‘Akwaaba’ to Ghana, where exclusive cultural diversity, and many cultural customs, abound. Ghana is known for peaceful coexistence, with about seven major ethnic groupings of over seventy tribes.
With her stable democracy, friendly people, and a low 2022 Accra crime index of 46.08, Ghana is a safe destination for travel lovers if they follow the rules beneath.
To compare, according to Numbeo Mid-Year Crime Index 2022, Nairobi, Kenya which is also a well-traveled destination, has a crime rate of 59.03. Cape Town in South Africa with popular tourist attractions has a city crime rate of 73.13. Paris in France, with similar tourism attributes, has a crime rate of 56.02.
However, in Ghana, visitors are advised to heed the following safety tips:
1) Do not change money in the streets. You may get suitable rates there in the black market but do so at your own risk. Counterfeits and double-dealing are normal on the streets of the capital Accra.
2) Be careful of valuables and do not leave these in the vehicle. Pay special attention to passports. Keep your eye on your belongings and be vigilant when taxi drivers hustle and bustle for passengers at the Kotaka International Airport.
3) Do not photograph local people without consent. In one village, scuffles broke out. Through that, the local old man harassed and forced the tourist to delete a picture snapped without permission. It’s a dicey situation because some Ghanaians will happily call for photographs. You just have to know who to set your cameras on.
4) Always bargain in souvenir shops or markets. Do not feel shy. Prices are usually exaggerated for unsuspecting tourists. During your trip, feel free to bring your tour guide along to experience a thrilling souvenir shopping that will link you with memories devoid of dupery.
5) Avoid walking at night alone, especially along poorly lit areas or secluded streets. Bring your flashlight in case darkness envelops you.
6) If using a taxi, verify if it is a registered taxi. Enquire about the driver’s name and ensure you quickly share the driver’s name and car registration number with one or two trusted family or friends. For MTN users, here’s the very active emergency number for the Ghana police: 18555.
7) Lock your door and keep your keys with you and out of sight.
8) Culturally, LBTQ+ is unacceptable just as kissing in public is traditionally frowned upon. Even though there are few LBTQ+ communities in Ghana, the legalities are still debated by the legislature.
Enjoy your stay in Ghana.