June 29, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Ghana is a developing country on the western coast of Africa. 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 are limited in the more remote areas of the country.

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, website http://www.ghana-embassy.org, or from the Ghanaian Consulate General, 19 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 832-1300. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Ghanaian embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

For information on what can be taken into and out of Ghana, please see the section on Customs Restrictions, below.

DUAL NATIONALITY: The Government of Ghana treats a U.S.-Ghanaian citizen as a Ghanaian only. If a U.S.-Ghanaian dual national runs afoul of Ghanaian law, the U.S. Embassy's ability to provide consular assistance may be limited. In addition to being subject to all Ghanaian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Ghanaian citizens. For additional information, please see the Dual Nationality flyer on the Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should exercise caution and maintain security awareness at all times. Large gatherings such as political rallies and street demonstrations should be avoided. U.S. citizens should be aware that Ghanaian authorities sent troops to the Northern Region of Ghana in March 2002, imposed a curfew, and declared a state of emergency to quell ethnic violence. The state of emergency in the Northern Region remains in effect, and the situation remains volatile. American citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel to the Northern Region of Ghana while the state of emergency remains in effect.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern Standard time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors. U.S. travelers have reported instances of these types of theft in crowded market areas, beaches and parks, and at tourist attractions. Instances of violent crime, such as rape and armed robbery, have risen over the last year. At least three foreign visitors have been raped in the last six months during home invasions/burglaries. American students studying in Ghana have reported an increase in burglaries of university housing. Several American tourists and students have been the victims of theft at gunpoint or knifepoint during the last year. Victims who resist attackers run a high risk of serious physical injury. Security measures such as traveling in groups and minimizing travel at night should be observed. 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, credit card fraud is pervasive. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid using credit cards and to settle bills using traveler’s checks or cash. Travelers who elect to use their credit cards in Ghana should employ all available precautions.

In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from certain 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 Customs Restrictions, below.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets “A Safe Trip Abroad” and “Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa” provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov or in hard copy from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, http://www.gpoaccess.gov.

BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout West Africa, including Ghana.

Recently American citizens have consulted the Embassy regarding questionable business offers described to them by electronic mail sent by Ghana-based individuals. Typically, these scam operations 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 then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, 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. Reports have also reached the Embassy of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions through the Internet or direct mail. If you receive such business offers or charity requests, you are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy for an assessment of the offer's credibility. To check on a business's legitimacy in the U.S., contact the Ghana Desk Officer at the International Trade Administration, Room 2037, Dept. of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482-1358, fax: (202) 482-5198 or the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRADE. Americans already in Ghana may contact the U.S. Embassy at telephone (233) (21) 775-347 or 775-348.

For additional information, please consult the Department of State's publication " Advance Fee Business Scams," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: 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.

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. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

Travelers should be aware that evidence of and/or assurances from U.S. insurance companies will not be accepted as settlement of medical expenses in Ghana.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of 50,000 dollars ( US ). Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: 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), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), 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 website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Chloroquine-resistant P. Falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Ghana. Because travelers to Ghana are at high risk for contracting malaria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam - tm), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone – tm), as well as other protective measures to prevent insect bites, such as the use of insect repellent. The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, please see the CDC Travelers' Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

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 the 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 such as goats and sheep.

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. Automobiles and passengers may be searched. Drivers must possess an international driver's license (available from AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance). Foreign nationals are expected to carry documentation of their status, such as a passport and visa.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Ghanaian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Ghana National Tourist Organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://ghana-embassy.org.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ghana's Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Ghana 's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at (618) 229-4801.

SERVICE OF REGIONAL AIRLINES: Service provided by a number of regional air carriers, including Ghana Airways, is reported to be unreliable. The airlines are known to alter scheduled stops, cancel or postpone flights on short notice, and regularly overbook flights. Travelers may experience unexpected delays even after checking in. Prudent passengers should get the required seat reconfirmation stamped on the ticket, ensure that they have emergency funds for food and lodging in the event of unexpected delays, and arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure times.

CUSTOMS RESTRICTIONS: Visitors entering or departing Ghana with more than 5,000 dollars (US) cash are required to declare the amount upon entry into Ghana. Currency exchange is available at most banks and at licensed foreign exchange bureaus. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal. The Government of Ghana also prohibits departing travelers from carrying more than 5000 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 lacking this Commission's endorsement is illegal and/or 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 Ghana 's 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.

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 Ghanaian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ghana are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: Taking pictures near sensitive installations, including military sites and 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 taking photographs of anyone in uniform (police officers and military officers, for example). In some instances, film and cameras have been confiscated.

CLOTHING PROHIBITIONS: Wearing any military apparel, such as camouflage jackets or trousers, or any clothing or items that may appear military in nature, is strictly prohibited.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Ghana is not a signatory to the Hague Conventions on International Child Abduction or Inter-country Adoption. For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children’s_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Ghana are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana and obtain updated information on travel and security within Ghana. Student groups are asked to register with the Consular Section before their arrival, and to contact the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section at pressaccra@state.gov with basic information on their program such as number of students and length and place of stay. At a student group’s request, the Public Affairs Section can arrange for group embassy briefings, including security information. The U.S. Embassy is located on Ring Road East, P.O. Box 194, Accra, telephone (233)(21) 775-347 or 48, fax number (233)(21) 701-813. The Embassy maintains a home page on the Internet at http://usembassy.state.gov/accra/

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 10, 2004, to update sections on Safety and Security, Medical Facilities, Criminal Penalties, Children’s Issues and Registration/Embassy Location.

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