Due to new threats against LGBTQI+ people in Ghana, the US Embassy has revised its travel recommendation to Level 2, advising travellers to “exercise increased caution.”
The alert, which was released on November 20, 2023, draws attention to worries around crimes and acts of violence that are purportedly targeted against Ghanaian LGBTQI+ citizens.
Citing civil upheaval, the alert particularly identified places with purportedly higher dangers, including portions of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East districts.
The embassy issues a warning against violent crimes, including carjacking and street mugging, highlighting the fact that these attacks frequently take place at night and in remote areas.
According to the Embassy, violent crimes are a concern and travellers should travel with extra caution, particularly after dark when criminal elements may deploy blockades to limit movement and in urban areas and crowded markets. Due to security concerns, areas in the Upper East and Upper West near the northern border are marked for extra caution.
The Embassy also mentioned that local police might not have the resources to adequately respond to significant crimes, which could limit the U.S. government’s capacity to offer emergency services to US nationals in Ghana.
The Embassy in its advisory addressed alleged challenges faced by LGBTQI+ travellers in Ghana, citing prohibitions in Ghanaian law on “unlawful carnal knowledge” between persons of the same sex. Punishments for such activities can include fines and incarceration.
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.
The embassy encouraged travellers to visit its LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and review the Human Rights Report for additional details. It also urged enrolment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts and advises a review of the Country Security Report for Ghana. Travellers are recommended to prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and follow the Department of State on social media for updates.
In a separate section, the advisory highlights the need for increased caution in border areas, particularly the northern border. Due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote areas, travel of U.S. government personnel to the northern and northwestern border is currently limited.
