ROAD TRAVEL REPORT REPUBLIC OF GHANA

Transcription

1 ROAD TRAVEL REPORT REPUBLIC OF GHANA

2 ASIRT 2014 ASIRT is a non-profit humanitarian organization established in memory of Aron Sobel, age 25, who was killed along with 22 other passengers in a Pamukkale Bus Company crash on the roads of Turkey. Disclaimer: ASIRT provides this information as a service to the traveling public. This report and the accompanying maps are intended to represent general road conditions, driving environment and information on the quality of public transportation, medical care and emergency response. It may not be totally accurate in a specific location or circumstance. Any electronic links provided in this Report are for illustrative purposes and ASIRT is not responsible for the content provided within these electronic links and/or videos. Copyright: Purchasers of this Report are entitled to use it for purposes of research, education, information on health, safety and general road and traffic conditions or other non-commercial uses. Neither the whole nor any part of this ASIRT Road Travel Report may be copied in any form or provided to any other party without the prior written consent of the copyright owner. To order more copies or to order Road Travel Reports for other countries please contact: Association for Safe International Road Travel, Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD USA, , asirt@asirt.org

3 Table of Contents Know Before You Go... 1 Road Realities... 1 Driver Behaviors... 1 General Road Conditions... 1 Urban Travel... 2 City Information... 3 Rural Travel Night Travel Pedestrian Travel Seasonal Travel Police Enforcement Road Regulations Road Watch Road Recommendations Transportation Options Buses Taxis Tro-Tros Okadas Rental Vehicles Bicycles Motorcycles Trucks Train Travel Water Travel Internal Air Service Crime & Security Emergency Information Tourist Assistance Medical Care Embassy Information For More Information Road Travel Report: Ghana i ASIRT 2014

4 Appendices Appendix A: U.S. and Ghana Holidays Appendix B: National Routes in Ghana Appendix C: Commonly Used Road Signs Appendix D: Regions in Ghana Appendix E: Ecozones Northern Region Upper West Region Upper East Region Greater Accra Region Central Region Ashanti Region Eastern Region Volta Region Western Region Road Travel Report: Ghana ii ASIRT 2014

5 ROAD TRAVEL REPORT: REPUBLIC OF GHANA KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Driving is on the right. Visitors residing in countries where driving is on the left must remember to reverse the curb drill (look right-left-right) when crossing streets. Drivers are often aggressive. Speeding plays a role in 60% of road crashes. Tro-tros (minivans and minibuses) generally are the main providers of intra-city transport and are frequently involved in crashes. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and passengers in buses, mini-buses and trucks have the highest death and injury rates. There are 8.76 fatalities per 100,000 people in Ghana, compared to 25.6 in Gabon, 11.4 in the U.S., 0.9 in the UK, 6.4 in France and 3.0 in Sweden. ROAD REALITIES DRIVER BEHAVIORS Common factors in road crashes include: Speeding Driving inattentively or aggressively Driving while fatigued Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving Broken down vehicles left on or near roads Poor road conditions Lack of road signs and/or road markings Poorly maintained vehicles. Many drivers have no formal education and are unable to read, write or understand written road signs. Vehicle ownership is low, approximately 8-10 cars per 1,000 people, but increases about 10 % a year. Availability of driver training is inadequate. Drivers can purchase a driver s license without passing an exam or driving test. Drivers honk horns in order to: Warn pedestrians of an approaching vehicle Signal intent to merge with traffic. Indicate displeasure with another driver. Imported vehicles are generally in poor condition. Broken and worn out parts are commonly replaced with used parts. Mechanics generally lack training in vehicle repair. Vehicles and parts manufactured in Ghana do not meet quality standards required in developed countries. Brakes are substandard. Tires are often less durable and more likely to burst. Parts for imported vehicles are expensive and often difficult to obtain. Owners generally make repairs only when vehicles break down. Public transportation vehicles are required to be inspected twice yearly, but there are few qualified inspectors. Coastal climate causes corrosion of metal parts. GENERAL ROAD There are 32,250 km of classified road, of which 6,084 are paved and 26,166 km are gravel, laterite or unpaved. VEHICLE CONDITION Periodic inspection for road worthiness is not required. Road Travel Report: Ghana 1 ASIRT 2014

6 Major roads are generally paved and well maintained. Secondary roads in cities and rural areas are usually unpaved, in poor condition and inadequately maintained. Unpaved roads may be extremely rough with deep potholes. Trunk roads are sub-divided into 3 categories: CLASS OF ROAD NATIONAL ROADS REGIONAL ROADS INTER- REGIONAL ROADS ROUTE NUMBER DESIGNATION Letter N precedes route number. Link major cities. Odd-numbered roads run east to west. Even-numbered roads run north to south. Letter R precedes route number; may be secondary or primary routes. Link main settlements/towns and serve as feeder roads for N roads. Route numbers are 2-digit on primary R roads and 3-digit on secondary R roads. Letters IR precede route number. IR roads link major cities in Ghana to main cities in neighboring countries. Odd-numbered routes run east to west. Even-numbered routes run north to south. Road transport accounts for 98 % of freight and 95 % of passenger traffic. Online maps of Ghana rarely provide route numbers. Roads are generally known by names of cities along the route. Narrow bridges may cause delays on secondary roads and unimproved sections of main roads. Road signs and markings are often lacking. Warning signs are seldom posted. Lighting is usually lacking or inadequate. Many sections of road are being repaired or upgraded. Traffic is often congested. Detours for construction zones may be poorly maintained and may lack warning signs. Roads may be closed until work is completed. Information on detour route is not provided. Disabled vehicles are often left on roads. Especially dangerous at night. Level railway crossings may not have warning lights or gates. If sight distance is limited, slow down or stop and listen for approaching trains. Road mix: Motorized vehicles share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, freely roaming livestock and human- or animal powered vehicles. Shoulders of unimproved roads, when present, may be in poor condition. Vegetation may encroach on roads, narrowing usable road surface and making it difficult to see slow moving road users and abandoned vehicles. Be alert for drivers of oncoming vehicles who may be using your side of the road to dodge potholes. Roadside vendor stands are common in urban areas, impeding traffic. Watch for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and human and animal powered vehicles entering and leaving traffic. Selected feeder roads in each region are being improved or upgraded. Roads in the Cape Coast region are generally passable. N1 Highway links Accra to Abidjan in Côte d Ivoire. The road is in good condition. Police checkpoints are common along inter-city roads. Traffic may be congested near the checkpoints. URBAN TRAVEL Major roads are generally paved and well maintained. Secondary roads may be unpaved and in poor condition. Traffic is congested in larger cities. Road networks and public transportation services have not kept pace with growing urban populations. Newest suburbs are far from city centers. Commutes are often long. Central Business Districts (CBDs) are generally heavily congested. Street lights and street name signs are often lacking. Traffic at main intersections and roundabouts is often chaotic. Newest road projects include naming streets and placing street signs. Although road mix includes many pedestrians, sidewalks are frequently lacking or in poor condition. Larger cities, sidewalks may be present in city centers. Be alert for drivers driving on pedestrian walkways. Be alert when walking through cities, especially at night. Sewer systems commonly consists of deep trenches along roads. Trenches may be covered with cement blocks or grates or uncovered. Trench systems are often in disrepair. High-speed motorways and main roads often go through urban and residential areas, increasing pedestrian risk. Pedestrian tunnels and overpasses are far apart. Pedestrians frequently jaywalk. Road Travel Report: Ghana 2 ASIRT 2014

7 Newest road projects generally include bypasses for larger cities % of road crash fatalities and 47.7% of road crash injuries occur on urban roads. Pedestrians account for about 41% of road fatalities in urban areas. About 66% of pedestrian fatalities occur while crossing streets. Affordable, reliable local and inter-city bus services are often lacking. In cities, most public transportation is provided by privately owned taxis and tro-tros (mini-buses or mini-vans). Tro-tros have a poor safety record. Bus fleet is limited. Fares are fixed. Buses seldom run on schedule. Travel times are long compared to tro-tros. Use of large-capacity buses is increasing, but accounts for only a small percentage of daily trips. CITY INFORMATION Public transportation stations usually consist of a parking lot where taxis, tro-tros and buses park while waiting for passengers. Stations seldom have restrooms, trash removal services or passenger shelter. Security is an issue at stations. Pickpockets operate at heavily congested stations, especially at night. Public transportation unions generally control service at stations. Passengers are assigned to vehicles based on destination. Passengers cannot select a vehicle based on its condition. Women are commonly harassed by the public transport crews and are seldom protected when poorly treated by fellow passengers. Police strictly enforce prohibitions against overloading. Hawking is most common near major intersections and main transportation stations. Large, commercial stores are becoming more common, but open-air markets continue to be popular. Fast moving fires have occurred at several markets, often attributed to electrical problems. An extensive road network connects districts and neighborhoods. Arterial routes link the meteropolitan area to major cities in Ghana and neighboring countries. Trans-African Highway 7 (TAH 7) links the area to Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. North-south corridors link city to Mali and Burkina Faso. GREATER ACCRA METROPOLITAN AREA (GAMA) ACCRA METROPOLITAN AREA (AMA) Coastal city; includes Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ga East District Assembly, Ga West District Assembly and Tema Municipal Assembly. Topography is generally flat with a few gentle hills. Average altitude is 20 meters above sea level. Floods are common. In some low-income settlements, flooding may be severe. One of the most rapidly growing cities in Africa. City has 1,632 km of roads, of which 1,310 km are paved. Road network is inadequate to handle rapidly growing vehicle fleet. Traffic is often congested all day. Main roads are paved, but often lack markings and road signs. Few streets have signs indicating their name. Several major roads are being upgraded. Backups may occur near construction zones, especially if detours cannot handle increased traffic flow. Drivers may drive on shoulders to skirt backups. Police are increasing enforcement of law prohibiting this practice. Streets are often poorly lit. Main intersections may lack stop signs or traffic lights. Capital of Ghana; one of Africa s largest cities. Population is over 2,300,000. Distances between Accra s popular destination are long. Walking may be difficult due to congested traffic and inadequate pedestrian facilities. Be alert for missing manhole covers. Traffic congestion increases road risk for cyclists. Traffic includes few cyclists. Public transportation is inadequate to meet needs of city s rapidly growing population. Wait times at stations/terminals and stops are often long. Tro-tros (minibuses or minivans) are city s primary public transport providers. Vehicles are often old and in poor condition; generally overloaded. Wait time may be long. Road Travel Report: Ghana 3 ASIRT 2014

