Local police may lack the resources to respond to serious crime throughout the country, including areas of Accra. The occurrences of illicit drugs use, robberies, rape, murders, moral crimes, money laundering, infiltration and use of illegal firearms, chieftaincy and land disputes are daily security issues in Ghana. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ghana are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Ghana has become a significant trans-shipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America and heroin from Afghanistan. Power to break out of any house for purpose of liberation. Victims in Ghana have recently reported ransomware attacks, common throughout the world. There are as many variations of the custom as the ethnic groups there are in Ghana. Most frequently, criminals target travelers in crowded areas. Crime Statistics for the first quarter of 2018. Arrest, how made. Over the past year, vigilante groups (politically affiliated gangs) have disrupted local elections, public meetings, and court proceedings, and staged protests at government facilities. There are occasional reports of clashes between government forces and criminal groups; however, these seldom affect foreigners. These activities include enforcement and control, education, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Reliable sources estimate that there are 1.2 million unregistered guns in Ghana. Use defensive driving techniques, including maintaining sufficient following distances to avoid accidents. Property crimes against foreigners remain a concern, especially residential burglaries and vehicle theft. The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit cannot recommend a particular individual, business, or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Travelers should check with their sponsoring organization to ensure they have the correct documentation in place or risk penalties, including detention, fines, and deportation. Criminal offenses are further classified as property crimes or personal crimes. terrorist groups are active in several parts of West Africa. Car theft topped the five most reported crimes to the police, according to a 2009 report on Crime Victimization Survey in Ghana by the Ghana Statistical Service. There are multiple variations of internet romance or friendship scams targeting Westerners through various dating and social networking websites. Common law originally divided crimes into two categories: felonies —the graver crimes, generally punishable by death and the forfeiture of the perpetrator’s land and goods to the crown—and misdemeanours —generally punishable by fines or imprisonment. Yesterday, people across Cocoa Affair Court in Accra, the city of Ghana pleaded guilty to crimes they didn't commit. Nationwide, violent crime results in more than 500 deaths per year. [14] The rituals, which are mostly in the form of sacrifices, are intended to spiritually manipulate victims so that the scammer's fraud is successful. Impostors posing as airport porters and strangers offering assistance with luggage have stolen belongings. Although travel during daylight hours is generally safe, nighttime travel outside the major cities is extremely dangerous due to carjacking and armed banditry, hazards posed by disabled vehicles, street lighting that is nonexistent outside of urban areas, inadequate road markings, and the unpredictable behavior of farm animals and pedestrians in the roadway. Diarrheal illnesses, including typhoid fever and cholera, also remain a concern, as are sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. In some cases, robbers have intentionally caused minor accidents or pretended to be hit in order to get vehicles to stop. Country-Specific Vaccination and Health Guidance. Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens. 39. This is criminalized as a misdemeanor in Ghana. Foreign nationals should carry identification and documentation of their immigration status. Use defensive driving techniques. structures may pressure citizens to commit crimes. In 2018, the majority of such events occurred off the shores of Nigeria; however, multiple boardings of anchored tankers, bulk carriers, tugs, and other vessels were reported off the coast of Ghana. The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has labeled certain areas as “flashpoints” because of the large amount of crime, the lack of police presence, and other factors in the area that make them dangerous for everyone, including the police. Business hours: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1700; Friday, 0730-1230, US Marine Security Guard Post 1: +233 0302 741-775 (Emergencies only). Others have attempted to “warn” drivers of a mechanical problem or flat tire. News Ghana is a leading online news portal for business coverage in Ghana as well as the wider West Africa region. The study involved a review of the Ghana Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and its provision on defilement, in-depth interview of the DOVVSU officials, direct personal observations and review of case registers, actual police dockets and files on cases between 2007 and 2011. Covering a wide range of criminal acts, felonies often involve crimes involving physical harm, or large scale theft and fraud. Exercise caution when using credit cards; a growing number of travelers have been victims of credit card fraud. 4. There is minimal risk from terrorism in Accra. There have been burglary attempts against expatriate residences, but perpetrators generally lack the sophistication required to overcome home alarm systems and security guards. Tro-tros do not meet Western safety standards and often transport more passengers than is safe. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Ghana who are the victim(s) of a crime, including loss or theft of a U.S. passport, should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Motorists should exercise caution and heightened awareness if opening doors/windows to give money to beggars or street vendors. In addition, bringing them back to the, Ghana has become a significant trans-shipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America and heroin from Afghanistan. While the coverage is broad Tel: +233 234-972-832 or +1-508-812-0505 To ensure effective management, the Unit was placed under the direct supervision of the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Spear-phishers make contact under the guise of a business contact or possible future business associate, and attempt to pass information via emails that contain questionable links. Bank robbery is embezzlement by bank officials, alone or with accomplices. Victims of opportunistic and violent crime are more likely to be targets based on perceived affluence and/or perceived vulnerability, not based on nationality. There have been several deaths of U.S. citizens resulting from the use of narcotics procured locally. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Ghana at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Burrell (2008) indicated that internet scamming/cybercrime in Ghana was an extension of a more benign practice: writing to foreign pen pals (boyfriends, girlfriends or relationships). There have been several deaths of U.S. citizens resulting from the use of narcotics procured locally. Search of place entered by person sought to be arrested. The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has labeled certain areas as “flashpoints” because of the large amount of crime, the lack of police presence, and other factors in the area that make them dangerous for everyone, including the police. Believes crime … The Embassy has received reports of fraudulent charities soliciting contributions via the internet or direct mail. How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment. Why report a Crime. maintained; however, side roads within major cities and many roads outside of urban areas are in poor condition. [2], Women and girls from China, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso have been subjected to forced prostitution after arriving in Ghana. Local drivers do not abide by the rules of the road, and police enforce traffic laws unevenly, even in major cities. Street crime is a serious problem throughout the country, and is especially acute in Accra and other large cities. 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