Ghana Health & Vaccinations Guide 2026

Proper health preparation is essential for a safe trip to Ghana. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, and malaria prevention is critical. Here is your complete guide to staying healthy before, during, and after your visit to Ghana.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (MANDATORY)

You must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) to enter Ghana. Immigration officials check this on arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport (not recommended) or denied entry.

  • Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel
  • The vaccine provides lifelong protection (single dose)
  • Carry your Yellow Card at all times during travel
  • Available at designated travel clinics in your home country
Important: Do not arrive in Ghana without your Yellow Fever certificate. This is strictly enforced and is the single most important health requirement.

Recommended Vaccinations

VaccineRecommendationNotes
Hepatitis AStrongly recommendedSpread through contaminated food and water. Two doses give lifetime protection.
Hepatitis BRecommendedSpread through blood and bodily fluids. Three-dose course.
TyphoidStrongly recommendedCommon in areas with poor sanitation. Oral or injectable vaccine.
Meningitis (ACWY)RecommendedEspecially for the dry season (Harmattan) and northern Ghana, which is in the "meningitis belt".
RabiesConsiderRecommended if travelling to rural areas, working with animals, or for extended stays. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-bite treatment.
CholeraConsiderOral vaccine available. Risk is low for most tourists but increases during rainy season in some areas.
Routine vaccinesEnsure up to dateTetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles/MMR. Check your records before travel.

Visit a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccine courses.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is present throughout Ghana, including in cities like Accra. It is the single biggest health risk for travellers. Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous strain, is predominant.

Prevention Strategy (All Three Steps)

  1. Anti-malaria tablets: Take prophylaxis as prescribed. Common options:
    • Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil): Most popular. Start 1-2 days before, continue 7 days after. Few side effects.
    • Doxycycline: Cheaper alternative. Start 1-2 days before, continue 4 weeks after. Can cause sun sensitivity.
    • Mefloquine (Lariam): Weekly dosing. Start 2-3 weeks before. Not suitable for everyone.
  2. Mosquito bite prevention:
    • Use DEET-based insect repellent (30-50% concentration) on exposed skin
    • Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening
    • Sleep under a treated mosquito net (most hotels provide them)
    • Use air conditioning where available (mosquitoes avoid cool rooms)
  3. Awareness: Know the symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle pain). If you develop a fever within a year of returning from Ghana, seek medical attention immediately and tell the doctor you visited a malaria zone.
Do not skip malaria prophylaxis. Malaria kills and even non-fatal cases can be extremely debilitating. No preventive measure is 100% effective, so use all three strategies together.

Food & Water Safety

  • Drink only bottled or treated water. Tap water is not safe to drink. Sachet water ("pure water") is widely available and cheap.
  • Avoid ice in drinks unless at upscale restaurants that use purified water
  • Eat freshly cooked food served hot. Avoid buffets where food may have been sitting
  • Peel fruits yourself. Avoid pre-cut fruit from street vendors
  • Street food from busy stalls (freshly cooked at high temperature) is generally safe
  • Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitiser before eating
  • Carry oral rehydration salts (ORS) for treating diarrhoea

Medical Facilities

Hospitals in Accra

  • Korle Bu Teaching Hospital: Ghana's largest hospital. Public, can be crowded but has specialist departments.
  • 37 Military Hospital: Good standard of care, open to civilians.
  • Nyaho Medical Centre: Private hospital with international standard care. Recommended for tourists.
  • Ridge Hospital: Government hospital with a good reputation.
  • Lister Hospital (Airport Residential): Private, modern facility popular with expatriates.

Outside Accra

Medical facilities in regional capitals (Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast) are adequate for basic care. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi is the second-largest in Ghana. For serious conditions, expect to be transferred to Accra. Rural areas have limited facilities.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widely available in cities and towns. Many medications that require prescriptions elsewhere are available over the counter. However, be cautious of counterfeit drugs. Use reputable pharmacies in established locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yellow Fever vaccination is available at Kotoka International Airport, but this is not recommended. The vaccine takes 10 days to become effective, meaning you would be unprotected during your trip. Additionally, getting vaccinated at the airport may cause delays and is more expensive. Always get vaccinated before departure.

A malaria test at a clinic costs around GHS 50-100 (approximately $4-8 USD). Treatment with ACT (Artemisinin Combination Therapy) is affordable at GHS 30-80 at pharmacies. However, a hospital visit with IV treatment for severe malaria can cost GHS 1,000-5,000+ at private facilities. This is why travel insurance and prevention are so important.

Essential items: anti-malaria tablets, DEET insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF 50+), oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea medication (Imodium), paracetamol/ibuprofen, antihistamines, plasters and antiseptic cream, hand sanitiser, and any personal prescription medications with copies of prescriptions. Also consider: water purification tablets, mosquito net (if budget accommodation), and a basic first aid kit.

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