The festive season in Ghana is among the most cherished times of the year. Bustling markets overflow with energy, families journey across distances to reconnect, and social as well as religious gatherings take on a lively spirit. Yet, with this heightened activity and excitement, certain avoidable risks tend to surface more frequently. This article does not seek to alarm, but rather to share practical and reassuring tips that help everyone celebrate the season with confidence and responsibility
Safe Shopping
During Christmas, markets and shopping centers become crowded, and the hustle often creates openings for petty theft and scams. Many shoppers know the unsettling experience of reaching for a phone only to realise it’s gone after pushing through a packed walkway or boarding a trotro.
To stay safe, it’s wise to carry bags in front, keep them zipped, and avoid placing phones or wallets in back pockets. At Kaneshie in Accra, one woman reported losing her purse while bending to check prices—she never even felt it being taken. Staying alert is your strongest defence. When withdrawing cash, choose ATMs located inside banks rather than isolated areas, and avoid counting money in public.
When shopping online, choose known businesses. A number of people last year ordered shoes and phones from “flash sales” on social media, only to receive completely different items—or nothing at all. Finally, keep children close. The festive crowds can be overwhelming, and many parents have experienced moments of panic searching for a child who simply wandered into the next shop.
Festive season scams
Scammers take advantage of the festive excitement, knowing that people are often distracted. One of the most common tricks is the “wrong number” MoMo call. In Ho, Volta Region, a young man recently received a call from someone claiming to have accidentally sent him GHS 300. The caller sounded distressed and begged for the money to be returned. Luckily, he checked his balance and discovered no transfer had been made. Many victims only realise too late that they’ve sent their own money to fraudsters. Fake promotions also rise sharply during this period.
Just last year, WhatsApp links circulated, falsely claiming MTN was offering “Christmas hampers” to loyal customers. Those who clicked unknowingly exposed their personal information. Always verify promotions directly from official telecom pages or customer service lines. No legitimate institution will ever ask for your PIN or password.
Travel safety
Travel increases significantly in December—by road, air and water. Many incidents occur not because of bad luck, but because of little oversights. A family travelling from Kumasi to Accra recently avoided a breakdown because they chose to check their tyre pressure, water level, oil level, brake fluid level and headlights before setting off. That simple decision saved them hours of delay and potential danger on the highway.
Avoid the last-minute rush whenever possible. Many dangerous driving behaviours—such as speeding, tailgating, and risky overtaking—stem from drivers feeling pressured to “make time” or squeeze in extra trips for profit. Starting your journey early helps reduce stress and enhances safety. Transport Unions should also plan adequately for the surge in passengers and discourage late-night travel.
For those travelling by water, particularly on the Volta Lake, always insist on wearing life jackets and never board overloaded boats. Survivors of past accidents consistently point to overcrowding as a major cause. Keep valuables close and clearly labelled, as items like laptops, passports, and bags are often lost when placed overhead or under seats without proper identification
Protect your money and health
Festive season discounts are everywhere, but not every bargain is worth trusting. A shopper in Lapaz, Accra, once recounted buying a blender at a steep discount—only for it to start smoking the very first time she plugged it in. To avoid such risks, compare prices across different vendors and be wary of unusually low offers on electronics, perfumes, or toys. Cheap power banks and chargers, for instance, can easily overheat and become fire hazards.
Food items also demand close attention, especially poultry and canned goods, as some traders sell products nearing expiry or stored under unsafe conditions. Always inspect dates, seals, and packaging carefully. If something feels off, it’s better to walk away—no festive deal is worth compromising your money or safety.
Celebrate fully, celebrate safely
The festive season is meant for joy, connection and celebration—not fear or worry. With a little planning and awareness, every Ghanaian can move around confidently and protect what matters. Safety is not about being afraid; it is about being mindful and prepared. This season, let us all embrace a “Safety-first mindset” and look out for one another. Please share your experiences so that together we can help educate more people to save lives and property.
Source: David Eklu