8 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) ACCRA METROPOLITAN AREA (AMA) (CONTINUED) Road risk is high on major inter-city routes, including Accra- Kumsai Road, Accra-Cape Coast Road and Accra-Ho Road. Arterial, inter-city roads are being upgraded. Number of traffic control police has more than doubled. Greater Accra s most heavily congested roads: Kaneshie-Mallam-Kasoa Highway, also known as Winneba Road. Achimota-Ofankor Road, also known as Nsawam Road. Legon-Madina-Adenta Road. Spintex Road. High Street in Accra s Central Business District. Congestion is usually most severe in CBD, especially near Central Post Office and in Korle-Bu neighborhood. Travel times are long on unimproved streets. Commonly takes 4 hours to complete a 30 minute trip. Nkrumah Avenue and Kojo Thompson Road are Accra s primary north-south routes. Roads link Jamestown district to Kwame Nkrumah Circle, also known as The Circle. Be alert for vendor stands on secondary routes. Pedestrian traffic is extremely heavy. Sewerage system is sub-standard or non-functional. Upgrades are in progress in city center. Streets in poorer suburbs often unpaved, crooked, narrow and unlit. Population density is high in low-income areas. Housing quality is often poor. Access to basic services is inadequate. Low-income areas include: Old Fadama/Agbobloshie, a squatter settlement, located near the city. Ashaiman area, located near the city. Jamestown, Sabon Zongo, Chorkor and Nima Labadi, located close to city center. Cattle markets are becoming increasingly common in residential areas, even along Kanda Highway. The practice is illegal, due to health concerns. Attempts to enforce the law are met with opposition. Police do not enforce the law. Kokota International Airport, Ghana s only international airport, is located 10 km (6.2) miles from city center. Serves flights from North America, Europe, Africa and Middle East. Regional flights to larger cities in Ghana and most West African countries are available. STC buses provide transport between Cotonou (Benin), Accra (Ghana) and Abidjan (Côte d Ivoire). Facilities for disabled travelers are limited. Taxi services at the airport: Official airport taxis charge fixed fares. Reserve at airport s official taxi stands. Board at exit near Arrivals. Drivers follow set routes. Stops may not be marked. When approaching stops, driver s assistant shouts names of upcoming destinations. Lorry stations (parking lots where tro-tros and taxis wait for passengers) are often congested and in poor condition. During rains, stations may be difficult to navigate, forcing drivers to park on neighboring streets. Expect congestion and increased pedestrian traffic near the stations. Commercial vehicles serving the stations are generally in poor condition and overcrowded. Inter-City State Transport Company (STC) is the primary provider of inter-city transportation. Company operates fleets of buses, tro-tros and taxis. Most minibuses leave from depot between Kinbu Road and 28 th February Road. Minibuses to Labadi and Osu leave from depot on High Street. Kaneshie-Takoradi Station is located in city center at intersection of Sixth Ave. and Morocco Rd. Sale of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at city s bus stations. TAXIS Few taxis have meters. Agree on fare before boarding. Ask hotel staff or residents about usual fares for intended destination. Drivers may overcharge foreigners. Bargain for lower fare. Fares are higher for metered taxis, but road risk is lower than for shared taxis Carry small bills. Drivers seldom make change. Taxis can be hailed. Drivers often honk at potential customers. Taxi drivers may know names of major streets, but are seldom familiar with smaller roads. Drivers often have difficulty reading maps. They generally use prominent landmarks to reach destinations. Have route written down; identify landmarks along route. Line taxis, also known as collective, shared or passenger taxis, follow specific routes. Okadas (motorcycle taxis) provide transport between neighborhoods and main bus routes. High road risk. Drivers use narrow alleys and walkways to bypass congested roads. MMT s VDL buses transport passengers between BRT stations and suburbs. Buses arrive at BRT stations every 15 minutes. Passengers can only board or disembark at fixed stops. Purchase ticket from conductor or ticket booth. Pay with exact change. Road Travel Report: Ghana 4 ASIRT 2014

9 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) ACCRA METROPOLITAN AREA (AMA) (CONTINUED) Taxis hailed outside airport may charge higher fares than official airport taxis. Shared taxis (minibuses, known as tro-tros) are available in a public parking lot across street from Arrivals Hall. Limousine service is available. Reserve at least 2 days before arrival Hotels rated 3 star and above often have a shuttle service to and from airport. Confirm hours of service prior to arrival. Airport has rental car offices. Reserve prior to arrival. Rates are higher if vehicle is driven outside Accra. Toyota Land Cruisers are popular rental vehicles and are readily available. Hiring a driver when renting a vehicle is common and reasonably affordable. BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM Metro Mass Transit (MMT) operates Accra s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. BRT buses run on dedicated lanes. BRT corridor links Adenta to Central Business District and Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Service every 15 minutes. Purchase ticket in advance at ticket booths near stops. Insist on receiving an unused ticket. Do not throw ticket away. Failure to have a ticket when disembarking is subject a fine of 15 times the cost of the ticket. Smoking, drinking and eating on buses is not permitted. Press stop button in the middle of bus to notify driver when you want to disembark. Board through in door. NORTH-EAST ACCRA Travel times to reach Accra s central business district are long. Roads linking the zone and CBD are generally congested during the day. Long delays at major intersections are common. Roads are in poor condition. Drainage facilities are inadequate, making low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding in heavy rains. Some older roads have been cut off by newer roads, creating missing links in the road network. Makes navigating city s road network difficult. Parking is scarce. Pedestrian facilities are inadequate. WESTERN ACCRA A rapidly growing suburb in Greater Accra Region. Located near Accra-Cape Coast Highway. West Hills Mall, a massive shopping, business and recreational area is under construction. An interchange with Accra-Cape Coast Highway will provide access to the mall. AFLAO Located at a major border crossing with Togo. City is served by Trans-Africa Highway 7. The section TAH 7 linking Accra to Lome is commonly known as Aflao Road or Accra-Aflao Road. After crossing the border with Togo, road is known as Boulevard du Mono. Secondary roads are often in poor condition. Coastal town; located in Volta Region across the border from Lome, Togo. There are few tourist facilities. Main enterprises include trading, fishing, farming and border crossing activities. ROAD IN AKUAPEM NORTH DISTRICT Akuapem North District is part of Ghana s Eastern Region. Road classifications: Main roads link Aburi to Asukwao and Larteh to Koforidua roads. Secondary roads are usually all-weather roads. Third class (feeder) roads link villages to secondary roads. Most are unpaved or have laterite surfaces and are generally impassable in rainy season. Primarily used to transport farm produce to market. Footpaths and tracks link villages to farms. Generally impassable in the rainy season. Road Travel Report: Ghana 5 ASIRT 2014

10 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) ROAD IN AKUAPEM NORTH DISTRICT (CONTINUED) Villages in the northern part of the district are the least accessible. Conditions of roads: 41% good, 24% fair and 36% poor. About 25% of roads are under construction. Reduce speed near construction zones. Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists. Most urban roads in Adukrom, Larteh, Akropong, Apirede and Mangoase have been repaired and paved. Repair and paving of urban roads in cities along Akuapem Ridge is progressing. Mamfe-Pantang/Accra road is being upgraded. Roads scheduled to be upgraded: Dawu, Aburi, Mamfe, Amanokrom, Obosomase, Mampong and Larteh bypasses, Akropong- Daakye Clinic Road, Mampong Market Road, road to police station and Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa farm have been tarred and chipped. CONDITION OF URBAN ROADS: Roads commonly have deep potholes and gullies. On-street parking is seldom available. Road signs are generally lacking. Public transportation is provided by minibuses, taxi cabs, motor-bicycles, tractors and bicycles. Vehicles on village roads often in poor condition. Most public transportation vehicle drivers do not come into villages because the roads are in poor condition. ASHAIMAN Main roads are in poor condition, including city center roads. Roads are dusty in dry season and impassable in rainy season. Road linking Adjei-Kojo Underpass to Ashaiman Timber Market Roundabout: Upgrading to a 4-lane, divided highway has stopped. Road is in extremely poor condition. Commercial drivers may take alternative routes, causing them to be congested. Capital of Ashaiman Municipality. Ashaiman Main Lorry Station is heavily congested. Limited parking. Buses must wait their turn to enter the station and pick up passengers. Station congestion overflows onto neighboring streets. BAWKU An economic hub in Upper East Region. Main road serving city: National Highway 11 (N11); also known as Bolgatanga- Zebilla-Bawku-Pusiga Road. N11 is major trade route linking Bolgatanga and Bawku to Sinkasse (Cinkasi) Togo. Road is 2-lane, unpaved and in poor condition. Section from Bawku has been upgraded. Bawku to Togo border is being upgraded. BOLGATANGA MUNICIPALITY Main roads serving the city: N11: Bolgatanga - Bawku Road. N10: Bolgatanga to Paga Road. Main economic activities are crafts industries. Goods are sold at city s large, central market. Traffic is congested during rush hour and on market days. Capital of Upper East region in northeastern Ghana. Located in Red Volta River Valley, 161 km (about 100 miles) north of Tamale. White Volta River and Gambaga Escarpment (a long, steep slope separating two level or gently sloped regions) are south of city. Bicycles and motorcycles are most common forms of motorized transport. Motorcycles are often used to transport goods and smaller animals. CAPE COAST Road network is inadequate to handle growing population. Located in Ghana s Coastal Plain Region. Road Travel Report: Ghana 6 ASIRT 2014

11 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) CAPE COAST (CONTINUED) Poor driver behaviors at intersections and heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic contribute to frequent road crashes. Crashes are most frequent at Pedu Junction on Cape Coast- Takoradi trunk road, TAH 7. Many streets are narrow, especially in the historic city center. Streets generally lack sidewalks, forcing pedestrians onto roads. Buildings are often located close to edges of roads; making road expansion difficult. Motorcycles and bicycles are commonly used for transport. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage slave fort. STC buses provide transport to Accra and Takoradi twice daily and to Kumasi once daily. Buses operate out of Goil Petrol Station; located at Pedu Junction, about 5 km from city center. Trotros provide transport to Cape Coast and Elmina. They leave from Kaneshie Station in Accra. Taxis and shared taxis provide transport in city and nearby areas. MMT provides transport between city and Kumasi, Accra, Praso, Atobiase, Asuansi, Berease, Dwabo and Komenda. GUABULIGA A sand road links the village to Wulugu, a small city on arterial route leading to Bolgatanga and Ghana-Burkina Faso border. The road is generally heavily damaged during the rainy season. Main industry is farming. Located in West Mumprusi District in Upper East Region. District has 476 km of roads of which 116 km are trunk roads and 360 km are feeder roads. 19 km of truck roads are paved and 97 km are gravel. 211 km of feeder roads need to be re-graveled and 149 need major upgrading to make them passable all year. Small village in West-Mamprusi District in northeastern Ghana. Inter-city bus transportation is available in Wulugu. Most residents live in mud huts. There is a small hospital in Walewale, capital of the district. Serious cases must be referred to Bolgatanga Central Hospital, or Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu. Road conditions limit access to healthcare available in neighboring districts. HAMALE Located in northwestern section of Upper West Region near the Ghana-Burkina Faso border. To reach Hamale from Wa: Take Wa-Lawra Road north to Nadawli. Road forks at Nadawli. Take right fork and continue to Nandom and Hamale. Road becomes N20 after entering Burkina Faso. Tro-tros and Metro Mass buses provide transport from Hamale to Wa. Service is infrequent. Road between Hamale and Bolgatanga passes through sparsely populated areas. Expect police checkpoints along route. Robberies have occurred, especially at night. HO Road crashes are frequent on main road linking city to Accura. Roads are generally paved only in city center. Capital of Volta Region. Located in southeastern Ghana. Shared taxis provide transport. When hailed, drivers slow down and ask where you are going. If your destination is on their route, driver stops and allows you to board. Road Travel Report: Ghana 7 ASIRT 2014

