Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Location Information > Ghana International Parental Child Abduction Information

International Parental Child Abduction

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Location Information > Ghana International Parental Child Abduction Information

Ghana

Ghana
Republic of Ghana
Exercise increased caution when traveling to Ghana due to crime, poor health infrastructure, violence against women, and violence against lesbian and gay travelers. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indicator was added. The “unrest” indicator was removed from the area of increased risk. Advisory summary was updated. 

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Ghana due to crime, poor health infrastructure, violence against women, and violence against lesbian and gay travelers. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to the northern border in the Upper East Region, the Northeast Region, the Upper West Region, and areas west of the N12 highway in the Savannah Region due to crime.

Advisory Summary   

Crime

Violent crime, such as carjacking, street mugging, assault, and rape occurs in Ghana. These crimes often happen at night and in remote locations. Criminal groups may use blockades to slow down or stop vehicles. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or driving at night. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Crimes of opportunity, including petty theft, are a serious problem in Ghana. Thieves often target people who seem wealthy or vulnerable. These crimes usually happen at night and in remote places. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking by yourself.

Sexual assault, such as rape, is significantly underreported in Ghana. Domestic violence is a crime in Ghana, but police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence. Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) and child marriage under the age of 18 is illegal in Ghana. However, both remain a serious problem for girls younger than 18 in some regions.

Poor health infrastructure

Medical infrastructure is limited in Ghana. There are limited emergency medical services outside of Accra. Serious medical emergencies in Ghana require medical evacuation. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.

Violence involving Sexual Orientation

Ghanaian law makes it illegal for people of the same sex to have sexual relationships. This law is mostly enforced against men.

Punishments can include fines or incarceration for up to 3 years. In recent years, there has been more criticism of, and violence against, people because of their sexual orientation. There are also reports of practices pressuring gay and lesbian people to “recant” their identities.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

Northern border in the Upper East Region, the Northeast Region, the Upper West Region

Reconsider travel due to crime. Many violent crimes occur in these areas, including highway robbery, carjacking, assault, and rape. These areas also have limited police presence. Travelers in these areas cannot easily receive help from local police.

Terrorist groups have conducted attacks throughout Burkina Faso, including in areas close to the border with Ghana. Review the Burkina Faso Travel Advisory for more information.

U.S. government employees working in Ghana require special authorization to travel to these areas. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to the safety risks. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Areas West of the N12 Highway in the Savannah Region

Reconsider travel due to crime. Many violent crimes occur in this area. Crimes include highway robbery, carjacking, assault, and rape. This area also has limited police presence. Travelers cannot easily receive help from local police.

U.S. government employees working in Ghana require special authorization to travel to this area. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area due to the safety risks. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Ghana:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.   
  • Review the Country Security Report for Ghana. 
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Ghana.  
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist. 
  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. 
  • Review our information on Women Travelers and on Gay and Lesbian Travelers.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Stay alert in tourist spots.
  • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
  • Refer to our list of medical providers.
  • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. 
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Accra

No. 24 Fourth Circular Road,
Cantonments, Accra
Ghana
Telephone: +233-(0)30-274-1000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +233-(0)30-274-1000
Email: 

For information concerning travel to Ghana, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Ghana.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here. 

Ghana is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Ghana and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Ghana and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances. 

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction.  For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child.  The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Website: Childabduction.state.gov
Email: AfricaIPCA@state.gov

Parental child abduction is a criminal offense in Ghana.  The Children’s Act of 1998 makes removal of a child from a person who has legal custody an offense with possible fines or imprisonment.  Links to Ghanaian law regarding children are available at the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

The Children’s Act 1998 

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court.  Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information. 

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Ghana and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States.  Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy in Ghana for information and possible assistance.

Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Mediation is becoming a common practice to settle custody disputes in Ghana and courts will refer cases for mediation to the Department of Social Welfare to work with the families.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: February 3, 2021

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Accra
No. 24 Fourth Circular Road,
Cantonments, Accra,
Ghana
Telephone
+233-(0)30-274-1000
Emergency
+233-(0)30-274-1000
Fax
No Fax
Email
ConsularAccra@state.gov
Website
https://gh.usembassy.gov/

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