CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Ghana

1. RECENT UPDATES

The information on H1N1 has been moved to Section 7.

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Ghana

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Ghana and maintain a high level of security awareness at all times.

Regional ethnic tensions remain a concern in northern Ghana. Canadians should evaluate their need to travel to these areas given previous outbreaks of violence, which caused deaths and injuries in many areas, including in or near Tamale, Gushegu, and Bawku. Due to renewed acts of violence, curfews are in effect in Bawku (Upper East region) and are subject to regular changes.

Since the beginning of the rainy season, heavy rains have caused flooding in parts of Ghana, particularly in the greater Accra and Kpong regions. Infrastructure and transportation routes have been damaged and deaths have been reported. Canadians should monitor local weather reports and avoid travelling to lowland and affected areas.

Demonstrations occasionally occur in Accra and other major cities. Travellers are advised to be prudent and avoid large crowds and public gatherings, as some have turned violent in the past. Canadians should monitor local news reports, follow the advice of authorities, and respect any curfews or roadblocks.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Armed robberies and assaults have increased in urban areas, particularly in and around Accra. Tema, Kumasi, the Upper East and West Regions have also been affected by an increase in crime. Criminals appear to be targeting expatriates, and their residences, and foreigners have been victims of theft at gunpoint and knifepoint. Armed attacks have also been reported along the Accra-Tema highway and near the Togolese border. Canadians are advised to remain vigilant at all times.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, and purse snatching, are common in crowded markets and public places, and at beaches and tourist attractions. Travellers should avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money. Valuables and bags should be kept out of sight, particularly at night. Canadians should carry photocopies of their travel documents.

At Kotoka International Airport in Accra, travellers should be wary of unsolicited assistance from uniformed porters or officials at the airport. Airport staff wear identification cards which bear both a name and photograph.

Canadians are advised to exercise caution in Osu, Nima, and affluent residential areas of Accra, as home invasions have occurred.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

General safety information

Travellers should contact local police in the event of an emergency: Emergencies 191 or (233-21) 77-36-95; 77-39-06, or; 78-73-73.  Ambulance 192.  The Emergency number 191, North American equivalent of 911, is Ghana wide.

Ghana is a base for commercial and internet fraud schemes. For tips on recognizing the most common scams, please see Section 12 of the Travel Report for Nigeria.

Periodic shortages of electricity and city water can occur.

Reserves, safaris and the beach

There are inherent risks associated with viewing wildlife (both marine and on land), particularly on foot or at close range. Travellers should always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife and avoid exiting vehicles unless it is deemed safe to do by professional guides and wardens. Visitors should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice.

Isolated picnic areas and beaches are not recommended. Coastal waters have unpredictable wave and tide patterns and can be dangerous. Travellers should follow the advice and warnings of local authorities.

Due to power shortages, power cuts may occur periodically in Accra until the end of April 2010.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ghanaian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Ghana and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Ghana. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Ghana - ACCRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 42 Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1639, Accra, Ghana,
Tel.: 233 (21) 21 15 21 or 22 85 55
Fax: 233 (21) 21 15 23 or 77 37 92
E-Mail: accra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.ghana.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Accra and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers use personal protective measures against mosquito bites to prevent getting dengue fever. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue. People experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are inadequate outside urban areas. Emergency medical attention and serious illnesses require medical evacuation. Medical services usually require immediate cash payment. Travellers should carry sufficient supplies of prescription medication and ensure they have adequate health care travel insurance prior to departure.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including measles, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis) are prevalent in Ghana. The risk of cholera outbreaks is particularly high during the rainy season (see Section 10). Travellers are advised to use good personal hygiene practices and take all necessary precautions; boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Canadians should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

In Ghana, malaria is endemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reminds travellers that anti-malarial medication and the use of personal protective measures against mosquito bites are recommended to prevent getting malaria.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality

Although Ghana recognizes dual nationality, dual nationals are considered Ghanaian citizens and are subject to Ghanaian laws without regard to the other nationality.

Dress and behaviour

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behavior. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Restricted or illegal activities

Gold, diamonds, and other precious natural resources are subject to strict import and export regulations. Only agents licensed by the Precious Metals and Mining Commission are authorized to handle import-export transactions of these natural resources. Canadians who commit offences could be prosecuted and penalties include imprisonment.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Homosexual activity is illegal and same-sex marriages are not recognized.

It is illegal to wear military-style or camouflage clothing. Photography of sensitive installations, including military sites, government buildings, bridges and Accra's international airport, is prohibited. Permission should be sought before photographing official buildings and individuals.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road conditions are generally good in cities, but poor in rural areas. Inadequate lighting, pedestrians and roaming livestock pose risks. Traffic accidents are common on the road from Accra to Cape Coast and Kumasi. Travel outside urban areas should be restricted to daylight hours. In the event of an accident, travellers should stay in their car and contact help with a mobile phone or proceed to the nearest police station and contact the High Commission in Accra (see section 5 above) if necessary.

Police roadblocks are routine. At checkpoints, vehicles and passengers may be subject to inspections and armed security forces may demand money (directly or indirectly). Canadians should always carry copies of identification documents (such as passport and valid visa) and their International Driving Permit (see below). Foreign-registered vehicles may not circulate in Ghana between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles may be seized for the night and fines imposed for non-compliance. Furthermore, as border closures are frequent, Canadians contemplating overland travel out of Ghana should seek the advice of the High Commission of Canada in Accra prior to departure.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Buses are unreliable and inconvenient. Car rentals are available, but expensive. Taxis are also available, but taxi fares should be agreed before departure. Domestic air travel may be subject to disruptions.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

---

Currency

Ghana's currency was re-denominated in 2007. The new Ghanaian currency, the Ghana cedi (GHS), has progressively replaced the old cedi and, since January 2008, the old cedi can only be converted at commercial banks or the Bank of Ghana. For more information on the cedi re-denomination, please consult www.ghanacedi.gov.gh. 

The import of cedis is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currencies provided that they are declared upon arrival and exchanged for local currency only through banks and foreign exchange bureaus. An Exchange Control Form T-5 may be given to visitors on arrival; if not, travellers may request it. Foreign currency and all transactions made while in the country must be recorded on this form. This form should be safely stored; its loss can result in problems. Unused cedis must be spent or reconverted into foreign currency prior to departure. The T-5 declaration form must show that the monies were obtained while in Ghana from an authorized dealer in foreign exchange. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal.

Frauds

Credit card fraud in Ghana is on the increase and is now a considerable problem. Although a relatively small number of establishments in Ghana accept credit cards, their use should be very limited and avoided whenever possible.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy seasons extend from May to July and September to October.

During the hot and dry season, temperatures can reach up to 38 degrees Celcius. However, sporadic and heavy rains may still occur. Travellers should keep informed and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP