Ghana · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Accra scores 75/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Accra is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Ghana · Assessed 28 July 2026
75
/ 100
Safer than ~80% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Bawku Municipality FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Bawku Municipal area in the Upper East region of Ghana.”
Updated 2026-07-02T13:48:30Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Ghana: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-22T14:05:10.160000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed muggings are rare but have occurred in isolated parts of the city, especially late at night in poorly lit neighborhoods
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in busy markets, transport hubs and during large public events
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
67/100
Recent traveler reports describe feeling generally secure during daylight, while nighttime in bustling districts can feel less safe due to petty theft.
Yes — Accra is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional unrest.
Accra scores 77/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting relatively low violent crime and strong health infrastructure, yet governance indicators reveal corruption and rule‑of‑law weaknesses. Recent dossier items show isolated robbery attempts and protests, but no major violent incidents targeting tourists.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety briefing
Accra is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s safer capitals for travelers, but the official advisory level of “exercise a high degree of caution” reflects real, if limited, risks. The composite safety index of 77/100 shows low homicide rates and strong health infrastructure, yet governance scores reveal vulnerabilities in corruption and rule of law that can affect everyday interactions.
Recent news from the live dossier highlights a few noteworthy events: in June 2026 police busted a robbery syndicate spanning Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi, signalling organized theft activity; protests over waste‑collection turned confrontational near the city centre in early June 2026; and a robbery at a gold‑dealership shop in the Adabrakah suburb led to charges in May 2026. None of these incidents involved tourists directly, but they underscore pockets of heightened tension, especially after dark.
Pickpocketing remains the most prevalent threat, particularly in bustling markets such as Makola, around the Jubilee House, and at transport nodes like the Accra Central Bus Station. Visitors should keep bags zipped, use front‑pocket wallets and stay alert in crowds. While armed robbery is relatively rare, isolated muggings have been reported in poorly lit residential areas late at night, so it is wise to avoid deserted streets after dark.
Scams targeting tourists often involve inflated taxi fares, unofficial guides, and currency‑exchange tricks near popular sites. Using registered taxis, confirming prices in advance, and sticking to reputable ride‑hailing apps can mitigate these risks. Carry modest cash, avoid flashing valuables, and stay informed about local advisories—especially any updates to the Canadian or UK guidance that may affect your travel insurance. By staying vigilant and following these practical steps, you can enjoy Accra’s vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Accra districts for visitors: 2 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Accra safety map.
Kumasi New Town (Accra outskirts)avoidRecent armed robbery spree reported in May 2026; avoid isolated streets
OsucautionBusy nightlife hub; pickpocketing and petty theft common after dark
AdabrakacautionHigh foot traffic and informal markets; occasional bag‑snatching
LabonesaferQuiet residential area; low crime, well‑lit streets
East LegonsaferUpscale expatriate enclave; strong police presence and private security
07 · After Dark
83% of people in Ghana say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Armed muggings are rare but have occurred in isolated parts of the city, especially late at night in poorly lit neighborhoods
After dark, be most careful around Kumasi New Town (Accra outskirts), Osu, Adabraka. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Accra's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Accra is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional unrest. Accra scores 77/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting relatively low violent crime and strong health infrastructure, yet governance indicators reveal corruption and rule‑of‑law weaknesses. Recent dossier items show isolated robbery attempts and protests, but no major violent incidents targeting tourists. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags Kumasi New Town (Accra outskirts) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Accra scores 75/100 — see the Ghana safety overview for country-level data.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Ghana safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: accra.json (CC BY 4.0).
