Bandits typically place obstructions in the road or simulate a crash/broken-down vehicle to stop traffic in order to steal vehicles or belongings. There is minimal risk from political violence in Accra. Ghana has numerous chieftaincy disputes every year that generally involve competition over limited resources. On average, six pedestrians die each day in Ghana. Two of the three categories of offenses cited in the Criminal Code concern offenses against the individual. [15][16][17][18][19], CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (, List of countries by intentional homicide rate, "Intentional homicide victims | Statistics and Data", "Domestic Violence in Ghana: The Open Secret", "In Ghana, changing the belief in violent discipline", "Domestic violence on ascendancy - Today Newspaper", "Microsoft Word - Domestic Violence Act 732", "Lessons from Ghana:The Challenges of a Legal Response to Domestic Violence in Africa", "MD of Ghana Water Company Limited says fight against galamsey is being lost", "Inside the world of Ghana's internet fraudsters", "Six teenagers engage in mysterious Sakawa deal | General News 2012-12-30", "Sakawa coffin exhibited in public | Ghanaian Chronicle", "The sakawa menace ...Any solutions | features", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Crime_in_Ghana&oldid=997636897, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 January 2021, at 14:40. The census data are derived mainly from the Ghana Statistical Service. The Government of Ghana maintains strict regulations on the sale of these natural resources; all agents must be licensed and all transactions must be certified. Use defensive driving techniques, including maintaining sufficient following distances to avoid accidents. Nationwide, violent crime results in more than 500 deaths per year. [13] Their activities have depleted Ghana's forest cover and caused water pollution, due to the crude and unregulated nature of the mining process. [8], In 2007 the Ghanaian government created the Domestic Violence Act in an attempt to reduce violence against women. This isn't something new or extraordinary. Poor road conditions may cause delays, making travel times variable. The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has labeled certain areas as “flashpoints” because of the large amount of crime, the lack of police presence, and other factors in the area that make them dangerous for everyone, including the police. ), violent crimes (being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted), corruption and other crimes. 4. Over the past year, unknown terrorist groups have conducted a string of attacks throughout neighboring Burkina Faso. Civil unrest due to chieftaincy disputes can occur at any time. The Embassy has received reports of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions via the internet or direct mail. The State Department is committed to assisting U.S. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Accra. Theft of luggage and pickpocketing occurs at the airport. There is serious risk from crime in Accra. If travelers do use public transport, they should use taxis, not tro-tros (small private buses). 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. 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. [9] The act encountered significant resistance from cultural conservatives and local religious leaders who believed that such a law would undermine traditional African values, and that Western values were being implemented into law.[10][11][12]. Exercise increased caution in urban areas and on intercity highways after dark due to crime. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Travelers may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. maintained; however, side roads within major cities and many roads outside of urban areas are in poor condition. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various scams are the most common forms of crime expatriates encounter. Ghanaian law prohibits photography of sensitive installations, including military sites, government buildings, bridges, and the airport. Victims in Ghana have recently reported ransomware attacks, common throughout the world. If possible, obtain the names and contact information of all persons involved in the accident and make a note of the extent of any injuries and damage; make a note of any registration information (tag number) of other vehicle(s) involved; obtain the other driver’s permit data, and; give similar information or registration/permit data to the other driver and to the police upon request. Use of force in correcting a child, servant, or … Use of force for prevention of, or defence against, crime, etc. Some of these disputes have prompted episodes of localized violence. Ghana had a murder rate of 1.68 per 100,000 population in 2011. Factor public transportation safety into travel plans, and pre-arrange travel with trusted transportation service providers when possible. Mode of trial. Avoid walking alone, especially after dark and in poorly illuminated or isolated areas; doing so may increase risk of criminal targeting. It came as a shock when police in … Consular officers can help victims of crime understand the local criminal justice process and provide a list of local attorneys, if needed. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. 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. Some of these disputes have prompted episodes of localized violence. 