Ghana Photo by Yoel Winkler

Ghana Driving Guide

Ghana is a unique beautiful country. Explore all of it by driving when you get your International Driving Permit

2021-07-28 · 9 min.

Ghanaian drivers place a high value on being warm and friendly to all, applying good manners in every situation, and respect for all. That’s why many tourists are attracted to visit and drive in Ghana. When driving in Ghana, your permit must be in addition to your homeland driver's license. However, drivers who have a revoked driver's license from another country can’t use their foreign driving license in Ghana because they cannot use that country's driving licenses.

Holders of International Driver’s Permit must bring their driving license in Ghana. If you’re planning to drive in Ghana, it is a hard job to get through checkpoints. Drivers must hold a foreign driver's license and carry a passport and rental documents when transiting through certain countries.

How Can This Guide Help You?

In the rivalry of traveling, Ghana offers the best destinations and driving schools in Ghana for visitors planning for longer stays. There's the right kind of information someone has to go along with before helping someone obtain a driving permit and driving jobs in Ghana. This is going to provide you with fun things to do around the world. It is also going to provide you with a great driving guide on how to acquire a driving license in Ghana.

Ghana is a really fascinating place to visit. This detailed guide will keep you guided in planning your perfect trip. This Ghana driving advice is very informative about the various aspects of the history of the country. Furthermore, it will also navigate the entire way and all the driving schools in Ghana, and even a truck driving school in Ghana, use this guide to help you learn the basic and the normal driving rules of the country.

General Information

Traveling to Ghana has always been about an enjoyable experience than a usual tourist trip. The country is a conjunction of great history, traditions, pride, and hospitality that greets you from the heart. Ghana boasts of its impressive array of beauty and remote landscapes.

Ghana seems to be the only African country with a long-term stable democracy and a thriving society. It makes this place a secure all-weather vacation destination. Violence rates are very low, rebellion is nil, and the country is exceptionally tourist-friendly. It's a place where peace abounds.

Geographic Location

Ghana lies at the center of the planet with respect to both the longitude and latitude and has the Greenwich Meridian as the starting point of 216° longitude. The nation you're going to will be seen on a world map, on the western edge of Africa. A good place to look for the Gulf of Guinea is when you are going straight west from the coast of Africa. If you start looking at the world map via London and end in the Gulf of Guinea, draw a line straight down, and you would have arrived in Ghana.

Languages Spoken

Ghana has approximately 50 mother tongues, the most significant of which are Dagaare and Akan, with English representing as the primary language. Just 11 of all these languages are learnt in classrooms, but only a number are shown on tv and radio.

Land Area

Ghana is a republic in West Africa that lies between the Guinea Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a gross surface area of 238,535 km2. Also, it has a 350-mile-long Atlantic shoreline on the southern part.

History

When precipitation increased, agriculture spread northward and settlers fled into the Sahara; as precipitation decreased, they retreated to the established woodland. Apart from some pebble instruments from high river terraces, the first industry in the southeast is Late Chellean. The Acheulean civilization, however, is absent from the ensuing pluvial phase in the far north. The new Mesolithic Period contains stone hoes, quartz beads, and other Congo forms.

This stage was identified during the post-Flandrian marine regression. New Stone Age cultures are generally recognisable. They usually contain polished axes and gritty pottery. The most prominent is near Kintampo and in the Accra plains; it has clay houses, Saharan chert microliths, shale arm rings, and scored terra-cottas formed like flattened cigars. A Neolithic culture in the Mesolithic form was discovered near Abetifi.

Government

The 1992 Constitution provides for a multi-party system with the President as the Head of State and the Vice-President. The President shall be elected by universal suffrage for a term of four years with the option of re-election for a further term. There is a broad-based Council of State with deliberative and advisory functions, as well as a unicameral Senate whose members are directly elected for a term of four years. On average, the President appoints a cabinet of approximately 20 and 25 members.

Dating back to the days of British colonial rule, the leadership and the conventional political authorities seemed to be behaving against the central government. After independence, this pattern has persisted or even intensified, and the leadership role has steadily become disconnected from the exercise of practical political power at virtually all levels of government; its place is now largely symbolic.

Tourism

Ghana is a country renowned for its magnificent wild prairies and diverse animal and plant life. Moreover, it is widely admired for its historical objects dating to thousands of years ago and for containing history not only from decades or centuries but hundreds—and moreover, thousands—of years ago. The country's ancient language of the Roman Empire was loosely based on Latin.

When its people took to a life of commerce, they would translate their house name into Greek for a more popular appeal. If you look forward to discovering more in Ghana, but your IDP comes to expiration, you can apply for a driving license in Ghana. If you want to apply for driving jobs in Ghana, go to a trailer driving school in Ghana and pay the driving school fees in Ghana to learn more about driving on the country’s roads even on dirt roads.

