Ghana
Travel Destination – Ghana
Ghana is one of West Africa's most popular destinations, with English widely spoken and a rich blend of history, culture, wildlife, and coastline.
The capital, Accra, is known for its lively markets, museums, beaches, and vibrant food scene. Cape Coast Castle offers a moving insight into the transatlantic slave trade, while nearby Kakum National Park is famous for its rainforest canopy walkway. In the north, Mole National Park is Ghana's largest wildlife reserve and offers the chance to see elephants, antelope, and many bird species, including on guided walking safaris. Kumasi, the historic capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, is renowned for its royal heritage, traditional crafts, and bustling markets, while the Volta Region features Wli Falls, Mount Afadja, and scenic forests.
Healthcare is accessible in Accra and Kumasi but becomes more limited outside the major cities. Preparing well before departure, including visiting a travel doctor, is an important part of staying healthy while travelling in Ghana.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Getting a travel medicine appointment on the calendar well before your departure date, ideally six to eight weeks out, is the most important step on the pre-travel checklist for Ghana. This gives your doctor the time needed to go through your vaccination history carefully, recommend the right immunisations, prescribe antimalarial medication, and offer advice specific to your itinerary. A trip confined to Accra and Cape Coast involves different health considerations than an itinerary extending to Mole National Park in the north or rural Volta Region communities.
If you are booking close to your departure date, a consultation is still strongly worthwhile. Many vaccines can be given on an accelerated schedule, and antimalarial medication needs to be obtained in Australia before you leave. Malaria prevention medication should be filled before departure and taken in sufficient quantity for the entire trip.
Outside Accra and Kumasi, medical care may be limited or difficult to access, and comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation is important.
Insect avoidance
Year-round malaria transmission across the whole of Ghana makes mosquito bite prevention an important health protective measure. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant malaria species in Ghana, with resistance to specific antimalarial medications established throughout the country. Anopheles mosquitoes responsible for malaria feed predominantly after dark, while Aedes mosquitoes that spread yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya bite mainly during daylight hours.
Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin should be applied to all exposed skin throughout the day and evening, and reapplied regularly after swimming or sweating. Long sleeves, long trousers, and closed footwear provide physical protection, particularly from dusk onwards.
Staying in accommodation with fly-screened windows or air conditioning is preferable, and a permethrin-treated mosquito net must be used wherever adequate screening is not available.
Treating outer clothing with permethrin before travel adds a further practical layer of protection, especially valuable for travellers heading to Mole National Park, the Volta Region, or rural northern areas. Avoiding wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes also reduces the risk of additional water-borne infections.
Food and water hygiene
Ghanaian food can be a highlight of any visit, featuring jollof rice, kelewele, grilled tilapia, groundnut soup, and fufu.
To prevent gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections, maintain a few consistent habits. Tap water is not safe to drink in Ghana, and bottled or treated water should be used for drinking and teeth brushing throughout the stay. Ice should be avoided unless you are confident of its source.
Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing hands consistently can also reduce the risk. Before eating, wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Choose food that has been freshly cooked and served hot, avoid anything sitting out at room temperature or visibly reheated, and peel all fruit immediately before eating.
Rabies prevention
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Ghana, making this an ongoing health risk for travellers throughout the country. The disease is almost invariably fatal once symptoms develop, and post-exposure treatment may not be reliably available across all parts of Ghana.
All physical contact with animals during the visit should be avoided, including stray dogs in cities and towns, and bats in any setting. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered by travellers spending extended time in the country, visiting rural areas, or engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving that increase the chance of animal bites.
Any bite, scratch, or lick to broken skin from an animal must be followed by immediate thorough wound washing with soap and running water, and urgent medical assessment, regardless of prior vaccination status.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Ghana?
Yellow Fever
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Yellow fever is a risk throughout Ghana, and a valid vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged nine months and over upon entry. Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe illness including fever, jaundice, and organ failure.
The vaccine must be given at a registered yellow fever vaccination centre at least ten days before arrival, and provides lifelong protection in the great majority of recipients.
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers one year of age or older visiting Ghana.