12 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) KETA MUNICIPALITY Municipality s road network: Havedzi-Keta-Anloga-Dabala Road runs along Keta s coast. Road begins at Anyanui, a city near where Volta River empties into Sea of Guinea. Road ends near Denu where it intersects with Accra-Aflao Road. Cities of Abor, Anyako and Hatorgodo in northern Keta are accessible via secondary roads. Nearby farming communities are accessible via feeder roads. Many small villages lack all-weather roads and are inaccessible in rainy season. Head loading or push carts are commonly used to transport goods to market. In the dry season, roads are often covered with sand, making walking or pushing loaded carts difficult. Gavivina Beach, Cape Coast Beach and Mishiso Beach feeder roads have been upgraded. Severe flooding is common. Lagoons in the area are important for transportation and fishing industries. Largest lagoons are Keta, Angaw and Avu. Extensive mangrove swamps line the lagoons. Mangroves provide some protection during severe storms. KETE KRACHI Kete Krachi-Bimbila-Dumbai Road serves the city. Ferry service linking the city to Kwadjokrom is closed. Travel between Accra and Kete Krachi takes 15 hours. Located in Volta Region; capital of Krachi West District. KPANDO DISTRICT Located in Volta Region. Most roads are narrow, unpaved, in poor condition and lack adequate drainage. In rural areas, feeder roads are impassable in rainy season. Inadequate drainage make roads vulnerable to erosion, especially in hilly areas. Erosion carves deep gullies in roads, making them difficult to navigate even in dry season. Roads most affected by erosion: Vakpo to Botoku Road, Awate Road, Tsyome-Sabadu Road, Kpando-Alavanyo- Kpeme Road, Agbenorxoe- Dafor Tornu-Nkonya Road, Vakpo-Wusuta Road, Anfoega-Wademaxe-Aveti Road and Anfoega Gblenkor-Agatanyigbe-Aveme Beme Road. In urban areas, houses and business are near roads. Sidewalks are usually lacking. Lake Volta forms the district s western boundary, making the district accessible by water. Water transport is slowly improving. Submerged trees are being removed from lake. More transport vessels and safe landing sites are needed. Large markets are available in Torkor and Kpando. There are smaller markets in Anfoega and Vakpo. Market infrastructure and support facilities are inadequate. Parking areas are usually unpaved;difficult to navigate in rainy season. Vakpo Market has been relocated. Roads link Vakpo to Wusuta, Botoku, Tsrukpe, Tsorxoe Anfoega and Kpeve. Infrastructure and support facilities are inadequate. KOFORIDUA Educational, commercial, industrial and agricultural center. Aburi-Koforidua-Bunso Road provides an alternate route between northern and southern Ghana. Road is heavily traveled and in poor condition; has frequent crashes. Capital of Eastern Region; commonly known as K-dua. A rail and road transportation hub. Koforidua Accra Lorry Park (Bus Station) is being upgraded. Completed improvements include paved parking lot and stands for traders. Road Travel Report: Ghana 8 ASIRT 2014

13 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) KUMASI (ALSO SPELLED COMASSIE) Transportation hub. Several major roads serve the city: Kumasi-Accra Road, N2: heavy truck traffic. Upgrading to 4 lanes is partially completed. Unimproved sections are in poor condition. Kumasi-Techiman Road: major truck route; provides access to border of Burkina Faso. Suniyani Road: continues to border with Cote d Ivoire Lake Road: begins at intersection with Maxwell Rd. and Osei /Tutu I Ave. in Kumasi city center. Ends at intersection with Ejisu-Bekwai Rd. near Bosomtwi Lake. Bekwai Road: enters western Kumasi and ends at intersection with Dr. Osei Tuffour Bypass. Traffic is congested. Construction of a pedestrian footbridge across Guggisberg Road has been completed. Footbridge provides access to Fulla Road in city center s Adum district. Vendor stands on footbridge increase pedestrian. LARGEST MARKETS Open-air markets are popular shopping destinations. Large fires occur about once a year. Largest open-air markets: Kumasi Central Market and Asfo Market; located beside each other. Kejetia Market (Kumasi Central Market) is located at Kejetia Circle near railway station and bus loading yard. Thousands of traders from Ghana, Cote d'ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo offer goods at market stands. Stands are closely packed; linked by winding paths. Lack of adequate access routes hinders fire/rescue efforts during emergencies. Capital of Ashanti Region; located near Lake Bosumtwi in a tropical rainforest region. Ghana s second largest city. A commercial, industrial and cultural center. Government-operated metro bus service offers transportation. Privately owned buses, mini-buses, tro-tros and taxis are main providers of public transportation. Tro-tros run fixed routes. Taxis may also run fixed routes. Fares are higher and ride is more comfortable. Lake Bosumtwi (also spelled Bosomtwe), a popular recreation area, is located 30 km from city. Lake is surrounded by 30 villages. Small clinic in Amakom village provides emergency care via boat and 4WD ambulance. KUMASI AIRPORT Ghana s second busiest airport; located in city s eastern suburban area. Offers daytime flights to Accra and Tamale. Being upgraded to an international airport. There are smaller markets in city s New Tafo, Old Tafo, Aboabo, Afia Kobi, Bantama, Kwadaso, Asaeasi and New Amakom suburbs. Markets are located where suburbs main roads intersect with city s ring road. Unofficial mini-markets are set up along waterways and roads, near fire hydrants and unoccupied land. Be alert for vehicles and people entering and leaving road near vendor stands. KEJETIA MARKET IN CENTRAL KUMASI: OVERLOOKING THE MARKET AND CITY CENTER Security measures for Kejetia: Traffic management and law enforcement are difficult in the market due to congestion. City guards assist police handling traffic, minor crimes and illegal hawking. Other crimes are referred to market police. CCTV cameras, installed around the market, help police to detect criminal activities. Source: Wikimedia Commons, by David Ley. Road Travel Report: Ghana 9 ASIRT 2014

14 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) LEGON A suburb of Accra; located 12 km north of Accra s city center. Home of University of Ghana and other educational institutions. About 20 minutes from Kotoka International Airport. Roads serving University of Ghana are in disrepair and are being re-paved. Affected roads include: Annie Jiagge Road Extension, accessed from Kwabenya Road. Achimota Road, from Link Gate to South Legon Exit Gate. Link Road, between United Nations Hall and PRESEC Junction near Legon-Madina Road. University Hospital Road to Trinity Theological Seminary Junction. Jubilee Hall Link Road, linking the University s new halls. When completed, a toll will be charged for using the roads. Project is nearing completion. SEKONDI-TAKORADI Commercial, industrial and transport hub. Main industries are timber, oil, minerals, ship building and railway repair. Known as Oil City of Ghana; population is growing rapidly. Road network is insufficient to handle growing population. Traffic is often congested. Rush hours: 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Kwesimetim to Ajep Road is most congested arterial route. Heavily congested intersections: Sekondi Road and Takoradi Poly Junction, Sekondi Bypass and Tanokrom Road. Paa Grant Circle and Nkrumah Circle are often heavily congested. Kwmae Nkumah Circle is often congested during rush hours. Expect delays. TAKORADI MARKET CIRCLE Takoradi Market Circle is one of city s economic and commercial hubs. Major roads serving the market: John Mensah Sarbah Road, Cape Coast Road, Liberation Road, Ashanti Road and Ahanta Road. Authorities do not restrict illegal hawking. Hawkers take over sidewalks and parking places, restricting pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Sanitation is poor. People place solid wastes in gutters meant for disposal of liquids, causing flooding during heavy rains. Capital of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan District; located in Ghana s Western Region. City consists of two ports, Sekondi and Takoradi. The cities merged in Home of many colleges and technical training institutions. Availability of public transportation is inadequate. Taxis are the most commonly used from of travel. City is located on main railway lines serving Kumasi and Accra. Truck restrictions: Vehicles weighing more than three tons are not permitted to enter Takoradi city center. TAKORADI AIRPORT An Air Force base; currently handles all flights to the Western Region. Air traffic is increasing. Planning to construct a new airport. Sekondi and Takoradi port areas: TAMALE Source: OpenStreetMaps Contributors Tamale has a total of km of roads, 112 km of which are paved and 139 km are unpaved approximately 47 % are in poor condition. STC buses provide inter-city transport. Buses are generally air-conditioned. Seats are comfortable. STC station is located opposite Ghana Commercial Bank. Road Travel Report: Ghana 10 ASIRT 2014

15 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) TAMALE (CONTINUED) One-half of Tamale s roads are in good or fair condition. About 80% of residents own bicycles or motorcycles: few own cars. Many daily trips are by foot, bicycle, motorbike, taxi or trotro. Bike path system over 60 km long is integrated with other transportation modes, including taxis and lorries. Special signaling is provided for cyclists at traffic lights and zebra crossings. Lock bicycle when not in use. Bicycle repair shops are readily available. STC buses serve routes between Tamale, Accra and Kumasi. Buses stop at main cities along route. Passengers may disembark at any stop, but must pay full fare. Purchase ticket at least one day in advance. Metro Mass provides bus services betweenaccra, Tamale, Kumasi, Bolgatanga, Wa and Larabanga/Mole National Park. Tro-Tros provide inter-city transport to Bolgatanga, Yendi, Makongo, Salaga, Kimtampo, Techiman, Kumasi, Sunyani, Wenchi, Wa, Damango and Larabanga. Tro-tro station is located on Bolgatanga Road next to STC-station. Ask for help to find tro-tro serving your destination. Purchase ticket after boarding. Drop taxis and shared taxis provide transport in the city. Taxis are usually yellow and gray. Most vehicles are old and in poor condition. Shared taxis follow fixed routes. Route generally runs through city center. Fares are fixed. Drivers can operate as drop taxis, but fares for drop taxi service are higher than shared taxi fares. Drop taxis do not follow fixed routes. Fares are not fixed. Negotiate fare before boarding. TEMA Ghana s largest port. A major trading and industrial center. Well planned city; streets follow a grid pattern. Street lights are present. TAH 7 goes through the city. Section in the city is known as the Accra-Tema Motorway. Motorway is congested. Section in Tema is in poor condition; scheduled to be upgraded. After leaving Tema, road name changes to Accra-Aflao Road. Road improvements nearing completion: Upgrading drainage facilities is completed on most of the city s main roads. Repaving is completed on 11.2 km of the 12 km project, including Rana Motors Roundabout, Tema Development Corporation Road, Tema Sports Stadium intersection, Harbor Roundabout and Tema Community One Central Business Area. Tar and chipping is finished on 4 km of road linking Mankoadze Roundabout, Cocoa Processing Company and Nestle Ghana Limited to the junction at Tema Steel Works. Traffic may be heavily congested near construction zones. Capital of Tema Metropolitan District. Located on the Atlantic coast, 25 km (16 miles) east of Accra. City s fishing harbor is located at eastern end of the commercial harbor. Port includes the Outer Fishing Harbor, Canoe Basin and Inner Fishing Harbor and commercial fish processing facilities. Dry equatorial climate. Average temperature: 30º C or higher. City receives about 30 inches of rain annually. Thieves use motorcycles to carry out robberies, and purse snatching activities. Road Travel Report: Ghana 11 ASIRT 2014