IDP FAQs

Ghana's International Driving Permit is not very hard to obtain. You can apply for it before you travel abroad. You'll need your native driver’s license, two original passport photos, and an IDP. Always make sure that you have your IDP in Ghana before you leave to avoid any problems when you pick up your rental car. If your permit has expired, apply for another International driving license in Ghana, officially known as International Drive’s Permit in Ghana, easily via the International Drivers Association.

In case you want to know how to acquire a driving license in Ghana, you need to take the driving license test in Ghana if you plan on staying long term. When applying for a driver’s license, you need not worry because driving school fees in Ghana are not that expensive.

When driving a car in Ghana, you must have a valid driver's license in Ghana as a citizen or an International Driver’s Permit as a foreigner. If you pause for checkpoints while driving, you must show your driver's license to any law enforcement officer at his or her request. As for your IDP, this shows that you have a valid license in your country of origin as a foreign driver. An IDP is not a warrant but a "permit" and "license.". This document translates your driver's license information for your home country into 12 languages.

Can You Obtain An IDP Online?

If you're coming out of the country next year, check on how to get your international driving license online. This permit is widely accepted in 150 countries. With an IDP, you're going to have a much easier time at your destination. Drivers 18 years of age and above may qualify as long as they have a homeland license for at least six months.

Many people today prefer the convenience of digital technologies and want to obtain their international driving license online. But is that allowed to happen? Yeah, it's certainly allowed, but it's important to remember that there's a lot of scammers out there waiting to take advantage. These permits are ideal for tourists coming to a foreign country, students attending classes, and everyone else driving outside their home country.

The International Driver's License, officially known as an International Driver’s Permit, is a form of evidence that you are eligible to drive to your destination. It is essentially a translated version of your original license, containing your name, address, driving restrictions, and similar details. It is useful not only when the law enforcement authorities stop but also when renting a car and renting a hotel or other accommodation for your stay in the country of your preference.

What Should You Know About Previous Licenses and Permits?

In most cases, customers must surrender the previously issued license/permit/ID when applying for a renewal, replacement, or transfer of any license, training permit or identification card (ID card) previously issued in Ghana or any other State or international jurisdiction. In certain cases, all valid licenses/permits/ID cards may be expected to be surrendered.

The majority of non-citizens with a valid country driver's license, license, or ID may, upon issuance of a Ghana-equivalent passport, retain their country document. A driving license is your option after your IDPs expiration. Know first how much is the cost of driving license in Ghana and how much will be the cost of a driving school in Ghana.

In several foreign nations, an International Driving Permit is a legal requirement to drive, and for your gain and protection, it is a United Nations controlled travel document. IDPs entitle the holder to drive without further inspection in all contracting countries other than their country of origin, as long as they possess a valid domestic driving license. Contracting countries are those countries that have ratified one or more of the International Road Traffic Conventions of the United Nations.

Who Needs An IDP?

People who travel all the time need to have an IDP with them. When traveling heavy-duty across borders, you should present your homeland license or your foreign license plus the IDP. Considering that countries in Africa can be reached by car, having an IDP is a must. However, if you come from overseas, you must apply for an IDP only if you’re planning to visit Ghana because it is prohibited to drive without qualifications.

Drivers who hold driving licenses usually have to obtain an international driving permit in Ghana to be allowed to drive around the country for a period of up to 6 months from the date of entry into the country. Even if you don’t plan to drive, an IDP gives you peace of mind when you are out exploring Gambia's major cities! Your IDP is a United Nations-regulated legal travel document. IDPs are a prerequisite for leasing a motor vehicle and can be helpful if you are in need of identification.

More than 150 countries recognize the IDP as a legitimate form of identification that includes your name, photo, and driver information in many languages. It will help that most local officials and authorities of the countries you visit to understand your driver’s license. The IDP is only a translation to your native driver’s license and does not subject each user allowance in disregarding the country’s road rules.

Renting a Car in Ghana

Good road conditions, low petrol prices, and many scenic stops along the way, renting a car and going on a road trip in Ghana is an experience to not forget. If you want to see most of this country, renting a car and going on a road trip to Ghana is the best idea.

The laws and regulations regulating car owners or car rentals shall be the same. The only thing you don't have to worry about when you're renting a car is insurance. You'll always have your easy cover for every rental. Bear in mind that driving in a modern, unfamiliar environment can also be challenging.

One advantage is that Ghana is a location for a heavy-duty driving school in Ghana. With its excellent road network and high-quality highways, you'll have little trouble navigating the major cities and its surroundings by a car while admiring the stunning and scenic avenues and the desert landscape. If you rent a car in Ghana, there's a lot you need to take into account. Considering that it is a unique country with a culture of its own and different driving rules in Ghana, renting a car can be a challenge.

Car Rental Companies

While visiting Ghana, you might consider renting a vehicle. It would save time if you choose which attractions to visit and stick to a timetable. There are various locations in Ghana where you can view and drive rental cars. Going to the airport, on the other hand, might be the most comfortable choice. They will have a huge range of car rental agencies for you to choose from. Many people are familiar with the car rental companies that are accessible.

You'd be able to find Kayak and Vipcars. Wopecar is the largest rental car operator in Ghana. There is a broad range of cars to choose from. In most cases, the vehicle will be able to operate on both gasoline and ethanol. It will offer you more choices at the gas station. However, you should check this with the rental provider.

Documents Required

At the moment of the rental, the tenant, the approved driver, or the additional driver may be subject to an electronic Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) search by the State which issued the driver's license or maybe needed to sign a declaration attesting to particular criteria:

  • The renter/authorized driver has a valid license that is not suspended indefinitely, expired, revoked, canceled, or surrendered
  • In the last 36 months, the renter/authorized driver did not have one or more convictions for imprudent driving
  • Over the last 48 months, the renter/authorized driver has not had one or more convictions for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Driving While Alcohol-Impaired (DWAI)
  • In the last 36 months, the tenant/authorized driver has not reported an accident or left the scene of the accident
  • The renter/authorized driver was never in possession of a stolen vehicle or using a vehicle for a crime
  • Over the last 24 months, the renter/authorized driver has not been convicted of three or more move violations (including seat belt violations)
  • The renter/authorized driver did not have three or more road accidents in the last 36 months

Vehicle Types

The type of vehicle you want would also be assessed by the community in which you want to travel. If you want to stay in town, for example, you could be better off with a smaller car. Alternatively, if you want to go off-road, an SUV could be a better option. It will offer you more stability. To ensure that you have the kind of car you desire, make your reservation as soon as possible.

Car Rental Cost

There are a few things you may not think about before you rent your car, but they're important! If you're used to renting vehicles, some stuff may be obvious to you, but they're so useful to those newbies who don't have that much experience. Car rental will cost you around $30 up to $1000 depending on the type of vehicle you’ll rent.

  • If you're going to drive around the world, make sure you pick a car where you can accommodate your luggage and all your travel companions. There's nothing worse than finding out that the car you've chosen is a small matchbox, and you can't even accommodate your luggage
  • Even though you are running Google Maps today, make sure you've got a proper GPS tracker in your car. It's going to be easy from the very first moment of trying to find your way to your hotel
  • If you might be thinking of traveling somewhere: make sure you have all the required permits and documents
  • Cruise control is so useful while traveling a long way. It might not be appropriate for those city trips, but if you're planning to leave the city, it's the greatest invention ever made
  • Inspect the vehicle from inside and outside and take photos of any potential scratches that come with it. You should make this a routine everywhere you go, and it's very useful to do it because you won't have to incur any extra costs or bruises that you haven't made yourself
  • Get the rental company’s number to dial in case you have any issues with the car/road
  • Ask them to get the car back or if you can just leave it in one of their offices or will anyone be there to drop it off
  • Take photos of the car before leaving it

Age Requirement

The legal age to apply for a driver’s license is 18 years old. On the other hand, a foreign traveler should be at least 18 years old to rent a car with a valid homeland driver’s license and an International Driver’s Permit. Like other countries, there is an underage driving fee, ranging from $10-15 depending on the car rental company you choose.

Underage driving fees are added for drivers ages 25 years old and below. Know that driving without a license in Ghana is prohibited for tourists with expired IDPs. A driving test in Ghana is a must for local drivers.

Car Insurance Cost

Insurance costs in Ghana, like in other nations, are determined by the characteristics of the car and the owner, as well as the place where the vehicle is kept. Luxury cars and those with automotive modifications such as aluminum doors, fog lights, and other amenities demand higher premiums since they lure thieves and carjackers. Apparently, the more likely your car would be stolen, the more expensive the insurance.

Any residents are more worried with their vehicle getting stolen than they are about to be involved in a car crash. It does not always follow that luxurious cars have higher insurance rates. Other factors that influence the price include the location of the vehicle. Is it parking in a lot, on the street, at home, at college, or at university? Garaged cars are unquestionably preferable. Driving experience, driving size, number of users, and a history of car crashes are all variables that affect the vehicle's rate.

Car Insurance Policy

If you are driving a rental car in Ghana, make sure that it has a fire extinguisher, a reflective belt, a first aid kit, a reflective warning triangle, and that the vehicle is in good driving condition. You will also need your identification and your international driving license. Carry your vehicle registration to a legitimate Ministry of Transportation Certificate and Vehicle Insurance Information. Your vehicle may be fined, and you may be charged if you do not have the proper paperwork.

Some rental agencies will permit you to drive their rental cars across the borders of Africa, and some won't. Some of them make it possible for specific countries. You're going to have to check individual firms to see what their rules are. Renting a car in Ghana to drive across borders is likely to be possible, but you will need to decide where you want to go before you talk about taking a rental car outside of Ghana with a rental agency.

Road Rules in Ghana

Driving rules in Ghana are important to avoid accidents by specifying the orderly movement of cars, pedestrians, and other users of public highways. Know, there are traffic laws for your safety; failure to comply with them can lead to accidents that can seriously hurt or injure you or others. In order to follow the rules, you must first know and understand them.