This viral liver infection is picked up through contaminated food and water and causes a spectrum of illness from brief fatigue and nausea to prolonged jaundice and significant hepatic inflammation.
Given the variable food safety standards across the country, vaccination is a useful preventative measure alongside adequate hygiene standards. Two doses provide long-term protection, and many Australians have not yet completed the course.
Typhoid
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Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Ghana, especially those staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or those who are adventurous eaters.
Caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria in contaminated food and water, typhoid produces sustained fever, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain, and can lead to serious complications without treatment. Food and water hygiene remains an important additional precaution throughout the trip even after vaccination.
Rabies
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Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Ghana, making this an ongoing health risk for travellers throughout the country. The disease is almost invariably fatal once symptoms develop, and post-exposure treatment may not be reliably available across all parts of Ghana.
All physical contact with animals during the visit should be avoided, including stray dogs in cities and towns, and bats in any setting. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered by travellers spending extended time in the country, visiting rural areas, or engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving that increase the chance of animal bites.
Any bite, scratch, or lick to broken skin from an animal must be followed by immediate thorough wound washing with soap and running water, and urgent medical assessment, regardless of prior vaccination status.
Meningococcal disease
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Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for travellers planning to visit parts of Ghana located in the meningitis belt during the dry season from December to June, when the disease is most common.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the lining of the brain and spinal cord and can cause death or permanent disability without rapid treatment.
The MenACWY vaccine covers the strains most prevalent in the meningitis belt region and is administered at least ten days before travel. A travel doctor can advise on timing and whether vaccination is recommended based on your planned itinerary and the time of year you are visiting.
Measles
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Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world, and all international travellers should be aware of their immune status before departure. Ghana is no exception to this global trend, and vaccination is important for Australian travellers heading to this destination.
Those born in 1966 or later require two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Confirming vaccination status with a travel doctor before departure is the appropriate step for anyone who is uncertain
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for many unvaccinated travellers to Ghana. The virus is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, including through unprotected sexual contact, tattooing or piercing with contaminated instruments, and non-sterile medical or dental procedures.
Many Australians received this vaccine through childhood immunisation programs, but some adults remain unprotected, and vaccination status is worth confirming with a travel doctor before departure.
Mpox
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Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral infection that spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated clothing or bedding, and, less commonly, infected animals. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and tiredness, followed by a distinctive rash that develops into blisters or sores. Although most people recover within a few weeks, severe illness can occur, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Ghana has reported mpox cases, and travellers should avoid close contact with anyone who has an unexplained rash or skin lesions, avoid handling contaminated bedding or clothing, and wash hands regularly. An mpox vaccine is available in Australia for people at higher risk of exposure, but it is not routinely recommended for most travellers. Your travel doctor can advise whether vaccination is appropriate based on your itinerary, planned activities, and individual risk factors.
Cholera
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Cholera is found in some parts of Ghana, and vaccination may be considered for travellers visiting areas of active transmission.
Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria in contaminated food and water, producing sudden and profuse watery diarrhoea that can cause life-threatening dehydration without prompt treatment.
Rainy season months carry a higher risk of outbreaks. A travel doctor can advise on whether cholera vaccine is appropriate based on your itinerary, planned activities, and individual risk factors. Careful food and water hygiene remains the primary preventive measure for all travellers regardless of vaccination status.
Routine vaccinations
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Travelling to Ghana is a timely prompt to confirm that all standard immunisations are current, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio. A tetanus booster is advisable if more than ten years have passed since the last dose, particularly for travellers undertaking outdoor activities or adventure travel where minor injuries are more likely.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and over. COVID-19 vaccination should be current in line with Australian public health guidance, including booster doses for those aged 65 and over or with relevant underlying health conditions.
Ghana
Other health risks in Ghana
Malaria
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When travelling to Ghana, be prepared for the risk of malaria, with Plasmodium falciparum as the primary species and resistance to chloroquine present throughout the country.
Malaria is a parasite which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes active after dusk, infecting and destroying red blood cells and producing fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, and muscle aching. Without timely treatment, falciparum malaria can rapidly progress to life-threatening complications.
