian law makes it illegal for people of the same sex to have sexual relationships. This law is mostly enforced against men.

Punishments can include fines or incarceration for up to 3 years. In recent years, there has been more criticism of, and violence against, people because of their sexual orientation. There are also reports of practices pressuring gay and lesbian people to “recant” their identities.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

Northern border in the Upper East Region, the Northeast Region, the Upper West Region

Reconsider travel due to crime. Many violent crimes occur in these areas, including highway robbery, carjacking, assault, and rape. These areas also have limited police presence. Travelers in these areas cannot easily receive help from local police.

Terrorist groups have conducted attacks throughout Burkina Faso, including in areas close to the border with Ghana. Review the Burkina Faso Travel Advisory for more information.

U.S. government employees working in Ghana require special authorization to travel to these areas. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to the safety risks. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Areas West of the N12 Highway in the Savannah Region

Reconsider travel due to crime. Many violent crimes occur in this area. Crimes include highway robbery, carjacking, assault, and rape. This area also has limited police presence. Travelers cannot easily receive help from local police.

U.S. government employees working in Ghana require special authorization to travel to this area. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area due to the safety risks. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Ghana:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.   
• Review the Country Security Report for Ghana. 
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Ghana.  
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist. 
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. 
• Review our information on Women Travelers and on Gay and Lesbian Travelers.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Stay alert in tourist spots.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. 

Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/ghana-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: July 7, 2026