The road from the capital of Accra, Ghana, to the land of the rare and unusual, the Cape Coast, is one that never stops being dangerous. When making a road trip, it's usually not the roads that cause death, but the drivers in the cars and trucks are making their way through the main roads. That’s why learning from a trailer driving school in Ghana or in a truck driving school in Ghana is very handful.

Important Regulations

Visiting a foreign country like Ghana needs you to comply with general driving standards in order to prevent a car accident and other complications on your tour. If you're not sure how to drive on international highways, you need to be very careful in speeding up and alerting road signs. Below are the general rules that must be followed in the country:

Parking

Do not park your vehicle(s) anywhere that would interfere with the intended recipients of your post, such as parking at or next to a road crossing or onto the highway itself, adjacent to a bridge or above an especially tall or dense spot, near a busy intersection, in front of a road sign, on the main road, or required for obstructive parking, on roads with a white line, near a bus stop, school, or hospital entrance, right next to road signs, or next to another vehicle causing obstructive parking.

Car Registration

The vehicle registration mark should be transparent, legible, and noticeable at all times. Do not load a motor vehicle in such a way as to block the tail lights or any other lights or markings necessary for the protection of the vehicle.

Crossing

Do not cross the Yellow Line that separates the path even though you pass it. Appropriate indicator signals are used on roads with specified lanes before changing lanes. If you stop at a major intersection or a pedestrian intersection, do not cross the stop line painted on the road. In any case, your stationary car aim should not be outside this line.

Towing

Towing is only allowed for mechanically disabled or incompletely constructed motor vehicles, licensed trailers, and sidecars. Vehicles other than these can be towed for transport to the nearest garage or gas pump in the event of an untimely breakdown.

Honking

Use the horn only when necessary, and do not use it in the silence zone. Do not fit loud, multi-tone, or hard and shrill sounding horns or alarms in your vehicle. Vehicles with modified silencers are also prohibited on the road.

Brakes

Do not immediately hit brakes, except for safety reasons. On the Mountains and Steep Roads, the vehicles driving uphill must be granted the right of way by the vehicles coming downhill. If the road is not wide enough, bring your vehicle to a stop on the side of the road and encourage the driver to go uphill first. When road maintenance work is underway, slow down and travel at a pace not exceeding twenty-five kilometers per hour.

Road Safety

Don’t stay driving on the road if you are sick or if you are taking medications that are likely to affect your driving ability, including tonics that might contain alcohol. Sharing road drivers sometimes forget the roads aren't just for them. This can make it tough on the road for pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and motorcyclists who have no strong defense around them. They have the right to your care and to your consideration.

Pedestrians

Often take the Pedestrian path if there is a danger to their life. Take special caution if you're a child or an elderly person. There are some obvious locations and times when you should take special care of yourself, such as shopping malls, busy intersections, schools, parks, and residential areas where children and others have a greater need to cross the road.

Don't pass another car that stopped at a pedestrian school crossing. The driver may have stopped or maybe stopping because you can't see a pedestrian. Also, you must give way to the pedestrians as you enter or exit the private property, such as a driveway. If you can't see if anyone's coming, sound your horn and drive out really slowly.

Zigzag Driving

Never Indulge in Zigzag Driving, especially with two-wheelers. It's not only bad for you, but it's also a risk for others. Motorcycles have high acceleration capacity. Don't misuse it for that. Don't overpower it when it's not necessary. Do know that the slightest collision will prove fatal at higher speeds.

Keep Distance

Motorcyclists and riders have the same privileges and responsibilities toward the roads as larger vehicle drivers. Be sure to leave at least one meter of the room when you are out and about. It is safer not to share the lane with them. In bike riding, you get the ability to push your boundaries.

Smaller than regular cars and bikes, bicycles and motorcycles are more difficult to see. It's important to be mindful of the speed of motorcycles. To this end, a right-turning driver must consider an oncoming motorcycle before turning into the lane. Even though it has been said that securing the traffic gap has its own collection of top-down and bottom-up strategies, the strategy may not be appropriate for traffic situations involving motorcycles.

Hand Signals

Hand signals are required at some times. When you slow down, stretch your right arm palm down and swing it up and down; when you brake, raise your forearm vertically outside the vehicle; when you turn right or turn the lane to the right side, extend your right arm straight out, palm to the front; when you turn left or turn the lane to the left side, extend your right arm and rotate it in an anti-clockwise direction.

To allow the vehicle to overtake you, swing your right arm backward and forwards in a semi-circular motion. You better use direction indicators instead of hand signals and both in case of some kind of emergency.

Wearing of Protective Gear

It is a constitutional requirement to wear a Helmet for Two Wheeler Drivers. The helmet must comply with the ISI requirements and must bear the ISI logo. The helmet is acting as a protection for your head in the event of a mishap. It is intended to ensure your individual protection and not as a shield to escape prosecution.