16 CITY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) WENCHI MUNICIPALITY & Located in Brong Ahafo Region. City of Wenchi is 56 km from Sunyani and 29 km from Teichman. Three major roads link Wenchi to neighboring districts: Kumasi-Techiman-Wa Highway Wenchi-Nsawkaw Road Wenchi-Sunyani: In poor condition and inadequately maintained. High crash rate. Feeder roads connecting with main roads are generally in poor condition; often impassable in rainy season. Travel is difficult. Tractors are the most efficient means of transport in the rainy season. Most public transportation is provided by urvan buses, also known as tro-tros. Bush fire risk is high during harmattan winds, which commonly occur between November and February. RURAL TRAVEL Maintenance and condition of roads is often poor. Except for main roads, most inter-city and rural roads are unpaved. Dirt roads are often deeply rutted or damaged by erosion. Feeder roads link rural cities and towns to national road network. Roads are often in poor condition and inadequately maintained. Roads may be narrowed by overgrown vegetation. Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists walk along roads, carrying goods on their heads (known as head loading). Houses, businesses and vendor stands are frequently constructed too close to roads. Roads may be impassable in rainy season. Guard rails and warning signs are often lacking, even on mountainous roads. During heavy rains, mud or sand may be deposited on roads, making them too narrow for two-way traffic. Deep potholes force drivers to swerve onto opposite lane, causing collisions. Be alert for exposed roots of trees on unpaved roads. Reduce speed. Be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists. Many trips in remote rural areas are made via a network of footpaths or tracks. Network may be in poor condition, especially in rainy season. Road improvements in such areas may involve upgrading tracks and footpaths to one-lane, all weather roads. Trees are often planted and wells drilled near the roads to make non-motorized travel easier. Road crashes generally are more severe on rural roads. Lack of all-weather road network restricts access to medical facilities. Electricity is not available in many rural areas, but power infrastructure is being steadily expanded. Solar powered street lights are being installed in farming communities. Mole National Park is located 5 km from Larabanga in the Northern Region. Larabanga is accessible from an unpaved road linking Sawla on Kumasi-Wa Road to Fufulsa on Kumasi-Tamale Road. Road is in poor condition. Park entrance is 5 km from Larabanga. Buses and tro-tros provide transport to the park. NIGHT TRAVEL Traveling outside major cities at night is not recommended due to pedestrians, cyclists and farm animals. Some drivers do not use headlights at night due to belief that it lengthens battery life. Broken down vehicles left on roads pose a risk. Long-distance, heavy goods vehicle drivers often drive for extended hours. Privately owned buses may offer night routes. Low safety standard of private buses increases crash risk for all road users. Majority of Americans who die while in Ghana are involved in nighttime road crashes. PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL Sidewalks are often lacking. Where sidewalks are present they are often taken over by vendors and parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians onto streets. There is little provision for separating pedestrian and motorized traffic. Few intersections have pedestrian crossings. Pedestrian overpasses or underpasses are seldom provided. Pedestrians frequently jaywalk. Road Travel Report: Ghana 12 ASIRT 2014

17 High-speed motorways are often go through residential areas. Long distances between underground pedestrian crossings and overpasses contribute to frequent jay walking. Fences intended to prevent pedestrians from jaywalking have been installed in medians of many major highways. Fences are often damaged in crashes or cut through so pedestrians can continue to take shortcuts. Pedestrians account for 43% of road crash fatalities. 23% of pedestrian crash fatalities are children under 16 years of age. SEASONAL TRAVEL Located near the equator; Ghana has a tropical climate. Temperatures are generally hot, but vary with season and elevation. Average temperature increases and humidity decreases as you go further north. Temperature is often milder in central highlands. Humidity is usually higher in coastal areas. Northern Ghana is generally hot and dry, except in rainy season (April to September). In rainy seasons, flooding is common in northern regions. Rainy season: Northern Ghana has one, long rainy season; from April through September. Average annual rainfall is lower than in central and southern Ghana. Central and southern Ghana have two rainy seasons, April-June and September-November. The far southwest may have extremely heavy rains. Hottest months are March and April. Humidity is lower in northern regions, but temperatures are higher. HARMATTAN WINDS Harmattan winds are hot, dry, dust bearing winds that develop in the Sahara Desert and continue south to Gulf of Guinea. Temperature may drop to 3ºC and relative humidity may drop to 15%. Often called harmattan haze, winds produce conditions similar to driving in heavy fog and may affect wide areas from morning until afternoon. Flight schedules may change when visibility drops too low. Affects all forms of transportation. Wind-driven dust and sand damages mechanical systems and pose a health risk. Remain indoors. Harmmatan season lasts longer in northern than in southern regions of Ghana. In northern Ghana, winds usually occur from December- March. Humidity is lower, days are hotter and nights are colder. In central and southern Ghana, the winds generally occur in January-March. Tornadoes can develop when monsoon and harmattan winds interact. Accra s dry season runs from December - February. Kumasi is located 300 miles (480 km) north of equator; has a tropical wet and dry climate. Rainy seasons: March-July and September- November. Dry season: December-February. Harmattan winds are common during dry season. Road fatality rate usually increases during national holidays. For information on festivals is available on Easy Track Ghana. Website: Dates of many festivals are set by local chiefs, often shortly before the date they designate. Road fatality rate is highest in November and December. POLICE ENFORCEMENT Police are understaffed; equipment and resources are inadequate. Enforcement of BAC laws, speed limits and motorcycle helmet laws is moderately effective. Requirement for infants and young children to be secured in a safety seat is seldom enforced. Police and DVLA are conducting random blood alcohol level checks along high risk route. Drivers exceeding legal BAC level must surrender vehicles keys on the spot. Police will call for a relief driver. Speed cameras are used on some highways. Police checkpoints are common throughout the country. Occupants and vehicles may be searched. Carry passport, visa and vehicle documents. Police presence in small communities in Bolgatanga Municipality is limited. Police often accept bribes to ignore traffic violations. Department is working to eliminate the practice. Harmmatan haze over Mosque in Abuja Source: Wikimedia Commons, photo taken by Kipp Jones Road Travel Report: Ghana 13 ASIRT 2014

18 ROAD REGULATIONS Traffic drives on the right. An international driving permit (IDP) is required. An IDP is a legal identification document that translates driving license information into 11 languages, including English, and can only be used as a supplement to a valid driving license. IDPs are available through AAA. Call or visit An IDP often allows travelers to get through routine checkpoints more smoothly. Minimum driving age in Ghana and most neighboring countries is 18 when driving a vehicle that does not exceed 3,500 kg and is constructed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to driver. Seat belts are required. About 18% of drivers and 5% of front seat passengers wear seat belts. Occupants of buses are required to use seat belts. Maximum BAC levels: Young or novice drivers: zero g/dl Experienced drivers: 0.08 g/dl Commercial/professional drivers: 0.08 g/dl Speed limits on public roads: Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph) Regional and rural roads: 80 km/h (50 mph) Ghana, National Roads: 120 km/h (75 mph) Motorways: 120 km/h (75 mph) Loaded HGVs: 60 km/h (37 mph) Speed limits are lower in construction zones, but never less than 30 km/h (19 mph). Passing is illegal when approaching intersections, pedestrian crossing, bridges, sharp curves, hills or sections where road narrows. Passing on the right is not permitted on motorways. On 4-lane divided highways: Keep right when driving at a moderate speed. Use left lane only for passing. On 6-lane divided highways: Keep right when driving at a moderate speed. Use middle lane when driving faster than traffic in right lane. Use far left lane only for passing. Front and back seat belts are required in imported cars but are not in vehicles manufactured in Ghana. Using a hand-held or hands-free cellphone, texting or operating a TV monitor on the dashboard while driving is illegal. Drivers using a cell phone while driving are 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash. Recommendations : Navigation devices are helpful, especially when traveling in remote areas. They should be built into or securely mounted on the vehicle. Screens of television receivers or visual display units should not be visible to vehicle driver or to drivers of other vehicles. Do not drive on sections of road marked with yellow diagonal lines. Right of way at intersections lacking stop signs or traffic lights: Yield to traffic on your left. When driving on a non-priority road, yield to traffic on the priority road. When entering roundabouts, yield to traffic coming on the left. When entering a motorway, yield to traffic already on the road. Cars with a foreign registration are not permitted on roads from 6:00pm to 6:00am. Violations may result in fine and impounding of vehicle. IF INVOLVED IN A CRASH: Call the police. Ph: 191 or Arrange for transport of the injured to nearest hospital or call the National Ambulance service. Ph: 193. Place reflective triangles 45 meters in front of and behind crash scene to warn oncoming drivers. Take photos of crash scene, if camera is available. Do not admit responsibility for a crash until talking with ECOWAS Brown Card insurance agent. FOREIGN DRIVERS: Report crash to ECOWAS Brown Card office. See back of card for contact information. After confirming your membership, ECOWAS will send a letter to police, asking them to return vehicle documents to you. If vehicle breaks down: If possible, move vehicle out of flow of traffic. Place reflective triangles 45 meters in front of and behind vehicle. Road Travel Report: Ghana 14 ASIRT 2014

19 If vehicle is obstructing traffic flow, leave your name, address and phone number at nearest police station. If vehicle cannot be moved within 1 hour in urban area or 2 hours in rural area, it may be towed. Driver is responsible for towing and storage fees. ROAD INFORMATION ROAD WATCH TRANS-WEST AFRICAN COASTAL HIGHWAY Also known as Trans-African Highway 7 (TAH 7); one of the network of trans-national highways being developed in Africa. Ongoing improvements in Trans-African Highways are reducing travel times and transportation costs in the region. TAH 7 links many countries in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Feeder roads link Mali and Burkina Faso to the highway. Road carries about 65% of trade in West and Central Africa. Traffic includes many heavy goods vehicles. 83% of road has been upgraded. TRANS-SAHELIAN HIGHWAY Links Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. Road is located about 900 km north of runs mostly parallel to the N1/TAH7. Major north-south roads linking the N1/TAH7 to Ghana-Burknia Faso border are being upgrade. N2: Links Tema to Kulungugu in Upper West Region. Road continues as the N5 in Burkina Faso. N10: Links Yamoransa in the Central Region to Paga in Upper East Region. N12: Links Elubo in Western Region to Hamile in Upper West Region. Roads lead to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Ouagadougou ring road provides access to Trans-Sahelian Highway. MAJOR ROAD CORRIDORS IN GHANA Major road corridors being expanded to at least 4-lane highways with 2 lanes in each direction: Accra-Kumasi Corridor, part of National Highway 4: Links Accra, Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, Koforidua and Kumasi. Accra-Kumasi Corridor, part of National Highway 6. Accra-Cape Coast Corridor, part of National Highway N1: section links Mallam Junction in Accra to Winneba and Cape Coast in Central Region. Cape Coast-Takoradi-Elubo Corridor, part of National Highway N1: section linking Cape Coast to Sekondi-Takoradi and Elubo in Western Region. Mallam Junction to Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, part of National Highway N1: Both intersections are in Accra. Tetteh Quarshie Interchange to Aflao, part of National Highway N1: section links Tetteh Quarshie Interchange and Tema to Adidone and Aflao in Volta Region. Kumasi-Techiman, National Highway N10. Links Yemorasa, Kumasi, Techiman, Tamale, Bolgatanga and Paga to the border of Burkina Faso. Accra-Takoradi and the Kumasi-Accra highways have high road crash injury and fatality rates. Speeding is especially dangerous where highways pass through towns and villages. Roads are poorly designed with inadequate pedestrian facilities, road signs and markings. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM (TRIP) TRIP is upgrading 3 major, inter-connecting highways: Kumasi-Techiman Road, Bibiani Abuakwa Road and Axim Junction Tarkwa Road. The network formed by the roads provides access to northern Ghana and to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, landlocked countries located north of Ghana. Road Travel Report: Ghana 15 ASIRT 2014

