ghana covid vaccine travel

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Ghana Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Ghana

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

Ghana entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Ghana from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Can I travel to Ghana without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Ghana without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Ghana?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Ghana.

Can I travel to Ghana without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Ghana?

Mask usage in Ghana is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Ghana?

Restaurants in Ghana are open. Bars in Ghana are .

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COVID 19 UPDATE AS AT 20TH MAY 2023

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Information on the covid-19 vaccine, frequently asked questions on the covid-19 vaccine.

FAQs on the COVID-19 Vaccine

Why should i take covid19 vaccine  .

COVID-19 is easily transmitted and can lead to serious illness and death, even for people who are young and healthy.

By taking the COVID-19 vaccine you also protect your friends and family.

How dangerous is the COVID-19 disease? 

Although for some people the COVID-19 virus causes mild illness, it can make others very ill and can be fatal. Older persons and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) are more vulnerable. In Ghana fatal cases recorded since March 2020 have exceeded a 1000.

How do we know that COVID19 vaccines are safe?

COVID-19 vaccines go through rigorous, multi-stage testing processes, including studies that involve tens of thousands of people.

How effective are COVID-19 vaccines?

At the moment, vaccines available for COVID-19 have efficacy of between 60-94%. The World Health Organization guidance is that COVID-19 vaccines should demonstrate at least 50% efficacy against severe disease.

How do we know that COVID-9 vaccines in Ghana are safe? 

There are strong precautions in place to help ensure the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines. Before receiving validation from The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), The World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulatory agencies ensure that , COVID-19 vaccines undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials to ensure that they meet internationally agreed benchmarks for safety and efficacy. These trials, which include people at high risk for COVID-19, are specifically designed to identify any common side effects or other safety concerns.

How is it possible to develop a safe vaccine so quickly?

While COVID-19 vaccines have been developed faster than any other vaccine in history, safety was just as much a focus as in any other vaccine development. Scientists prioritized COVID-19 vaccine development because of the global emergency.

The speed in the development of COVID-19 vaccine has also been made possible because of the availability of new tools and technologies used in vaccine development.

What is Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA)?

This is when a medical product is authorized for use during a pandemic to ensure  timely  access to much needed health products. The objective is to make medicines, vaccines and diagnostics available as rapidly as possible to address the emergency, while adhering to stringent criteria of safety, efficacy and quality. This authorization is given for the duration of the pandemic. In the EUA, manufacturers are requested to submit any additional documentation on the product as and when it becomes available.

EUA is allowed only when the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) is satisfied that the product has met all efficacy, safety and quality specifications.

Do the COVID19 vaccines have adverse reactions?

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause adverse reactions. Most of these are mild and short term, such as pain at the injection site, tiredness or a headache. Most reactions to vaccines are mild and go away within a few days on their own. The typical side effects can be managed  with rest and lots of liquids.

Many people don't get any side effects. Some people might feel slightly unwell because their immune system is responding to the vaccine, but this is not an illness.

More serious or long-lasting side effects to vaccines are possible but extremely rare. 

When will COVID-19 vaccines be ready for distribution in Ghana?

COVID-19 vaccines have been available in Ghana since March 2021 and has since been distributed in phases. Once a shipment arrives it is distributed based on the Ghana Health Service vaccination plan. More information can be found ( https://www.ghs.gov.gh ). 

Will there be enough COVID-19 vaccines for everyone? 

As doses of COVID-19 vaccines become available, they will be provided first to those at risk. The specific groups that are eligible for the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines may vary depending on the availability of the vaccine. 

Can I take a vaccine if I am breastfeeding?                                       

Vaccination can be offered to breastfeeding women. WHO does not recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding after vaccination.

Can I take a vaccine if I am pregnant?

There is little data available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy. Pregnant women may receive the vaccine if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks. Pregnant women should consult their doctor about the vaccine to get information about the risks and benefits to be able to make an informed choice about it.  

What is the importance of the second doze of COVID-19 vaccine?

Some COVID-19 vaccines such as Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccine require two standard doses for more better protection. Accordingly, WHO recommends two standard doses. The second dose gives an additional boost to the immune system and trains the body to fight the virus.

Is it possible for me to get COVID-19 after getting vaccinated?

While COVID-19 vaccines have high levels of efficacy, especially against hospitalization and severe disease, no vaccine is 100% protective. As a result, there will be some small percentage of vaccinated people who may contract COVID-19 in spite of being vaccinated.

If I have had COVID-19 before and have recovered, do I still need to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available?

Yes, you should go ahead and take a vaccine even if you had COVID-19 as there is not enough research to show how much antibodies you have after illness. However, it is recommended that you wait until your symptoms disappear.   

Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?

No. You cannot get COVID 19 from the vaccine. As of December 2020, vaccines being administered or reviewed for approval did not contain any live virus of the type that causes COVID-19.

Will COVID-19 vaccines provide long-term protection?

We do not yet know how long protection from different COVID-19 vaccines will last. This also depend on a vaccine's specific character but also on a person's age, their underlying health conditions, previous COVID-19 disease, current exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and others. 

When will the vaccine start being effective against the virus?

You need to wait 14 days after getting vaccinated to gain significant levels of protection. It increases gradually after the vaccination. 

For two-dose vaccines, you need to take both doses to achieve the highest level of immunity possible.

If I get a COVID-19 vaccine, will I still need to take other precautions such as physical distancing, wearing of mask and other?                                                            

While a COVID-19 vaccine is most effective against serious illness and death, we still need a better understanding about their ability to protect you from getting infected and passing the virus on to others.

So you need to continue to maintain at least a one metre distance from others, cover a cough or sneeze, wash your hands frequently with soap under running water and wear a mask. You need to avoid enclosed, crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Always follow guidance from Ghana Health Services. 

How can one report of adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine?

In the unlikely event of an adverse reaction such as fever, welling of the injection site or fever after receiving the vaccine, you can report to the nearest health facility for treatment and also send a report to the Medsafety App .

What to do to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19?

WHO recommends the following combined actions:

• Maintain at least a 1-metre distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection when they cough, sneeze or speak; maintain an even greater distance between yourself and others when indoors.
• Always wear a mask in public places and when with others. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal are essential to make masks as effective as possible.
• Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
• Make sure it covers your nose, mouth and chin.
• When you take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose of a medical mask in a trash bin.
• Get the COVID-19 vaccine.

How can I learn more about COVID-19 vaccines?

Everyone is encouraged to rely on reputable and authoritative sources of information, such as health care providers and public health officials, to help them make informed choices and stay up to date. The latest information about COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization is available.

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Ghana Travel Advisory

Travel advisory november 20, 2023, ghana - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers.

Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil unrest.

Country summary:  Violent crimes, such as carjacking and street mugging, do occur. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Exercise increased caution specifically due to crime:

• In urban areas and crowded markets
• When traveling by private or public transportation after dark as criminal elements may use blockades to slow down and restrict movement of vehicles
• In areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Ghanaian law contains prohibitions on “unlawful carnal knowledge” – generally interpreted as any kind of sexual intimacy – between persons of the same sex. Punishments can include fines and/or incarceration. Anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years. Members of the LGBTQI+ community have reported safety incidents that include targeted assault, rape, mob attacks, and harassment due to their identity.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ghana.

If you decide to travel to Ghana:

• See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Ghana.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Areas Near the Northern Border in the Upper East and Upper West Regions – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

U.S. citizens traveling in Ghana should exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular the northern border, and be sure to read Security Alerts affecting those areas. 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.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Ghana set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ghana High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ghana.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Ghana, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Ghana.

Applying for a visa

Complete the online visa application form on the Ghana High Commission website and make the online payment.