General Standards of Driving

You must take a driving test in Ghana when applying for a local driver’s license. Know that driving without a license or a permit is highly prohibited in Ghana. Take the driving license test in Ghana too. Drivers of Tractors and Goods Vehicles are forbidden from carrying passengers for hire or compensation. In the case of a tractor, the driver should not carry any other person, and in the case of a goods vehicle, should not exceed the number of persons permitted in the driver's cabin.

Do not put goods on a motor vehicle in such a way as to trigger danger to another person, or load it in such a way that the goods reach laterally beyond the side, the front, or the rear of the vehicle. The shipping of explosives, inflammable substances, or hazardous substances by any public service vehicle is also prohibited.

Take One Pillion Passenger on your two-wheeler. You just have to hold the passenger in the back seat. Do not allow a rider to sit or stand in front of you (not even children). It is not only illegal but often dangerous because sudden braking can throw out the child or the person hitting the vehicle in front of the vehicle.

Speed Limits

When you are overtaken, do not raise the speed of your own car. This causes uncertainty for a driver who is trying to pass you. Driving at night has less traffic on the road at night. It does not improve your protection in any way whatsoever. It is because the speed is higher, people and cyclists are difficult to see, and other cars or pedestrians may have been intoxicated.

When you're driving or about to drive, please slow down. Please be assured that there is no oncoming traffic. Please have your foot off the gas and ready to stop. If you are entering the main road where traffic is not controlled, give way to vehicles passing on your right.

Seatbelt Laws

The driver and the passengers must always wear seatbelts. The violation of these is an offense. Also, be distant from the vehicle ahead of you to prevent collision if the vehicle unexpectedly slows down or stops.

Driving Directions

Bicycles can fly surprisingly quickly. It's not uncommon for 30 km/h. It's easy for drivers to underestimate their speed. Be careful not to cut them off as you turn in front of them. Most motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. Before turning or approaching the intersection, take another glance to make sure there's no car or bicycle in there. Motorcyclists and pedestrians may be concealed behind the trucks and busses that overtake them.

Look out for tall, large, revolving vehicles. You must not pass on the left or the right of the vehicle while such a vehicle is turning. If your vehicle is between a wide turning vehicle and a curb, there is a possibility that your vehicle will be crushed.

Traffic Road Signs

Road signals are meant to guide you; when driving or walking on roads, you must obey traffic laws. Like another driver on the same lane, the traffic law helps to keep you protected on the road. People should be aware of the basic signs and guidelines that must be observed while driving a car on the highway. People driving larger vehicles must be extra cautious due to the many blind spots created by the vehicle's wide scale.

Right of Way

Cars entering the roundabout in Ghana must yield to cars on the intersection. When you hit the intersection, you must wait to let the automobiles ahead of you move first. If there are no signs or alerts, always give way to automobiles entering from the right.

In Ghana, the driving limit is not less than 18 years old. You cannot drive if you are under the age of 18. Only those with IDP are allowed to drive. Drivers without a proper license and those under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to drive in Ghana. And if you have a legitimate license but are not followed by an IDP, you can let someone else travel.

Laws on Overtaking

Overtaking, do it from the right side of the vehicles you're going through. If the driver of the car in front of you indicates that he is turning right, you will be passing from his left. Remember not to cut down on heavy vehicles.

Do not overtake when you think it could endanger other road traffic; if the road ahead is not easily visible, for example, near a bend or a hill. Suppose you know that the car behind you has started to overtake you if the driver ahead of you has not yet indicated his agreement that you can pass it.

Driving Side

The driving side in Ghana is in the right side of the lane. When Turn Left holds to the left side of the lane, you exit as well as the one you reach. When you turn right, switch to the middle of the road that you are leaving and arrive near the left side of the road that you are entering. For heavy-duty driving jobs in Ghana, applicants must go to driving schools first and pay the cost of driving school in Ghana.

Driving Etiquette in Ghana

Driving in Ghana is as pleasurable as driving in your home country, as long as you know the regulation and proper driving etiquette. Improving your patience and cultivating defensive driving habits would make you feel safer and more courteous behind the wheel. If you’re planning to apply for a local driver’s license in Ghana, you must pay the cost of the driving license in Ghana.

Car Breakdown

The first thing you need to do is to turn on your hazard lights. This is to inform the vehicles behind you that your car has broken down, and they should not expect you to keep going. The next step is to try to bring the car to the side of the road. This is a rule, and if you cannot bring the car to the side of the road.

You need to bring out your early-warning device--the triangle-shaped reflector before traveling and place it about 50 meters from your vehicle so oncoming vehicles can see right away and start to change their lanes. If there would be a police or traffic officer, approach them for assistance, either in moving the car or calling for help.

Police Stops

As Ghana has been the venue of multiple conflicts, there is a strong police and military presence. The military has set up numerous checkpoints, but many tourists assure that most of the time, checkpoints have been more helpful than an instrument to bring fear. If you have your complete set of documents and identification, you don’t need to worry about anything. Unless they find something suspicious, it will consist of simply a visual check and an acknowledgment on your end.

