Is Ghana a Safe Tourist Destination?

By Anna Duncan

Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. It is known for its culture and friendly people, as well as its beautiful beaches, wildlife and national parks. For these reasons, many tourists visit Ghana every year. But is Ghana a safe tourist destination?

The short answer is yes – Ghana is generally a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate in the country is relatively low compared to other African countries and there are few reports of violent crimes against foreigners. However, there are still some risks associated with travelling in Ghana that travellers should be aware of.

One of the most common risks faced by visitors to Ghana is petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching. Tourists should be particularly vigilant in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions, where opportunistic thieves may try to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Taking sensible precautions such as carrying only small amounts of cash and keeping personal items close at all times can help minimise this risk.

Another potential risk faced by travellers visiting Ghana is road safety. Roads can be dangerous due to inadequate road surfaces, poor lighting and reckless driving habits. Travellers should avoid travelling on unfamiliar roads at night or during periods of heavy rain when visibility can be reduced significantly.

In addition, travellers should also be aware that disease outbreaks can occur in Ghana from time to time. Vaccinations against common diseases such as yellow fever and cholera should be kept up-to-date before travelling and visitors should take precautions against bites from mosquitoes which can carry malaria.

Conclusion

Overall, Ghana is a safe tourist destination for those who take sensible precautions when visiting the country.

While there are some risks associated with travelling in Ghana, these can be largely avoided by taking simple steps such as being vigilant with personal belongings and avoiding travelling on unfamiliar roads at night or during periods of heavy rain. With this in mind, tourists can feel confident about exploring all that this vibrant country has to offer