Ghana

Ghanahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/ghanaGhanahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/western-africa/ghana/ghana-diseaseMost travelers have an illness free trip to Ghana, but there are a few diseases and health concerns to be aware of. Here are our tips to stay healthy while on the road.2018-11-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/ghana/ghana-diseasehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#vaccination">Vaccinations for Ghana</a></li> <li><a href="#medical">Medical Treatment in Ghana</a></li> <li><a href="#mosquito">Mosquito-Borne Diseases</a></li> <li><a href="#meningitis">Meningitis</a></li> <li><a href="#hiv">HIV/AIDS</a></li> <li><a href="#water">Can I Drink Tap Water in Ghana?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vaccination">Vaccinations for Ghana</h2> <p>The yellow fever vaccination is mandatory before traveling to Ghana and check that your routine shots are up to date. The following are recommended before you travel:</p> <ul> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Hepatitis A</li> </ul> <h2 id="medical">Medical treatment in Ghana</h2> <p>Medical treatment varies throughout Ghana, with most services operating in the capital, Accra and other major towns. The further you get from urban areas, medical services are limited to health posts or nothing at all. Emergency medical treatment is very limited so make sure your travel insurance policy has extensive medical cover including medical evacuation.<br /><br />Bring a travel first aid kit with you and also any medications you may need for the whole trip along with a doctor's letter outlining their use, dosage etc. The medications in Ghana may not be of the same dosage, quality or even counterfeit. </p> <h2 id="mosquito">Mosquito-borne diseases</h2> <p>Like a lot of African countries, Ghana has its share of mosquitos. Aside from vaccination, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">covering up</a> is vital to avoid being bitten. Apply a strong insect repellent and wear light long-sleeved clothing.</p> <p>Mosquito nets are cheap, so buy one or two. Nothing worse than being bitten alive while you sleep. If you do at any point, start to feel unwell it's important to seek medical treatment immediately as several mosquito borne diseases share similar symptoms. </p> <h3>Yellow fever</h3> <p>Ghana is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry into Ghana.</p> <p>Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.</p> <p>If you have visited Ghana in the last six days prior to your date of return to your home country, customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate on entry.</p> <p>Yellow Fever jabs are vital before entering West Africa, so organize to get your vaccination several weeks prior to departure.</p> <h3>Dengue fever</h3> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/what-you-need-to-know-about-dengue-fever">Dengue Fever</a> is present in Ghana and with no vaccination available, travelers need to take precautions to avoid being bitten. </p> <h3>Malaria</h3> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/malaria">Malaria</a> is common in West African countries, including Ghana.</p> <p>Consider having vaccinations before traveling, and taking prophylaxis against malaria.</p> <p>See your doctor before you travel, they will prescribe the best malaria medication for the location you are traveling to.</p> <h3>Lymphatic filariasis</h3> <p>Also known as Elephantiasis, this mosquito borne parasitic disease is prevalent in Ghana. Once bitten, the parasitic worm enters your lymphatic system where it matures over a year and then remains in your body for up to six years. Severe swelling can occur in the legs, arms, genitals and chest areas (hence its other name, Elephantiasis). There is no vaccination available so you will need to take <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/mosquitoes-and-bite-prevention">steps</a> to avoid being bitten.</p> <h3>Zika virus</h3> <p>Zika has been reported in Ghana and with no vaccination available, bite prevention is your only option.</p> <h2 id="meningitis">Meningitis</h2> <p>There is a high risk of <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-and-meningitis">meningitis</a> in the north of Ghana (near the border with Burkina Faso) which is a part of the Meningitis belt of Africa.</p> <p>The "Meningitis Belt" is an area that stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, with an estimated total population of ~300 million people.</p> <p>A vaccine is available for Meningitis types A, C, Y and W135.</p> <p>While the risk to travelers is generally low, vaccination is recommended for travel to the "meningitis belt" during the dry season, for travel to locations with an active epidemic, or for prolonged travel when contact with the local population in endemic areas is expected.</p> <h2 id="hiv">HIV/AIDS</h2> <p>Although the AIDS/HIV rate is lower than in other sub-Saharan African countries, the Ghana AIDS Commission reported an increase of ~80% of new infection cases in 2017 despite efforts by the Ghanaian government to reduce the infection rate. So always practice safe sex by using protection.</p> <h2 id="water">Can I drink tap water in Ghana?