20 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) ABIDJAN-LAGOS CORRIDOR Also known as AL Corridor or the AL. The corridor is part of TAH 7; links Abidjan, Accra and Lagos, capitals of Cote d Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria respectively. Corridor roads are being upgraded. Traffic levels have increased on completed sections of the corridor. Road crashes have increased. Pedestrians account for over 50% of serious injuries and fatalities. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 1 (N1): GHANA S SECTION OF THE CORRIDOR Part of Trans-African Highway 7 (TAH7). Links Elubo, Sekondi-Takoradi, Cape Coast, Winneba, Accra, Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, Adidome and Aflao. Many sections of the road go through urban areas % of crashes take place in or near urban areas. Many of the victims are pedestrians crossing the road. Inadequate enforcement of traffic laws contributes to increased road risk. Traffic volume is increasing steadily, especially since discovery of oil in Sekondi-Takoradi area. Being upgraded. Upgrades include widening the road to a 4-lane highway and adding speed bumps on sections with frequent crashes. Upgrading is completed on Yamoransa Kasoa, Kasoa-Accra, Tetteh Quarshie Malam and Tema Akatsi sections. Upgrading is in progress on Takoradi Agona Junction and Agona Junction Elubo sections. Improvements have reduced travel time. Drivers often speed on improved roads. TETTEH-QUARSHIE INTERCHANGE TO MALLAM JUNCTION (TQM) SECTION OF N1 HIGHWAY Mallam Junction Source: OpenStreetMaps Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange ACCRA-WINNEBA HIGHWAY Part of N1 Highway; arterial route with a high road risk. Also known as Accra - Awoshie Road. Links Accra to main destinations: Winneba, in Efutu Senya District in the Central Region Cape Coast, in Central Region Takoradi, in the Western Region KASOA AND YAMORANSA ROAD Part of National Highway (TAH-7); heavily traveled, 2-lane road. Road has been upgraded. Improvements include expanding road to 4-lane highway, realigning high-risk sections, paving road shoulders, installing road signs, guardrails, bus stops and speed bumps and improving road surface and drainage facilities. Road Travel Report: Ghana 16 ASIRT 2014

21 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) KASOA AND YAMORANSA ROAD (CONTINUED) Part of National Highway (TAH-7); heavily traveled, 2-lane road. Road has been upgraded. Improvements include expanding road to 4-lane highway, realigning high-risk sections, paving road shoulders, installing road signs, guardrails, bus stops and speed bumps and improving road surface and drainage facilities. Improvements have reduced travel time, but road safety has decreased. Speed bumps are being replaced with speed tables (wide, raised structures with gentle ramps). They are less likely to cause drivers to lose control of vehicles. N10 National Highway branches off N1 in Yamoransa. N10 continues north to Kumasi. N1 continues south to Cape Coast, Sekondi-Tackoradi, Axim and Elubo and border with Cote de Ivorie. Ends at Ebulo, Ghana to Noe, Cote d Ivoire border crossing. CAPE COAST-TAKORADI ROAD Heavily traveled road, serving a major port and tourist area. Rumble strips has reduced road risk. Being upgraded to 4-lane divided highway with 2 lanes in each direction. SPINTEX ROAD Main road in Accra. Runs parallel to Accra-Tema Motorway. Some sections have been upgraded to 4-lane divided highway with two lanes and paved shoulder in each direction. Traffic backups are common near roundabout at Accra Mall. Drivers seldom slow down for pedestrians in crossings. CONGESTED ROADS IN ACCRA Winneba Road, Graphic Road, Liberation Road, Guggisgerg Ave. High Street, Labadi Road, Burma Camp Road, Lapaz, Cleland Road, Giffard Road, Teshie Road, Nsawam Road, Kwame Nkrumah Ave., Kwame Nkrumah Motorway, Chorkor Road and Legon Road. TESHIE-NUNGUA BEACH ROAD 2-lane, divided road, located in Metro Accra. Being upgraded to 4-lane, divided highway. One side of road is completed. Improvements have greatly reduced travel time for local commuters and public transportation vehicles. DODOWA-ACCRA ROAD Improved road encourages speeding; road claims more than 10 lives a week. KWAME NKRUMAH CIRCLE Major intersection in Accra; carries arterial routes linking suburban areas to Central Business District. Intersection carries about 84,000 vehicles daily; often heavily congested. ACCRA-AFLAO ROAD Source OpenStreetMaps and Contributors Paved road; generally in good condition. Part of Trans-West African Coastal Highway 7. Links Accra to Aflao, located on Ghana-Togo border. Lomé, capital of Togo is directly across border. Crossing may be closed due to tensions between countries. Road Travel Report: Ghana 17 ASIRT 2014

22 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) AWOSHIE-POKUASE ROAD An arterial route, linking some of Accra s western and northern suburbs: Awoshie, Anyaa, Ablekuma, Amamorley, Ayawaso and Pokuase; provides access to National Hiughways N6 and N1. Being upgraded and expanded to a three-lane divided highway with 3 lanes in each direction. Both sections have two service lanes, walkways and bicycle lanes on each side. Several secondary roads are also being upgraded. NATIONAL ROUTE 2, ALSO KNOWN AS EASTERN CORRIDOR ROAD Major north-south route; also known as Tema-Ouagadopugou-Bamako Trade Corridor. 2-lane road; some sections are in poor condition. During rainy season, travel may be difficult or impossible on unimproved sections. Main cities along route: Tema, Atimpoku, Hohoe, Nkwanta, Bimbilla, Yendi, Gushiegu, Nakpanduri, Bawku and Kulungugu. Corridor provides a shorter route between Tema port and Ghana-Burkina Faso border. Passes through Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta, Northern and Upper East regions. Traffic density is higher than on coastal and northern road corridors. Corridor is being upgraded. TEMA-AKOSOMBO HIGHWAY Rumble strips have reduced road risk. ASIKUMA JUNCTION TO PEKI Part of Eastern Corridor. 2-lane road; in poor condition. Being upgraded. A wide pedestrian walkway is planned. NKWANTA-OTI DAMANKO AND ASIKUMA JUNCTION-HOHOE ROADS Part of Eastern Corridor. 2-lane roads; in poor condition. Being upgraded to all weather roads. HO-DENU AND HO-ASIKUMA HIGHWAYS Located in Volta Region in southeastern Ghana. The roads have highest fatality rates in Volta Region. NAKPANDURI BAWKU KULUNGUGU ROAD Part of Eastern Corridor. Provides access to Ghana-Burkina Faso border. 2-lane road; in poor condition. Being upgraded. ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN UPPER EAST REGION Bolgatanga township roads that have been upgraded: Navrongo-Tumu Road, Bolgatanga-Bawku roads, Partriga Bridge and Nyariga Bridge. KULUNGUGU BRIDGE Located in Bolgatanga township in Upper East region. Bridge is part of a major border crossing with Burkina Faso. In extremely poor condition; bridge is closed to heavy goods vehicles. Border crossing near bridge is part of Eastern Corridor road project. Crossing is scheduled to be upgraded to international standards. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 3 (N3) Links Kpong, Odumase, Oterkpalu, Huhurye, Nkurkan, Koforidua and Suhum. Road links N2 to N6: Kpong is on the N2, and Suhum is on the N6. Road Travel Report: Ghana 18 ASIRT 2014

23 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) NATIONAL HIGHWAY 4, ACCRA-KUMASI HIGHWAY Main international transport corridor; goes through several major commercial and agricultural areas in Ghana and provides access to Burkina Faso and Côte d Ivoire. Cities included in route: Accra, Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, Koforidua and Kumasi. ON UNIMPROVED SECTIONS: Narrow, 2-lane road; goes through several cities and villages. High road risk. Factors in crashes: Speeding, poor pedestrian safety facilities, inadequate road signs and markings and blackspots (high crash spots). Narrow roads make it difficult to pass long vehicles. Disabled vehicles are often left on or beside road with no warning markers. ADENTAN-COMMANDO ROAD Part of N4 Highway. Narrow, heavily potholed, gravel road; in poor condition. Located in Greater Accra Region in Adentan Municipality, a densely populated area. Links Adenta, Commando and Frafraha. Road goes through a forested, hilly region. Crosses several streams; inadequate drainage facilities. Often floods during heavy rains; may be impassable in rainy season. Vegetation overgrowing road surface has narrowed road from 8 m to 5 m. Limits sight distance. Major stream crosses a low-lying section of the road. Severe erosion of this section is common in rainy seasons and road may be temporarily closed. Scheduled to be widened to 8 meters. LEGON-MADINA ROAD Part of N4 Highway. Section through Accra is congested. High road risk. Hawkers walking between lanes selling their wares. LEGON-MADINA ROAD, SECTION NEAR OKPONGLO JUNCTION Part of N4 Highway. Okponglo junction is the main entrance to University of Ghana due to construction on Legon-Madian Road. High traffic levels; poses a risk to pedestrians crossing the intersection. ABURI-BUNSO-KOFORIDUA ROAD 2-lane road, currently a detour for bypassing construction zones on Nsawam-Suhum-Apedwa section of N6. Road crash rate has increased. Be alert for illegally constructed speed bumps. MAMFE-KOFORIDUA HIGHWAY Highway; 2-lane arterial route, currently being upgraded. Unimproved sections are heavily potholed, sometimes causing drivers to lose control of vehicles. Vegetation overgrows road shoulders in rural areas. OYOKO-TAFO-BUNSO SECTION OF MAMFE-KOFORIDUA HIGHWAY Be alert for vehicles backing out of driveways. Drivers may park on the road while closing or opening driveway gates. Presents a danger to all road users. PANTANG-MAMFE ROAD Part of N4 Highway is included in the Tetteh Quarshie Circle to Mamfe Road Rehabilitation Project. Road is being upgraded. Sections going through cities run close to houses and businesses. Be alert for people and vehicles entering and leaving road. MAMFE-ABURI ROAD 2-lane, paved road; in fair to good condition. Goes through Akwapim Ranges north of Accra. Guardrails, road signs, paved shoulders, center and side road markings have been recently added. Road Travel Report: Ghana 19 ASIRT 2014

