Ghana

Kidnapping

Criminals increasingly target Westerners, especially women, for violent crime. This includes kidnapping.

In June 2019, two foreigners were kidnapped in Kumasi.

To protect yourself from kidnapping:

• be particularly alert at night
• vary travel routes and times, particularly your usual running and walking routes

Theft

Travellers are a target for:

• mugging
• bag snatching
• petty theft
• pickpocketing

Your risk increases if you’re a woman travelling alone. Take particular care in and around Accra.

Some taxi passengers have been robbed by drivers.

In April 2019, a foreigner was robbed at gunpoint while using a rideshare service (Uber) in Accra.

Power outages may occur after dark. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.

Criminals may also target you in:

• house invasions
• armed robbery (including in a taxi)
• other violent crimes

Officials or people posing as officials may try to detain foreigners or extort money from them, including at the airport. 

Legitimate airport staff wear a current ID card with their name and photograph.

To protect yourself from crime:

• only use registered taxis or limousines, arrange these through your hotel.
• don’t use rideshares, taxis hailed on the street or other public transport
• don’t walk alone, particularly in the evening and at night
• avoid travelling alone, especially if you’re a woman
• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• be alert when approaching traffic lights
• lock your accommodation, including when you’re in it

Scams and fraud

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and employment opportunities. These scams often originate in West African countries.

If you travel to West Africa as a scam victim, you’re at risk of:

This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as looking for compensation or revenge.

Common fraud schemes fall into two main categories — commercial and relationship scams.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of ‘safe’ bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may: 

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites, chat rooms or social media. Once they have formed a connection, they may:

• ask you to send money so they can come to Australia
• ask you to come to Africa to meet them

Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends. If you travel to Africa to meet the criminals, you may be in danger.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don’t know
• don’t send money to anyone until you’ve thoroughly checked them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don’t travel to Ghana to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government