The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, Ghana will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections. While the Embassy has no information regarding planned protests, it should be noted that social disruptions or protests could occur with little or no warning throughout Ghana.
Exercise caution during the election process, particularly around polling locations in the weeks before and after the elections. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
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.
The Embassy identified the following locations in Accra as key areas where people converge to hold spontaneous political rallies and demonstrations:
- State House
- The Ministries
- Kwame Nkrumah Circle
- Independence Square
- Mantse Agbona (James Town)
- Kawokudi Park
- Nima Police Station Park
Embassy personnel are not permitted to travel at night outside of major cities and are encouraged to avoid the following areas outside of Accra:
- Upper West: Lawra, Wa Central
- Upper East: Bawku
- Northern: Tolon, Sagnarigu, Yendi
- Volta: Nkwanta South, Hohoe, Ho Central, Adaklu, Ketu South
- Western: Jomoro, Bia West
- Brong Ahafo: Techiman South, Tain, Berekum West, Berekum East, and
- Ashanti: Bantama, Asokwa, Nhyiaeso, Manhyia North, Manhyia South, Suame, Oforikrom, and Asawase.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Ghana enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have internet access, enroll directly with the U.S. embassy in Accra, Ghana, using the below contact information.
For further information:
- 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, at +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).
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