Bean in Ho marketplace, Ghana

© iStockphoto / Thinkstock

Getting Around Ghana

Air: 

There are domestic services between Accra, Kumasi and Tamale.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

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

Car hire: 

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

Taxi: 

Taxis are available.

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 licence 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 traveller, are tro-tros (minibuses) and mammy wagons (converted pickup trucks).

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.

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 organised from the Ministry of Tourism.