Ghana

Last updated: 12 June 2012

Current at: 23 May 2013

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, which will cover all overseas medical costs, before travelling to Ghana. You should check any exclusions and that and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Emergency treatment and/or evacuation are very expensive in Ghana.

Irish citizens should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

If participating in extreme adventure sports (white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping etc), you should ensure that these activities are also provided for in your insurance. Travelers should be aware that many of these adventure sports operators are unregulated, and so care should be taken in selecting reputable tour operators.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For entry requirements for Ghana, please contact the nearest Ghanian Embassy or Consulate. The "Emergency Visa" procedure should, where possible, be avoided, especially if proposed by a new local business partner.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Wave and tide patterns are often dangerous, and swimming from beaches can be hazardous. You should only do so after taking local advice on conditions.

Health

Travellers should be aware that there has been a continuing cholera outbreak in five regions of the country (Central, Eastern, Upper West and Northern Ghana and Greater Accra). As of April 2011, there have been 5,308 reported cases and 67 deaths as a result of the outbreak since September 2010. Travellers may wish to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the disease and take precautions. Further information is available from the WHO at http://www.who.int/topics/cholera/en/.

CRIME

Most visits to Ghana are trouble-free. However, there are incidents of crime, particularly in and around Accra and the other main urban areas. You should avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables and be very wary when drawing cash from any of the cash points in central Accra.

You are advised to exercise vigilance, particularly after dark.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Ghana is a conservative and deeply religious country. Although modern and progressive attitudes also prevail, respect must be shown for traditional values and morals. Beachwear should be confined to the beach, and wearing immodest clothing in public is likely to cause offence or attract unwanted attention.

Penalties for drugs related offences are severe.

Homosexuality in Ghana is illegal.

Photography near sensitive sites such as military installations or the airport is strictly prohibited.

ROAD SAFETY

Roads are mainly in a poor condition, particularly in rural areas. Road travel can be extremely hazardous due to poor or non-existent street lighting. You are advised to avoid travelling by road outside the main towns after dark, when the risk of accidents and robbery is greater. Safety standards on small private buses and taxis are often low