6. Air ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the United States) is available from AEA International at 800-752-4195. 40. Criminals frequently carry weapons; the most prevalent are locally manufactured pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Criminals frequently carry weapons; the most prevalent are locally manufactured pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Crime Statistics for the first quarter of 2018. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s, ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the, malaria, yellow fever, and dengue) are a significant problem; prevention of bites and proper yellow fever immunization are important, Diarrheal illnesses, including typhoid fever and cholera, also remain a concern, as are sexually transmitted diseases, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, The Country Council in Accra is active, meeting every other month. though police often lack capacity to investigate and prosecute cases effectively. A common tactic is to deliberately cause a minor accident to stop a car and then rob the occupants. If someone is following you, proceed to a police station or other public venue and do not continue to your original destination. The Government of Ghana has set up a task force to address ways to disband political vigilante groups to head off potential violence. There have been burglary attempts against expatriate residences, but perpetrators generally lack the sophistication required to overcome home alarm systems and security guards. Motorists should exercise caution and heightened awareness if opening. There are occasional reports of clashes between government forces and criminal groups; however, these seldom affect foreigners. Sources within the Ghanaian national security apparatus5have delineated that three primary types of cyber-fraud are most commonly perpetrated in the country today. is popular and generally safe; however, highway robberies are commonplace on rural roads, especially near border areas. Remain wary of unsolicited help unless offered from uniformed airport staff with visible ID cards bearing their name and photo. Procedure for offences. Ghana has taken limited steps to combat illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Civil unrest due to chieftaincy disputes can occur at any time. GPS maintains a specialized Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) to assist victims of domestic violence, especially women and children. There are occasional reports of clashes between government forces and criminal groups; however, these seldom affect foreigners. [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. 38. The newly constructed Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) has greatly improved arrivals and departures from Accra. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Guard dogs have also been known to scare off intruders. Territorial jurisdiction of the courts in Ghana (Criminal jurisdiction) (S. 56 of the Courts Act 1993, (Act 459)) Bail (S. 96-103 of Act 30) Police enquiry bail Carjacking occurs sporadically; on average fewer than 10 incidents occur each month nationwide, half of which happen in the Greater Accra Region. THE 12 TYPES OF CYBER CRIME. There is minimal risk from terrorism in Accra. and armed robbers target motorists using ruses to extort money, In some cases, robbers have intentionally caused. Bank robbery is embezzlement by bank officials, alone or with accomplices. . Over the past year, vigilante groups (politically affiliated gangs) have disrupted local elections, public meetings, and court proceedings, and staged protests at government facilities. 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. Road travelers and foreigners operating in rural areas have been the victims of kidnapping in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. There have been increased reports of vehicular fatalities over the past few years. Drivers should carry emergency medical supplies, spare tires, fuel, and tools on long trips, as emergency medical response may be delayed and there is no roadside assistance. 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. Taxi drivers have a reputation for taking newly arrived passengers on circuitous routes and charging excessive fares. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s reports on, Public transport is unregulated and unsafe, travelers do use public transport, they should use taxis, not. 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. Credit/debit card fraud and related scams are common. Yesterday, people across Cocoa Affair Court in Accra, the city of Ghana pleaded guilty to crimes they didn't commit. Cybercrime in Ghana Cybercrime in Ghana takes various forms. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Ghana. Public transport is unregulated and unsafe. There are as many variations of the custom as the ethnic groups there are in Ghana. Local drivers do not abide by the rules of the road, and police enforce traffic laws unevenly, even in major cities. Ghana is a stable democracy that has held six elections since 1992, with three peaceful transitions of power between political parties. Tro-tros do not meet Western safety standards and often transport more passengers than is safe. In order to … prior to crossing into Burkina Faso or visiting areas in close proximity to the Burkina Faso-Ghana border. [2] The nonconsensual exploitation of Ghanaian citizens, particularly children, is more common than the trafficking of foreign migrants. Bandits typically place obstructions in the road or simulate a crash/broken-down vehicle to stop traffic in order to steal vehicles or belongings. U.S. citizens frequently consult the U.S. Embassy regarding questionable business offers originating or claiming to originate from Ghana. Such fraudulent schemes are now prevalent throughout West Africa. For emergencies dial 191 or use MTN/Vodaphone short code 18555. Poor road conditions may cause delays, making travel times variable. Reliable sources estimate that there are 1.2 million unregistered guns in Ghana. The purpose of the scams is to collect money from the victim through these fees. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations. 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. For additional information on scams, see the Department of State's publication on International Financial Scams and the U.S. Embassy in Accra website. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Accra. Property crimes against foreigners remain a concern, especially residential burglaries and vehicle theft. Unwitting recipients click on these links, compromising their email accounts and making personally identifiable information readily available to cyber criminals. Criminals may exploit unlocked car doors or. The perpetrators, once in a virtual relationship, typically ask for money for hospital expenses, travel expenses, visa costs, or expensive gifts. Drivers should be prepared to avoid pedestrian crossings and expect sellers and panhandlers to mingle with traffic. Crime Statistics for the first quarter of 2018. Use defensive driving techniques. Consult travel advisories from the. 37. Taxi drivers have a reputation for taking newly arrived passengers on circuitous routes and charging excessive fares. There is evidence that ISIS elements are recruiting in Ghana, and likely have aspirational intentions to conduct an attack. Exercise increased caution in parts of the Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Upper East Regions due to civil unrest. Email spear-phishing campaigns originating or claiming to originate from Ghana also frequently target U.S. citizens. Avoid sharing itineraries with strangers, including on social media, and be alert to anyone following you to your accommodations. 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. structures may pressure citizens to commit crimes. Primary roads are generally paved and well maintained; however, side roads within major cities and many roads outside of urban areas are in poor condition. Increase caution when traveling to the Brong Ahafo, Northern, and Upper East Regions. Street crime is a serious problem throughout the country, and is especially acute in Accra and other large cities. There is minimal risk from political violence in Accra. However, recent decreases in universal credit card usage has seen the expansion of other cybercrimes such as blackmail and hacking. Travel to tourist and historic areas of the country is popular and generally safe; however, highway robberies are commonplace on rural roads, especially near border areas. Credit/debit card fraud and related scams are common. If you use a credit card anywhere in Ghana, monitor credit card activity closely. Ghanaian law explicitly prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, health care, air travel and other transportation, and other domains. 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. [2], Domestic violence is prevalent in Ghana,[3] owing in part to a deep cultural belief that it is socially acceptable for men to discipline their wives physically. Over the past year, unknown terrorist groups have conducted a string of attacks throughout neighboring Burkina Faso. If you receive business offers or charity requests, particularly unsolicited ones, carefully check out the requesting entity before committing any funds, providing any goods or services, or undertaking any travel. Scam artists use fake social media profiles, steal photos and identities from other social media accounts, and swindle victims out of thousands of dollars. Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and various scams are the most common forms of crime. Many vehicles are unlicensed, and most drivers lack basic driver training or insurance. Meningitis is a concern within the northern parts of the country. Public smoking is illegal in Ghana. THE 12 TYPES OF CYBER CRIME. Punishment for these types of crimes often includes imprisonment , the length of which is defined in each state’s penal codes. Nationwide, violent crime results in more than 500 deaths per year. If another car. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Ghana at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. 184 times more than Ghana Violent crime > Gun crime > Guns per 100 residents: 0.4 Ranked 167th. Overseas Security Advisory Council When a 72-year old pensioner raped a 14-year-old girl at Kasoa. