British nationals warned over "crime", "terrorism" in Ghana
Samuel K. Obour
The United Kingdom (UK) has urged her citizens travelling to Ghana to ensure their own safety and security by being vigilant, especially in public places.
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In a statement published on www.gov.uk and updated on September 26, 2013, the UK government warned its citizens in Ghana to be wary of "petty and violent crime" as well as "terrorism".
The statement pointed out that while most visits to Ghana were trouble-free, "violent crime" could occur from time to time.
To this end, British citizens were advised to refrain from carrying large sums of money and valuables, and also to exercise caution when withdrawing money from ATMs or visiting the beaches.
"Take care at public beaches and avoid going to the beach on your own. Theft is the main problem, but there have been isolated incidents of sexual assault," the statement warned.
According to the document, British citizens also stood the risk of being robbed at the Kotoka International Airport.
"Theft of luggage and travel documents occurs at Kotoka International Airport and in hotels. Make sure your passport is secure at all times and don’t leave baggage unattended. Be wary of offers of help at the airport unless from uniformed porters or officials."
The statement also drew the attention of British citizens to their susceptibility to potential terrorists attacks in Ghana, which it said could be occasioned by the country's participation in the military intervention in Mali.
"Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers", the document warned.
Ghana recently sent about 120 military officers of the engineering regiment in a British flight to Mali to deal with the crisis in the north of the country. Ghana also made a $3 million financial support to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).
Around 70,000 British nationals visit Ghana every year.
By graphic.com.gh/Ghana