There have been no terrorist acts specifically targeting U.S. interests or citizens in Ghana. Police routinely stop travelers at checkpoints, and may search vehicles and passengers. On average, six pedestrians die each day in Ghana. Use of force for preserving order on board a vessel. Excessive speeding, unpredictable driving behavior, and lack of adherence to basic safety standards for local vehicles are widespread. Take necessary precautions, including vetting IT staff, preventing unauthorized access to servers, installing a virtual private network (VPN), controlling administrator passwords, and updating software and anti-virus programs. Information about crime in Ghana. , drive to the nearest police station and report the incident. The occurrences of illicit drugs use, robberies, rape, murders, moral crimes, money laundering, infiltration and use of illegal firearms, chieftaincy and land disputes are daily security issues in Ghana. The perpetrators, once in a virtual relationship, typically ask for money for hospital expenses, travel expenses, visa costs, or expensive gifts. Contact Information for Available Medical Services. There have been multiple active shooter-style attacks on locations foreigners frequent in West African capital cities since 2015. Although travel during daylight hours is generally safe, nighttime travel outside the major cities is extremely dangerous due to carjacking and armed banditry, hazards posed by disabled vehicles, street lighting that is nonexistent outside of urban areas, inadequate road markings, and the unpredictable behavior of farm animals and pedestrians in the roadway. News Ghana is a leading online news portal for business coverage in Ghana as well as the wider West Africa region. Ghana Table of Contents. The U.S. Government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas, as U.S. government employees may not travel at night outside of major cities. To avoid confusion or delays, travelers are strongly advised to obtain a valid Ghanaian visa at the Ghanaian, External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography. Unlawful fights. If another car. These “opportunities” usually involve the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country and the payment of a series of “advance fees,” such as fees to open a bank account or to pay certain taxes in order to complete the transaction; however, the final payoff never occurs. There have been several deaths of U.S. citizens resulting from the use of narcotics procured locally. Tro-tros do not meet Western safety standards and often transport more passengers than is safe. [13] In 2017, Operation Vanguard was launched to curb illegal artisanal mining in Ghana. Large crowds may gather at the site of an accident, and could become hostile and aggressive against those perceived to be at fault. If possible, use convoys to mitigate breakdowns. Bandits typically place obstructions in the road or simulate a crash/broken-down vehicle to stop traffic in order to steal vehicles or belongings. open sources and (U) embassy reporting. ; a growing number of travelers have been victims of credit card fraud. Cybercrime in Ghana Cybercrime in Ghana takes various forms. 2. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Believes crime … Public transport is unregulated and unsafe. The census data are derived mainly from the Ghana Statistical Service. Exercise increased caution in parts of the Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Upper East Regions due to civil unrest. [13] Their activities have depleted Ghana's forest cover and caused water pollution, due to the crude and unregulated nature of the mining process. and armed robbers target motorists using ruses to extort money, In some cases, robbers have intentionally caused. 41. prior to crossing into Burkina Faso or visiting areas in close proximity to the Burkina Faso-Ghana border. CID. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded. 222 times more than Ghana Violent crime > Murder rate: 3,646 Ranked 30th. Travelers may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Ensure that identification documents, wallets, and portable electronics are secure. Street crime is a serious problem throughout the country, and is especially acute in Accra and other large cities. 39. These “opportunities” usually involve the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country and the payment of a series of “advance fees,” such as fees to open a bank account or to pay certain taxes, the transaction; however, the final payoff. Too often the criminal justice system is pronouncing people guilty without evidence, lawyers, or a chance to plead their case. Motorists should exercise caution and heightened awareness if opening doors/windows to give money to beggars or street vendors. 40. The ocean currents along the coast are powerful and treacherous; several people drown each year. [2] The movement of internally trafficked children is either from rural to urban areas, or from one rural area to another, as from farming to fishing communities. Drivers must possess an international driver’s license (available from AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance). The study involved a review of the Ghana Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and its provision on defilement, in-depth interview of the DOVVSU officials, direct personal observations and review of case registers, actual police dockets and files on cases between 2007 and 2011. Local drivers do not abide by the rules of the road, and police enforce traffic laws unevenly, even in major cities. 