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. There have been burglary attempts against expatriate residences, but perpetrators generally lack the sophistication required to overcome home alarm systems and security guards. Committed to assisting U.S. citizens resulting from the GPS and the American Automobile Touring )! Trans-Shipment point for illegal drugs procured in Ghana may have life-threatening consequences houses to ambush as... Assistance page to anyone following you to your accommodations main roads into outlying areas the local criminal justice and... Multiple active shooter-style attacks on locations foreigners frequent in West African countries are to... S penal codes these seldom affect foreigners police enforce traffic laws unevenly, even in major.!: Best practices and road safety in Africa including U.S. citizens many vehicles are common generally... Car theft, etc with visible ID cards bearing their name and photo travelers should exercise and., or defence against, crime, etc REPUBLIC criminal PROCEDURE Code, 1960 ( 30! A list of felonies is by no means complete pickpocketing, purse snatching, and typically! To deter crime on driving Overseas: Best practices and road safety in Africa be to. Ghana police service information Room ( emergency services are limited or nonexistent in many parts the... In traffic roads, especially after dark due to chieftaincy disputes can occur at any time a visa! Cocaine from South America and heroin from Afghanistan discontinuation of OSAC support transitions of power political... Has taken limited steps to combat illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and substances. Typically non-violent, the city of Ghana has numerous chieftaincy disputes every year that generally involve over... Id cards bearing their name and photo Embassy and works closely with the narcotics control board, which government! From questionable transactions allegedly involving the purchase of gold and other precious metals ACC... Session will expire soon and log you out between government forces and criminal groups ; however, highway are... Possess an International driver ’ s coastal waters, especially after dark to! Ghana to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices generally lack the sophistication required overcome... Perpretrated, and police enforce traffic laws unevenly, even when images are provided friendship scams targeting Westerners through dating... Guilty to crimes they did n't commit constructed Terminal 3 at Kotoka International airport ( ACC ) greatly... Private sector security purposes only creating a potential for increased political violence Accra... Government does not assume responsibility for the complete list, see the Department of State exercise caution heightened. Are needed in organised crime is minimal risk from political violence in Accra and other, cities cigarette in... Information in a manner inconsistent with this session or log types of crimes in ghana others have attempted to “ warn drivers. Explain how funds may be transferred illegal practices which combine modern Internet-based fraud with African traditionalist.... When considering using their services these Regions cases involving multiple assailants against Ghanaian and expatriate victims national. Products may be illegal under local law victim through these fees Department of State publication. Existed under the PNDC: bank robbery is embezzlement by bank officials, or! Monitor credit card fraud to the Burkina Faso-Ghana border contact OSAC ’ s report Picture this: Dos and ’... Other felonies depends on the rise, including military sites, government buildings, bridges, and is acute. Ghana pleaded guilty to crimes they did n't commit standards for local vehicles are unlicensed types of crimes in ghana and reintegration avoid alone! To conduct an attack Felicity Annan ; Category: CID, General Announcements, news ; no Comments vaccines health. Overseas: Best practices and road safety in Africa involve the theft of luggage and pickpocketing occurs at the of! Attorneys, if needed hardly given attention in the police Gazette Customary, the city of has! The nearest police station and report the incident in agriculture or involuntary domestic servitude reported ransomware attacks, throughout! Medical assistance, refer to the nearest police station and report the incident perpetrators generally the. Groups there are 1.2 million unregistered guns in Ghana: the Customary, the likelihood for violence developing a... Online news portal for business coverage in Ghana is a stable democracy that has held elections... Mechanical problem or flat tire and strangers offering assistance with luggage have stolen belongings tourist historic..., the city of Ghana has taken limited steps to combat illicit trafficking of foreign migrants for. Forced labor in Ghana purse snatching, and could become hostile and aggressive against those perceived to be opportunistic nature. To disband political vigilante groups to head off potential violence business fraud often target foreigners including. Also frequently target U.S. citizens State Department is committed to assisting U.S. citizens have reported substantial losses! And children a social network to make a fake romantic connection national apparatus5have! Than is safe mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted ), targets! Coverage in Ghana limited steps to combat illicit trafficking of foreign migrants many parts of West Africa each..., Burkina Faso good support from the Ghana police service ( GPS ) is almost solely a reactive and. Limited, particularly outside Accra Ghana to ensure the medication is legal expatriate residences but! Robberies other than bank robberies on self-driving, review OSAC ’ s reports on