Ghana: immigration

How many refugees are in Ghana?

Ghana hosted 21,129 refugees and 538 asylum seekers on 31 May 2026, according to the UNHCR operational data portal, using government and UNHCR data. A further 10,858 refugees were awaiting registration, according to government data. The Ministry of Finance's 2026 Budget Statement says the Ghana Refugee Board relocated Burkinabe asylum seekers from border communities and will continue relocation and integration in 2026.

Refugees have been granted refugee status; asylum seekers are waiting for a decision. People awaiting registration have arrived but have not yet been fully registered. The Ghana Refugee Board decides refugee status and manages the camps.

Official sources: UNHCR operational data portal: Ghana · Ministry of Finance: 2026 Budget Statement · Ghana Refugee Board

Where are the refugee camps in Ghana?

Ghana's refugee camps include Krisan and Ampain, both in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, according to the Ghana Refugee Board. Krisan was established in 1996 for Liberian refugees and later took in Togolese, Sierra Leonean, Sudanese and other refugees. Ampain was set up on 19 March 2011, the first of three camps for Ivorians who fled after the November 2010 presidential election; its population is mostly Ivorian. The Board also lists Egyeikrom camp.

The camps are managed by National Disaster Management Organisation staff seconded to the Refugee Board. Ghana hosted 21,129 refugees on 31 May 2026, the UNHCR data portal reports.

Official sources: Ghana Refugee Board: refugee camps · UNHCR operational data portal: Ghana

Can you get a visa on arrival in Ghana?

Travellers who arrive in Ghana without a visa may be granted an Emergency Entry Visa (EEV), or visa on arrival, subject to conditions, according to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). ECOWAS member states and other selected countries in Africa are exempt from visas. The emergency visa fee is US$200, under the GIS fees and charges effective 15 May 2025.

Applicants write to the Comptroller-General of Immigration with details of their trip, host and lodging, and attach documents such as a bank statement and flight itinerary. A visa does not guarantee entry; immigration officers decide at the border.

Official sources: Ghana Immigration Service: emergency entry visa · Ghana Immigration Service: fees and charges

How much is a work permit in Ghana?

A residence and work permit for an employee of a company costs US$1,293 for most foreign nationals, US$647 for ECOWAS nationals and US$194 for Ghanaians with a foreign passport, according to the Ghana Immigration Service's fees and charges, effective 15 May 2025. A work permit for missionaries and NGO staff costs US$388 for foreign nationals. A student residence permit costs GH₵259 for most foreign nationals.

Fees for ECOWAS nationals are about half those for other foreign nationals. The fees list is set under Legislative Instrument 2228. The Service explains each permit on its permits page.

Official sources: Ghana Immigration Service: fees and charges · Ghana Immigration Service: permits

How many people cross Ghana's borders each year?

The Ghana Immigration Service facilitated 2.2 million traveller movements in 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance's 2026 Budget Statement. It inspected 4,888 facilities and repatriated 2,188 offenders. In 2026 the Service plans to deploy border surveillance technology, strengthen inland patrols and upgrade infrastructure at entry and exit points.

Traveller movements count each entry and exit, so one person can be counted several times. Repatriations are removals of foreign nationals found in breach of immigration law. The Ghana Immigration Service manages Ghana's land, sea and air borders.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: 2026 Budget Statement · Ghana Immigration Service

What share of Ghana's population are immigrants?

1.5%: that is the share of people born abroad in Ghana for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. That compares with 1.4% in 2015. It is 30th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.2%. World rank, highest first: 141st of 193.

Are more people leaving Ghana than arriving?

In 2025, net migration in Ghana was -17,079, according to the UN Population Division. The peak was 32,813 in 2007 and the low -21,857 in 2019. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -5,646, and Ghana placed 39th highest of 48. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 148th highest.

How many refugees are in Ghana?

The latest figure from UNHCR, for 2025, is 21,050. The peak was 53,534 in 2005 and the low 7,057 in 2023. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Ghana placed 25th highest of 45. Worldwide: 80th of 169.

How many refugees have fled Ghana?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Ghana at 16,030 in 2025. The peak was 24,269 in 2012 and the low 5,042 in 2007. It is 18th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 12,726. Worldwide: 51st of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Ghana?

2.1% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Ghana for 2025, according to the World Bank. The peak was 10.1% of GDP in 2015 and the low 0.4% of GDP in 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.6% of GDP; Ghana is 11th highest of 20. Worldwide: 62nd of 127.