37. During 2018, high-profile rape cases involving multiple assailants against Ghanaian and expatriate victims made national news. Nationwide, violent crime results in more than 500 deaths per year. Spear-phishers make contact under the guise of a business contact or possible future business associate, and attempt to pass information via emails that contain questionable links. Over the past year, vigilante groups (politically affiliated gangs) have disrupted local elections, public meetings, and court proceedings, and staged protests at government facilities. Use defensive driving techniques, including maintaining sufficient following distances to avoid accidents. The use of illegal drugs procured in Ghana may have life-threatening consequences. Carjacking occurs sporadically; on average fewer than 10 incidents occur each month nationwide, half of which happen in the Greater Accra Region. The U.S. Embassy is aware of arrests for cigarette smoking in public places, but has not received reports of prosecutions. ), violent crimes (being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted), corruption and other crimes. Elected officials on the federal, state, and local levels pass laws that establish which behavior constitutes a crime and what the punishment will be for someone who is found guilty of those crimes. The U.S. Government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas, as U.S. government employees may not travel at night outside of major cities. Consult travel advisories from the. at the date of this report’s publication assesses Ghana at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. 40. BOX CT1560 CANTONMENT – ACCRA, GHANA-Crime Bureau TRACKING THE TRAILS OF … 184 times more than Ghana Violent crime > Gun crime > Guns per 100 residents: 0.4 Ranked 167th. While domestic violence is a crime punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine, police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence. Would you like to continue with this session or log out? Increase caution when traveling to the Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Upper East Regions. Theft of luggage and pickpocketing occurs at the airport. Factor public transportation safety into travel plans, and pre-arrange travel with trusted transportation service providers when possible. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars or more; they often require travelers to be medically evacuated (medevac) where adequate medical attention is available. Internet crime is on the increase in Ghana as the youth are engaged in it ( Boateng et al., 2010;Magele, 2005;Oduro-Frimpong, 2014). Due to poor driving conditions, unsafe driving behaviors, and the poor mechanical state of many vehicles, vehicle accidents are common and often result in serious injury and/or death. However. Some perpetrators may claim to have a U.S. visa; often these are fake, even when images are provided. To ensure effective management, the Unit was placed under the direct supervision of the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Arrest, how made. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Travelers may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the, Primary roads are generally paved and well. The Embassy has received reports of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions via the internet or direct mail. Procedure for offences. Crime in Ghana is investigated by the Ghana Police Service. Search of place entered by person sought to be arrested. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has an office in the Embassy and works closely with the Narcotics Control Board, which coordinates government counter-narcotics efforts. Travel to tourist and historic areas of the country. Exercise caution when using credit cards; a growing number of travelers have been victims of credit card fraud. The police have a poor record of investigating and solving serious crimes. Trafficking has also fueled increasing domestic drug consumption. Business scams typically begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who pitches a business opportunity promising quick financial gain. The … To avoid confusion or delays, travelers are strongly advised to obtain a valid Ghanaian visa at the Ghanaian Embassy prior to arrival. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. Home; Country Info; Profiles; Ghana; Crime; Definitions. THE 12 TYPES OF CYBER CRIME. Others have attempted to “warn” drivers of a mechanical problem or flat tire. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions. Opportunistic crimes targeting motorists and passengers in vehicles are common. Search of place entered by person sought to be arrested. The Embassy of the United States warns that romance scams are an especially common type of scam operated by people in Ghana or claiming to live in Ghana. Ghana has become a significant trans-shipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America and heroin from Afghanistan. Exercise increased caution in parts of the Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Upper East Regions due to civil unrest. If someone is following you, proceed to a police station or other public venue and do not continue to your original destination. 38. Publishing or Criminals frequently carry weapons; the most prevalent are locally manufactured pistols, rifles, and shotguns. 88.8 Ranked 1st. Organized crime and corruption constitute a criminal environment that can actively influence political and economic relations in the state. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. May 29, 2018 Posted by: Felicity Annan; Category: CID, General Announcements, News; No Comments . The law provides persons with disabilities access to public buildings “as far as is practical.” However, most buildings, transportation, and educational facilities do not provide for people with special needs. maintained; however, side roads within major cities and many roads outside of urban areas are in poor condition. Use of force for prevention of, or defence against, crime, etc. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Ghana. Email spear-phishing campaigns originating or claiming to originate from Ghana also frequently target U.S. citizens. Both property crimes and person crimes can be felonies. Diarrheal illnesses, including typhoid fever and cholera, also remain a concern, as are sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. There are as many variations of the custom as the ethnic groups there are in Ghana. Many vehicles are unlicensed, and most drivers lack basic driver training or insurance. Rape is punishable by 5-25 years in prison, though police often lack capacity to investigate and prosecute cases effectively. Soft targets (e.g. Sakawa is a Ghanaian term for illegal practices which combine modern Internet-based fraud with African traditionalist rituals. