Ghana Vaccinations and Travel Advice

Ghana Vaccinations and Travel Advice

While traveling to Ghana, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.

Overlooking the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is a land of hidden miracles. Its sunny beaches, historical relics and nature reserves make it one of the most fascinating countries in West Africa. Its discovery is neverending, served by a warm welcome from Ghanaians, who are very attached to the tradition of their ancestors. On the natural side, Ghana has nothing to envy from its neighbours. With savannahs as far as the eye can see, beautiful coasts, the small villages of Dixcove and Bosua, as well as the Mole National Park and Lake Volta, you’ll find no place void of things to do! On the cultural side, the country’s strong identity is reflected in many traditional events. Its historical heritage is not left out. With the Osu Castle and the Ashanti Museum, Ghana’s rich heritage will surely surprise you.

While traveling to Ghana, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.
A relaxing boat tour in Ghana

What vaccines do I need for Ghana in 2020?

The Government of Canada and CDC recommend the following vaccinations for travelling to Ghana in 2020: MeaslesHepatitis ATyphoidHepatitis BMalariaRabiesYellow FeverMeningitisPolioCholera.

Recommended travel vaccinations for Ghana

VaccineDisease Transmission
Traveler’s diarrheaContaminated water/food
Cholera
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis BContaminated body fluids
(blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.)
RabiesInfected Animals
Yellow FeverMosquito bites
MeningitisAirborne Droplets
Influenza

Recommended Medication for Travelling to Ghana

MedicationAdditional Information
Azithromycin or SupraxAntibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea
Malarone, Doxycycline or MefloquineRecommended anti-malaria medication

Medical Care in Ghana

Unfortunately, conditions of health are rapidly deteriorating in Ghana. The national health system is unjust due to significant inequalities in regards to access to care between the rich and poor. Moreover, public hospitals are suffering from ageing facilities and lack of medical equipment. Korle Bu University Hospital is the largest university hospital in Ghana, yet medical care and equipment offered here fail to meet sanitary standards. Unfortunately, medical facilities outside of Accra are scarce.

Although Ghana offers a number of pharmacies, the drugs they sell have not been subjected to adequate quality control by public authorities. It is vital, therefore, to bring basic medicines such as antibiotics if you are visiting Ghana.

The national ambulance service can be reached by dialling 193.

Is Ghana Safe for Travel?

Safety and Security Descriptive
Crime High risk; Avoid the Greater Accra region; Caution needed on the road and at the airport
Terrorism Risk present
Demonstrations Risk of violence; Avoid Accra region
Road safety Caution required in rural areas; People may stop cars for scams
Fraud Beware of online scam, local scams and ATM scams
Inter-ethnic violence Risk present in Bawku, Bimbilla, Tamale and Yendi
Public transportation Poor safety standards; Set taxi fares before departure
Reserves, safaris and the beach Risk present; Maintain a safe distance with animals
Health Lassa fever warning
Risk level High degree of caution
Please click here for more information.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ghana?

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Ghana. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.

Please click here for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Ghana information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

  • A legal problem
  • A lost passport
  • The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian High Commission to Ghana (CANBERRA)
Street Address:
42 Independence Avenue,
Accra, Ghana

Tel.: 233 (302) 21 15 21 or 233 (302) 22 85 55
Fax: 233 (302) 21 15 23 or 77 37 92

Email: [email protected]

Click here to access the embassy’s website