Sub Saharan Africa

Ghana is a conservative and deeply religious country.  Although modern and progressive attitudes also prevail, respect must be shown for traditional values and morals.  Beachwear should be confined to the beach, and wearing immodest clothing in public is likely to cause offence or attract unwanted attention.  The wearing of military apparel such as camouflage clothing by civilians is prohibited.

The Ghanaian Legal system is very much based on the British system.  You must respect the laws of the land; otherwise you can expect to be dealt with in the same way as a Ghanaian citizen would.

Never become involved with drugs of any kind in Ghana. Drugs are a growing problem in Ghana and the authorities are determined to tackle and control the problem. Penalties for drugs related offences (including class C drugs) are severe including a "no bail" restriction on anyone implicated in any drug related offences. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can lead to a prison sentence in excess of 5 years, usually after a lengthy and expensive legal process. Class A drugs such as cocaine are likely to be laced with other substances - we have had reports of foreign visitors, including British nationals, dying after taking these drugs.
 

On arrival in Ghana, you should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times, and put the original document in safe-keeping.

Homosexuality in Ghana is illegal.  Although there is a small gay community, there is no "scene" and a large portion of Ghanaian society does not accept that such activity exists.
 
Photography near sensitive sites such as military installations or the airport is strictly prohibited.  Such sites may not be clearly marked and the application of restrictions is open to interpretation.  Photographers should ask permission if they want to take a photograph of a building where there are guards on duty outside.  Where there are not, unless there are notices forbidding photography, there should not be a problem, but caution should be exercised.  Permission should also be sought from people if you wish to take their photograph (a small tip or "dash" may be required).  But beware of self-appointed officials trying to charge fees for tourists to take pictures of well-known sites of interest.

Ghanaian family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. 

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.