</h2> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travelers-diarrhoea-health-tips">Traveler's diarrhea</a> can strike any traveler so it's important to take precautions with food and water. Observing good personal hygiene is also vital to staving off spending time stuck on the toilet.</p> <p>Unfortunately, drinking the local tap water in Ghana is a no-go unless it's been boiled or treated. Avoid ice cubes in drinks and salads as you don't know what water source may have been used.</p> <p>Check out our article on <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-health-and-hygiene">avoiding sickness</a> while on the road for more information</p>GettyImages/Jacek Sopotnicki 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/western-africa/ghana/ghana-crimeOur safety expert shares his tips on safety in Ghana, from crime and airport scams to local laws and safety for women.2020-09-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/ghana/ghana-crimehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Ghana is a West African gem. It's a relatively stable, low crime country in a region not known for peace and <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest" target="_blank" title="Staying Safe During Civil Unrest: 5 Essential Tips">stability</a>. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe while traveling in Ghana.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime">Crime in Ghana</a></li> <li><a href="#drugs">Drugs</a></li> <li><a href="#airport">Airport scams</a></li> <li><a href="#diamond">Diamond scams</a></li> <li><a href="#legal">Local laws and customs in Ghana</a></li> <li><a href="#women">Is Ghana safe for women travelers?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">How bad is crime in Ghana?</h2> <p>The capital Accra, like any major city, will have some level of crime. Travelers, particularly women on their own, can be the target of opportunistic crimes such as muggings, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/9-tips-for-keeping-your-luggage-safe" title="Keep your luggage safe">bag snatching</a>, petty theft and pickpocketing; which commonly occur in markets, at tourist attractions, beaches and spots where expats like to gather.</p> <p>Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings particularly in crowded areas. Don't take any more than you need for the day. There have been occasional reports of cell phone snatching incidents in the streets, take care where you use your phone and don't wander around with it out all the time.</p> <p>Caution should also be taken at public beaches around Ghana. Theft is the main problem, but there have been isolated incidents of foreign women receiving unwanted attention and sexual assaults.</p> <p>If you plan to head out at night, always get a taxi to and from bars or restaurants at night.</p> <p>Armed robberies and other violent crimes, including rape and house invasions have increased minimally, however, violence against foreign nationals is low compared to other African countries.</p> <p>Credt card fraud is an increasing problem in Ghana. Never let your card out of sight and avoid withdrawing money from ATMs on the street or at night. </p> <h2 id="drugs">Drugs</h2> <p>Drugs have become a growing problem in Ghana as the country is a transit point for several illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The local Ghanaian authorities are determined to tackle and control the problem, with severe penalties for drug related offences such as smuggling, trafficking and use.</p> <p>Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can lead to a prison sentence in excess of 5 years, usually after a lengthy and expensive legal process.</p> <p>Class A drugs such as cocaine are likely to be laced with other substances - there have been several reports of travelers dying after taking these drugs.</p> <h2 id="airport">Airport scams</h2> <p>Thefts by individuals posing as airport staff frequently occur at Kotoka International Airport in the capital, Accra.</p> <p>Always remember, legitimate airport staff wear a current identification card that bears their name and photograph. Cards without photographs are not valid. There have also been reports of fake cops demanding money from travelers.</p> <p>Travelers who are meeting a hire car at the airport should confirm the identity of their driver, either by requesting proper identification, verifying that the driver is an official from an organization or a hotel. This is due to increasing incidences of fake drivers who approach travelers before the main arrivals area claiming to be the traveler's driver or contact.</p> <p>The fake driver will have obtained the traveler's name from the board displayed by the official driver in the arrivals area outside the airport. They will then attempt to extort money from the traveler once the traveler is in their vehicle.</p> <h2 id="diamond">Diamond scams</h2> <p>West Africa is often associated with the diamond trade, with many of the world's best gems coming out of the region.</p> <p>As a traveler to Ghana, you may be approached by touts on the street, hoping to sell diamonds to you. Usually, these good deals are too good to be true. Despite Ghana having a legitimate diamond trade, many blood diamonds (mined with slave or child labor from conflict zones) still make their way into the legal markets. Avoid buying diamonds while traveling in the country.