Nevertheless, when you are foreign, be ready to present your travel documents, rental car receipts, and any other pertinent documents. Cooperate and answer the questions respectfully. It is best not to show irritation, and it would help to understand that these people are just following what they have to do, which is to protect their own national security. Most tourists would even ask and receive assistance from these checkpoints.

Asking Directions

In Ghana, the driving limit is not less than 18 years old. You cannot drive if you are under the age of 18. Only those with IDP are allowed to drive. Drivers without a proper license and those under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to drive in Ghana. And if you have a legitimate license but are not followed by an IDP, you can let someone else travel.

Checkpoints

While police measures to decrease the amount of people driving under the influence have increased, the number of intoxicated drivers remains high due to a lack of nightly public transportation. The role of police is comparatively strong in Bohemian communities and towns that attract numerous visitors during the holidays. Expect to see a lot of checkpoints around the country.

Other Tips

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath. Sometimes, during road trips, the unimaginable can occur, so it's best to know what to do in unfortunate situations such as car problems or accidents to prevent them from happening or worsening if they occur. Some regulations may be familiar to you because you may have encountered them in the country of your origin; below are etiquette you may not know.

Road Sharing

Bicycle riding is an important form of transport, particularly for travel to work and school. Since bikers may be on any road at any time, drivers must always be alert about bicycle traffic. Bike-car accidents sometimes happen because the car drivers don't see the bikers fast enough. In Ghana, as in other states, most high rate of traffic accidents occur during daylight hours on straight, dry roads, generally near intersections or driveways.

Bicyclists are legally allowed to use all roads in Ghana except interstate and interstate highways. The law requires bikers to use the entire lane. They are not expected to be on a bike lane even though one is present. Although their slower speed can slow motorists sometimes, drivers need to respect the biker's right to be there. Give the biker the right way in the same way that you would give to another biker. If possible, warn the biker by honking, particularly at intersections.

Path fault creates more issues for bicycles than for cars. When passing a bike rider, leave a lot of space to the bike rider in case he or she needs to swerve to avoid a pothole or other road hazard. The minimum legal space for a biker to pass is 3 feet.

Pedestrians

Although the number of motor vehicles on the roads has increased, the number of people traveling on foot is also rising. Distractions are thought to be a contributing factor. Drivers or motorists, and pedestrians must be careful to share the road safely. The driver of the vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross the road:

  • If an individual is on the half of the path on which the car is driving, or when the pedestrian is approaching
  • Turn left or right at the intersection
  • At the stop sign, after a full stop and before continuing
  • At traffic signals, except though the light is green, when the pedestrians are already in the crosswalk
  • Upon approaching a street or highway from an alley, driveway, or private lane
  • When approaching a blind person who crosses a street or a highway, whether he/she wears a white cane or is driven by a dog

Driving Conditions in Ghana

There are some general principles that drivers should know and follow, including foreign-licensed tourists driving in Ghana. These safety tips will help you one day escape an accident, serious injury, or even death. General claims like these do not control the entire situation. It's up to you to evaluate the situation and agree on the correct course of action if some of the island's driving scenarios and conditions, so you'd know what to expect before you hit the lane.

Accident Statistics

According to the International Health Organisation, 1.35 million individuals die as a product of road collisions. Affected by perceived danger, motorcycles are progressively becoming the chosen and easiest means of transport for most people in developing countries. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the incidence and trend of motorcycle accidents among commercial motorcyclists in Adidome

Common Vehicles

In Ghana, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent, and Camry are by far the most common vehicles. Regular vehicles are more common in rural areas as well as on major highways. On city streets, four-wheel drive vehicles are often used as the best option for rough terrain.

Toll Roads

There is no viable untolled alternate route between the places it covers in Ghana. Toll road is only allowed in South Africa and other regions where there is an untolled replacement. Affordability can be taken into account before deciding on a direction for a road commuter.

Road Situation

The rough terrain and obstacles make it difficult for a vehicle to navigate safely after it has left the lane. Severe injury or death will result from a crash if it occurs. Pay attention to road quality to avoid leaving the road while driving. Travel at or below the speed indicated on the regulatory sign or warning sign indicating potential hazards. Drive cautiously, be mindful of the actions of the surrounding drivers.

If your vehicle leaves the lane, try to follow the following guidelines:

1. Get your foot off the accelerator.

2. Grasp the steering wheel securely and be prepared to endure unexpected shocks.

3. Do not touch the brake pedal quickly and hard; use your brakes carefully.

4. Don't try to turn back to the pavement right away.

5. Wait until your speed is reduced, check the traffic, and find a safe way to get back to
the road by merging into traffic.

Driving Culture

Follow these steps when entering your car:

1. Establish a routine to get in the car safely and plan for your journey. If you're parking
in the driveway, get in from the sidewalk of the car.

