Accra - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Compounds are guarded 24/7, razor wire, etc. but embassy houses do get broken into and theft happens pretty often. - Aug 2024
I have heard there have been several break-ins with embassy housing. It seems the compounds get targeted more frequently than stand alone housing. In my opinion, most break-ins could be avoided by keeping windows shut, keys out of reach, and setting house alarms (we have alarms for a reason). All houses are guarded 24-7. Bag snatching and car break-ins on the rise. Be mindful of motorbikes rushing by. I have never felt in danger here, but even the locals will tell me to put my phone away or hold my bag tightly if I am in place such as a busy local market. - Sep 2023
I would say the main concern is harassment on the street: people coming up to hassle you or ask for something. Petty crime is always a risk, but using enhanced caution when out can mitigate that. The troubles from Burkina Faso to the North have not spilled into Ghana. - Nov 2022
It's a critical crime post but I have never felt unsafe. That being said, I use my alarm system every night. I have heard that a few homes have been broken into. Homes have bars on the windows to prevent robberies. Also, purse snatching seems to be fairly common, but most crime is non-violent. i feel safer here than at other posts I have been to. - Sep 2022
Accra is very safe; there's petty crime/crimes of opportunity but I've never felt unsafe - Mar 2022
We've felt very safe here. Usual precautions of course but very good freedom of movement. I walk around the neighborhood to go shopping, visit barber, etc. Even running through poorer neighborhoods I've never been harassed or had any problems other than getting lost. - Nov 2019
Accra is rated critical for crime and I have heard a few stories of muggings and robberies around the holidays. In general, though, I would say common sense measures for personal safety are adequate. It doesn't always feel like a big city, but it helps to remember that it is, and that it's never a great idea to make oneself an easy target. I don't personally know anyone who has had any trouble. - May 2019
Ghana is a critical crime post, but most crime can be mitigated by using personal security protocols and paying attention to your environment. So this would mean driving with your doors locked and windows up, locking your house doors at night (you'd be surprised that people don't!), etc. - Apr 2018
There is some street crime involving people on bikes or motorcycles snatching smartphones or purses from people walking. Just keep your street smarts and you should be fine. Stay away from places where there aren't a lot of people walking around and avoid walking around by yourself at night. - Aug 2017
No, Accra is super safe. - Apr 2017
Ghana is relatively safe though one needs to be aware of surroundings and not walk around waving your cell phone. - Aug 2016
It's a high crime post. If the opportunity is there, they will take it. We go out in groups and avoid unlit areas at night. - May 2014
This is a developing country and the crime is what you would come to expect. However, it is manageable by using common sense. Don’t leave things in your car. Don’t walk down the dark alley. Don’t show off your nice camera in the market. Etc. We have actually been pleasantly surprised by the security atmosphere here and have not had a real problem (yet). People we know have had burglaries, purse snatchings, and cell phone robberies. There is significantly less violent crime here than in neighboring cities like Lagos, Lome, or Abidjan. That said, however, as Ghanaian economy is starting to cope with the benefits/problems that come with a rapidly-expanding oil-based economy, the crime seems to be becoming more prevalent. - Apr 2012
Petty crime is present there is some type of violent crime (usually a robbery at gunpoint (homemade guns - gun ownership and availability isn't an issue here)) a few times a year. The embassy assigns night guard from 6-6 and most everyone employs a day guard. Common sense precautions can prevent you from becoming a victim. As someone else said, this is NOT South Africa! - Feb 2010
It is a pretty safe country - this is an advantage that should not be taken for granted. That said there are opportunists - stories of dishonest individuals. - Feb 2010
Petty crime, infrequent burglaries in expat areas. This is NOT South Africa. - May 2009