24 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) MAMFE-ABURI ROAD (CONTINUED) There are well lit passing lanes in some mountainous sections. In unimproved sections, road is in fair condition. Shoulders are generally unpaved. Center line is visible. Lines along sides of the road are faded or non-existent. Traffic includes many pedestrians and occasional cyclists. Road goes through many cities. Sidewalks are often lacking. Houses, small business and vendor stands are close to the road. Watch out for deep, uncovered or covered, cement trenches. Use caution when parking or walking along road. ADOMI BRIDGE (SOGAKOPE BRIDGE) Located at Atimpoku, about 10 km from Akosombo Dam. Bridge carries the N2 National Highway. Bridge crosses the Lower Volta River near Senchi and Juapong. Road crossing the bridge is a heavily traveled tourist and commercial route. Long backups are common on weekends. Traffic includes many trucks. Repairs to the bridge are scheduled to begin when an alternate route has been upgraded. Proposed alternate route: Ho-Adidome-Sogakope road, using ferry at Senchi to cross Volta River. Repairs should take about one year. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 6 (N6), ALSO KNOWN AS ACCRA-KUMASI ROAD Main international transport corridor; goes through several major commercial and agricultural areas in Ghana and provides access to Burkina Faso and Côte d Ivoire. Links Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Achimota in Accra, Achimota, Achimota-Ofankor, Ofankor-Nsawam, the Nsawam Apedwa, Apedwa-Anyinam, Anyinam-Nkawkaw, Nkawkaw-Asankare and Asankare-Duampompo. Road is being upgraded to a 4-lane highway with a median. Progress on upgrades has been slow. Rest stops are rare from Accra to Nkawkaw. KWAME NKRUMAH CIRCLE TO ACHIMOTA The circle is part of Accra-Kumasi Highway (N6 Highway). Upgrades are completed. Improvements have greatly reduced traffic congestion. ACHIMOTA TO OFANKOR ROAD (ALSO KNOWN AS NSAWAM ROAD) Part of N6; located in Accra. Road has been upgraded to 8-lane divided highway with 2 express lanes and 2 local access lanes in each direction. Local access lanes have laybys for buses, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walkways and 4 pedestrian overpasses. There are 9 feet wide shoulders for pedestrian shopping. Ongoing works include installing guard rails and traffic lights. Completed upgrades have reduced travel time from Neoplan intersection to Ofankor from 4 hours to about 10 minutes. Continuing hazards: Median consists of concrete barriers (jersey walls) with guardrails bolted to the top. The guardrails are too short and too weak to stop larger vehicles. Many guardrails are badly damaged or totally missing. Sidewalks are incomplete and construction debris has not been completely removed on some sections. DOME FOOTBRIDGE, LOCATED ON ACHIMOTA-OFANKOR ROAD Part of N6. Five pedestrians died when they were struck by speeding vehicles while attempting to scale the road s retaining wall and cross the road. All of the crashes occurred under Dome Footbridge (pedestrian overpass). The road has 4 pedestrian overpasses, placed 1.2 km apart. More overpasses are needed. Road Travel Report: Ghana 20 ASIRT 2014

25 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) NSAWAM-SUHUM-APEDWA ROAD, N6 Part of Accra-Kumasi Highway (N6); a 41 km long, 2-lane road; links Nsawam-Apedwa. Road goes through large cities and small rural communities. Being upgraded. Project includes constructing a 9.3 km bypass for Nsawam. Bypass goes through flood plains and rolling hills. During heavy rains, travel conditions are difficult in construction zones. Completion of the interchange in Suhum and bypasses for Nsawam, Nkawkaw and Konongo has reduced congestion near city exits. Bypasses are unlit. Nkawkaw Bypass has many speed bumps. Road risk is high at night, especially for pedestrians. Work on road has stopped. Uncompleted sections are in poor condition. Vehicles may be mired in mud due to heavy rains. Some sections may flood. Roadside assistance is not readily available. Road is in extremely poor condition near Asuboi, Amanase, Okorase and Suhum. Near Suhum, a partially completed toll booth has no warning signals, particularly risky at night. Road carries international traffic diverted from Abidjan and San Pedro ports in Cote D Ivoire and provides access to Tema and Takoradi ports in Ghana. Suhum Junction on N6 Rumble strips have reduced crashes at T intersection between Accra-Kumasi Highway and a main road in Suhum Junction. KUMASI-EJISU SECTION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY N6 4 intersections along the route have been converted to roundabouts. Speed bumps have reduced crashes. NATIONAL ROAD 10 (N10) Also known as Yemorasa to Kumasi Road. Major north-south road; part of N10 National Highway. Being upgraded to 4-lane highway with 2 lanes in each direction. Road begins at Yemorasa in the Cental Region; branches off Accra-Cape Coast Road (N1 Highway) near Cape Coast and Moree. N10 continues north from Yemorasa. Links Yemorasa, Kumasi, Techiman, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Paga to border with Burkina Faso. KUMASI-TECHIMAN ROAD Part of N10. Heavily traveled, 2-lane road; major truck route. Many steep sections and tight S-curves with no crash barriers. High road risk. Being upgraded to a 4-lane highway with 2 lanes in each direction with a stopping lane from Maakro Junction to Bremang. Sections from Bremang to Afroncho and Afroncho to Samproso are being upgraded. AXIM JUNCTION-TARKWA ROAD 2-lane road: being upgraded to a 4-lane highway with 2 lanes in each direction. ABUKWA-BIBIANI ROAD 2-lane road: being upgraded to a 4-lane highway with 2 lanes in each direction. KUMASI-MAMPONG-EJURA ROAD, SECTION EXITING KUMASI (ALSO KNOWN AS MAMPONG ROAD) 2-lane, paved road with paved shoulders; in good condition. Section from Kumasi to Pankrona, Ahwiaa, Ntonso, Mampong, and Lake Volta is being expanded to a four-lane divided highway. SUNYANI ROAD, SECTION EXITING KUMASI Part of N12 Highway. Being expanded to four-lane divided highway with 2 lanes in each direction. Road Travel Report: Ghana 21 ASIRT 2014

26 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) TARKWA-KUMASI ROAD Part of N10 Highway. Generally in fair condition; road was not designed to carry large numbers of trucks. Road surface is deteriorating rapidly. Road is being expanded to four-lane divided highway. TARKWA-BOGOSO-AYAMFURI ROAD IN THE WESTERN REGION Part of Tarkwa-Kumasi Road; a 2-lane road; in poor condition. Being upgraded to a paved, all-weather road. Located in Western Region. Road is part of main corridor linking Ghana s Central and Brong Ahafo and Western Regions. Upgraded road will facilitate transport of goods to Takoradi Port and La Cote d Ivoire. Sections in major cities are 4-lane with a separate lane for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. Road is designed for maximum load of 13 tons, maximum speed of 100 km/h in rural areas and 50 km/h in cities. Tarkwa, Bogoso and Ayamfuri are mining towns and trade centers. Traffic includes many trucks. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 7 (N7) Links Sawla, Larabanga, Damango and Fufulsu; being upgraded to a 2-lane, paved all-weather road with paved shoulders. Improvements include installing road signs and adequate drainage facilities. Located in Northern Region; goes through 3 districts, Central Gonja, West Gonja and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba districts. Subject to extreme droughts and floods. Low-lying sections are flood-prone; may be impassable after heavy rains. Some sections are narrow due to erosion of shoulders. NATIONAL HIGHWAY 8 (N8) Links Yemorasa, Dunkwa, Fomena, Bekwai and Kumasi. ASAWINSO-MMREWA ROAD Narrow, heavily potholed feeder road; many sections are deeply rutted. Inadequate drainage. Road goes through a hilly region and crosses 5 streams/creeks. Some sections may be impassable in rainy season. Vegetation overgrowth has reduced road to 4 meters. Scheduled to be upgraded. Located in Bibiani/Anwiase/Bekwai District in Western Region. Links Asawinso, Manse and Mmrewa. About 6 km of the road goes through Anhwiaso Forest Reserve. DOMAMA-ADUKROM ROAD Narrow, potholed, gravel surfaced feeder road. Goes through agricultural and forested areas. Crosses three streams and Subri River. Vegetation overgrowth has reduced road 3 meters. Located in Mpohor Wassa East District of Western Region. Links Domama to Adukrom. DWINASE-KWAMEBOUR ROAD Located in Sefwi Wiawso District of Western Region. Links Ayirekrom, Abopre, Nzuazua, Nso Nyame Ye, Anglo, Kwamebour, Kwamebour Shed Krnd Obonu. Narrow, hilly, gravel feeder road; in poor condition. Goes through hilly agricultural and forested region. Crosses 20 bodies of water, including Kunzin, Betekye, Ayire, Amokyie, Bropa, Anglo, Damme, Nkoasuo and Nyamanyama rivers. Inadequate drainage. May be impassable in rainy season. Overgrowth of vegetation has reduced road to 4 meters. GYAMPERE-KWASIKROM ROAD Located in Ellembelle District of Western Region. Links Gyampere to Kwasikrom. Narrow, gravel feeder road; in poor condition. Goes through hilly, forested area. Crosses Ayawura and Ewroku rivers and several streams. Bridges are generally lacking for smaller creeks. Drainage facilities are inadequate. May be impassable in rainy season. Inadequate drainage. May be impassable in rainy season. Overgrowth of vegetation has reduced road to 1.5 meters. Road Travel Report: Ghana 22 ASIRT 2014

27 ROAD INFORMATION (CONTINUED) ROAD IN ANLO AND KETA MUNICIPALITIES IN VOLTA REGION Over 230 communities are located in flood prone areas. Roads are generally impassable in rainy season. Some roads have been upgraded to all weather roads. Completed road improvements: Agortoe-Tregui-Blemazado-Kpekpo Road: Spot improvements and application of gravel. Aklorfudzi junction to city of Aklorfudzi: Realignment of road. Road to Woe Market; located in Woe Township: Realignment of road. Roads with new layer of gravel: Torkor Shell Bypass, Agavedzi-Afiadenyigba Junction access road, Keta Hospital - Lagoons Road, Keta Market Emancipation Feeder Road and KeMA Bungalows feeder road. Keta Lagoon: Important transportation corridor. Fishing is a leading industry in Avu-Keta sub-region. A narrow strip of land separates lagoon from Gulf of Guinea. Erosion narrows strip 4 to 8 meters yearly. Structures are being constructed to reduce erosion and flood risk. New residential and commercial areas are being constructed on sand reclaimed from the lagoon. An 8.3 km long Causeway/road linking Keta to Hlorve is open. Road intersects with Accra-Aflao Road in Dura. ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS BUSES 70% of commercial vehicles are in poor condition and inadequately maintained. Delays are common. Before boarding a transport vehicle: Determine if driver is licensed. Check insurance and registration stickers displayed on windshield. Determine if they are current. Avoid vehicles in poor condition. Bus stations (lorry stations) may be heavily congested, especially on weekends. Requirements to drive a public transportation vehicle: Must be at least 25 years old. Must have held a basic license for at least two years. Must pass a written and drive test. Licenses may be purchased, rather than earned. Inexperienced drivers often drive tro-tros. Armed robbery on buses is becoming more common, especially by night. PRIVATELY OWNED BUSES, MINIBUSES AND TRO-TROS Public transportation is generally provided by privately owned taxis, tro-tros and other low-capacity vehicles. Service is unreliable. Vehicles are often old, in poor condition, inadequately maintained and break down often. Privately owned buses generally do not leave the station until full. Tickets for air conditioned buses sell out first. Purchase in advance. Buses are involved in about 20% of fatal road crashes. Majority of fatal crashes occur on major roads near cities and small towns. Drivers speed and pass recklessly. Broken down buses are abandoned on roads with no warnings. Buses lacking adequate crash protection, especially for high-speed collisions Seats may not be securely anchored. Sharp edges of metal components are not covered. GOVERNMENT-OPERATED STC BUSES State Transport Corporation (STC) provides inter-city transport on standard or express buses. STC buses serve most destinations along paved roads. Passengers can disembark anywhere along the route. Fare is not reduced if you get off early. Express buses are air-conditioned and more comfortable. Transport time is shorter. Purchase tickets in advance when traveling on popular routes. Buses fill quickly. Additional fee is charged for luggage based on weight. Price may vary with route and bus operator. VANEFSTC Company operates 2 classes of buses: Regular and luxury (economy and express). Only express buses are air-conditioned. Service is reliable, but departures are often late, especially from Tudu Bus Station in Accra and at stops on less frequently traveled routes. Service is provided to major cities. Road Travel Report: Ghana 23 ASIRT 2014

