Your Safety is Priority One
Emergency & Safety
Ghana is generally safe. But knowing the rules, the numbers, and what to do in an emergency can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious crisis. Read this page carefully. Save these numbers.
Health Warnings for New Arrivals
π¦ Malaria β High Risk
Begin antimalarial prophylaxis BEFORE arriving. Use insect repellent, sleep under a net. Take medication consistently throughout your stay. (CDC Ghana Advisory)
π Yellow Fever β Mandatory
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Ghana. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination. You may be denied entry without it.
π§ Water Safety
Do NOT drink tap water. Bottled water only. Avoid fresh unchlorinated water (risk of schistosomiasis). Do not swim in rivers or lakes.
π Animal Bites β Rabies Risk
Avoid contact with stray animals. If bitten, go to hospital immediately. Do not ignore bites. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination before travel.
Hospitals in Accra
Do's & Don'ts in Ghana
β Do's
- βAlways carry your passport and permit when going out
- βUse registered taxis and ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber)
- βGreet with the right hand; use right hand for eating and payments
- βShow respect to elders β greet them first in any gathering
- βDrink only bottled or filtered water
- βKeep a low profile with jewellery and cash in public
- βKeep emergency numbers saved before you need them
βDon'ts
- βDon't walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- βDon't show large amounts of cash or expensive phones in markets
- βDon't engage in small-scale / artisanal mining β it is illegal for foreigners
- βDon't sign property documents without a lawyer's review
- βDon't ignore overstaying your visa β act before expiry
- βDon't pay unofficial "fees" to police or officials
- βDon't use tap water for drinking or teeth brushing
- βDon't enter restricted / protected areas without official permits