Kwame Nkrumah Circle is one of Accra’s busiest transport and commercial hubs.
Long-distance buses and vehicles operate day and night, linking all 16 regions of Ghana and neighbouring countries.
The area is energetic, important, and full of opportunity—but for first-time visitors, it can also be overwhelming.
Many lessons at Circle are learned the hard way. The tips below, based on real experiences, can help you stay safe.
1. Take full control of your luggage immediately
When you step off a bus or vehicle, hold your luggage yourself. Avoid letting anyone grab your bags, even if they claim to be helping. Some loading boys move between terminals all night—while many are genuine, others use confusion to steal belongings. If someone must assist, have them walk in front of you while you follow closely, keeping your eyes on your luggage at all times.
2. Keep your phone and money secure at all times
Never store your phone, wallet, or cash loosely in pockets. Pickpockets at Circle are skilled and quiet. Some pretend to help or bump into you while removing valuables. Even onlookers, including security personnel, may not intervene. Constant vigilance is your best defence.
3. Avoid taxis with unknown passengers, especially at dawn
Never enter a taxi with strangers already inside, particularly in the early morning. Some robbers pose as fellow passengers and distract you at your stop, allowing the driver to steal your valuables before speeding off. Always hire your own taxi or arrange a trusted pick-up.
4. Seek guidance from women traders at bus terminals
If you need directions, approach women selling goods or food around the terminals. Many have worked at Circle for years and understand how things operate. They are often the most reliable source of advice on safe routes and transport options.
5. Never hand your phone to a stranger
Be cautious if someone asks to borrow your phone, claiming theirs is lost or that they need an urgent call. Handing over your device is risky; phones are frequently stolen this way. If you must help, keep the phone in your hand and handle the call yourself.
6. Store valuables securely in your bag
Avoid keeping important items in easily accessible pockets or small handbags. Use a zipped bag and keep valuables deep inside. Thieves find it much harder to access items tucked away in a secure bag.
7. Know your destination before you arrive
Have a clear plan of where you’re going, the route to take, and who you’re meeting. Unnecessary wandering or hesitation makes you more vulnerable. Move with confidence, even if you feel unsure.
8. Never leave your bag in anyone’s care
Do not hand your luggage to anyone, including people you meet on a bus. Trust should never be given instantly. Once your bag is out of sight, recovery is almost impossible.
9. Learn from real-life incidents
A recent case involved a woman at Labadi Station near Ghana Commercial Bank. She asked a conductor to retrieve her bag from a man she thought was helping. When she turned around, both the man and her bag were gone. The lesson: if someone carries your belongings, they must remain in front of you and always within your sight.
Final Thought
Kwame Nkrumah Circle is not a dangerous place, but it is unforgiving to the careless. Staying alert, protecting your belongings, and understanding these unwritten rules will make your first visit safer and less stressful.
At Circle, vigilance is not fear—it is wisdom.
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