</p> <h2 id="legal">Local laws and customs in Ghana</h2> <h3>LGBTQ+ safety in Ghana</h3> <p><span>There is little tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community people in Ghana and many Ghanaians don’t accept that such relationships exist. Some same-sex sexual acts are covered by a criminal code that could lead to a prison sentence between 3 and 25 years. In May 2021, there were arrests at a gathering of the <span>LGBTQ+</span> community.</span></p> <p>It's strongly advised that<span>LGBTQ+ </span>travelers remain discreet and avoid public displays of affection.</p> <h3>Photography</h3> <p>Photography near sensitive sites such as military installations or the airport is strictly prohibited. Such sites may not be clearly marked and the application of restrictions is open to interpretation.</p> <p>Photographers should ask permission if they want to take a photograph of a building where there are guards on duty outside.</p> <p>Permission should also be sought from people if you wish to take their photograph (a small tip or "dash" may be required). But beware of self-appointed officials trying to charge fees for tourists to take pictures of well-known sites of interest.</p> <h3>What to wear</h3> <p>Wearing military-style or camouflage clothing is prohibited. This is not a unique rule and one that is found in several African countries. With many rebel and terrorist groups operating in the region, the last thing you want to do is be linked to something criminal.</p> <h2 id="women">Is Ghana safe for women travelers?</h2> <p>For the most part, Ghana is a safe country for women travelers. However opportunistic thieves may target lone women travelers so keep your belongings secure and be aware of our surroundings.</p> <p>Ghana is a Christian country, where the locals observe conservative standards of dress and behavior. Women travelers are advised to wear respectful, conservative clothing such as long-sleeved pants and tops plus long skirts. Dressing conservatively can also reduce unwanted attention from local Ghanaian men however if you are approached or spoken to, be polite but firm in your reply.</p> <p>Try to travel during the day and if you need to travel at night, take a taxi but be sure to negotiate the rate before you hop in.</p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p>Pixabay/jozua douglas 0 Pixabay

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/western-africa/ghana/getting-around-ghanaTravel through West Africa can be very rewarding, but it can also be one of the toughest places to get from A to B. Here's what travelers need to know.2018-11-14T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/ghana/getting-around-ghanahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#tro">Tro <g class="gr_ gr_155 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="155" data-gr-id="155">tro</g></a></li> <li><a href="#okada">Okada</a></li> <li><a href="#public">Other Public Transport</a></li> <li><a href="#driving">Driving in Ghana</a></li> <li><a href="#road">Road Safety Tips</a></li> <li><a href="#crime">Roadside Crime</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="tro">Tro-tro</h2> <p>Sierra Leone has the <g class="gr_ gr_107 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="107" data-gr-id="107">poda</g> <g class="gr_ gr_108 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="108" data-gr-id="108">poda</g>, Kenya has the <g class="gr_ gr_111 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="111" data-gr-id="111">boda boda</g> and Ghana has the <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="109" data-gr-id="109">tro</g> <g class="gr_ gr_110 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="110" data-gr-id="110">tro</g>.</p> <p>Tro <g class="gr_ gr_103 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="103" data-gr-id="103">tros</g> are typically old, 12-passenger VW vans or minibusses that have been adapted to fit in as many people, possessions, and the odd animal as possible. It can get cozy in there, so try to grab a seat near a window for some fresh air.</p> <p>Similarly to shared taxis, <g class="gr_ gr_218 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="218" data-gr-id="218">tro</g> <g class="gr_ gr_219 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="219" data-gr-id="219">tros</g> will run along fixed routes and have fixed fares, and rarely run with less than capacity, so be prepared to wait.</p> <p>They are inexpensive (cheaper than shared taxis and long-haul buses) and fares should reflect distance traveled. Carry small change with you to pay the driver. They do have a questionable safety record and can break down. But, if you are after an experience, jump aboard as they can be a good way to chat with the locals.