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

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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Unsafe

Drinking tap water in Ghana poses health risks due to inconsistent water treatment processes. It is advisable to consume bottled water or treated water, and also use them for brushing your teeth. Drinking beverages made with boiled water and eating cooked food should generally be safe. Always ensure the seal is intact when buying bottled water to avoid contaminated refills.

Is Ghana safe to travel?

Solo travel experience

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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Is Ghana safe for women?

Is Ghana safe right now?

Before your visit to Ghana, it's essential to check travel advisories for Ghana, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States Government advises exercising increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community. Certain areas pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: November 20, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Ghana due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 25, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Ghana overall, due to the threat of crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 4, 2024

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2 days

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Safety in Ghana