Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Safety Considerations at Banda Ahenkro, Brong Ahafo

The U.S. Embassy in Accra is aware of reports that a group calling themselves “Concerned Members of Banda Ahenkro” has vowed to violently evict all workers who are not natives of Banda Ahenkro from the Brong Ahafo region. The Embassy is also aware of reports that the group has warned all foreigners working in the community to leave because their safety cannot be guaranteed.  Numerous schools have temporarily closed and many residents have left the area.  The Ghana Police Service is addressing these concerns.

The Embassy is monitoring the situation and Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to or through Banda Ahenkro at this time.  Embassy personnel are also prohibited from traveling between towns outside the capital after dark.

We remind you to take appropriate steps to increase your security and safety self-awareness.  Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.  Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

For further information about security in Ghana:

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Ghana.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Accra, located at No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra via email acsaccra@state.gov or phone +233 30 2741 000 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday. After- hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +233 30 2741 000.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the website of U.S. Embassy Accra.
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