Accra Warnings Or Dangers

Accra football stadium is not a place you can walk around and take pictures. At least not according to the security guard on the picture. He was angry and asked me to leave the stadium. Don't take pictures inside Accra football stadium.

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Beware of corrupt policemen outside Accra Kotoka Airport. Don't walk around the airport area by curiosity if you don't want to be a victim of false accusations and have to pay a bribe to get away. A ghanesian fellow passenger in the taxi from airport had to pay 100 Cedis for nothing. I was also held there 20 minutes for questioning. Where I should stay, where I was from, how long I should stay, etc. I had just arrived the country as a tourist and had the visa and passport stamped by the immigration.

The picture shows the policeman in the Police post at the parking area outside the airport arrival hall. I was too afraid of taking the picture of his face, so I have only this picture from behind. Somebody who knows this corrupt man?

Accra is a very safe place, nevertheless, you need to careful and avoid wandering around alone after dark Pay extra attention to your belonging and your “pocket” in crowded places like busy markets.
Do not carry valuables on the beach as petty thefts and even muggings are real threats. Hire a taxi driver to be your driver for few hours if you can. That’s what I did and the price was very reasonable, it was close to $6 per hour, the driver became a friend and a guide.

I did not have a good experience with this airline.

First, when I called to confirm my 10am flight, I was told that it was now 6am.

Second, at check-in, they did not give me a computerized luggage strip, but instead a piece of cardboard on a string with a number on it. A part of this cardboard was torn off with the number as my 'baggage claim'. When asked if it was checked through all the way to LIbreville (was transiting in Abidjan in between), was told yes. Was not the case.

Third, the flight itself was operated by a two-toned plane with no markings on it - no logo, no letters, no foreign alphabet, nothing. It was operated by an almost all-white crew from an airline whose name I did not catch because they had a rather particular accent.

In one word - dodgy.

NONE REALLY...

DON'T LET THEM RIP YOU OFF....JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE A FOREIGNER...FIGHT THEM RIGHT BACK!

I NEVER FEARED ANYTHING WHILE I WAS THEIR...

I DID STAY IN A HOTEL CALLED HOTEL CALIFORNIA (OR SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES)...THEY STOLE SOME MONEY FROM US....BUT WE KNEW IT, FOUGHT WITH THEM UNTIL WE WERE BLUE IN THE FACE AND THEY WERE JUST PLAIN ANNOYED...AND WE GOT OUR MONEY BACK...

BUT I THINK THAT WAS A RARE EXPERIENCE

Ghana is a very safe place with very friendly people.
There are almost no baggers.
If you make photos from People ask them first. Most of them agree that you take a picture. Avoid taking pictures around millitary areas and if there is police presence.
Avoid the touristic Market of Accra and go the normal Market where are ghanian people go. At the touristic Market you can't find anything special.
If you want to see a smiling face take some candys or clothes that you don't need, pens, pencils etc. with you. The people really appriciate small gifts like these. Don't give to much money.

Ghana is a very safe Country. The hospitality of Ghanaians will amaze you However:

Crime
Crime As in every human society, Accra has its share of crime, though it is generally regarded as being relatively safe and peaceful. Lately, however, the rate of crime seems to be rising. The police is working hard to arrest the situation. Be careful of pickpockets, and armed robbers.

Clothing
Wear light summer clothing preferably in cotton. Avoid synthetic fabric in all seasons.

Health
Boil your non-tap drinking water.
Avoid street food and water. Be very careful of what enters your body.
Be weary of prostitutes, and remember that AIDS is real, so do protect yourself if you must entertain them. Remember 'prevention is better then cure'. Always move in a group.

Money Exchange
Change your foreign money at the forex bureaux. No matter the amount, count before leaving premises. Good bureaux have counting machines. In a big town or city avoid the roadside money changers. They'll cheat you. You'll realize this only when you get home.
Don't exchange more money than you need at a time (not more than 3 days time).
Avoid Saturday night exchange of money..the rates are terrible
To be a good sprinter like Ghana inflation, make sure that whatever you want to buy is at hand before you exchange your foreign currency.

Transportation
Always travel on STC buses whenever possible. They are more comfotable and a lot safer.

Shoping
Always shop with a 'proper' Ghanaian with you. Alternatively, let somebody you trust shop for you otherwise you'll pay double the price. If you have to do the shopping yourself first check the prices in the shops. If you have to shop outside (bargain) first check the prices at the shops. Then you'll never pay more than it costs in the shops.

Others
Do not swim in the LAKES or RIVERS

Many people/institutions'll frustrate you but keep your cool. Never engage in arguments unless your vital interests are at stake.