TRANSPORT IS ACCORDING TO WHERE YOU GO AND PRICES !

There are differents possibilities to go where you want… Know that Accra’s roads are chaotic. It seems to function on one huge game of ‘chicken’ and whoever has the wits, wins. Saying that, at rush hour (between 6am and 8am in the morning and 4-7pm in the afternoon), traffic grinds to a halt in most areas downtown.

 

• Tro-Tro

Tro-Tro’s is the cheapest way of public transportation in Accra.  It’s a shared taxi on a fixed route and you can get off where you want. Toyota Hiace is the most used vehicle, but similar minivans are also used. The car has a driver and a man who collect the money and shout out of the windows to get hold of new customers.
Most drivers of Tro Tro’s has an aggressive way of driving, and are therefore involved in more traffic accidents than other drivers. Since this is the cheapest way of transportation (1,5 Ghana cedis).

 

• Buses

Intercity buses, known as STC (State Transportation Corporation) in Accra ares a cheap, but slow way of transportation but safe for tourists. Many of the buses are wrecks, loaded with passengers. Unlike the Trotro’s you can not leave the bus where you want on the route, but have to wait to bus station. Buses heading west and north leave from Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle station, while Tudu station at the north end of Makola Market serves those going east. These buses usually have stops within the city centre, so it is possible to take them to get around.

 

• Taxis

Taxis in Accra are easy to recognize with their yellow color on each side of the car. In theory they use a meter to calculate the fare, but in real life you should always settle the price before you enter the car. A short trip should costs from 3 Ghana cedis (GH¢), like within the center of town. Going from airport to downtown should be around 10-15 GH¢, in 2016), . Beware that most drivers will try to overcharge an obruni (a white man), so do a firm negotiation.

I tried to find one taxi who agreed to come to fetch me every mornings to bring me to work from Airport to East Legon (it is about 10 GH¢). Unfortunately,  they never came! And I still don’t understand why! So don’t believe them if they say they ‘ll be there… You will have to find another one in a hurry!

• Hiring a car

Cars can still be hired, should you want to brave the roads. All the regular suspects are here and most have an office in the airport, and agents around the city. All major hotels will have an agent too. All hotels will also be able to recommend a trusted driver who will drive you around for the day or length of your stay. This is surprisingly popular at around GH¢15 an hour. Ghana is a left-hand drive country and a current international driving licence is required. Drivers bringing vehicles into Ghana require a ‘carnet de passage’ and international insurance.(Avis: 199 Soula Loop, Labine, Accra, +233 302 761 752, www.avisghana.com and Europcar 12th floor, Heritage Tower, West Ridge, +233 302 665 544, www.europcar.com).