You need to upload your supporting documents (including a yellow fever certificate) and provide hard copies. Print out the form, add supporting documents and send them by post as directed on the website. The visa processing time is 10 to 15 days.

To get a visa in around 3 days, check if you can use the express service available in person from the Ghana Premium Application Centre in London .

Extending your visa

To extend your stay, take the visa extension form and photos in person to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) office on Independence Avenue in Accra.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Ghana, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ghana guide .

Registering with the authorities

If you live in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana and get a non-citizen Ghana card . You must register all foreign nationals aged 6 years and above in your family who are either:

• permanently resident in Ghana
• resident in Ghana for at least 90 days in any calendar year

For more information, see living in Ghana .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Ghana . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Ghana

You must declare all hard currency, using the declaration form provided on arrival. You can bring in up to a maximum Ghanaian cedi equivalent of 10,000 US dollars.

Do not carry more than 10,000 dollars in value in any foreign currency. The Ghanaian authorities can confiscate the entire amount if you are carrying cash of this value or more.

Dual nationality

Ghana recognises dual nationality. Ghanaian-British dual nationals can register with the Interior Ministry in Ghana and get a dual nationality card. You can produce this card when entering Ghana to show that you do not need a visa.

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Routine Vaccines

It’s important to be up to date on recommended routine vaccines prior to travel, including Flu, RSV and COVID-19.

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Ghana Travel Requirements & Vaccinations

Located in West Africa, Ghana’s coastline spans the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the eleventh most-friendly country in the world and the most friendly country in Africa, Ghana offers tourists a wide range of attractions and geographical variety, including:

• A warm, tropical climate year-round
• Diverse wildlife
• Waterfalls, rivers, reservoirs and lakes
• Palm-lined sandy beaches
• Caves and mountains
• Tropical rain forests

The country is mainly Christian and English is the primary language spoken, with French being the second most spoken language.

Required Immunizations for Ghana Travel: Yellow Fever Vaccine

By law, anyone entering Ghana must be able to produce proof of their yellow fever  vaccination. UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine will provide you with an official certificate of vaccination.

Additional Vaccines That May Be Recommended

• Hepatitis A
• Malaria (pill form)

*Rabies vaccination is typically only recommended for very high risk travelers given that it is completely preventable if medical attention is received within 7 – 10 days of an animal bite.

Travelers may also be advised to ensure they have received the routine vaccinations listed below. Some adults may need to receive a booster for some of these diseases:

• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

Older adults or those with certain medical conditions may also want to ask about being vaccinated for shingles and/or pneumonia.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a travel medicine professional. Not all of the vaccines listed here will be necessary for every individual.

Talk to the experts at UH Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine & Global Health to determine how each member of your family can obtain maximum protection against illness, disease and injury while traveling, based on age, health, medical history and travel itinerary.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Ghana travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 15:11 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, ghana - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Ghana due to crime.

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Border areas

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence.

There is a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the northern areas of Ghana bordering Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin, and more specifically, Burkina Faso, where armed groups and militias are active.

The expansion of extremist militants and the limited capacity of the Ghanaian authorities to control borders may increase the risk posed by criminals.

Inter-ethnic violence

Chieftaincy disputes and political tension can sometimes lead to localized violence and unrest.

While possible throughout Ghana, these conflicts most commonly occur in the Upper East, Upper West and Volta regions.

During times of unrest, local authorities may impose curfews.

If you're travelling to an area where unrest is possible or if unrest breaks out where you are:

• monitor local media to stay up to date on the current situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• adhere to curfews

Latest curfews imposed – Ministry of the Interior, Republic of Ghana

Crime has steadily increased in the recent years in Ghana, especially in large cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and their surroundings.

Several violent incidents have occurred in the following Greater Accra neighbourhoods:

• Agbogbloshie

Avoid going into these neighbourhoods at night.

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasions and kidnapping, occurs. Thieves often target affluent areas where foreigners live. They sometimes carry firearms. In some cases, they have seriously assaulted their victims for failing to comply.

Armed robberies of vehicles at night also occur and armed attacks have been reported along the Accra–Tema and Accra–Kumasi–Tamale highways.

• Ensure that windows and doors in your residence are secured
• If you are the victim of an armed robbery, don’t resist
• Limit intercity travel to daytime hours

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common at crowded markets, beaches, parks and other tourist areas. Attacks by individuals on motorbikes are also frequent.

Theft of luggage and belongings occurs in hotels.

• Ensure that personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone
• Avoid going to isolated beaches
• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery and watches

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies have been victims of violence and discrimination.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could face increased risks to their safety since the “anti-LGBTI” bill was introduced in August 2021.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Ghana.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards or when making payments at a payment terminal.  Connectivity issues may prevent the transaction from going through and you may be charged twice.

• Pay with cash whenever possible
• Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• Avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• Cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• Check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

At the airport

At the Kotoka International Airport, thieves sometimes pose as uniformed porters or officials appearing to work at the airport. Official airport employees wear ID cards bearing both their name and photograph.

• Be wary of unsolicited assistance

On the road

On the road, scammers may pose as police officers to stop and demand money from foreigners.

If this occurs:

• Don’t hand over your money or your passport
• Ask for their name tag and Identification number

Tourism industry

Local tour operators or hotels may offer you steep discounts for their services. They could be fake businesses.

• Do your research before booking
• Use reliable internationally known tourism agencies only

If you have lost money to such scams:

•  don’t attempt to confront your scammers
• seek assistance from local authorities or local legal aid

Online scams

Be wary of Internet romance or friendship scams via dating or social media websites. Scammers often use fake profiles to target Westerners and steal from them. Once they succeed in building a virtual relationship, they ask for money for various purposes.

If you are travelling to Ghana to meet someone you met online, keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam.  Victims of this type of scams have lost thousands of dollars.

Be also wary of unsolicited emails offering enticing business or financial opportunities, often related to the gold industry.

If you intend to make business in Ghana:

• ensure that any business opportunity is legitimate before leaving; if in doubt, contact Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
• don’t travel to Ghana with the intention to obtain restitution after losing money to a fraud as confrontations have resulted in assaults

Trade Commissioner Service in Ghana - Government du Canada

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time in Accra and other major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. They are generally good in cities, but poor in rural areas.  Most secondary roads are poorly lit. Pedestrians and roaming livestock pose further hazard, especially at night.

Many Ghanaian cars, especially commercial vehicles, are in poor condition and lack standard safety equipment. Drivers often don’t respect traffic laws. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Most often, victims are pedestrians. Traffic accidents are also common on the road from Accra to Cape Coast and Kumasi.

In town, people may try to get you to stop your vehicle. Pedestrians may bang on your car, making it appear as if they have been hit. Drivers may attempt to cause minor vehicle collisions. Crowds gathering because of these types of incidents can become dangerous.

Police roadblocks are common. You could be subject to inspections. Armed security forces may demand money.

If driving in Ghana:

• avoid driving after dark
• keep your doors locked and windows closed at all times
• proceed immediately to the nearest police station to make a report if you are involved in any traffic incident
• always carry a copy of you ID documents, such as your passport, your International Driving Permit and the vehicle registration

Public transportation

Public transportation is unregulated and unsafe. Many buses and taxis are not well-maintained and have poor safety standards.

Most taxis are in poor mechanical shape in Accra. They often lack seatbelts and most of the time, air conditioning is not functional.

Criminals often target foreigners travelling in taxis at night and violent robberies are frequent.