28 Pre-purchase tickets to ensure seating. Buses often leave one or more hours late. INTER CITY STC COACHES Provide transport to major cities in Ghana, Cote d'ivoire, Burkina Faso and Benin. Buses to Cape Coast and destinations west of Accra west leave from Kaneshie Terminal, Sotrec Station, Mallam Junction. Buses to Kumasi and Tamale leave from Achimota Station. Buses to destinations north and west of Accra leave from bus station on Rind Road; located between N'krumah and Lamptey circles. Call office for detailed schedule. Bus stations outside Accra are located at Kumasi, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Tema, Tudu, Aflao, Berekum, Cape Coast, Dormaa Ahenkro, Hohoe, Ho, Kpando, Paga, Sunyani, Wa, Tarkwa, Achimota, Navorongo, Abidjan, Zabre, Ouagadougou and Cotonou. Hours of service: Monday-Saturday, 5 am to 5 pm; Sunday: 6 am to 3 pm. Schedule for routes is available at: STC buses cannot be hailed. Drivers only pick up passengers at stations. METRO MASS TRANSIT (MMT) BUSES Provide inter-city transportation along major roads and some underserved roads. Buses are orange. Fares are lower than STC and VIP buses. Buses are less comfortable; transport time is longer. Buses operate out of MMT or tro-tro stations. Buses generally leave twice daily. Tickets can be purchased a day before departure. Purchase ticket early to get a seat. Luggage fee. MMT buses run on time. Drivers do not wait until buses are full. MMT buses can be hailed. Driver will stop if bus is not full. TYPES OF MMT BUS SERVICE DAF buses: Provide transport between urban areas isolated rural villages. Buses travel on many rough roads. Journeys are long, but service is reliable. Passengers generally board or disembark at main bus terminals. Luggage compartments are large. Pay fare on bus. Hit & Run buses: Drivers stop for only 5 minutes at each station. Purchase ticket in advance. Queue (line up) for bus before it arrives. Yaxing, Iveco and VDL buses: Serve intra-city routes. Routes link suburban areas and nearby villages to central bus stations. Passengers may board anywhere along the route. Pay fare after boarding. Carry-on luggage only. Rental Buses: Are available. A block of seats on a bus can be reserved. Passengers receive special MMT boarding passes. More information is available on MMT s website: VIP BUSES VIP buses serve major routes. Buses are newer and more comfortable. Buses leave when full. VIP buses cannot be hailed. Drivers only pick up passengers at stations. GHANA PRIVATE ROAD TRANSPORT UNION (GPRTU) Company provides transport on long inter-city routes. Fares are moderate. GPRTU has stations in most major cities. Express buses make only a few stops. BUS COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION TAXIS COMPANY WEBSITE Fare is usually higher for air-conditioned taxis. Road Travel Report: Ghana 24 ASIRT 2014 STC METRO MASS VIP beta.stcghana.com.gh VIP on Facebook GPRTU Ph: Taxis are readily available in larger cities. Fares are not fixed and are higher than tro-tro fares. Drivers honk at pedestrians if taxi is empty. Record taxi s number and drivers name. Taxi drivers commonly try to overcharge foreigners, up to three times more than usual fare. Bargain for a lower fare if charge seems too high. Agree on fare and currency before boarding. Inquire about additional charges. If driver attempts to increase cost of trip upon arrival, insist on paying agreed fare Fares may vary, depending on price of oil on international markets. Passengers are responsible for tolls. Pay tolls directly at toll booth to lessen chance of being scammed. Bring small bills. Drivers rarely make change. Have fare in hand before disembarking.

29 Fares may be higher in larger cities. Congestion increases travel time. Official taxis have yellow or orange front and rear quarter panels. Colors of others areas of vehicle varies. Taxi license plates are yellow with black text. License plates of privately vehicles are white with black text. Condition of taxis vary greatly. Drivers may drive unsafely. Ask to be dropped off if driving makes you uncomfortable. Types of taxis: Dropping taxis: Can be hailed; drop passengers at desired locations. Fare is higher when boarding a dropping taxi that is parked in a taxi waiting area. o Operate on fixed routes; charge a negotiable fare per passenger. o Usually work along arterial routes. Shared Taxis or Passenger Taxis: Drivers wait for passengers at train and bus stations. o Operate on fixed routes; charge a set fare per passenger. o Transport 4 to 6 passengers. Driver leaves when taxi is full. Wait may be long. To leave sooner, pay for any empty seats. Fares are fixed on some routes. o Generally work along shorter routes and in suburbs. o Shared taxis may convert to dropping taxis when demand is high. Hurry Cars: Similar to shared taxis, but privately owned. Vehicles do not have orange corners. Drivers provide transport to destination displayed on dashboard or roof. Fares are not fixed. Expensive, but more comfortable than shared taxis. Private cars: Service is not regulated. Determine if driver has a driver s license and current insurance and registration. Avoid using cars in poor condition. Official airport taxis: Drivers charge fixed fares. Reserve at airport s official taxi stands. Board at exit near Arrivals. Unregistered taxis: Drivers may charge much higher fares. Taxis are hailed outside the airport. Drivers may be aggressive. Keep calm. Negotiate fare ahead of time. TRO-TROS Tro-tros are generally light or medium vans converted to carry more passengers. They have little or no provision for passenger comfort or safety. Frequently involved in road crashes. Minibuses (tro-tros) and Peugeot 504s (caravans) are less comfortable than buses. They leave more frequently, travel faster and are often overloaded. Main providers of intra-city transport. Only public transport in small towns. Drivers may provide inter-city transport. Traveling long distances by tro-tro is not recommended due to poor safety record. Tro-tros are frequently involved in crashes. Few tro-tros are in service on Sunday. Mammy wagons (modified trucks) are uncomfortable and overcrowded. Seats are wooden planks. Most larger cities have tro-tro stations. Stations are often parking lots or open lots. Many kinds of vehicles serve as tro-tros, including pickup trucks. Vehicles are generally old, in poor condition; seldom cleaned and often overloaded. Vehicle s original seats are often replaced with wooden benches to fit in more passengers. Drivers often work long hours. Drivers do not follow set schedules. They leave when vehicle is full. There may be an hour wait. When traveling to seldom visited destinations, inquire about departure time at least one day in advance. Drivers have fixed routes, but may alter route to avoid congested traffic or accommodate passenger requests. Official stops may not be marked. Lay-byes (bays for public transport vehicles to pull off the road to board or off-load passengers) are provided on recently upgraded streets, but are generally lacking on older streets. If there are no lay-byes, drivers may stop in middle of road to pick up or drop off passengers. Tro-tros can be hailed between stops. Finding to a vacant seat is easiest when boarding at a station. Drivers charge a flat fee for any stop on their route. Passengers generally purchase ticket after boarding. Fares are not fixed. Drivers often try to overcharge foreigners. Bargain for a reasonable fare. Bargaining for lower fares often takes place after departure. Drivers may add a surcharge for luggage. City Express is a new tro-tro service. Company provides express transport (no stops) between larger, coastal cities. Drivers are permitted to take breaks. Road Travel Report: Ghana 25 ASIRT 2014

30 Vehicles are air-conditioned, have fewer seats and are more comfortable than standard tro-tros. Average age of vehicles is 12 years. Fares are lower than fares for shared taxis and STC buses. OKADAS Motorcycle and tricycle taxis, commonly known as okadas, are an increasingly popular form of public transportation. Fares are low. Travel time is generally shorter, but road risk is higher. Okada drivers often speed, drive aggressively. They commonly run red lights or start through intersections just before light turns green. Drivers often weave in and out of traffic lanes and cut off other drivers. Drivers frequently ride on road shoulders or pedestrian paths/sidewalks. Drivers and their passengers seldom wear helmets. Drivers commonly pick up passengers near heavily congested intersections, often interfering with traffic flow. Okadas are frequently overloaded. Okadas have been banned in Accra, but continue to operate due to popular demand and lack of police enforcement. Motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities have increased over 400% in the past decade. Motorcyclists and their passengers have 35 times greater risk of dying and an 8 times higher risk of being injured in a crash than car occupants. RENTAL VEHICLES Reserve a rental vehicle prior to arrival, especially if renting an SUV or van. Rental fees are higher for travel outside Metro Accra due to poor condition of many roads. Determine if there are restrictions on type of roads or locations. Drivers must hold a full license. Minimum period of holding the license may apply. Young driver surcharge may added for drivers between 18 and 21. Additional drivers can be added only if they are present at rental agency when vehicle is picked up. There may be an additional charge per driver and per day. Third-party liability insurance is required, but only covers damage to second party s car and occupants in their vehicle. Coverage is valid only in Ghana. If going to neighboring countries, travelers must obtain thirdparty liability insurance valid in those countries. Best option is to obtain comprehensive international coverage through an insurance company in your country of origin. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) offers vehicle insurance covering road crashes that occur in member states. ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance provides compensation to crash victims of crashes in ECOWAS countries. Policies also cover third-party liabilities. Brown Card Insurance simplifies claims settlement process. Brown Cards now have increased security features. Only purchase from reputable agencies. BICYCLES In southern Ghana, distances between destinations are shorter, terrain is more level and climate more temperate than in northern Ghana. Motorists attitudes toward cyclists is negative in southern Ghana, partially due to high risk of road crashes involving cyclists. In northern Ghana, motorists are more favorable to cyclists. Road risk is still high. Women cyclists may experience some harassment. Ghanaians generally regard cycling as inappropriate for women. Mampong Road is good for cycling. Maps and descriptions of cycle route and paths in many countries are available from Map My Ride website: Description indicates difficulty of route, recommended experience level, type of areas along route (urban, rural, forested, desert, etc.) and type and condition of surface. Provides graphic of gradients along route. Maps can be added to your website or exported as GPX or KML files. MOTORCYCLES Motorcycles are a common means of getting around in northern Ghana. Helmets are required for drivers and passengers traveling on motorcycles, scooters or mopeds. Enforcement of helmet law is inadequate. Safety standards for helmets have not been mandated. Bring a regulation helmet. Motorcyclists are also required to wear reflective jackets, riding boots and protective gear for elbows and knee caps. Road Travel Report: Ghana 26 ASIRT 2014

