Do not use Ubers, taxis or public transport in Ghana – Australia warns

General News on Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Source: Graphic.com.gh

2019-06-11

The Australian government has become the third country to update its overseas travel advice on Ghana in seven days, advising its citizens not to use Ubers, taxis or other means of public transportation in the country.

He also advised Australians visiting or residing in Ghana to "take normal security measures, use common sense and monitor suspicious behavior, as you would in Australia".

The update adds that violent crimes, including kidnappings, targeting Westerners (especially women) have recently increased in Ghana.

An excerpt from the update reads: "Thieves are aimed at travelers, including women, who engage in badault, robbery, pickpocketing and pickpocketing. multiply in Accra and surrounding areas, lack of electricity and power outages) coincide with an increase in crime in the evening and at night.

"Violent crimes, including kidnappings, targeting Westerners (especially women) have increased recently in Ghana.Do not use Ubers, taxis or other public transport.At be especially vigilant at night.

"In April 2019, a foreigner was robbed under the threat of a gun while he was using public transport (Uber) in Accra and two foreigners were abducted in Kumasi in June 2019. Pbadengers from cabs were stolen by drivers.

"You may encounter house invasions, armed robberies and other violent crimes."

According to Andrew Barnes, Australian High Commissioner for Ghana, the level of security has not been increased, but it is only advisable for Australians to ensure their personal safety.

"We have just updated our travel reviews here in Ghana, but we have not increased the level," Barnes said at the West Africa Mines Safety Conference. in Accra.

"All we said is that, uh, we put a little emphasis on Australians traveling or living in Ghana to be more aware of their personal safety and we told them they should do Be careful not to use public transport and taxis and Ubers and that sort of thing.

"So just remind everyone to exercise caution and make sure decisions."

The Australian update follows similar advice from the Canadian government and the United Kingdom.

On Thursday, June 6, the Canadian government issued an alert to its citizens following the kidnapping of two of its nationals on Tuesday in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.

The United Kingdom (UK), in a notice issued on June 7, warned that terrorists are likely to attempt attacks in the country. He added that localized demonstrations of civil unrest may occur in the short term and become violent (sometimes with weapons).