A doctor will prescribe appropriate chemoprophylaxis, medications to help prevent malaria, based on health history, planned itinerary, and length of stay. The full medication supply must be obtained in Australia before departure. Prescriptions should be filled before travel and sufficient supply taken for the entire trip.
Any fever arising during your trip or within one year of returning home should be assessed immediately as a medical priority, with your travel history clearly communicated to the treating clinician.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis is the most commonly reported illness affecting visitors to Ghana. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in contaminated food or water are the usual causes, producing diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramping within one to three days of exposure.
Maintaining adequate fluid intake with oral rehydration solutions is essential for the management for uncomplicated cases, and most people recover within a few days.
Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, contain blood, or are accompanied by high fever. Given that cholera circulates in Ghana, gastrointestinal illness that is unusually severe or involves very watery diarrhoea warrants immediate medical review.
Dengue and chikungunya
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Dengue is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes active throughout daylight hours, causing sudden fever, severe headache, and significant muscle and joint pain, with a minority of cases progressing to more serious disease.
Chikungunya is transmitted by the same mosquito species and causes a very similar acute illness, with the distinctive feature of joint pain that can persist for weeks to months after recovery. Neither infection has a specific antiviral treatment, and daytime mosquito bite prevention remains the most effective protective measure for both.
Lassa fever
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Lassa fever is a viral illness present in Ghana, transmitted through contact with food, household items, or surfaces contaminated by the urine or droppings of the multimammate rat, a common rodent across West Africa.
Prevention requires good hygiene practices including storing food in sealed containers, avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, and maintaining cleanliness around accommodation.
Person-to-person transmission can occur through contact with bodily fluids of an infected individual. Any traveller developing unexplained fever after travel to Ghana should seek medical assessment and disclose their travel history.
Schistosomiasis
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Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is a parasitic infection caused by larvae released by infected freshwater snails that penetrate intact skin during contact with contaminated water.
Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools all carry a risk of infection. This is relevant across Ghana's river systems, lakes, and the Volta region.
No vaccine or preventive medication is available. The only reliable protection is to avoid all freshwater contact during the visit. Any traveller who may have been exposed to freshwater should arrange testing on returning to Australia, as effective treatment is readily available.
Tuberculosis
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial lung infection passed through the air when someone with active disease coughs, speaks, or sings nearby. Ghana carries a tuberculosis burden above the global average.
The risk to most short-stay tourists is relatively low. Travellers spending extended time in the country, working in healthcare or community settings, or in prolonged close contact with local populations should discuss TB screening with their doctor before departure and after returning home.
Any persistent cough or unexplained systemic symptoms developing after travel to Ghana should prompt a medical review with full travel history disclosed.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in busy areas of Accra, markets, and beaches. Violent crime, including robbery and assault, is also possible, so travellers should keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive items, and remain alert when moving around.
Higher risks exist in parts of northern Ghana, particularly near the Burkina Faso border, where terrorism, kidnapping, and local conflicts have been reported. Demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided as they can become unpredictable. Travellers should check the Australian Government's Smartraveller website for current advice before and during their trip, as security conditions can change.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among international travellers, and road safety in Ghana warrants careful attention. Road conditions in Accra are congested and driving standards are variable.
Outside major cities, roads deteriorate significantly, and travel on intercity highways carries risk from poorly maintained vehicles, erratic driving behaviour, and limited emergency response times. Night driving should be avoided wherever possible.
Only registered taxis or transport arranged through accommodation should be used, and seatbelts must be worn at all times. Travel to Mole National Park, the Volta Region, and other destinations requiring long road journeys should be planned carefully, with reputable operators engaged for guided excursions.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Flights from Australia to Ghana require long-haul travel with at least one connection, accumulating total journey times typically exceeding eighteen to twenty hours.
Prolonged immobility on aircraft and during subsequent long road journeys can slow blood flow in the leg veins and raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
To reduce this risk, move around the cabin during flights, perform simple seated exercises including ankle rotations and calf raises, and drink water consistently throughout the journey. Travellers with additional risk factors including a prior clotting history, recent surgery, pregnancy, use of hormonal contraception, or significant overweight should seek advice from a travel doctor before departure, as below-knee compression stockings may be appropriate.