Scam in GhanaOn the street
Persistent beach selling in Ghana
How it works
Jewellery and T-shirt sellers may repeatedly approach foreign visitors. This is described as a nuisance, with no specific fraud or forced payment reported.
Warning signs
- A seller keeps approaching after you have declined.
- Repeated sales pitches interrupt your visit.
How to avoid it
- Decline clearly and politely if you do not want to buy.
- Keep walking or return to your group if the approach continues.
- If you want an item, agree on the price before buying.
If it happens to you
Repeat your refusal calmly and move away. Ask venue staff for help if the attention becomes difficult to manage.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist someone who threatens you. Call 112 if you need urgent police, fire or ambulance help.
- Block stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, lock it remotely if possible and contact your mobile provider.
- Write down what happened while it is fresh. Save receipts, payment records, messages and any vehicle details you already have.
- Report theft, fraud, robbery or threats to the police. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your card issuer, insurer or payment provider as needed. Ask what evidence they need and whether any loss can be recovered.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help after a serious incident.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorTripadvisor traveller reviews2020Labadi Pleasure Beach - All You SHOULD Know Before Going (2026 Reviews)Reviewers described repeated souvenir pitches at Labadi Beach, with one visitor cutting their visit short because of aggressive sellers.Read on Tripadvisor
- TripadvisorTripadvisor traveller reviews2016Labadi Pleasure Beach - All You SHOULD Know Before Going (2026 Reviews)Visitors reported aggressive merchants approaching them at Labadi Beach, although another reviewer said a polite refusal was sufficient.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the persistent beach selling scam in Ghana?
Jewellery and T-shirt sellers may repeatedly approach foreign visitors. This is described as a nuisance, with no specific fraud or forced payment reported.
How can I spot it early?
A seller keeps approaching after you have declined. Repeated sales pitches interrupt your visit.
How do I avoid persistent beach selling in Ghana?
Decline clearly and politely if you do not want to buy. Keep walking or return to your group if the approach continues. If you want an item, agree on the price before buying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Repeat your refusal calmly and move away. Ask venue staff for help if the attention becomes difficult to manage.
Where in Ghana does this happen?
La Pleasure Beach at Labadi Beach, including the Wednesday reggae night. It has been reported in Accra.
How common is this scam in Ghana?
Occasional. Ghana is generally safe, with relatively low crime levels, but visitors should watch for inflated taxi quotes and card fraud. Phone snatching, pickpocketing and muggings are also reported. Persistent beach sellers can be a nuisance, while people suspected to be gay or queer can face targeted extortion.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for urgent help. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, approach a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or verified contact number to freeze the card and report payments you did not authorise. Mobile provider: contact the provider through an official channel to block a stolen SIM and ask about protecting linked services. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police reports, receipts and records of the loss. Embassy or consulate: use official contact details for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident. If facing sensitive threats or extortion, ask about confidential assistance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Ghana?
Police, fire and ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck