Getting to Ghana
By AirThe direct flights to Kotaka international airport in Accra from New York on North American Airlines were suspended in May 2008.
Direct flights to and from Europe include: British Airways (London), KLM (Amsterdam), Alitalia (Rome), Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and Ghana Airways the national airline, which flies to Rome, London and Dusseldorf.
Several regional African airlines link Ghana to the rest of the continent including the national airline, Ghana Airways, Air Ivoire, Ethiopian Airways, and South African Airways.
Note: To get from Kotaka international Airport to the centre of Accra or your hotel, take a taxi, the rate is fixed (currently around $5). Tro-tro's (see below) are cheaper and will also take you to your destination, but you'll be cozily packed in with fellow passengers.
By Land
Ghana borders Togo, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). VanefSTC buses can take you to the borders of all three countries, and it's best to make enquiries about schedules and routes when you're in Accra.
Getting Around Ghana
By AirGhana has limited domestic flights which are often over booked, late or cancelled. You can catch military planes out of Accra airport to Kumasi and Tamale on Ghana Airlink. Ghanaweb mentions several other domestic airlines including Golden Airways, Muk Air and Fun Air, but I can't find any reliable information about these airlines. Check with a travel agent in Accra for details, or opt for a bus instead.
By bus
Traveling by bus in Ghana is generally the most comfortable and quickest way to get around. Vanef-STC is the main bus company and routes include all the major towns: Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Cape Coast and others. You can catch express, air-conditioned buses in between the main towns of Kumasi, Tamale, Bolgatanga and Accra. Book your ticket at least a day in advance along major routes and expect to pay extra for your luggage.
Other bus companies operating in Ghana include OSA, Kingdom Transport Services and GPRTU.
Tro-tros
Tro-tros are minibuses or converted pick-up trucks that ply every route in Ghana. Tro-tros are particularly handy on routes that the main bus companies don't service. While the ride can be bumpy and you may break down, tro-tro's are cheap and offer you a chance to get close to your fellow Ghanaian travelers. Tro-tros have no schedules and generally leave when very full.
By Train
Passenger trains used to run between Accra and Kumasi and Kumasi and Takoradi but they have been suspended recently.
By Rental Car
The major car rental companies are all represented in Ghana; Avis, Hertz and Europcar. The main roads in Ghana are decent but the police checkpoints are numerous and usually require a cash handout (dash) to proceed, which can be annoying. In Ghana you drive on the right-hand side.
By Boat
Lake Volta is the largest man-made lake in Africa and a beautiful one at that. A passenger boat, the Yapei Queen runs the entire length of the lake between Akosombo in the South to Yeji in the North. The trip takes about 24 hours one way and departs from Akosombo every Monday. You can book your voyage through the Volta Lake Transport Company. You'll be sharing the boat with some livestock and lots of vegetables.
There are other smaller ferry services on Lake Volta that will take you further north and east. You can arrange transportation in Tamale.
Recommended Guide Books