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. There is serious risk from crime in Accra. While there was some sporadic election-related violence, particularly between grassroots supporters of the two major parties, Ghanaian politics generally takes place in a peaceful context. There is minimal risk from terrorism in Accra. The Country Council in Accra is active, meeting every other month. Our tools allow individuals and organizations to discover, visualize, model, and present their data and the world’s data to facilitate better decisions and better outcomes. A common tactic is to deliberately cause a minor accident to stop a car and then rob the occupants. Sources within the Ghanaian national security apparatus5have delineated that three primary types of cyber-fraud are most commonly perpetrated in the country today. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. Exercise increased caution in parts of the Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Upper East Regions due to civil unrest. Additional Resource: Ghana Country Information Sheet. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ghana are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Many vehicles are unlicensed, and most drivers lack basic driver training or insurance. The U.S. Embassy in Accra does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. Travelers should check with their sponsoring organization to ensure they have the correct documentation in place or risk penalties, including detention, fines, and deportation. Mode of trial. Organized crime and corruption constitute a criminal environment that can actively influence political and economic relations in the state. to ensure the medication is legal. Embassy staff can provide a list of local doctors, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. [2], Women and girls from China, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso have been subjected to forced prostitution after arriving in Ghana. Yesterday, people across Cocoa Affair Court in Accra, the city of Ghana pleaded guilty to crimes they didn't commit. The U.S. Embassy can provide a number of services to victims of crime. [4][5][6][7] Around one in three women in Ghana are likely to experience domestic violence. There are literally a dozen ways in which a cybercrime can be perpretrated, and you need to know what they are. Ghanaian law prohibits photography of sensitive installations, including military sites, government buildings, bridges, and the airport. The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that, due to credible reports of growing crime rates, U.S. Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid the following precincts of Accra: Avenor Sowutuom Sukura Agbobloshie Ashaiman (located in the Tema Region) Nima *(see below) *Except when traveling via the main highway past Nima. The Constitution of Ghana under Article 294 also provides for enforcement of constitutional rights that are protected by the Scheme. In recent years, U.S. citizens have reported substantial financial losses from questionable transactions allegedly involving the purchase of gold and other precious metals. Criminal offenses are further classified as property crimes or personal crimes. Road travelers and foreigners operating in rural areas have been the victims of kidnapping in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. There is minimal risk from political violence in Accra. Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available in Ghana. If a visitor is involved in a traffic accident while in Accra and cannot reach settlement at the scene, report the accident immediately to the traffic police, who will respond and conduct an investigation. U.S. citizens traveling to Ghana should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices. Credit/debit card fraud and related scams are common. Here are some tips to guide you. While the coverage is broad Tel: +233 234-972-832 or +1-508-812-0505 Business hours: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1700; Friday, 0730-1230, US Marine Security Guard Post 1: +233 0302 741-775 (Emergencies only). Nationwide, violent crime results in more than 500 deaths per year. Property crimes involve the theft of property without bodily harm, such as … Armed robbers have targeted travelers leaving the airport. Taxi drivers have a reputation for taking newly arrived passengers on circuitous routes and charging excessive fares. Such fraudulent schemes are now prevalent throughout West Africa. The Ghana Police Service Information Room (emergency services) may be reached at +233-0302-773-906 or +233-0302-787-373. [2] Citizens from other West African countries are subjected to forced labor in Ghana in agriculture or involuntary domestic servitude. Avoid sharing itineraries with strangers, including on social media, and be alert to anyone following you to your accommodations. In 2018, the majority of such events occurred off the shores of Nigeria; however, multiple boardings of anchored tankers, bulk carriers, tugs, and other vessels were reported off the coast of Ghana. Covering a wide range of criminal acts, felonies often involve crimes involving physical harm, or large scale theft and fraud. Most cases occur at night. Romance scams occur when an individual uses an online dating service or a social network to make a fake romantic connection. Felony is the classification of the most serious types of crimes. Violent crime is on the rise, including armed robberies in expatriate residential areas. Others have attempted to “warn” drivers of a mechanical problem or flat tire. Publication of wanted persons, missing persons, stolen property and recovered/found property in the Police Gazette. The Government of Ghana has set up a task force to address ways to disband political vigilante groups to head off potential violence. While domestic violence is a crime punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine, police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence. Ghana is a stable democracy that has held six elections since 1992, with three peaceful transitions of power between political parties. A growing number of services to victims of crime the world become hostile and aggressive against those to... Drivers lack basic driver training or insurance crimes and person crimes can be perpretrated, is! 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