US declares U/W region 'a no-go area' for its citizens

US President Barack Obama

The United States Embassy in Ghana has waded into the latest brouhaha involving two Peace Corps Ghana Volunteers in the Upper West region.

According to an “Unclassified Email”, the US Embassy said “in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all Peace Corps Volunteers, they have been removed from the Upper West Region until further notice.”

“All U.S. citizens in the Upper West Region should exercise caution and defer unnecessary travel in or to the area,” it further stated.

Two Peace Corps Ghana Volunteers were the victims of a crime in the early hours of Saturday, in Wa in the Upper West Region. A man was later found dead in the vicinity of the incident and is reported to be one of the alleged assailants.

The Peace Corps Volunteers “voluntarily reported the incident to the local authorities on Saturday morning” and they were released after an interview session with the police. They have not been charged with any crime. The matter is currently under investigation by the police.

The email advised US citizens: “If you 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://step.state.gov). If you enroll, we can keep you informed of important safety and security announcements.

“It will also help your friends and family to contact 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,” it said.

“If you don't have internet access, you may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 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.”