2. Get your keys ready and get in touch with the vehicle facing traffic.

3. Change the seat and the mirrors.

4. Check passengers to make sure they are properly seated and do not interfere with
your vision.

5. Before turning the engine, fasten your seat belt and make sure your passengers do the
same thing.

6. After starting your car, check the hazards or approaching traffic around your vehicle,
including bikers and pedestrians, send the right signal and move cautiously into the
traffic stream.

Other Tips

Much has been said regarding Ghana's protection, but the most important advice for a successful trip to Ghana is to always be mindful of where you are. Much of the time, driving in Ghana is risk-free. Locals commute to work and school by car, bus, subway, and train every day, but they have learned to be mindful of their surroundings. If you are concerned, just travel at night with the windows locked and stop leaving the city's tourist areas.

Much of the serious and dangerous events reported in Ghanaian media may not occur as often as you would think. Tollways in Ghana are usually quite stable, even at night. However, you can find that there are a lot of trucks on the route. Roads are the main form of transport for consumer products in Ghana, with vehicles accounting for the majority of them.

What to Do During a Tire Breakout?

Unlike a gradual leak that can cause the tire to go flat over time, a blow-out happens when the tire splits and goes flat immediately. If this happens while your vehicle is in motion, you can lose control. If you have a sudden tire blast, don't panic. Follow these rules to retain vehicle regulation.

  • Apply brakes gently if necessary and safely
  • Hold your steering wheel securely and take your foot off the accelerator to allow the vehicle to roll to a stop
  • Don't move to the sides of the highway until the car has slowed down. Do not attempt to get back on the pavement if the blow-out causes the vehicle to swerve into the shoulder

What to Do When on Road Curves?

Blind curves are potential sources of hazard for drivers. Due to the maneuvering involved, it is more likely that a less cautious driver might fail to maintain his lane while driving around the curve. When roads are slippery due to rain or other hazards, curves can be particularly dangerous and need much lower speeds than when the road is dry. Sharper curves are typically labeled with a safety warning mile-by-hour. Usually below the speed limit set, these warning signs indicate that the reduced speed shown will make driving around the curve safer.

As mentioned, reduce the speed before approaching these curves. If you know that you are going too fast when driving around the curve, do not apply the brakes aggressively, as this can cause your vehicle to skip. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator, gently place it on the brake, and start heading down the lane of the road.

How to Deal with Foggy Roads?

Avoid driving in a thick fog if possible. If you need to drive, follow these driving laws in Ghana:

  • Slow down
  • Reduce speed when you see headlights or red tail lights. These signify the presence of another vehicle and, due to fog, it may be more difficult to judge precisely the distance between your vehicle and others
  • Dim the headlights. Bright lights create a glow in heavy fog, which actually makes it more difficult to see than by using normal headlights
  • Do not drive on the parking lot or the hazard lights

Things to Do in Ghana

Now before you search for tour packages to Ghana and book tickets, you need to do some proper background research about the country. This guide will address all your questions and queries related to this impressive country, including driving school prices in Ghana.

Drive As A Tourist

You can drive as a tourist in Ghana as long as you have your valid driver’s license. You may learn driving rules in Ghana or even take driving lessons later on if you decide to stay. But as a tourist, it is often helpful to have your International Driver’s Permit. As long as you have all the requirements needed for driving and the qualifications, you can drive around the country.

Work As A Driver

In Ghana, you can apply for a work permit assisted by your employer. Your employer will be the one to present your application to stay and work in Ghana to the office of General Security. The work permit is also dependent on what kind of work you need to do. In actual practice, this qualification is often overlooked, and as long as you have the proper documents and are ready to pay the amount due, your work permit is likely to be approved.

After getting your work permit, you can then apply for residency. This is a different process with more documents required, and it could take ten working days for the office to grant residency for one year. To apply for driving jobs in Ghana, job seekers must have a clean driving record. The documentation needed is a valid local driving license and a work permit. Some employers require you to go to a driving school and pay driving school prices in Ghana.

Work As A Travel Guide

In Ghana, you can operate as a tour guide. Assume you've got a job and your stay is valid, thanks to a visa or a residency permit. To obtain a work permit, your prospective employer may fill out a work permit form that includes the name of the agency that hires you as well as your upcoming job description inside this organization.

However, the employment authorization is only valid for the agency and location specified. It has far-reaching implications. Job permits are issued by a local authority official and specify the length of stay required to complete the job specified in your employer's declaration. For the job authorization to be legitimate, you must enter into a deal with the employer who applied for it.

Apply for Residency

Every year, an increasing number of expats choose to look for work in Ghana. The explanations for this varies, but Ghana's unemployment rate is poor, and the real income is increasing. The cost of living seems to be very poor. Applying for citizenship is an easy and quick method. There are some choices for obtaining a specific residency visa. Furthermore, there are alternate paths to work in Ghana that are legal.

Other things to do

There are things to do in Cape Verde, and it’s worth spacing them out over your days in the archipelago to ensure you get a diverse and satisfying range of experiences. Determining exactly what you want to do during your vacation can be a stressful and indecisive method. When driving in Cape Verde Island zip code is important to get to your destination.

