With a population of more than 30,000,000, according to Data World Bank, Ghana features modern and traditional citizens, all with a spirit of independence.
In fact, you can participate in multiple celebrations throughout the year to learn about the culture and witness their diversity.
Contrary to some beliefs, Ghana is a relatively safe place to visit.
As a whole, Ghana has a fair share of crime, scoring 46.81 on the crime index, according to Statsta.com.
Common sense and awareness will keep you as safe as possible during your trip.
Visiting some of the safer cities will help as well.
Keep on reading to discover the safest cities to visit in Ghana.
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10 Safest Cities in Ghana
As a whole, Ghana has a very friendly population.
It is widely considered safe and an excellent destination for anyone who hasn’t been to Africa or loves to visit the culture.
Here are 10 of the safest cities for you to visit on a trip to Ghana:
Accra
Accra is the city where most tourists start their exploration of Ghana.
It is known for its beaches, accommodations, and friendly citizens.
Make time to visit the International Trade Fair, Independence Square, the National Theater, and more.
If you’re into macabre or are interested in such, go to Teshie.
There you’ll be able to visit any of several coffin showrooms.
The crime rate is relatively moderate, according to Satista.com.
Numbeo.com goes on to break down the types of crimes committed.
Both violent and nonviolent crimes come in as moderate on the crime index.
Kumasi
Every city in Ghana is rich in culture, including Kumasi.
This area is well-known as a place where plants and flowers flourish as it is located in a rainforest.
Some visitors feel the entire city has an air of an outdoor market, but you’ll still want to visit the Kejetia market.
It’s easy to spend several days exploring the greenery, culture, and stalls.
The crime rates are relatively low in Kumasi, according to Numbeo.com.
Robbery and muggings are among the top problems tourists and residents face.
Secure all valuables or leave them at home to prevent theft.
Tema
Tema lets visitors enjoy a more modern experience with beautifully paved, spacious roadways and a very active port to visit while you’re there.
Moreover, it’s not far from Accra, making it easy to travel to.
If you’ve always wanted to see the industrial side of an African country, you’ll witness it in Tema.
There are all kinds of production businesses, refineries, and construction to admire and tour.
According to the online magazine My Joy Online, crime rates have improved over the last couple of years.
However, as with many tourist locations, there is a problem with theft and cyberattacking.
Tamale
When you want luxurious accommodations surrounded by beauty and a peaceful environment, you have to stop in Tamale.
One of the main attractions in Tamale is the Mole National Park.
So if you’ve always wanted to see a host of African wildlife and natural landscapes, this is a fantastic place to experience it.
Crime is generally low, and Diamondfmonline.com reports that there has been an increase in security detail and patrols throughout the city, especially at night.
This indicates that safety is a priority, especially for foreigners.
Cape Coast
Cape Coast is a slow-paced fishing town with a significant historical past.
This is where the horrors of slavery began for many Africans.
You can see the castles where “slaves” were kept before being sold and shipped to the New World.
The area is beautiful with lush greenery, and it provides access to Kakum National Park.
Between the natural vegetation and friendly, relaxed townspeople, this is a favorite stop for tourists.
Ghanaweb.com reports that there is an increase in robberies and muggings.
So never carry anything of value during a visit.
Nzulenzu
People enjoy visiting this village mainly because of its unique architecture.
The community was built on stilts on a lagoon, making it a truly unique destination.
If you love water recreation, you can enjoy boating, swimming, diving, and more during your visit.
However, be careful when you do, as the area does have monkeys and crocodiles living there!
Crime is difficult to track as this village’s laws and crimes are in the hands of the chief and elders, according to Alinghana.com.
So use common sense while visiting to avoid any unwanted attention.
Sekoni-Takoradi
This city is so modern that visitors might question whether they’re still in Ghana.
It’s a center for industry and commerce, where the locals specialize in making cocoa, cutting lumber, and even shipbuilding.
The area had the first seaport in Ghana, which was constructed in 1903.
When you take a closer look at the city, you’ll enjoy a blend of current and historical landmarks.
According to a recent study, people in this city felt relatively safe, but a significant fear of theft remained.
The study recommended common-sense safety measures for everyone.
Sunyani
Sunyani was first established as a hub for elephant hunters during the 19th century.
