Ghana Consular Information Sheet - Tips
Ghana Consular Information Sheet
August 01, 2007
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Ghana is a developing country on
the West Coast of Africa.The capital is Accra.Facilities for tourism
are available in the population centers of the greater Accra region, Kumasi in
the Ashanti region, and in the Cape Coast area of the Central region, but they
are limited in the more remote areas of the country.Read theDepartment of State
Background Notes on Ghanafor additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are
required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.Travelers should
obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Ghana, 3512
International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202)
686-4520.Consular services are also available at the Ghana Permanent
Mission to the UN at 19 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212)
832-1300, and the Honorary Consulate of Ghana, 3434 Locke Lane, Houston, TX,
telephone (713) 960-8806.Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest
Ghanaian embassy or consulate.Visit the Embassy of Ghana web site at
www.ghanaembassy.org for the most
current visa information.
See our web site for more about
dual
nationality, the prevention of international
child abduction and our
Customs
Information.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Due to the potential for
violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations
and maintain security awareness at all times.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the
Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affair’s Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov, where the current
Travel
Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide
Caution Public Announcement, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S.
and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
(except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for
their own personal security while traveling overseas.For general
information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves
in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet
A Safe
Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and various
types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting
visitors.U.S. travelers have reported these types of theft at crowded
markets, beaches, parks, and tourist attractions.Incidences of violent
crime, such as armed robbery, have risen over the last year, including reports
of armed robberies in expatriate residential areas.Victims who resist
attackers run a high risk of serious physical injury.Take security
measures, such as traveling in groups and avoiding travel at night.Avoid
travel in communal taxis.Travelers who limit their display of jewelry and
handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime.Travelers
are advised to carry limited amounts of cash and only photocopies of key
documents.
While major U.S. and international credit cards are accepted widely across
the country, a growing number of travelers have been victims of credit card
fraud after using their credit cards in Ghana.You may wish to settle bills
using traveler’s checks or cash.If you elect to use credit cards in Ghana,
take all possible precautions.Please note that the credit card of choice
in Ghana is VISA.It is difficult if not impossible to find banks and/or
businesses which accept other brands of credit cards.
In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses
from questionable transactions involving gold and other precious
metals.The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on these
natural resources.All agents must be licensed and all transactions must be
certified.(See Special Circumstances below.)
Perpetrators of business
fraud often target foreigners, including Americans.Such fraud schemes are
now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Ghana.
Be aware that if you invest or enter into contracts in Ghana, you will not
have the same legal protections and procedures available to you as you do at
home.For instance, if a commercial dispute turns acrimonious, it is easy
for one party to obtain an arrest warrant as an intimidation tactic.There
have been instances where U.S. citizens were jailed on petty charges filed by
their Ghanaian partners as a result of contractual disputes.
American citizens frequently consult the Embassy regarding questionable
business offers sent by people in Ghana.These are scams and typically
begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown
individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often
by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the
country.A series of “advance fees” must be paid in order to conclude the
transaction, such as fees to open a bank account or to pay certain
taxes.In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is
simply to collect the advance fees.The Embassy has received reports of
fraudulent charities soliciting contributions through the Internet or direct
mail.If you receive such business offers or charity requests, carefully
check them out before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or
undertake any travel.Check with the U.S. Embassy in Ghana at telephone
(233-21) 741-100 for an assessment of the offer’s credibility.
Another type of fraud is by persons claiming to live in Ghana who profess
friendship or romantic interest over the Internet.Once a relationship has
been established, the correspondent typically asks the American to send money
for living expenses, travel expenses, or visa costs.Sometimes a “hospital”
or “doctor” telephones to say that the friend has suffered an “accident” and
needs immediate financial assistance to cover medical bills.There are
other variations of this scam, but all of them want to get money.Americans
have reported losing thousands of dollars through such scams.The anonymity
of the Internet means that the victim cannot be sure of the real name, age,
marital status, nationality, or even gender of the correspondent.In most
cases reported to the Embassy, the correspondent turned out to be a fictitious
persona created to lure Americans into sending money.
Visitors should be further advised that we have seen an increase of scams
being initiated in Ghana rather than via internet.Americans have been
quickly befriended by Ghanaians who then make seemingly-false allegations of
criminal activity.Americans have found themselves separated from time,
money and trust as they seek to smooth out these sticky
situations.Accordingly, Americans are advised to be somewhat wary of
overly-friendly locals offering tours, discounted lodging or other
services.
For additional information, please see the
Department
of State brochure International Financial Scams.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft
abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.If you are the victim of a crime
while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.The Embassy/Consulate
staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact
family members or friends and explain how funds could be
transferred.Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is
solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you
to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if
needed.Ghana maintains a specialized Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) within
the Ghana Police Service to assist women and children who are victims of
crime.In addition to its law enforcement responsibilities, the Unit can
refer victims to medical providers and counselors, as well as to community
support services.Further information is available at
www.ghanapolice.org/waju.
See our information on
Victims
of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical
facilities are limited, particularly outside Accra, the capital.Travelers
should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of
the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs, and a supply of
preferred over-the-counter medications.
Outbreaks of Avian Influenza have
been confirmed in bird populations in Ghana, and travelers should take
appropriate precautions.No human cases of avian influenza have been
reported.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food
and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers
at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at
http://www.cdc.gov/travel.For
information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World
Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en.Further health
information for travelers is available at
http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly
urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to
traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it
will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.Please see our
information on
medical
insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States.The information below concerning Ghana is
provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.
Primary roads are generally paved and well maintained.However, some
side roads within major cities and roads outside of major cities are in poor
condition.The road from Accra to the central region tourist area of Cape
Coast continues to be the site of many accidents.Travel in darkness,
particularly outside the major cities, is extremely hazardous, due to poor
street lighting and the unpredictable behavior of pedestrians, bicyclists and
farm animals, particularly goats and sheep.Aggressive drivers, poorly
maintained vehicles and overloaded vehicles pose serious threats to road safety.
The safety standards of the small private buses that transit roads and
highways are uncertain.Travelers are encouraged to consider this when
making travel arrangements.
Travelers are routinely stopped at police checkpoints throughout Ghana, and
vehicles and passengers may be searched.Drivers must possess an
international driver’s license (available from AAA and the American Automobile
Touring Alliance).Foreign nationals should carry documentation of their
status, such as a passport and visa.
Please refer to our
Road
Safety page for more information.Visit the website of Ghana’s national
tourist office at http://www.africaonline.com/country.cs.php?cid=9
and the national authority responsible for road safety at
http://www.mrt.gov.gh/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ghana’s Civil Aviation
Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ghana's air
carrier operations.For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s
Internet web site at www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
Service provided by a number of regional air carriers is reported to be
unreliable.The airlines may alter scheduled stops, cancel or postpone
flights on short notice, and regularly overbook flights.Travelers may
experience unexpected delays even after checking in.Passengers should get
the required seat reconfirmation stamped on the ticket, have enough emergency
funds for food and lodging in case of unexpected delays, and arrive at the
airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Effective July 1, 2007, the
Government of Ghana redenominated the local currency, the cedi, introducing new
banknotes (Ghana cedi) and coins (Ghana pesewa).10,000 cedis = 1 Ghana
cedi = 100 Ghana pesewas.Both currencies will be in circulation through
December 31, 2007, after which date the cedi can be converted only at commercial
banks or the Bank of Ghana.Travelers should be alert to persons who may
try to defraud them with the old and new bills.The Government of Ghana has
established a website, www.ghanacedi.gov.gh, to inform the
public about the redenomination exercise.The website includes a useful
currency converter.
Visitors arriving or departing Ghana with more than $5,000 in cash are
required to declare the amount at the border.Currency exchange is
available at most banks and at licensed foreign exchange bureaus, but currency
transactions with private citizens are illegal.The Government of Ghana
also prohibits departing travelers from carrying more than 5,000,000 cedis (500
Ghana cedis) out of the country.Ghanaian currency must either be spent or
exchanged before departure, or it will be confiscated.
Strict customs regulations govern temporary importation into or export from
Ghana of items such as gold, diamonds and precious natural resources.Only
agents licensed by the Precious Metals and Mining Commission, telephone (233-21)
664-635 or 664-579, may handle import-export transactions of these natural
resources.Any transaction without the commission’s endorsement is illegal
and/or fraudulent.All transactions must be completed through the
commission at the price set daily by the London exchange.Any transaction
that discounts this price, or includes a previously negotiated price, is either
illegal or fraudulent.Export of gold dust is rare as it encourages
dangerous and environmentally destructive practices, and transactions involving
the export of gold dust are probably fraudulent.Attempts to evade
regulations are punishable by imprisonment.It is advisable to contact the
Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., or one of the Ghanaian consulates in the
United States, for specific information regarding customs requirements.
In rare instances, visitors arriving in Ghana with sophisticated electronic
equipment (video cameras and laptop computers) may have to deposit 17.5 per cent
of the item's value with the Customs and Excise office at the airport.To
get the deposit refunded, visitors must apply to the Customs and Excise Office
in central Accra 48 hours before departure.
Taking pictures near sensitive
installations, including military sites and some government buildings, is
prohibited.These sites are not always clearly marked and application of
these restrictions is subject to interpretation.Permission may be obtained
from Ghanaian security personnel.Permission should also be obtained before
photographing anyone in uniform (e.g., police officers and military
officers).In some cases, film and cameras have been confiscated.
It is strictly prohibited to wear any military apparel such as camouflage
jackets or trousers, or any clothing or items that may appear military in
nature.
Please see our
Customs
Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes
differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law.Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar
offenses.Persons violating Ghana’s laws, even unknowingly, may be
expelled, arrested or imprisoned.Penalties for possession, use, or
trafficking in illegal drugs in Ghana are severe, and convicted offenders can
expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.Engaging in sexual conduct with
children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a
crime, prosecutable in the United States.Please see our information on
Criminal
Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s
Issues web pages on intercountry
adoption and international
parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or
traveling in Ghana are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate through the
State
Department’s travel registration web siteso that they can obtain
updated information on travel and security within Ghana.Americans
withoutInternet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate.By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy
or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.The U.S. Embassy is
located at No. 24 Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra; telephone
(233-21)741-000.The public entrance to the Consular Section is No. 19
Fifth Link Road, Cantonments, Accra; telephone (233-21) 741-100; fax (233-21)
741-362 or 741-426; after-hours (233-21) 741-775.
***
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated
December 21, 2006, to update sections on Crime, Medical Facilities and Health
Information, Special Circumstances, and Registration/Embassy Location.
*********************************************************** See
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department Travel
Warnings
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Ghana Consular Information Sheet
Ghana Consular Information Sheet - Tips