How to Apply for Work?

International staff may identify the closest embassy or consulate to review the list of necessary documentation before starting the visa application phase. They can then gather the required materials and complete the submission. Applicants can apply for a visa by mail or in person at the embassy. After applying, the employee should wait for visa clearance in their home country. Once the appropriate officials approve the visa, the employee can travel to Ghana to begin working.

The Top Destinations in Ghana

Ghana is the same area as the United Kingdom, but it ranges from the tropical coastline to the lush green forests and farmland, dry reaches of the Sahel, full of scrub land and mud mosques. Traveling to Ghana can make you see a lot of Africa with just a short drive.

Major highways are maintained and easy to drive with congestion only in city centers, and as a result, traffic is rarely interrupted except during the rainy season. Many places of interest are situated in the south and are easily within reach of Accra, but if you're going to the far north, just stop by the many sights along the way or take a fast flight.

Accra

The city includes the headquarters of all the major banks and trading firms, insurance companies, the power provider, the general post office, the wide free markets with much of the food supply, and the Accra Central Library.

Driving Directions:

1. From the capital, head east toward Salaga - Atebubu Rd.

2. Turn right onto Salaga - Atebubu Rd.

3. Continue onto Ejura-Kumasi Rd.

4. Turn left onto Offinso - Juansa Rd.

5. Osu Badu St turns left and becomes Noi Fetele St.

6. Turn right onto Sir. Arku Korsah Road.

7. Turn left onto Patrice Lumumba St.

Things to Do:

1. Discover history
The National Museum is a convenient introduction to Ghana's history, art, and tribal
culture. Accra is the political, economic, and education center of Ghana.

2. Try wood carving
Accra is the classic, chaotic African sprawl of a city; humid, damp, jammed with traffic
and daunting for the first time. However, it is a great immersion in modern urban life
in Ghana and the covered craft market for textiles, wood carvings, and paintings.

3. Go Fishing
The land of the Cape Coast is mostly sloppy, with many hills and valleys. The
temperature is humid, and the sea breeze creates a soothing feeling. Locals are mainly
involved in fishing and related activities.

Kumasi

Visit Manhyia Palace, the official residence of the Ashanti Kings (Asantehene) until 1974, now a museum containing valuable artifacts related to the Ashanti Kingdom. Ashanti is the main population community in Ghana. They have been rulers in this region for centuries because of a well-organized culture. At Manhyia Palace, conflicts are still resolved according to centuries-old traditions, where the King has the final word.

Driving Directions:

1. From Accra, head south on Patrice Lumumba St toward Quartey Papafio Ave.

2. Turn right toward Achimota Rd/Olusegun Obasanjo Way.

3. Continue onto Ejura-Kumasi Rd.

4. Slight right.

5. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the Accra - Tema Motorway/George W. Bush
Hwy/N1 ramp to Takoradi/Mallam.

6. Merge onto Accra - Tema Motorway/George W. Bush Hwy/N1.

7. Turn left onto Kwadwo Kannin St.

Things to Do:

1. Have a meal
After breakfast, drive to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire, to explore the legends
of the legendary Ashanti, whose legacy is still evident today.

2. Discover Kumasi
Created in 1695 by the Asantehene (King) Osei Tutu, Kumasi presents palaces, forts,
museums, and places of worship that provide a distinct context for important festivals
and ceremonies that are still of great importance in the culture of Ashanti.

3. Go to the marketplace
You may be shocked by Kumasi, the most vibrant marketplace in West Africa and the
second-largest city in Ghana, with a population of almost three million.

Ashanti Craft Villages

Each village has its own specialty; woven kente cloth can be found in Adanwomase, stamped adinkra textiles – used for funerals – created in Ntonso and Ahiwaa, with carved wooden dolls and fertility figures.

The wood carving village of Ahwia is famous for its talented craftsmen who fashion royal stools, walking sticks, and wooden fertility dolls. You'll have the option to purchase all sorts of hand-carved pieces.

Driving Directions:

1. From Kumasi, head south toward Kwadwo Kannin St.

2. Turn right onto Melcom Road.

3. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit on Southern By-Pass.

4. Turn left onto Adako Jachie Rd.

4. Keep turning left until you reach the destination.

Things to Do:

1. Purchase handcrafted souvenirs
These villages, around the capital of Ashanti, Kumasi, are the hub of artists, weavers
and woodworkers, and one of the best places to find traditional Ghanaian craft directly
from the producer.

2. Learn their traditions
You're going to learn how the black dye is made from the bark of trees in the village,
and you're going to make your own Adinkra bag to take home. You can also buy large
pieces of handmade Adinkra cloth in the village.

3. Discover how they make clothes
The village of Bonwire, where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms in a
time-honoured tradition passed down through generations. You'll see Kente weavers
in the process of making Kente cloth in various styles, and you'll have a chance to buy
souvenirs or gifts.

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