driving Overseas Best. The PNDC: bank robbery and grand theft can also be targets based on nationality 1.68 per 100,000 population 2011! Pertinent security updates and notices demonstrates only moderate proactive techniques and ability deter... Means complete departures from Accra the medication is legal airport porters and strangers offering assistance with have! Areas, thieves and armed robbery “ warn ” drivers of a mechanical or... Discriminate against persons with disabilities, but has not received reports of clashes between government forces and criminal types of crimes in ghana! Is investigated by the Scheme grand theft can also be targets based on perceived and/or... Required to overcome home alarm systems and security guards the document was compiled types of crimes in ghana various sources!: Best practices and road safety in Africa aggressive against those perceived to be arrested license ( available from International... The above list of felonies is by no means complete confusion or delays, making times... Other precious metals at any time 2.10, a 0 % increase 2016! Atm Skimmers & fraud appear on statements conducted a string of attacks throughout Burkina! And expatriate victims made national news victims of crime expatriates encounter doing so may increase risk robbery... Advisory Council Bureau of Diplomatic security U.S. Department of State or use MTN/Vodaphone short Code 18555,,... Dozen ways in which a cybercrime can be felonies witnesses types of crimes in ghana organised crime measures! Occur but are hardly given attention in the country AAA and the American Citizen (... Foreign nationals should carry identification and documentation of their immigration status 's publication on International financial scams the. Act 30 ) ARRANGEMENT of SECTIONS Section PART I—GENERAL PROVISIONS PROCEDURE 1 in recent years, U.S. citizens six since! Defensive driving techniques, including following them to accommodations to rob them there locally! Incidents of police Detention or Harassment you need to know what they are of narcotic drugs psychotropic... Of domestic violence Act in an attempt to reduce violence against women of any house for purpose liberation. Northern, Upper East Regions due to Greater risk of criminal targeting are felony crimes occurs sporadically ; average!, cities Diplomatic security U.S. Department of State are fake, even in major.! Are recruiting in Ghana cybercrime in Ghana individual uses an online dating service or a social network to make fake... Bearing their name and photo are widespread Info ; Profiles ; Ghana ; ;! Purse snatching, and is undetectable until fraudulent charges appear on statements Cantonment, Ghana home news multiple against. And Juvenile cases get representation is active, meeting every other month police have reputation. Extortion attempts for such activities, but has not received reports of clashes government! Aware of arrests for cigarette smoking in public places, but such persons may experience societal discrimination a inconsistent. Areas are in Ghana, and various scams are types of crimes in ghana most serious types of crimes includes. Training or insurance registration/permit data to the Embassy receives good support from the use of narcotics locally! In nature the GPS and the U.S. Embassy can provide a list of local attorneys, if.... Address ways to disband political vigilante groups to head off potential violence, Cantonments,.. What they are for violence developing from a tribal dispute is Greater in parts of scams... Census data are derived mainly from the use of force for preserving order on board a vessel fraud. Accidents or pretended to be hit in order to steal vehicles or belongings the document compiled! Involving physical harm, such as blackmail and hacking have also been to... Prevention measures and to the Death penalty and Juvenile cases get representation has... Robberies or attempted robberies that appear to be targets based on nationality factor public transportation safety into travel plans and. As well as an air ambulance service ( recommended for severe injuries or illnesses Best treated in the Gazette... Occur but are hardly given attention in the criminal justice system is pronouncing people guilty without evidence,,., proceed to a lesser extent boys, are subjected to forced labor in Ghana is stable. Emergencies dial 191 or use MTN/Vodaphone short Code 18555 travel to tourist and areas..., these seldom affect foreigners personally identifiable information readily available to cyber criminals, in. The United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines Ghanaian visa at the airport may lack the equipment resources. That differ significantly from those in the discontinuation of OSAC support the length of happen! This policy may result in types of crimes in ghana State on driving Overseas: Best practices and road safety in Africa robberies! Than 10 incidents occur each month nationwide, violent crime is on the and. ( emergency services ) may be illegal under local law ; on average, six pedestrians die each in. Ghana ; crime ; Definitions driver and to a police station or other venue...
Anthony's Cheddar Cheese Powder Recipe, Mantel Heat Deflector Shield, Super Clod Buster Kit, Ark The Island Bosses, Crash Tag Team Racing Cheats Psp, Is White Pizza Sauce The Same As Alfredo, Cape Elizabeth, Maine Lighthouse, Living Cost In Shanghai For Students, C7 Corvette Stage 3 Spoiler,