Is Ghana Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ghana is generally considered one of the safest countries in West Africa. While it is mostly safe and locals are known for being extraordinarily friendly and helpful, as with any destination, it is important to stay vigilant. It is advised not to be out alone late at night and avoid carrying a lot of cash or expensive items. Use official transport services only. As a woman, going out alone is generally safe during the day, although usual precautions should be followed. Most Ghanaians are respectful towards women, however, it's important to dress modestly in order to respect local customs and traditions.

Safety rating

3.6 /5

Based on 9 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

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How safe is Ghana?

Safety at night:Moderate

Ghana generally practice a good safety standard, especially in larger cities and heavily populated areas. However, like anywhere, nighttime precautions should be taken. It is not recommended to walk alone at night, especially in isolated areas. Using a trusted taxi service for night-time commute is a much safer alternative. Local people are usually helpful and respectful, but news of petty thefts at night are not unheard of. Therefore, constantly staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is crucial.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Ghana is generally reliable and consists of taxis, buses, and minibuses known as 'trotros'. While many locals use these methods of transport daily, it is necessary to be cautious, particularly on 'trotros', as they can sometimes be in poor condition or overly crowded. Taxis are somewhat safer, but it is always recommended to agree on a fare before the journey as meters are rarely used. Also, although not overly prevalent, petty crimes such as theft can occur in crowded places. Overall, it's relatively safe for a savvy traveler who takes usual precautions.

Street harassment:Low

Ghana is generally a very welcoming and safe African country. The locals are often honest and incredibly hospitable. However, as a solo female traveler, you may occasionally encounter unsolicited attention in public places. This usually happens in major cities like Accra and Kumasi, and is rare in rural areas. Street harassment usually comes in the form of verbal comments but they rarely escalate beyond that. Yet, maintaining situational awareness is always advisable.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Ghana generally presents a safe environment for solo female travelers. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and minor scams are common, especially in busy urban areas and crowded markets. It is always important to keep an eye on personal belongings, avoid flashing expensive items, and be skeptical of strangers offering unsolicited assistance.

Is Ghana worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.3/5

Safety

3.6/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Kumasi, Family travel

Kumasi was one of the safest cities I visited. Having spent all of my life in Accra, I expected it to be different but it really wasn’t . People are so nice. Crime is low. Food is super affordable. Would recommend!

Posted: October 11, 2024

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Ghana, Group travel

Ghana was fun to be in. The people were welcoming and fun. The food was amazing and really edible even with the chilli 😂😂. It was cheap to stay in and it gave a variety of clothing pieces if anyone wanted them which was mostly in the market

Posted: August 26, 2024Experienced: July, 2023

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Mary

Nigeria

Accra, Solo travel

Accra is generally a very safe place to visit but it's not budget friendly. I won't recommend traveling with family on a budget. Personally, the food was not so great but I really did enjoyed the palm nut soup. Accommodation is super expensive If you must visit the beach, there's an entrance fee of 20 Cedis. If you must enjoy Accra, please go with enough money.

Posted: June 11, 2024

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Ghana, Solo travel

I did my internship in a small town in Ghana and traveled in the country for a few weeks. I almost never felt unsafe, even when walking alone at night. Don't challenge dangerous situations (like everywhere) and you'll be totally fine

Posted: May 21, 2024Experienced: January, 2021

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Shelly

Ghana

Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, Solo travel

People in Tamale are so friendly and welcoming! If you hear "salaminga", it's just children excited to see a "white person". There isn't a lot in terms of traditional tourism, but budget meals (for 10 cedi/less than $1 USD) abound.

Posted: April 11, 2024Experienced: January, 2023

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Accra, Group travel

Accra is a beautiful city with very nice and friendly people . The only thing that I do not recommend is visiting it at that time of the year ( March ) , since it tends to be very hot and humid to the point that it can be unbearable without an AC. The food was okay for the most but the fruits were so juicy and sweet . The only place where we felt a little bit unsafe and uncomfortable was the local market ( Makola market ) , the sellers were honest and nice , however some men made us feel uncomfortable. I guess taking a local guide or person with you would be the best option if you intend to go into such local places .