However, it has grown far from that and is now an agricultural community due to its excellent water supply.
Most visitors are impressed with the cleanliness of the city.
It was selected as the cleanest city in Ghana in 2007.
While crime statistics are not readily available, there are numerous articles about crimes reported in Sunyani.
For more detailed information about crime in the area, you can reach out to the Brong Ahafo Police.
Aburi
Anyone who loves spending time in botanical gardens should go to Aburi.
It’s a great place to stroll, see native foliage, and even take commemorative photos.
This garden has 32 acres, so plan to spend at least one full day exploring – and even that might not be enough!
While crime is a problem, there are no clear statistics about what types of crime are prevalent in the area.
However, you can always contact the Acropong Police Department for that information.
Kokrobite
Anyone wanting to experience Ghana in its purest form should stop in Kokrobite.
The locals in this fishing village use small wooden boats and nets to catch fish.
Then fishermen sell their catch to people waiting on the beach.
Although there’s fishing activity offshore, the beaches are incredibly relaxing.
You can also take part in the nightlife once the sun goes down.
An article on Modern Ghana states that the head of the area’s royal family is taking steps to reduce crime associated with land guards.
So while there is a crime in Kokrobite, the authorities are being proactive about it.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Ghana
While most of Ghana is relatively safe to travel in, it’s always an excellent idea to take extra steps to keep you and your travel companions as safe as possible.
Here are 5 safety tips for you to keep in mind on your journey:
- Don’t go anywhere without a companion or guide. People who travel in pairs are less likely to be the target of theft or assault.
- Increase your awareness of your surroundings. Make sure that nothing on your person is visible or noticeable to potential thieves.
- Research and identify what might be considered a “bad” neighborhood in the city you’re visiting. Avoid going through or near these areas.
- Unfortunately, Ghana has laws that make homosexuality illegal. No one in Ghana has any law to keep these tourists safe, so if you are part of the LGBTQ community, avoid public displays of affection. There is a severe prejudice against people identifying as homosexual, and it can cause trouble with both the locals and the police.
- Always be prepared for potential crimes during your visit to any country. Tourists are typically targeted for pickpocketing, muggings, scams, and other quick crimes. Never carry valuables with you. If you have cash, don’t carry it all in one place/pocket/wallet.
Ghana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Ghana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for tourists in Ghana?
You’re likely going to be safe when you visit Ghana.
The overall crime incidents are low, and theft seems to be the main problem for visitors.
So use common sense, never go anywhere alone, and keep any valuables out of sight.
Should I be afraid of terrorism in Ghana?
Terrorism is a global threat, including in Ghana.
Avoid any areas with political unrest or where any armed groups are gathered.
Be sure to watch the news or get updates from a trusted media source to stay aware and away from potentially dangerous areas.
What should I watch out for on my trip to Ghana?
There are several things to stay aware of to keep yourself safe, including:
- Never use a taxi or public transportation that isn’t registered.
- If you don’t know how to find one, you can have your hotel arrange a service for you.
- Always walk with someone no matter where you’re going, especially at night and in the back parts of the city.
- Keep your windows and doors locked in any car.
- This is especially important when approaching a red light or stopping on the road.
- While much of the world is used to hotel doors that lock automatically, this isn’t something to take for granted.
- Make sure that your door is locked in your room or home.
- Anything that seems questionable should be avoided, as scams happen both online and in the cities of Ghana.
- If you’re traveling to Ghana because you were promised some reward or relationship, do not go.
- It is a scam, and you may be in danger.
- If anyone approaches you in Ghana and tries to get you to give them money for any reason, walk away.
We want to thank you for the tips on how to Stay safe on our trip to the Most beautiful country in this world..we will be visiting Ghana this year.. and perhaps moving there from the USA..
I’m glad to see Cape Coast made the list! It’s not only safe but also rich in history and culture.
Tamale is definitely one of the safest cities. The people there are incredibly friendly, and there’s such a peaceful atmosphere.
I’m surprised Kumasi didn’t rank higher! It’s such a vibrant city with a strong sense of community, making it feel very safe.
I’ve lived in Accra my whole life, and while it’s busy, I always feel safe in my neighborhood.
Ho deserves its spot on the list. The city is calm, and the local authorities do a great job of maintaining safety.