If you have to use a taxi in Ghana:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• use only officially marked taxis
• ensure that there is no other passenger in the car
• limit trips to daytime
• always agree on a fare before departure

If you use a trusted ride-sharing app:

• confirm the driver’s identity before getting in the car
• be aware that the driver might only accept cash payment

Privately owned minibuses, known as tro-tros, have a high accident record.  They are often overcrowded and poorly maintained. Drivers are reckless and drive at excessive speeds.

Private intercity buses are available and they are often better maintained and safer.

Periodic shortages of electricity and running water can occur, particularly during the dry season, from November to March, although the situation is improving, especially in Greater Accra.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range.

• Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
• Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Water safety abroad

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Gulf of Guinea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Ghana authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ghana.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

Resident registration

If you reside in Ghana, you must register with the National Identification Authority of Ghana to get a non-citizen card. This applies to foreign nationals:

• aged 6 and over
• permanently resident in the country
• resident in the country for at least 90 days in any calendar year

National Identification Authority – Republic of Ghana

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers from all countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of their trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Lassa fever is a risk in this country.

Lassa fever is caused by a virus carried by rodents. Humans get sick when they inhale or come into close contact with feces, saliva, or urine of infected rodents or the blood or bodily fluids of infected humans.

Lassa virus can be very serious. Avoid rodents and rodent-infested areas.

Mpox (monkeypox)   is a risk in this country. It is a viral disease that can cause serious illness in some circumstances. Risk is generally low for most travellers.

Mpox spreads in 3 ways:

• from animals to humans through direct contact or by eating or preparing undercooked meat of infected animals or coming into contact with an infected animal's body fluids
• from person to person through close contact, including direct contact with the skin lesions, blood, body fluids, or mucosal surfaces (such as eyes, mouth, throat, genitalia, anus, or rectum) of an infected person
• through direct contact with contaminated objects such as bedding and towels, or by sharing personal objects used by an infected person

Follow recommended public health measures   and avoid contact with animals such as rodents and primates to help prevent getting or spreading the infection.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate outside Accra.

Emergency medical attention and serious illnesses require medical evacuation. Medical services usually require immediate cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Ghana.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Carry a copy of your prescription(s)
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Ghanaian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to 25 years in prison.

Even though there are few convictions, 2SLGBTQI+ persons have been arrested and victims of extortion and discrimination based on their identity and sexual orientation.

Since the anti-LGBTI bill was introduced in August 2021, there is an increased risk of violence and discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ persons and their allies.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should:

• carefully consider the risks of travelling to Ghana
• be cautious and avoid public displays of affection with someone of the same sex

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Ghana.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Ghana, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Ghana.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Ghana by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Ghana to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

Authorities can ask you to show identification at any time.

You should carry a photocopy of your travel documents and keep the originals in a secure place.

Minerals import and export

Gold, diamonds and other precious natural resources are subject to strict import and export regulations. Only agents licensed by the Ghana’s Minerals Commission are authorized to handle import-export transactions of these natural resources.

Individuals who commit offences may face prosecution, and penalties include imprisonment.

Smoking is prohibited in public areas. It’s sometimes permitted in private businesses, such as bars or restaurants.

Military clothing

Wearing military clothing or clothing that has military elements is prohibited.

Photography

Photography of sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:

• military sites
• government buildings
• Accra's international airport

Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings and individuals.

Dress and behaviour

Ghana is a conservative society. To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions.

You must carry an international driving permit. You can use it for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you will need to obtain a Ghanaian license.

If you have resident status in Ghana, you should request your Ghanaian license as soon as possible.

All cars must be equipped with:

• up-to-date road-worthy insurance stickers
•  a first aid kit
• a fire extinguisher
• a warning triangle

Vehicles with temporary license plates are prohibited from travelling anywhere in Ghana between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles may be seized for the night and fines imposed for non-compliance.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS).

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currencies.  They must be declared upon arrival and exchanged for local currency at banks or foreign exchange bureaus only.

Upon arrival, you will receive an Exchange Control Form T-5. If not, you should request it. You must record foreign currency and all transactions made while in the country on this form.  The T-5 declaration form must show that the money obtained while in Ghana were from an authorized dealer in foreign exchange. Currency transactions with private citizens are illegal. Keep the form in a safe place to avoid trouble upon departure.

The export of cedis is prohibited. Before departure, you must spend unused cedis or reconvert them into foreign currency.

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from March to November.

Flooding is common in the Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions during the rainy season. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders

Seasonal wind

The harmattan, a burning, dusty and sand-filled wind, blows in from the Sahara from December to March.

The harmattan can cause disruptions to travel. It can also strongly affect the health of people with respiratory ailments.

• Consult a physician before departure to determine associated health risks
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information

Local services

Emergency services exist but may be limited.

In case of emergency, dial:

• emergency services: 112
• police: 191 or 18555
• ambulance: 193
• firefighters: 192

Consular assistance

Sierra Leone, Togo

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to Ghana, in Accra, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Ghana overall due to the threat of crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Ghana (PDF 253.16 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 193 or go to the hospital.

Call 191 or go to the nearest police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Ghana overall.

Do not travel to the northern border with Burkina Faso.

Do not travel to the northern border with Burkina Faso due to the threat of attacks and kidnapping from terrorists and other groups active in Burkina Faso.

See Safety .

Reconsider your need to travel to the Upper East and Upper West regions.

Reconsider your need to travel to the Upper East and Upper West regions due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Ghana’s northern border areas and the ongoing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku.

• There's been an increase in reported incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. In July 2023, a passenger bus travelling from Kumasi to Bawku was attacked at a fuel station in Walewale resulting in several injuries.
• If you're travelling to Ghana, you could be a target for crime, including kidnapping and robbery. There are increased security risks if you're a woman travelling alone. Take particular care in and around Accra.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests. Large public events and intercommunity disputes can turn violent. Be cautious around large crowds, like football matches.
• Internet scams often originate in West African countries. Criminals may ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. Criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Be wary of online contact from people you don't know. Don't send money until you've checked who you're sending it to. Don't travel to Ghana to get your money back or to get revenge.

Power outages may occur after dark. This often leads to more crime, especially if street and traffic lights fail.

• Officials or people posing as officials may try to extort money from foreigners, including at the airport. Legitimate airport staff wear a current ID card with their name and photograph.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Yellow fever, malaria and other insect-borne diseases are common, as are waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases, such as cholera, hepatitis , lassa fever, meningococcal meningitis, bilharzia and tuberculosis. Avoid insect bites, ice cubes, and raw or undercooked food. Drink boiled or bottled water. Consider what vaccinations and medicine you need.
• Lassa fever may be  a risk when you have contact with rodents or with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings. 
• HIV/AIDS is common in Ghana. Take precautions if you're engaging in high-risk activities.
• If there is a serious outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.
• Medical and emergency services are very limited. You may need to pay cash up front, even in an emergency. Make sure you have the right insurance and enough money to cover all your costs. 

Full travel advice: Health

• Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include mandatory jail terms.

The death penalty can apply for serious offences, such as murder.

• Same-sex activity is illegal and could lead to prison sentences. LGBTI relationships and identities are interpreted as illegal by society. Violence, threats, extortion, eviction and arbitrary arrest of LGBTI people occur, and the debate around an anti-LGBTI bill has increased these risks to the LGBTI community. LGBTI travellers should consider travel plans and personal security carefully.
• Other activities that are legal in Australia are illegal in Ghana.
• Ghana recognises dual nationality. Always travel on your Australian passport.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You need a visa to travel to Ghana. If you're staying for more than 90 days in 12 months, you must register for a  National Identification Authority Non-citizen Ghana card . Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest high commission/embassy or consulate of Ghana for the latest details.
• You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to enter Ghana. You may also need to show it when you leave.
• There's increased reporting of incidents involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. In July a passenger bus travelling from Kumasi to Bawku was attacked at a fuel station in Walewale resulting in several injuries.
• Road safety and driving in Ghana can be dangerous. Police roadblocks are common. Carry photo ID, vehicle registration and ownership papers. Be alert to hazards, especially at night. Only use registered taxis and limousines. Arrange these through your hotel. Due to safety and security concerns, don't use public transport or taxis hailed on the street.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission, Accra .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

If you're travelling to Ghana, you could be a target for:

• bag snatching
• petty theft
• pickpocketing

Your risk increases if you're a woman travelling alone. Take particular care in and around Accra.

