Transportation

Transportation in Ghana

Getting around Ghana offers multiple options, from modern ride-hailing to traditional tro-tros. Accra's traffic congestion is notorious but manageable with planning.

Ride-Hailing Services

Uber:

• Available in Accra and Kumasi
• Most reliable option for expats
• Important: Set payment to CASH (drivers prefer cash, may cancel card payments)
• Costs: GHS 14-65 ($1.20-5.60) for 10-30 minute rides
• English-speaking drivers common

Bolt:

• Available in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast
• Slightly cheaper than Uber
• Cash preferred
• Good alternative when Uber surge pricing active

Yango (by Yandex):

• Growing presence in Accra
• Competitive prices
• Newer fleet

Traditional Taxis

Characteristics:

• Everywhere in Accra
• No meters - must negotiate price
• More expensive than Uber/Bolt
• Drivers often charge tourists higher rates

Usage Tips:

• Negotiate price before entering
• Know rough price for route
• "Dropping" (private hire) more expensive than shared
• Can be chartered for day trips

Typical Fares: GHS 20-100 ($1.80-9) depending on distance

Tro-Tros (Shared Minibuses)

What They Are:

• Shared minibuses on fixed routes
• Cheapest transportation
• Very local experience
• Can be crowded and uncomfortable

How They Work:

• Stop anywhere along route (wave down, shout to stop)
• Pay "mate" (conductor)
• Fixed prices by route
• Depart when full

Costs: GHS 2-10 ($0.18-0.90) per trip

Pros: Extremely cheap, extensive network

Cons: Crowded, no AC, safety concerns, confusing for newcomers

Motorcycle Taxis (Okada)

Legal Status: Technically illegal in many parts of Ghana, including Accra (banned 2012)

Reality: Still operate informally

Future: Government announced plans to legalize and regulate

Current Advice: Avoid due to legal uncertainty and safety concerns

Intercity Travel

STC Buses (State Transport Company):

• Reliable, air-conditioned coaches
• Accra ↔ Kumasi: GHS 80-120 ($7-11), 4-5 hours
• Major cities connected
• Book in advance for popular routes

VIP Buses:

• Private operators
• Comfortable, AC
• Similar prices to STC
• Examples: VIP Jeoun, VVIP

Tro-Tros (Long Distance):

• Cheaper but less comfortable
• Less safe than buses
• Depart when full (can wait hours)

Domestic Flights:

• Accra ↔ Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi
• Africa World Airlines, PassionAir
• ~$80-150 round trip
• 45-minute flight vs 4-6 hour drive

Driving in Ghana

Driver's License:

• International Driving Permit accepted for tourists
• Residents need Ghanaian license
• Can convert foreign license (some countries)
• Or take Ghanaian driving test

Road Conditions:

• Major highways: Generally good (Accra-Kumasi, etc.)
• Urban roads: Variable quality
• Rural roads: Often poor, especially in rainy season
• Potholes common

Driving Culture:

• Chaotic but somehow works
• Aggressive driving common
• Expect the unexpected
• Police checkpoints frequent
• Corruption can be issue at checkpoints

Vehicle Options:

• Buy: Used cars from $3,000-20,000
• Lease: Limited options
• Hire with driver: Popular choice for expats (GHS 3,000-6,000/$275-550 monthly + fuel)

Insurance: Required, GHS 500-2,000 ($45-180) annually

Fuel: ~GHS 14/liter (~$5/gallon equivalent)

Traffic Patterns

Accra Rush Hours:

• Morning: 6:30-9:30 AM
• Evening: 4:30-7:30 PM
• Can add 30-90 minutes to journey

Major Congestion Points:

• Mallam Junction
• Kwame Nkrumah Circle
• 37 Military Hospital area
• Spintex Road
• Tema Motorway

Planning Tips:

• Leave early for morning appointments
• Avoid rush hour if possible
• Build in extra time for important meetings
• Waze and Google Maps helpful for real-time traffic

Railway

Limited Service:

• Tema ↔ Kantamanto (Accra) train recently introduced
• Fast and affordable
• Very limited network currently
• Government expanding railway system

Airport Transfers

Kotoka International Airport (ACC):

• Uber/Bolt: GHS 40-80 ($3.60-7.30) to central Accra (depending on traffic)
• Official taxis: More expensive
• Hotel pickups: Often included or ~$20-40