Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.The information below concerning Ghana is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Primary roads are generally paved and well maintained.However, some side roads within major cities and many roads outside of major cities are in poor condition.The road from Accra to the central region tourist area of Cape Coast continues to be the site of many accidents.Travel after daylight hours, particularly outside the major cities, is extremely hazardous due to poor street lighting and the unpredictable behavior of pedestrians, bicyclists and farm animals, particularly goats and sheep.Aggressive drivers, poorly maintained vehicles, and overloaded vehicles pose serious threats to road safety.

Another hazard is pedestrians who intentionally bump vehicles and pretend to be hit. They then attempt to extort money from the vehicle occupants.Scams of this nature most commonly occur in congested urban areas.

The safety standards of the small private buses that transit roads and highways are uncertain.Travelers are encouraged to consider this when making travel arrangements.

Armed robbers have targeted travelers following their arrival at Kotoka airport.An increasingly used tactic is to deliberately cause a minor road traffic accident to make a car stop, and to then rob the occupants.If your car is hit by another car it is best to drive to the nearest police station to sort out the incident.Otherwise, all drivers, particularly at night, should remain vigilant, and drive with doors locked and windows up.

There has been an increase in incidents of highway robbery on the road from Kintampo to Tamale in the Brong Ahafo and Northern regions.Travelers along this route should exercise caution.

Travelers are routinely stopped at police checkpoints throughout Ghana, and vehicles and passengers may be searched.Drivers must possess an international driver’s license (available from AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance).There have been incidences of fraud related to international drivers’ licenses.As a result, when foreign drivers apply for their Ghanaian driver’s license they may be asked to have their international driver’s license or their home country driver’s license confirmed by their embassy.The U.S. Embassy in Ghana is unable to authenticate such state issued or international drivers’ licenses and advises U.S. citizen to contact the National Identification Authority in Ghana or have their U.S. driver’s license authenticated in the U.S. prior to arriving in Ghana.Foreign nationals should carry documentation of their status, such as a passport and a visa.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the country’s national tourist office.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ghana’s air carrier operations.Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.