Some taxi passengers have been robbed by drivers.

Attacks on passengers in vehicles are also on the increase. Take particular care when stationary. Keep windows up and doors locked. Some of these attacks on vehicles also involve the use of weapons.

Criminals may also target you in:

• house invasions
• armed robbery (including in a taxi)
• other violent crimes

Officials or people posing as officials may try to detain foreigners or extort money from them, including at the airport. 

Legitimate airport staff wear a current ID card with their name and photograph.

To protect yourself from crime:

• only use registered taxis or limousines, arrange these through your hotel.
• don't use taxis hailed on the street or other public transport
• don't walk alone, particularly in the evening and at night
• avoid travelling alone, especially if you're a woman
• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• be alert when approaching traffic lights
• lock your accommodation, including when you're inside

Scams and fraud

Internet scams  come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and employment opportunities. These scams often originate in West African countries.

If you travel to West Africa as a scam victim, you're at risk of:

• financial loss

This includes travelling to meet a friend or love interest, as well as looking for compensation or revenge.

Common fraud schemes fall into two main categories — commercial and relationship scams.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of 'safe' bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may: 

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites, chat rooms or social media. Once they've made a connection with you, they may:

• ask you to send money so they can come to Australia
• ask you to come to Africa to meet them

Once you transfer money, the relationship often ends. If you travel to Africa to meet the criminals, you may be in danger.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked details about them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Ghana to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Chieftaincy conflicts, land disputes and political tension can lead to localised inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest throughout Ghana, especially in Upper West and Upper East Regions.  

Due to the ongoing chieftaincy conflict in Bawku, there's an increased risk of politically motivated attacks in the Upper West and Upper East Regions. 

There's been an increase in reported incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths.  

In July 2023, a passenger bus travelling from Kumasi to Bawku was attacked at a fuel station in Walewale, resulting in several injuries.

Pay attention to your personal safety and surroundings.

Be cautious around large public gatherings like football matches.

Disputes involving local ethnic groups can also turn violent. 

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. 

When you're in Ghana: 

• avoid protests, rallies and demonstrations
• if you encounter a protest or unrest, leave if it's safe to do so
• monitor the media for reports of unrest, and avoid those areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Ghana.  There's a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the northern areas of Ghana bordering Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and particularly Burkina Faso, where terrorists, other armed groups and militias are active.

To protect yourself from being involved in a terrorist attack:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for possible threats
• take official warnings seriously

Criminals increasingly target Westerners, especially women, for violent crime. This includes kidnapping .

If you're in northern Ghana, including the Upper West and Upper East regions, you may be targeted for kidnapping for ransom. You should exercise a high degree of caution in these regions.

To protect yourself from kidnapping:

• be particularly alert at night
• vary travel routes and times, particularly your usual running and walking routes

In June 2019, two foreigners were kidnapped in Kumasi.

Climate and natural disasters

Ghana experiences natural disasters and  severe weather , including flooding.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for alerts.

The wet season is from May to October.

Flooding may happen in the:

• Northern region
• Upper East region
• Upper West region

Roads can shut quickly, stranding travellers.

If you travel during the wet season or after a natural disaster, check if services at your planned destination have been affected.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.  Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ghana. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is, including its generic name
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use.

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Yellow fever  is common in Ghana. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria  and other insect-borne diseases are also common. 

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS  is common in Ghana. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Lassa fever

Lassa fever  may be a risk when you have contact with rodents or with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests and their droppings
• ensure all foods are well-cooked and covered in rodent-proof containers
• keep your body, personal belongings, utensils and common contact surfaces (including door knobs and counters) clean
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming rodent droppings
• avoid contact with infected people, body fluids and infected items

Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including a fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• meningococcal meningitis
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you.

Medical care

Medical facilities in urban areas are basic.

In rural areas, facilities are limited. The standard of care may be less than what you would expect in Australia.

You may need to pay cash upfront before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. This includes mandatory jail terms.

Carrying or using drugs

LGBTI is not formally illegal in Ghana. Same-sex activity is illegal and could lead to prison sentences. LGBTI relationships and identities are interpreted as illegal by society.

Violence, threats, extortion, eviction and arbitrary arrest of LGBTI people occur, and the debate around an anti-LGBTI bill has increased these risks to the LBGTI community. LGBTI travellers should consider travel plans and personal security carefully.

It's also illegal to:

• carry pornographic material
• wear military style or camouflage clothes
• take photos near government buildings or infrastructure, such as oil fields
• import or export natural resources such as gold, diamonds and precious metals without a licence from the Precious Metals and Mining Commission

More information :

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Ghana recognises dual nationality.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

Travelling on your Ghanaian passport may affect your rights and responsibilities, including:

• civil service
• military service
• access to Australian consular services if you're arrested or detained.

Check with the High Commission of Ghana before you travel.

You can get a dual nationality card from the Ghana Ministry of Interior.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative.

Check with locals. Take care to not offend.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visa conditions

You'll need a visa to travel to Ghana.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or high commission of Ghana for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

You need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.  You may need to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 when you arrive. 

Measures are frequently reviewed and may change at short notice. Check the Kotoka International Airport website for details.

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination.

You need to carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Ghana. You may be asked to show your certificate when arrive and when you leave by airport officials. See ' Health '.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Ghana.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health).

Countries with a risk of yellow fever

If you'll stay in Ghana for more than 90 days in a year, you must register for a National Identification Authority Non-citizen Ghanacard . You'll need this for ID checks on some transactions.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

Money facilities

The local currency is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).

Declare all GHS or other currency when you arrive in Ghana. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can't exchange Australian dollars in Ghana. However, you can easily exchange US dollars and euros for GHS at commercial banks and exchange services.

Larger towns have ATMs. Banks and businesses may not accept credit cards other than Visa.

Credit card fraud is common.

To ensure your access to money:

• always keep an eye on your credit card, even when you're using it
• contact your bank to make sure your cards will work

Local travel

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence. 

Chieftaincy disputes and political tension can sometimes lead to localized violence and unrest across Ghana.

There have been an increasing number of reported incidents of banditry involving passenger buses travelling in the Upper West and Upper East regions resulting in injuries and deaths. 

In July 2023, a passenger bus travelling from Kumasi to Bawku was attacked at a fuel station in Walewale resulting in several injuries.

There are security risks with using  public transport . See  Safety

Driving permits

You can drive in Ghana for 12 months with:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must be over 18 years old.

After 12 months, you'll need a local licence.

Australian High Commission in Accra

Road travel

Road safety and driving  in Ghana can be dangerous, due to:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• aggressive driving
• poor street lighting
• roaming animals
• pedestrians and cyclists

These risks increase at night and in rural areas.

Police roadblocks are common. You may need to show:

• identity documents
• vehicle registration
• ownership papers

During the wet season, flooding can make roads impassable.

Crowds can quickly gather at the scene of traffic accidents and become aggressive.

