Ghana Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Ghanaians should always be addressed by their formal titles unless they specifically request otherwise. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. It is customary in much of West Africa not to use the left hand for touching food.

Photography: Permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or airports.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Ghana International Airlines (website: www.fly-ghana.com). Carriers to Accra also include Air Namibia (website: www.airnamibia.com.na).

Departure Tax

US$50 for international departures and￠1,000 for domestic departures. Rates are subject to change without warning.

Main Airports

Accra (ACC) (Kotoka) is 10km (6 miles) north of Accra (journey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis to the city are available. Facilities: Banks/bureau de change, car hire, duty-free shops, restaurants and tourist information.

Getting There By Water

Main ports:Takoradi and Tema. Ships run between Tema and Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and South Africa.

Getting There By Road

A coast road links Lagos (Nigeria), Cotonou (Benin) and Lomé (Togo) to Accra. The best internal road from Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) runs inland through Kumasi. The main north–south route is also in good condition.

Buses and taxis run between Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Ghana. The road from Burkina Faso crosses the border at Navrongo. Long-distance taxis operate between Ghana and neighboring countries.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Ghana by persons aged 16 and over without incurring customs duty:

• 1.1L of spirits or 1.1L of wine.
• 284mL of perfume.

Note: Duty must be paid on gifts. Those wishing to export handicrafts and antiques not exempt, must obtain a certificate from the Museums and Monuments Board; these are available from the main craft center or the National Museum.

Prohibited Imports

Animals, firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

There are domestic services between Accra, Kumasi and Tamale.

Getting Around By Water

The Yapei Queen, a lake steamer, runs twice weekly across Lake Volta between Akosombo and Yeji. Ferries connect at Yeji for Buipe and Makongo, both from which it is possible to arrange onward transportation to Tamale. Booking is advised and can be organized from the Ministry of Tourism.

Getting Around By Rail

The rail network is limited to a 1,000km (600-mile) loop by the coast connecting the cities of Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi and several intervening towns. There is also a rail link between the two main ports of Tema and Takoradi. Trains run at least twice a day on all three legs of this single-track triangle. There are two classes of ticket. Passenger cars are not air conditioned. Children under three years of age travel free; half-fare is charged for children aged three to 11.

Getting Around By Road

Roads are generally in good condition, but can be in poor condition outside of the towns. Traffic drives on the right.

Coach: State-run and private coach services connect all major towns. The most popular national coach line is the Intercity STC. Vanef STC shuttles hourly between Kumasi and Accra. Other regional capitals and major towns can be reached by bus or by tro tros (minibuses) from Kumasr.

Taxi: Taxis are available.

Car hire: Available in Accra but extremely expensive, with or without driver.

Regulations: The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in towns and 80kph (50mph) outside of towns. Seat belts are compulsory and drink-driving is illegal.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. A UK driving license is valid for 90 days.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Accra has extensive bus and taxi services operated by the private sector. There is an abundance of taxis in the towns. Prices are reasonable. Drivers do not generally expect tips. Other ways of getting around, for the more adventurous traveler, are tro-tros (minibuses) and mammy wagons (converted pickup trucks).