Ghana is the Black Star of Africa, some people say it’s the country, to begin with when traveling to Africa for the first time. The question of safety is important, especially when you are traveling on your own.
I would rate Ghana the overall risk in Ghana as low but it is always good to prepare and inform yourself before traveling.
Transport
Taxis are a popular use of transport in Ghana, many people use Uber and local taxis to get from A to B. I would always highly suggest making use of Uber and Loft over local taxis since they are registered cars and are supervised by GPS. There have been some incidences with drivers being pushy or trying to rob their customers even if it has not happened to me before. I always suggest you sit behind the passenger seat and make sure the doors are not locked before entering the vehicle.
Double-check the number plate to make sure it is the right car you are getting in.
If you feel comfortable driving on your own be ready for an interesting ride – for real. The streets can be quite bumpy at times and not everyone drives according to the rules and regulations you are probably used to back home.
I suggest if you are a confident driver you start off by driving on Sundays first to make sure you are comfortable. From there you can ease into hitting the road during busier traffic times.
Pickpockets
I would say that pickpocketing is one of the most prominent crimes committed in Ghana. The worst places to have your valuables out are any crowded places where you are surrounded by many people.
Beaches, clubs, and market places are prominent for falling victim to pickpockets. Keeping your bags close to you and zipped up is definitely a must. I suggest taking out items such as big cameras, flashy phones, wallets, and other valuable items that can easily be snatched off your hands.
Another tip I would give at this point is rolling up your windows as you’re driving around in your car or Uber (especially when you are stuck in traffic). Motorbikes can easily reach into your window and grab your phone or other valuables – no chance to even speed after them.
Flooding
Especially during the rainy season, there are high risks for flooding. It has a great impact on people’s livelihood and tends to destroy many homes in urban areas with poor infrastructure.
However, I have also experienced the aftermath of intense flooding in Accra, the Capital of Ghana. I suggest making your way back home quickly as soon as you are informed about heavy rainfall coming soon.
It happens that the intense rainfall floods rivers and blocks roads, making it harder for you to get home.
Being in the safety of your home you can just wait for the rainfall to stop and sit it out.
Solo travel
Ghana is named one of West Africa’s safest countries to travel to, which makes it an ideal place to go as a solo traveler as well. The environment is considered very friendly and welcoming, Ghanaians are always willing to help or assist when needed.
Now when traveling to an unknown place and navigating through the country there is a certain level of awareness you should always have.
I suggest not taking any risks by walking home alone and not telling people where exactly you live.
Walking with confidence and not letting people know that you are unsure about where you are going is only recommendable.
Ghanaians tend to be very friendly and assist you in getting around but you also don’t want to attract the wrong people to help you out.
Especially as a woman I can only recommend you try not to attract too much attention by flashy outfits and not take any unnecessary risks. Ghanaian men tend to be a bit pushy at times and not shy away when being rejected multiple times.
This can come from locals, taxi drivers, or even police officers. Simply decline any advances respectfully and keep it cool.
Cheers!
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