To stay safe on the road:

• understand local traffic laws and practices
• carry photo ID, vehicle registration and ownership papers
• be alert to hazards, especially at night
• get local advice on road conditions, especially during the wet season
• always keep car windows up, doors locked and valuables out of sight
• be wary of people who may try to stop your vehicle

If you're in an accident, go to the nearest police station.

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you for accidents while driving a motorbike or quad bike. Check before you drive.

Always wear a helmet.

Only use registered taxis and limousines. If you can, arrange these through your hotel.

There are security risks with using unregistered taxis and rideshare services.

Take care when travelling alone at night. See Safety

Public transport

Public transport is limited.

Safety and maintenance standards can be unreliable.

There are security risks with using public transport . See Safety

Ferry travel is risky due to generally low safety standards and adverse weather.

There may be too many passengers and not enough life jackets. Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Pirates  operate in the coastal areas of Ghana. Check piracy reports with the International Maritime Bureau .

Travelling by boat

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Ghana's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Other numbers for the police are:

• (0302) 77 36 95
• (0302) 77 39 06
• (0302) 78 73 73

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian High Commission, Accra

2, Second Rangoon Close (cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave) Cantonments Accra, Ghana Phone: (+233) 302 216 400 Fax: (+233) 302 216 410 Email: [email protected] Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana Twitter: @AusAmbGHA

See the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Ghana?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

This webpage presents data on COVID-19 cases with information on pregnancy status reported to CDC. COVID-19 is a nationally notifiable disease and reporting cases to CDC is supported by routine case notification through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), as well as resources provided through the CDC COVID-19 response. As of March 2022, CDC no longer recommends universal case investigation and contact tracing and recommends that health department jurisdictions prioritize specific settings and groups at increased risk. In addition, a decreasing number of case reports include information on pregnancy status. For these reasons CDC will stop reporting data on this page on July 19th, 2022. Information about findings from this data and about CDC’s ongoing data collection efforts to better understand the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy can be found here .

In March 2022, CDC changed its data collection schedule to every 8 weeks for the nationwide COVID-19 infection-induced antibody seroprevalence (commercial laboratory) survey. It now includes information on antibodies for pediatric age groups (ages 6 months to 17 years). Adult antibody updates will be based on the national blood donor seroprevalence study .

This dashboard, which includes information for all age groups, has been updated through February 2022. Updated pediatric seroprevalence information from March 2022 is available here . CDC currently plans to end the nationwide SARS-CoV-2 antibody studies in December 2022.

Sign up to receive the COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review.

• Research Note
• Open access
• Published: 29 March 2024

Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake: evidence from a vulnerable global South setting

• John Oti Amoah   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2654-1409 1 ,
• Susanna Aba Abraham   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3100-770X 2 ,
• Charles Atanga Adongo 3 , 4 ,
• Deogratias Kaheeru Sekimpi 5 ,
• David Cudjoe Adukpo 6 ,
• Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah 10 , 7 , 8 &
• David Teye Doku 10 , 9  

BMC Research Notes volume  17 , Article number:  94 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

13 Accesses

Metrics details

Studies are paying increasing attention to complex social determinants in explaining the variation in the rates COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This study examines the influence of various individual, contextual, and vaccine-related factors on COVID-19 vaccine uptake behaviour in a resource-scarce and vulnerable setting using a quantitative research approach. Using a multi-staged cluster sampling approach, 408 individuals from 204 households in Cape Coast, Ghana’s tourism hub, were surveyed. Probit and logistic regression models were estimated to test the vaccine-related factors.

A significant difference is observed between wait time and vaccination status (χ 2  = 21.17; p = 0.000). Moreover, age and religion, as controlled variables, equally played significant roles in influencing the adoption of the vaccine. Other factors encompass the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, the perceived benefits of the vaccine in relation to its side effects, and the level of trust individuals have in the concern of vaccine producers for their health. These findings call for targeted campaigns by the Ministry of Health, health facilities and other institutions promoting the COVID-19 vaccine. These actors should emphasize the benefits of vaccination, prioritize trust-building initiatives, and provide clear guidance on vaccination schedules, and manage waiting time.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Ghana is among the 20 countries most impacted in the WHO Africa region [ 1 ] and confirmed over 500 new cases and approximately fifteen deaths daily. Through the COVAX initiative, Ghana secured and delivered COVID-19 vaccines to its citizens [ 2 , 3 ]. The WHO has cited vaccine hesitancy among the top 10 health threats globally [ 4 ].

Vaccine hesitancy is a multi-faceted phenomenon caused by an array of issues. In the context of the COVID-19 vaccine, the historic speed at which the vaccine was developed contributes to hesitancy among many populations [ 5 , 6 ]. To effectively combat vaccine preventable diseases including COVID-19, herd immunity is essential; hence, a high rate of vaccinations in every country is critical. Currently, several vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed (e.g., Pfizer-Biontech, Sputnik V, Moderna, Sinopharm), however, voluntary acceptance and uptake of the vaccines remain a challenge. Despite the WHO declaring COVID-19 no longer a pandemic, forecasts indicate that its risks will continue to persist. Studies have employed various models to explain vaccine uptake behaviour [ 4 ]. One strand of the literature concludes that vaccination decisions are underpinned by vaccine features and group and individual contexts [ 5 , 6 ]. Overall, vaccine hesitancy is a complex phenomenon, particularly in low resource settings [ 7 ]. Schwartz [ 8 ] explains that rational individuals make health decisions to maximize their self-interest by evaluating the risks and benefits of certain behaviours based on the information they acquire on the issue under consideration. However, there is little literature on how these contextual aspects influence vaccination decision-making and uptake in Ghana.

This study examines the influence of various individual, contextual, and vaccine-related factors on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a resource-limited and vulnerable setting using a quantitative approach. Vaccine uptake, in this context, is defined as the complete adoption of the recommended number of doses of vaccines necessary to provide individuals with immunity [ 4 ].

Study design and site

We conducted an in-person survey in Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. The setting was chosen because it is one of the regions in Ghana which had a high number of COVID-19 cases and related deaths. Out of the target eligible individuals for vaccination, 1,693 530, about 854,206 persons representing about 50% had been fully vaccinated by February 2023.

Population and sampling procedure

The study participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. From the two sub-metropolitan areas (Table  1 ). Then, 204 households within those communities were randomly selected in a serpentine order.

Data collection

The survey questionnaire was developed for this study (Additional file 1 ). The questionnaire was structured into three sections: socio-demographics, determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. The questionnaire was translated into digital version using an Open Data Kit (ODK) platform and the administration of the survey done using android-enabled tablets.

Data analysis

The quantitative data were analyzed using STATA. Descriptive statistics were computed to present the background characteristics of the participants. A chi-square was then computed to explore the associations and differences between the potential explanatory variables and the dependent variable, which is the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Subsequently, multivariate probit and logistic regression models were specified and estimated to examine the influence of the multiple significant variables identified from the chi-square analysis on the dependent variable. Both probit and logistic models were estimated as a consistency check on the robustness of the variables found to be significant in explaining the uptake of the COVID vaccine. Post estimation techniques, including the Wald, goodness of fit, and Hosmer–Lemeshow tests, were used to verify the robustness of the regression results. Model fit indices indicated that both models were reasonably specified and fitted. For example, the Hosmer and Lemeshow probability value for the logistic model was greater than 0.05 (χ2 = 13.47, p > 0.05), and the Omnibus test's model coefficient of chi-square value was less than 0.05 (χ2 = 192.06, P = 0.00). These results indicate that a statistically significant influence is exerted by the independent variables on the dependent variable, vaccination.

