The US Embassy has raised its travel recommendation to Level 2, recommending visitors to “exercise increased caution” owing to rising threats against LGBTQI+ people in Ghana.
The notice, issued on November 20, 2023, expresses concern over crime and violence reportedly intended at members of Ghana’s LGBTQI+ community.
The advisory particularly identified places with suspected higher risks, including sections of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions, alleging civil instability.
The embassy warns about violent crimes like as carjacking and street mugging, adding that these instances frequently occur at night and in remote regions.
Read Also: Brazilian butt-lift surgery death prompts Turkey-UK meeting
Country summary
According to the Embassy, violent crimes are a concern, and travelers should exercise extra vigilance, particularly in metropolitan areas, busy marketplaces, and after dark, when criminal elements may deploy blockades to limit movement. Due to security concerns, areas along the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions have been marked for increased vigilance.
The Embassy also stated in its advisory that the US government may be constrained in its capacity to offer emergency assistance to US nationals in Ghana because local police may lack the resources to adequately respond to major crimes.
Travelers who identify as LGBTQI+
The Embassy addressed reported issues experienced by LGBTQI+ travelers in Ghana in their warning, noting Ghanaian law bans on “unlawful carnal knowledge” between individuals of the same sex. Fines and jail may be imposed for such acts.
The advisory highlighted the increase in anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and alleged violence in recent years, with reported incidents of targeted assaults, rape, mob attacks, and harassment.
For further information, the embassy advised visitors to visit its LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and read the Human Rights Report. It also recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency notifications and reviewing Ghana’s Country Security Report. It is suggested that travelers establish an emergency plan and monitor the Department of State on social media for updates.
Northern border in Upper East and Upper West Regions
The alert emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance in border areas, notably the northern border, in a separate section. Travel by US government workers to the northern and northwest borders is now restricted due to security concerns about criminal activities in isolated locations.