</p> <h2 id="okada">Okada</h2> <p>Okadas, Ghana's motorcycle taxis, <g class="gr_ gr_339 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="339" data-gr-id="339">are</g> a quick (but dangerous) way to get through traffic jams in major cities and are a popular transport choice in rural locations. The government has been looking to ban them however there have been calls by locals and members of Ghanaian government to push for better regulation rather than banning them completely. <br /><br />Motorcycle accidents feature prominently in Ghana's road statistics; in the first two months of 2018, there were 620 accidents involving motorcycles. It's probably best to avoid this mode of transport but if you decide to take the <g class="gr_ gr_456 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="456" data-gr-id="456">plunge,</g> before you hop on <g class="gr_ gr_477 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="477" data-gr-id="477">make</g> sure your driver has two helmets; one for you and one for them.</p> <h2 id="public">Other public transport</h2> <h3>Buses</h3> <p>Ghana's national bus service Intercity STC (joint government and private run) runs services between Accra and regional cities in Ghana. It also operates services to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, Lome in Togo, Cotonou in Benin and Abidjan in Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).</p> <p>The buses are air-conditioned, comfortable and have amenities such as charging ports, screens <g class="gr_ gr_167 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="167" data-gr-id="167">and</g> restrooms. Some have microwaves, coffee machines <g class="gr_ gr_168 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="168" data-gr-id="168">and</g> fridges. Book well ahead as some routes get busy, particularly during holidays.</p> <p>Most services leave from the bus terminal in Accra. Make sure your belongings are <g class="gr_ gr_595 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="595" data-gr-id="595">secure,</g> and keep an eye on your valuables as pickpocketing and luggage theft can occur.</p> <h3>Taxi</h3> <p>Taxi is another easy, safe and plentiful option to get around Ghana. Drivers aren't shy about quoting higher prices so if you are traveling long distances, haggle for a good fare before hopping in. Use a taxi if you plan to head out at night rather than walking back to your accommodation, but avoid sharing a taxi. <br /><br />While it might sound crazy, but check your taxi has seat belts. Some aren't roadworthy and can be a risk to your safety. <br />Many accommodations will have set drivers working for them, so if you need to grab a taxi ask at the reception. Don't forget to negotiate on price.</p> <h2 id="driving">Driving in Ghana</h2> <p>Roads throughout Africa aren't in the best condition generally, but Ghana's roads tend to be better.</p> <p>Main roads are generally paved and well maintained, with significant improvements being made between the capital, Accra, and Kumasi. However, some side roads in major cities, and many roads outside of major <g class="gr_ gr_754 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="754" data-gr-id="754">cities,</g> are in poor condition.</p> <p>The road from Accra to the central region tourist area of Cape Coast continues to be the site of many accidents. Usually, it's not the roads that kill, but the drivers making their way around so be vigilant when behind the wheel.</p> <p>The rainy season in Ghana runs from May to October which means roads in the northern parts of the country can get flooded. So it's best to time your trip accordingly in that region, however, if you are traveling during that time, don't drive through floodwaters. While it may not look deep, looks can be deceiving and it doesn't take much for a vehicle to start to float and be swept away.</p> <h2 id="road">Road safety tips</h2> <p>Hitting the road in any country can be daunting if you don't know where you are going. So if you do decide to get amongst it on the roads in Ghana, there are a few things you need to be aware of.</p> <ul> <li>To hire a car and drive in Ghana, you will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) as well as your home license. Road blocks are common throughout Ghana so make sure you are carrying your license, IDP, rental and insurance papers.</li> <li>Traveling at night is extremely hazardous. Aside from poor road conditions, many locations have poor street lighting and unpredictable pedestrians, cyclists and farm animals. Plus, there is the risk of being robbed.</li> <li>Drivers in Ghana can sometimes throw the road rules out the window. Poorly maintained and overloaded vehicles also pose serious threats to road safety.</li> <li>If you are running late, it's best to get some accommodation for the night and leave the driving to daylight hours.</li> <li>In the event your car is in an accident, drive to the nearest police station to sort out the incident.</li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Roadside crime</h2> <p>Roadside robberies can occur in Ghana, in <g class="gr_ gr_181 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="181" data-gr-id="181">particular</g> there have been reports of armed robbers targeting travelers following their arrival at Kotoka airport. An increasingly used tactic is to deliberately cause a minor road traffic accident to make a car stop, and to then rob the occupants. If you are driving in Ghana, always keep a distance between you and the car in front while stopped in traffic.</p> <p>Try to avoid driving at night but if you decide to, you should remain vigilant. Drive with doors locked and windows up.</p>GettyImages/Anthony Pappone 0