The dependent variable, uptake, is made up of fully vaccinated (coded as 1) and under-vaccinated (coded as 0). The under-vaccinated group consists of individuals who either refused to take the vaccine despite its availability or those who initiated the vaccination process but did not complete all the required doses. This categorization specifically applies to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which typically requires multiple doses for full immunity. The independent variables include wait time to be vaccinated, perceived benefit of vaccines, source of information of vaccination, and confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy. More than half (59%) of the respondents were under-vaccinated. Of those, about 39% had not been vaccinated and 20% had started but did not complete the vaccination (Fig.  1 ).

Vaccination status

Socio-demographic characteristics

Table 2 presents the background characteristics of the study participants. The mean age of the respondents was 42 years, with males accounting for about 65 percent of the responses. Those employed were also the majority (59.7%) and about 70 percent of respondents professed Christianity as their religion. The number of respondents with no formal education (53%) was slightly higher than those with formal education. Of those with formal education, secondary school levers were the majority. The sample consisted of more unmarried participants.

Bivariate differences in vaccination status by demographic characteristics

The contextual influences included in the regression models were first explored using a chi-square test to ascertain if any variation existed in vaccination uptake status by those characteristics (Table  3 ). The results revealed that uptake of the COVID vaccine significantly varied by religion (χ 2  =  5.776; p = 0.056) and age (χ 2  =  15.199 ; p = 0.010). The data reveals that there is a substantial difference in COVID-19 vaccine uptake between Muslims and Christians, with approximately 10% more Muslims reporting being vaccinated compared to Christians. Additionally, when compared to other religious groupings such as African Traditional religion, there is a significant difference, with about 34% more Muslims reporting vaccination. Generally, none of the age cohorts had 50% of the respondents fully vaccinated, but for those aged 50–59 years (54.24%) because of increased vulnerability and severity should they contract the disease. Under-vaccination was significantly high (72.32%) among respondents aged 20–29.

Multi-variate regression analysis on the determinants of the COVID-19 vaccine uptake

Table 4 presents both the probit and logistic regression results. Both models revealed five main factors that explained around 22% of the variation in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the surveyed residents of the Cape Coast Metropolis. These factors are waiting time for vaccination, the belief in vaccine producers' concern for individual health, the perception of vaccination as a means to achieve freedom from restrictions and enhance quality of life, the conviction that the high prevalence of illness is not due to oth of the risk of COVID-19 being greater than the risk of vaccine side effects. To interpret the influence of these factors, we refer to the odds ratio (Table  4 ).

The maximum waiting time for vaccination uptake also had a significant impact on the adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who were willing to wait less than 30 min (OR = 2.080; p = 0.024) or up to 45 min (OR = 3.013; p = 0.030) were more likely to get vaccinated compared to those who were indifferent about the waiting time. However, individuals who indicated a willingness to wait for at least an hour showed a positive influence on vaccine uptake, but the difference was not statistically significant compared to those who were uncertain about the time they would be willing to wait in a queue for vaccination.

Those who perceived vaccine producers were interested in one’s health had a higher chance of completing their vaccination against COVID (ORR = 4.109; p = 0.000) than those who felt that vaccine producers were not concerned about their health. The belief that there are no other reasons why so many people are sick had a significant inverse influence on the uptake (ORR = 0.213; p =  0.009) , which is an indication that when people perceive that there are varied root causes of an ongoing pandemic and not necessarily the vaccine-preventable disease, it undermines vaccination compliance.

However, when individuals perceive that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is significantly greater than the risk of experiencing side effects from the vaccine, it significantly increases the likelihood of vaccine uptake by 2.057 times (p = 0.015). Such an impression influenced uptake more than those without the impression. This reinforces the fact when perceived vulnerability to the vaccine-preventable disease outweighs the risk of side effects from the vaccine, people are likely to vaccinate against the disease. The belief that being vaccinated would lead to freedom from restrictions and containment measures to control the spread of the virus significantly motivated vaccine uptake, increasing the likelihood by 2.402 times (p = 0.010). In contrast, individuals who held the perception that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 would not enable them to live their lives without restrictions had a decreased likelihood of receiving the vaccine.

Using actual vaccination-behaviour data, this study examined the influence of various individual, contextual, and vaccine-related factors on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a resource-limited and vulnerable setting. Contrasting findings are observed between the multivariate and bivariate analyses on the influence of contextual factors such as sex, religion and age on vaccine uptake could be attributed to the complex interplay between multiple factors which may mask or attenuate the effects of individual socio-demographic factors. A higher proportion of under-vaccination is observed among Christians and individuals who reported practicing other religions, such as African Traditional religion, when compared to Muslims. De Figueiredo et al. [ 9 ] in their study in 149 countries between 2015 and 2019 . Observed that in instances of lower likelihood of uptake of vaccines, it is religious groups that constitute the minority in the population that showed a significant link with uptake. The refusal to be vaccinated on religious grounds is in line with previous studies, which have established that some people avoided vaccination based on religious incompatibility such as linking vaccines with Satanism and “punishment from God” [ 10 , 11 ].

Respondents over 50 years were more likely to accept than the younger respondents (i.e., respondents below 30 years). This finding on the age dynamics is consistent with recent studies in Northeast Ethiopia and Western India [ 10 , 12 ]. In contrast, Samo et al., [ 2 ] in a cross-section study conducted in Pakistan found that vaccine refusal was higher in people aged over 30 who live in rural areas. This observation could be attributed to differences in geographical space and exposure to different sources of COVID-19 information among younger people.

The motivation for full vaccination was driven by individuals’ perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 and the perceived benefits of the vaccine. This suggests that a cost–benefit analysis based on protection motivation influenced their decision, where the perceived protection offered by the vaccine outweighed any perceived or real side effects as barriers to uptake [ 4 ]. As regards perceived vulnerability and uptake, individuals who believed that their risk of contracting COVID-19 was greater than the risk of vaccine side effects had lower rates of under-vaccination. This finding is consistent with studies in other countries, which found that people who feel threatened are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19 [ 13 , 14 ].

One novelty of this study is that individuals willing to wait shorter periods had lower odds of under-vaccination odds than those who were indifferent or willing to wait longer. This demonstrates greater eagerness or urgency to receive the vaccine compared to those indifferent or willing to wait longer. The odds ratios of 2.080 and 3.013 indicate that individuals willing to wait less than 30 min and up to 45 min, respectively, have significantly higher odds of getting vaccinated compared to those who are more willing to wait longer periods (an hour or more). While contradictory to normative expectations, the insights unpack the complexity surrounding time use in vaccination and re-echo the importance of considering managing vaccination schedules during rollouts.

Despite ongoing efforts, COVID-19 vaccine sub-optimal vaccination endures. We identified contextual factors such as age and religion, individual and social influences like perceived vulnerability to the disease and vaccine and vaccination-related issues such as the weighing of vaccine benefits against side effects, along with vaccination schedule (wait time), as key drivers of vaccine uptake among households in the Central Region of Ghana. To address these challenges, targeted campaigns by the Ministry of Health, health facilities and other institutions promoting the COVID-19 vaccine should emphasize the benefits of vaccines, prioritize trust-building initiatives, and provide clear guidance on vaccination schedules, and manage waiting time.

Limitations

Our study relied on a sample drawn from a single municipality; therefore, the findings need to be interpreted in this context. Thus, the findings can only be generalised to similar contexts and populations.

Data availability

The data that support the findings in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Public Health and Social Measures

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend appreciation to all the study participants who participated in the study.

