Most visits to Ghana combine Accra with the forts of Cape Coast and Elmina on the Atlantic, the canopy walkway in Kakum National Park and the Ashanti city of Kumasi, with Mole National Park in the north or the hills and waterfalls of the Volta region for those with more time. English is the official language, which makes the country easy to travel. Ghana is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so European plans charge their own roaming rates there.
Key facts for Ghana
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: AT (AirtelTigo), Airtel (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112 or 999; police 192; ambulance 193
- Embassies: in Accra
Accra
Coverage is strong across Accra, from Osu and Jamestown to the airport area. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are on the rise, so take care after nightfall, avoid walking alone and do not take taxis on your own after dark. If demonstrations start, leave the area and do not film them.
Cape Coast, Elmina and Kakum
Coverage holds in Cape Coast and Elmina and along the coast road, though it can fade on the Kakum trails. Swimming on the southern beaches is dangerous because of rip currents and undertows, and deaths are reported every year, so stay out of the water unless lifeguards and locals say it is safe, and never go to the beach alone.
Kumasi, the north and the Volta region
Kumasi has good coverage; in Mole National Park and the rural north, the signal is limited. Avoid driving outside the main towns after dark, when accidents and vehicle attacks are more common, and use pre-booked vehicles from reputable companies for long journeys. The UK advises against all but essential travel to the Bawku Municipal area in the Upper East region.
Laws to know
Drug offences, even for small amounts of cannabis, can mean years in prison, and bail is rarely granted. Wearing military clothing, including camouflage, is illegal, as is photographing military sites or the airport. Some same-sex acts can bring long prison sentences.
Paying
The currency is the cedi. Cash machines are common in larger towns but scarce in rural areas, and Mastercard is not widely accepted, so confirm how you can pay before booking and bring a backup. Watch for skimming devices at cash machines.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM, installed at home, connects as soon as you land in Accra, and your usual number still receives texts and bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Togo, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
Ghanaian prepaid SIMs from MTN, Telecel or AT are sold at the airport and in shops, and are registered with your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Ghana
- 112 or 999 reaches the police, an ambulance, the fire service and the coast guard; 192 goes to the police and 193 to the National Ambulance Service.
- Embassies are in Accra. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Ghana, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Be sceptical of anyone you met online who asks you for money in Ghana: romance and business scams are common.
Questions travellers ask about Ghana
Does my EU plan work in Ghana?
No. Ghana is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator's roaming rates apply.
Is it safe to swim at the beach?
Often not: rip currents on the southern coast cause deaths every year.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Ghana?
AT (AirtelTigo) on most plans and Airtel on some, with 4G where available.
What is the emergency number?
112 or 999 for every service; 192 for the police and 193 for an ambulance.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, avoid taxis alone after dark, stay out of the sea unless it is clearly safe, carry a backup to your Mastercard, and save 112 and 193.
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