Posted: December 25, 2023Experienced: February, 2023

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Sarah

United Kingdom

Accra, Group travel

Had the most fun time during the Christmas to new years time period in Accra, Ghana. It’s a very popular destination especially during this time with so many events going on in the day and the night. The 38 degree weather that’s consistent is also amazing. It’s also very safe with armed police stationed throughout the city. 110% would recommend visiting the main beach club.

Posted: March 31, 2023

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Ghana, Solo travel

I live in Ghana and have traveled across the entire country, mostly on my own. It's really easy thanks to public transport, sightseeing is not crowded, it is not very touristic, it is safe (don't do things you wouldn't do at home and ALWAYS listen to the people who live here and follow THEIR ADVICE), it can be very cheap or expensive if you want, most people speak English, there are a lot of different things to do (beaches, mountains, wildlife, lakes, waterfalls, savannah, music, culture, history). It's easy to meet people and gain good experiences here.

Posted: November 19, 2022

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Accra, Couple travel

The best food in Accra is located in an alleyway behind ShopRite in Osu (it sounds suspicious, but it really isn't!). It's literally a tent in an alley, where food from the Ivory Coast is served - it really is THE BEST! Open after 6/6:30 every evening. Order the chicken, avocado salad (if it's in season) and akeyke (similar to couscous). Nearby is the Republic Bar & Grill and Duncan's Pub, which were some of our favorite places for a drink (very casual, and Republic offers karaoke some nights). As for places to stay, there are hotels in the Osu/Cantonments areas, but I would recommend the Somewhere Nice hostel. Great staff, excellent breakfast and accommodations. They have both private and shared rooms. As for things to do, you should plan a visit to Osu Castle (or travel to Cape Coast if you have time to visit Cape Coast Castle). Both places offer a really sobering look at the slave trade in Ghana. If you're going to Cape Coast, I recommend staying at Oasis Beach Resort (although you could make Cape Coast a day trip if you're up for it - it's maybe 2 hours from Accra if traffic is light). If you're looking for more thrilling types of things, I would recommend a trip to the Volta region for a hike to the Wli waterfall or to visit Lake Volta.

Posted: November 6, 2022

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Is Ghana safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Accra

People in Accra are generally very nice and very helpful especially to foreign travelers. Crime rate isn’t very high in major areas in Accra such as Cantonments, Airport Hills and East Legon, but overcrowded areas such as Korle Gonno can generally be avoided because of issues like petty theft and pick pocketing. Not too much violence in Accra either

Posted: October 11, 2024

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Alaine

Tamale

Tamale is primarily a conservative, Muslim society. Foreign women stick out, and harassment is common. Generally staying in well lit places and in groups is recommended. It's mostly safe but there is strong anti-LGBT sentiment, and if you go out at night always go with people you trust.

Posted: August 29, 2024

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Meet locals in Ghana

Rosemary

About Me

Hey there! I’m Rosemary! I work as a Financial Consultant and I’m also a part-time makeup artist. Traveling is one of my biggest passions—I adore exploring new places, making friends, and learning something new from every adventure. I love to laugh (even if I can be a bit shy sometimes), and I have a soft spot for nature, delicious food, languages, walking, music, and so much more! If you ever find yourself visiting my country, I’d love to meet up and show you around!

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Gizel

About Me

A loyal universe being . I vibe with energies and just not a friend chaser . I love to play with Affirmations and just like my Fire sign on my birth chart , I am wild but humbled.

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Stay with locals in Ghana

Gizel

Accra

Can host for:

2 days

About me

A loyal universe being . I vibe with energies and just not a friend chaser . I love to play with Affirmations and just like my Fire sign on my birth chart , I am wild but humbled.