The study was funded by the University of Cape Coast, Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy’s Sixth Research Support Grant.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, PMB, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

John Oti Amoah

Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Susanna Aba Abraham

Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Charles Atanga Adongo

School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health, P. O. Box 12590, Kampala, Uganda

Deogratias Kaheeru Sekimpi

Department of Physics, School of Physical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

David Cudjoe Adukpo

Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah

Clinical Microbiology/Public Health Unit, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana

Department of Population and Health, College of Humanities and Legal Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

David Teye Doku

Directorate of Research Innovation and Consultancy, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah & David Teye Doku

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JOA, SAA, CAA, DOY, DKS, and DTD designed the research. JOA, SAA, CAA and DCA collected the data, analysed and drafted the manuscript. JOA, SAA, CAA, DOY, DCA, DTD and DKS reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content. JOA won the research support grant for the project. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to John Oti Amoah .

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Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) institutional review board (UCCIRB/EXT/2022/16). As part of the process, participant’s information sheet was prepared and used to explain the purpose of the study and this allowed for both verbal and written informed consent to be obtained. Informed consent has been obtained from the participants, their parents and legally authorized representatives in this study. The Declaration of Helsinki under ethical considerations were followed.

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Additional file 1..

Survey instrument: determinants of covid-19 vaccine uptake: evidence from a vulnerable global south setting.

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Amoah, J.O., Abraham, S.A., Adongo, C.A. et al. Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake: evidence from a vulnerable global South setting. BMC Res Notes 17 , 94 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-024-06736-5

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-024-06736-5

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Don't Let Covid Ruin Your Spring Break: Here's How to Get Free Home Test Kits

If you've got some spring break travel planned, don't let COVID rain on your parade. Here's how to get free tests, treatments and vaccines.

The last federal shipment of free COVID tests began in September 2023 and ended last week.

It's spring break season, and that means you've probably got some travel planned in order to kick back and relax. However, coming down with COVID could seriously put a damper on your plans this year. Luckily, it's pretty easy to get your hands on free COVID tests and treatments.

Read more:   Are Your COVID Tests Really Expired? How to Find Out

Recently, the Federal Government halted the United States Postal Service's free COVID program, which would allow you to order free COVID-19 tests through the USPS. The end of the free COVID-19 testing program comes on the heels of the CDC shifting its official COVID isolation guidelines. Instead of the typical five-day isolation period, the CDC now recommends that you be fever-free and have improving symptoms for 24 hours before returning to normal activities.

However, hope is not lost when it comes to finding free tests. Read on to find out the ways you can still get free COVID testing, as well as how to get your hands on free treatments and COVID vaccines .

For more, here's what to know about long COVID , and  how to tell if it's COVID, allergies or something else .

What are my free COVID-19 testing options? 

Now that you can no longer receive tests from the Postal Service, you have three main avenues to find free COVID-19 testing locations across the US: HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations and ICATT testing sites. These options function similarly, but we'll break down the specific steps to find your nearest free testing location.

HRSA health centers offer free COVID-19 testing

HRSA health centers offer free COVID-19 testing. 

The Health Resources and Services Administration funds health centers across the US. At these HRSA health centers, you will be able to receive free COVID-19 testing. You can use HRSA's locator tool to find a center near you.

First, select the language you would like to receive your results in. Then simply enter the location you wish to search into the box labeled Location . The locator also allows you to widen your search radius, so you can see all the options your area has to offer. 

Once you've found a center that works for you, click through to that particular location's website and follow their specific instructions for obtaining a free COVID-19 test. 

Test to Treat locations have COVID testing and medicine

The Test to Treat program makes COVID testing and therapeutics more accessible. 

Test to Treat is a federally funded health care initiative that provides more accessible COVID-19 care. This option differs from the others in this article as you can use the Test to Treat centers to receive both COVID testing and treatment for infections. Like the other COVID-19 free testing options, Test to Treat has a locator tool that you can use to find an eligible Test to Treat center near you. 

The Test to Treat center locator  works like the other COVID testing search tools. Enter your location into the search bar and the tool will display Test to Treat locations in your area. A sliding bar lets you resize the search radius to capture all of the Test to Treat centers within your area. 

Within the Test to Treat locator results, you'll be able to see each location's address, which COVID-19 therapeutics they offer and other special instructions you might need to know to get tested. If there's not an option to schedule a COVID test online through your chosen site, you may need to call.

Increasing Community Access to Testing provides COVID testing for the uninsured

ICATT offers free testing to uninsured patients who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have recently been exposed.

Increasing Community Access to Testing , or ICATT, is another free testing program that you can use if you need access to free COVID-19 testing. ICATT works a bit differently than the other programs on this list. 

ICATT is specifically designed for uninsured patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone can get an ICATT test at one of the program's locations, regardless of insurance status. If you are uninsured and you wish to be tested at an ICATT-eligible site, you will not need to pay for your test. If you are insured, you might need to pay a fee. 

The ICATT locator tool works just like the other locator tools for free COVID testing -- input your address or your ZIP code to find ICATT locations near you. There is a search radius adjuster in this locator to tweak your searches to capture the entire area that you want to search. 

Once you've found a location, follow your testing site's steps for scheduling your appointment. 

How can I get free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots?

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are an important protection against contracting or getting seriously ill from the virus. Since the CDC has recommended updated COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 6 months or older, you might be wondering how to find free COVID-19 vaccines. 

If you don't have insurance or a health provider, don't worry. The Department of Health and Human Services website  says, "COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for every individual living in the United States."

On Sept. 14, the Department of Health and Human Services launched the  Bridge Access Program , which will continue to provide free vaccines to those who are uninsured through local health departments and HRSA centers. CDC has also partnered with "more than 20,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide" to provide free vaccines by modifying the existing ICATT program mentioned above.

The Bridge Access Program will end in December 2024, but until then, you'll be able to access free COVID-19 vaccines. To use it, go to vaccines.gov , choose which shot you want, and then click the "search" button. On the next page, select the option that says "Bridge Access Program Participant" to show which locations offer no-cost vaccines. 

For more, learn how your blood type could make you more susceptible to COVID and everything to know about the updated COVID-19 boosters .

Correction, Sept. 21, 2023 : An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information about the cost of vaccines for people without insurance. It has been updated with information about how people can get free vaccines.

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Brazil Police Recommend Criminal Charges Against Bolsonaro

The federal police accused the former president of falsifying his Covid-19 vaccination records.

By Jack Nicas

Reporting from Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s federal police recommended that former President Jair Bolsonaro be criminally charged in a scheme to falsify his Covid-19 vaccine card, partly to travel to the United States during the pandemic, in the latest sign of criminal investigations closing in on the former president.

Federal prosecutors will now decide whether to pursue the case. If they do, it will be the first time the former president has faced criminal charges.

Brazilian police accused Mr. Bolsonaro of ordering a top aide to obtain falsified Covid-19 vaccination records for himself and his daughter, 13, in late 2022, just before the former president traveled to Florida to stay for three months following his election loss.

Brazilian police said they were awaiting an answer from the U.S. Justice Department on whether Mr. Bolsonaro used a fake vaccination card to enter the United States, which could bring different criminal charges.

At the time, most international visitors to the United States were required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter the country, and a U.S. official said even a foreign leader would have had to comply with such rules.

Mr. Bolsonaro has said he did not receive a Covid-19 vaccine, but he has denied accusations that he was involved in any plan to falsify his vaccination records. His lawyer said in a text message that he was still reviewing the accusations.

If he is convicted of forging his vaccine card, Mr. Bolsonaro could face prison time.

The federal police’s indictment is the first time the various criminal investigations into Mr. Bolsonaro have moved toward charges.

Mr. Bolsonaro has been subject to questioning and searches as part of several inquiries, including into the selling of watches and jewels he received as presidential gifts from Saudi Arabia and other countries, as well as accusations that he worked with top government officials to hatch a plan to try to hold onto power after his 2022 election loss .

