Is Accra Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Accra, generally provides safety for solo female travelers. The locals are often friendly and willing to help. Nightlife is active but one should always stay vigilant for pickpockets and scams. Public transportation is commonly used and reliable. Like in any city, it's important to take necessary precautions and avoid isolated areas. Ensure you have local contacts and keep your belongings secure at all times, especially in crowded places. Always trust your instinct.

Safety rating

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How safe is Accra?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Accra is generally considered a safe city, especially in relation to other West African capitals. However, like any other urban area worldwide, it does have bad spots and crime. Women traveling alone can feel relatively secure, particularly in well-populated areas, but it's not recommended to walk alone at late hours. Make sure to take reliable taxis if moving around at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember to always use your judgement and exercise caution, particularly during the night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Ghana's capital city, Accra, provides a variety of public transportation options; however, they present a relatively varying degree of safety. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are generally reliable and safer for solo female travelers, but the minibuses called 'tro-tros' may not offer comfort and, at times, can be overcrowded. Also, be aware of potential pickpockets in crowded buses. Remember, your safety is in your hands, so use common sense and maintain vigilance.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

As a solo female traveler in Accra, experiences with street harassment can vary. However, the majority of locals are friendly and respectful towards female visitors. Attention from locals, usually in the form of curious stares, calls or mild catcalling, can be expected especially in busy markets or touristy areas. It's very important to assert yourself and communicate boundary concerns clearly in such situations. While it's generally safe, it's always wise to avoid deserted places and to not stay out too late at night outside safe zones.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Petty crimes like pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are relatively common, especially in crowded areas. However, this can be often mitigated by taking precautions like not flashing expensive belongings, keeping your belongings safely stashed away and being aware of your surroundings.

Is Accra worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 4 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.7/5

Safety

3.3/5

Food

3.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
Mary

Mary

Nigeria

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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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

Sarah

United Kingdom

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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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 Accra safe for women?

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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Meet locals in Accra

Akosua

Akosua

About Me

Hi! I’m Akosua, 23. Medical student from Ghana

Speaking

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Rosemary

Rosemary

About Me

Hello, I'm Rosemary! I'm a Ghanaian Customer Service Trainer, and a professional makeup artist (part-time). I love traveling to see new places and make new friends while learning through each journey. I love to laugh but am shy sometimes, I also love nature, food, languages, walking, music, and a million other things. I'm available to meet up when you visit my country.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Accra

Rosemary

Rosemary

Accra

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hello, I'm Rosemary! I'm a Ghanaian Customer Service Trainer, and a professional makeup artist (part-time). I love traveling to see new places and make new friends while learning through each journey. I love to laugh but am shy sometimes, I also love nature, food, languages, walking, music, and a million other things. I'm available to meet up when you visit my country.

Speaking

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Gizel

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.

Speaking

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Safety in Ghana