U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens - Demonstrations January 24, 2012

This notice is to advise U.S. citizens of a demonstration in Accra, Ghana scheduled for January 25, 2012, starting at 8:00 a.m.  The Embassy has received reports that an unknown number of protestors are scheduled to demonstrate their displeasure over fuel subsidy policies and other issues.  The intention of the demonstration is peaceful; however, these situations can potentially be problematic if not violent.  

The starting point of the demonstration is at OBRA SPOT located at Kwame Nkrumah Circle through the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue which passes in front of Adabraka Police Station.  The demonstration is scheduled to turn at LIBERIA ROAD and continue to HEARTS PARK, which is located along the beach near the ART CENTRE.

The Embassy urges U.S. citizens in Accra to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness and avoid this area.  We recommend that you monitor the local news and avoid demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful may suddenly turn violent. 

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Ghana web site (http://ghana.usembassy.gov/).  You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1124.html).  If you don't have internet access, we have a call center for updates--1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or from other countries on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays). 

If you are going to live in or travel to Ghana please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP - https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/).  If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.  It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.  You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date.  It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency. 

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana (http://ghana.usembassy.gov/) is located on No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra; mailing address:  P.O. Box 194.  The Embassy telephone number is (233) 30-2741-000.  The Embassy fax number is (233) 30-2741-389.

For after-hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call (233) 30-2741-775 and ask to speak with the duty officer.