Brazil’s electoral court has already ruled Mr. Bolsonaro ineligible for public office until 2030 for spreading false information about Brazil’s voting systems on state television, forcing him to sit out the next presidential contest in 2026.

During the pandemic, Mr. Bolsonaro was critical of the Covid-19 vaccine , joking that it would turn people into crocodiles and instead promoting unproven treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug.

His administration hesitated to secure vaccines when they were first being distributed, exacerbating the pandemic in Brazil, according to a Brazilian congressional investigation that recommended in 2021 that the former president be charged with “ crimes against humanity, ” among other charges, for his actions during the pandemic.

Prosecutors at the time did not charge him. More than 700,000 people have died in Brazil because of Covid-19, the second-highest national death count after the United States.

In May 2023, the police searched Mr. Bolsonaro’s home , confiscated his cellphone and arrested one of his closest aides and two of his security guards as part of the investigation into the fake vaccination records.

In a complaint unsealed on Tuesday, Brazil’s federal police said records showed that Mr. Bolsonaro’s personal aide, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, and Mr. Cid’s wife used fake vaccination cards to enter the United States in 2022. Mr. Cid, who was arrested last year as part of the investigation, told the police that once Mr. Bolsonaro found out that Mr. Cid had a fake vaccine card, he ordered the aide to get him one, too, the police said.

The police said records showed that on Dec. 21, 2022, an official in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro then entered false records into the city’s health database that Mr. Bolsonaro and his daughter had received two doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine earlier that year. The police said that during one of the two dates on which the records said Mr. Bolsonaro received a vaccine, the former president was not in the Rio de Janeiro suburb.

In addition to Mr. Cid, the police said, several other allies of the former president falsified vaccination records in a similar scheme, some of whom used the records to accompany Mr. Bolsonaro to the United States. The police also recommended charges against them.

Mr. Bolsonaro spent his first three months after the presidency staying in a rented home near Disney World outside Orlando.

Mr. Bolsonaro entered the United States several other times while the country required visitors to show proof of vaccination, including to attend the United Nations General Assembly and to meet President Biden in Los Angeles, though those 2022 trips preceded the plan described by investigators to falsify vaccine records.

In 2021, Mr. Bolsonaro, who was perhaps the only unvaccinated world leader at the U.N. General Assembly, opened that proceeding with a speech that said Brazil would not require anyone to get vaccinated. He added that he had recovered from Covid-19 by using “off-label” drugs.

“History and science will hold everyone accountable,” he said .

During that trip, he and his entourage struggled to enter New York restaurants that required proof of vaccination. Instead, he posted a photo of his team eating pizza on the sidewalk. Mr. Bolsonaro’s health minister, who was biting a piece of pizza in the photo, tested positive for Covid-19 hours after attending the U.N. meetings.

Flávia Milhorance contributed reporting from Rio de Janeiro, and Paulo Motoryn from Brasília.

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Covid-19 deaths in Brazil. There have been more than 700,000 deaths, not nearly 600,000 deaths.

How we handle corrections

Jack Nicas is the Brazil bureau chief for The Times, based in Rio de Janeiro, where he leads coverage of much of South America. More about Jack Nicas

How to replace your Covid-19 vaccine card and when you still need it

Y our Covid-19 vaccine card should be included as part of your medical record, similar to your personal vaccination record, experts say.

That way, the card can be used as proof of vaccination when you and your health care provider make future medical decisions, according to Kathleen Conley, spokesperson for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to providing a copy to your primary care provider, it’s recommended to keep a personal record of it as well.

What to do if you’ve lost your Covid-19 vaccine card

Don’t fret if you’ve misplaced your pocket-size document. There are several ways to replace it.

First, contact your vaccination provider to request a copy of your vaccine record, Conley said.

If that is not possible, get in contact with your state health department’s immunization program, she said. “Vaccination providers must report COVID-19 vaccinations to their state immunization information system (IIS) and related systems,” Conley said in an email.

While the IIS won’t be able to supply you with a new card, the group can give you a copy of your vaccination record, she said.

If you bring your vaccination record to your doctor’s office, staff there might be able to provide a new card.

You probably don’t need your card to travel

The federal government no longer requires people to show their vaccine card when traveling to the United States from outside the country, said Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president, public affairs and policy, at the U.S. Travel Association.

She added that the association is not aware of any vaccination requirements to travel within the US.

Most countries have also stopped requiring proof of vaccination to enter, but you should still check with your specific destination before leaving the US, Conley said.

Do not contact the CDC

It might sound logical to call the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get your card replaced. After all, its logo is on the card.

However, the agency did not give you the card. The organization provides the cards to vaccine providers, who then provide it to you. This also means the CDC does not keep track of vaccine records, so reaching out to your state’s IIS is your best bet.

Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.

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Here's what to know about dengue, as Puerto Rico declares a public health emergency

Joe Hernandez

Victoria Micieli, director and scientist at the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies of the national scientific research institute CONICET, classifies different species of mosquitoes at a laboratory in La Plata, in Argentina's Buenos Aires Province, on Tuesday. Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Victoria Micieli, director and scientist at the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies of the national scientific research institute CONICET, classifies different species of mosquitoes at a laboratory in La Plata, in Argentina's Buenos Aires Province, on Tuesday.

Puerto Rico has issued a public health emergency after recording an unusually rapid rise in dengue cases over the first few months of this year.

It's the latest area to grapple with a surge of infections of the mosquito-borne disease, which sickens an estimated 100–400 million people globally each year.

According to Puerto Rico's health department, the territory has recorded 549 cases since the start of the year, nearly half of which have occurred in the San Juan region. Puerto Rico saw a total of 1,293 cases throughout all of last year, the Associated Press reported .

Goats and Soda

With a million cases of dengue so far this year, brazil is in a state of emergency.

"This year, dengue cases have exceeded historical figures," Puerto Rico's health secretary Carlos Mellado López said in a statement.

Dengue has been surging elsewhere, too. Brazil has seen a dramatic uptick in dengue this year, with more than one million cases, while Peru experienced a record number of infections last summer. Argentina is also on the cusp of a record-breaking dengue outbreak .

According to the World Health Organization, about half of the world's population is now at risk for the disease.

What is dengue?

People typically contract dengue through the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with one of the four types of the dengue virus.

Most people with dengue will show no signs of infection or experience only mild symptoms , such as fever, muscle and joint pain and nausea. They typically recover in one or two weeks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only a quarter of people infected with dengue get sick.

Shots - Health News

The u.s. is unprepared for the growing threat of mosquito- and tick-borne viruses.

In rare cases, dengue can require hospitalization and be potentially fatal. More severe symptoms include bleeding gums and nose, abdominal pain and persistent vomiting.

Those who've gotten dengue previously are more likely to become seriously ill with a subsequent infection.

Though there is no specific medicine to treat dengue, sufferers can take acetaminophen to control their fever and reduce pain.

How to keep yourself safe

Roughly half of the Earth's population could catch dengue where they live. Found most commonly in tropical and subtropical climates, dengue is endemic to more than 100 countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere, according to the WHO, and has been spreading to parts of Europe. Last year Florida and Texas reported dengue cases.

There is a vaccine for dengue called Dengvaxia. In the U.S., it is approved for use in children between ages 9–16 who have previously been infected with the disease, and in other parts of the world it is available to adults up to age 45.

Experts say the best way to avoid contracting dengue is to prevent mosquito bites .

There's A Promising New Vaccine For One Of The World's Top Health Threats

Insect repellents such as DEET, Picaridin and IR3535 can help keep mosquitoes at bay. People can also wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs and use mosquito nets.

At home, people should have screens in windows and doors and regularly dump standing water from items like flower pots to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

• Puerto Rico