31 No mandate is indicated for additional safety gear for motorcyclists passengers or scooter or moped riders. Use safety gear to reduce risk in a crash. Road fatalities among motorcyclists and their passengers have increased from 3% to 14% of total fatalities over the past decade. TRUCKS Trucks are frequently involved in fatal road crashes. Speeding and driving recklessly are often factors. Roads with high truck traffic include, but are not limited to, Accra-Tema Motorway, Tema-Aflao Road, Accra-Kumasi Corridor, Kumasi-Techiman Road, Kumasi-Sunyani Road, Accra-Takoradi Road, Takoradi Elubo Road, Diaso-Sefwi Bekwai Road, Goaso- Akyeremasu Road in Brong Ahafo Region, Kintampo- Tamale Road in Northern Region and Tamale- Bolgantanga Road in Upper East Region. WATER TRAVEL Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers are navigable all year and provide a total of 168 km of waterways. Lake Volta provides 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways. Ferry service across Lake Volta is limited. Arrive early or purchase ticket in advance to increase chance boarding. Volta Lake Transport Company (VLTC) transports passengers and freight. Serves Brong Ahafo and northern Volta regions. VLTC s Adawso to Ekye Amanfrom route is being upgraded. Ferries and floating docks are currently in poor condition. Wait time is often long. Adawso to Ekye Amanfrom s docking facilities are being expanded. The Floating Dock at Akosombo is being restored. Major ports: Tema, Takoradi. Source: Wikimedia Commons Trucks are not permitted to transport passengers, but many do. Passengers often sit on top of load. Trucks are converted to passenger vehicles by constructing seats from heavy sheets of metal. Seats greatly increase risk in road crashes. Seatbelts are not provided. Truck occupants of account for 11% of road crash fatalities. TRAIN TRAVEL Rail network is being upgraded. Passenger service is limited, but will increase as upgrades are completed. Routes in service: Accra and Kumasi: Service is once daily. Transport is slow. Long delays are common. Average travel time is 12 hours. Cost is slightly lower by train. Passenger train service links Kumasi and Takoradi. Accra to Nsawam trains run 4 times daily, Mon. Sat. Accra to Tema trains run twice daily, Mon. Sat. INTERNAL AIR SERVICE Government of Ghana s Civil Aviation Authority is not in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards regarding oversight of country s flight services. Flight schedules may change with little notice. Delays are common. Flights are often overbooked. Get required seat reconfirmation stamped on ticket. Arrive at airport at least two hours prior to scheduled departure. Carry emergency funds for food and lodging in case of unexpected delays. Domestic air service links major cities. Scheduled flights are available 2 to 3 times daily between Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi and Tamale. Booking online reduces cost. Domestic airlines: Citylink and Antrak. CRIME & SECURITY Remain vigilant in public places. Criminal activity usually increases during Christmas season. Avoid traveling alone in taxis at night. Muggings and other violent attacks against foreigners have occurred. Keep windows of vehicle closed and doors locked. Common scam in congested urban areas: Pedestrians bump into vehicles and claim the vehicle hit them to extort money. Road Travel Report: Ghana 27 ASIRT 2014

32 Taxi scam: Driver tells you that your hotel is temporarily closed and offers to take you to nearby hotel. Driver gets a commission for bringing people to the second hotel. Decline driver s offer. Call a day before arrival to confirm room reservation. Contact Department of State or Department of Commerce before pursuing any advance fee (money that must be paid upfront) business deals. Most contacts for such deals come via . Further information on business transactions in Ghana is available in U.S. Department of State s Country Commercial Guide for Ghana ( Avoid political rallies and street demonstrations. Robberies usually occur in less populated areas. Stay on main roads when possible. Armed robberies are increasing along Kintampo to Tamale Road in Brong Ahafo and Northern regions. When traveling in Northern and Upper East Region, monitor media sources for news about outbreaks of inter-ethnic conflicts/fighting. Ongoing chieftaincy disputes have resulted in unrest and violence. Most common in Yendi in Northern Region and Bawku in Upper East Region. Central Region: Violent outbreaks between Muslim sects have occurred. Foreigners are not targeted, but caution is suggested. Seek local advice on current conditions. Ashanti Region: In Kumasi, 40 motorcyclists armed with AK-47 seized streets near Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Human trafficking is growing problem. Officials at Paga, Aflo, Elubo and Kunlungugu border crossings are trained to recognize and detain travelers involved in human trafficking. Travel restrictions placed on Embassy personnel may limit services available to U.S. citizens in remote areas. Criminal activity at Kotoka International Airport: Theft of travel documents and luggage is common. Politely decline assistance unless offered by uniformed officials. Airport staff will have ID cards bearing their photo and name. When being met at airport, request identification verifying driver is from your hotel or organization. Imposters may pose as travel contacts. They obtain traveler s names from displayed signs and rob travelers who board their vehicle. Common scams at airports: Overly-friendly residents offering low-cost tours, lodging or cheap services. Armed criminals target travelers leaving Kotoka International Airport. Often cause a minor crash forcing travelers to stop and then robbing them. Wearing military apparel is prohibited for non-military personnel. Items that appear to be military related are prohibited. Obtain permission from security personnel before photographing secure sites, military officers or police. Sites may not be well marked. Taking photos of U.S. Embassy is prohibited for security reasons. EMERGENCY INFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE National emergency numbers: Police: #191 Government of Ghana, Emergency Numbers Fire: # 192/999 Government of Ghana, Emergency Numbers Ambulance: # 193 Government of Ghana, Emergency Numbers Airport Police Station: Government of Ghana, Emergency Numbers Roadside assistance availability is limited outside major cities. For tourist information on Ghana, contact: Ghana Tourist Board, Head Office, P.O. Box 3106, Tesano, Accra. Phone: and fax: Website: Online maps of Ghana DistancesFrom.com: Provides distance and travel time between destinations, marks route on a map and provides detailed driving directions. * Website: *Disclaimer: ASIRT cannot guarantee the accuracy of information provided by Distances From.com. Road Travel Report: Ghana 28 ASIRT 2014

33 Tourism facilities are limited in more remote areas but are available in larger towns in Greater Accra Region, Cape Coast and Kumasi. Smoking in public is not permitted and is subject to fine and possible jail sentence. Phone service is fair. Phone and fax services are available in all larger cities. Internet service is becoming more widely available. International calling code for Ghana: When arriving or departing Ghana with more than $10,000, travelers must declare amount at border. Departing with more than 5,000 Ghana Cedi is illegal. Cedi in excess of $5.000 must be spent of exchanged before departure. Exchange currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus. Exchanging money on the street or with private citizens is illegal. Use of credit cards is not recommended due to increasing frequency of credit card frauds. Import or export of precious natural resources is strictly regulated. Transactions of these items must be handled by agents licensed by Ghana s Precious Metals and Mining Commission. Phone: ( ) or Transactions are completed at values set daily by London exchange. Transactions involving export of gold dust are generally fraudulent. Contact Embassy in Washington, DC or Ghanaian consulate in U.S. for customs requirements regarding precious natural resources. Online maps of Ghana DistancesFrom.com: Provides distance and travel time between destinations, marks route on a map and provides detailed driving directions. * Website: *Disclaimer: Driving directions, travel time, etc. are provided by Distances From.com. ASIRT cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. MEDICAL CARE Medical facilities and pharmacies are readily available in major cities but are more limited in smaller cities and rural areas. Modern health care options are generally lacking in remote locations. Residents often rely on traditional African medicine rather than traveling long distances for care. Standard of care is higher in private clinics and hospitals, especially those located in popular tourist destinations. Quality of healthcare is gradually improving, but public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded. Private facilities are recommended for serious conditions. Wait times at private clinics are generally short. Doctors and staff usually speak English fluently. Ambulance and trained emergency medical personnel are inadequate, but increasing in larger cities. Wait times for ambulances may be long. It may be necessary to travel to hospital by car or metered taxi. Less than 10% of seriously injured patients are transported to a medical facility by ambulance. HOSPITALS AND CLINICS COMMONLY USED BY U.S. CITIZENS: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Guggisberg Avenue, Accra, Korle-Bu, Ghana. Ph: (233) ; website: coordinates: 5 32'27"N -0 13'53"E. Cardiothorasic Unit of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital: (233) , website: 37 MILITARY HOSPITAL, Mills Road, Accra, Ghana, Ph: (233) , (233) , (233) LISTER HOSPITAL, P O Box CT966, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. Open 24/7. Ph: , and : fax: ; info@listerhospital.com.gh. 37 Military Hospital, Liberation Road, Accra. Ph: (233) , (233) , (233) ; website: ry/companydetails.php?cn= Emergency medical evacuation to the U.S.: Call AEA International (International SOS) at Inquire about coverage your medical insurance provides in destination country or countries. Policy should include coverage for medical evacuation. Some credit card companies provide health and travel insurance when travelers use their card to purchase airline fares. Inquire about coverage provided. Bring adequate supplies of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Carry a copy of prescription and generic name of each prescription medication. Pharmacies are available in major cities, but not all pharmacies are authorized to dispense prescription medications. Some pharmacies sell fake or low-quality medications. Safest options: Only purchase medications approved by the Ghanaian Pharmacy Council. Purchase medications from pharmacies attached to medical facilities. Road Travel Report: Ghana 29 ASIRT 2014

34 EMBASSY INFORMATION Embassy of Ghana is located at 3512 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC Phone: (202) ; fax: , e- mail: or and website: Ghana Permanent Mission to the United Nations is located at 19 East 47th Street, New York, NY Phone: U.S. Embassy is located at No. 24 Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra. Phone: , fax (233)-(030) or , emergency after-hours telephone: and website: U.S. Embassy Consular Section is located at No. 19 Fifth Link Road, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. Phone: ; emergency afterhours phone: Ask for duty officer. Office hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 12 noon. Office closed on holidays. Registering with the Dept. of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) enables you to receive updates on current travel conditions in planned destinations. STEP allows Embassy officials to contact American citizens about an impending natural disaster or other emergency, and facilitate their evacuation, if necessary. Access updates via Smart Traveler iphone App. FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) Parklawn Drive, Rockville, MD, USA Telephone: (240) Fax: (301) Website: Road Travel Report: Ghana 30 ASIRT 2014

35 APPENDICES Appendix A: U.S. and Ghana Holidays Holiday Date/Day Type New Year's Day January 1 A/G MLK King's Birthday January 21 A Presidents' Day February 18 A Independence Day March 6 G Good Friday Date varies. G Easter Monday Date varies. G May Day May 1 G African Union Day May 25 G Memorial Day May 27 A Republic Day July 1 G Independence Day July 4 A Labor Day September 2 A Eid-Il-Fitr Date varies. G Eid-al Adha Date varies. G Columbus Day October 14 A Veterans Day November 11 A Thanksgiving Day Date varies. A Christmas Day December 25 A/G Boxing Day December 26 A/ G G = Ghanaian Holiday A = American Holiday Appendix B: National Routes in Ghana National Road 1 (N1) Links Elubo, WR-Sekondi-Tamoradi, WR-Cape Coast, CR-Winneba, CR-Accra, GR-Tetteh Quarshie Interchange-Adidome, VR, Aflao, VR. National Road 2 (N2) Links Tema,GR-Asikuma, ER-Ho, VR-Hohoe, VR-Yendi, NR-Nalerigu, UE-Kulungugu, UE to Border with Burkina Faso. National Road 9 (N9) Links Tamale, NR-Jimle, NR-Yendi, NR. Links N10 and N2 between Tamale and Yendi via Jimle, NR. Road Travel Report: Ghana 31 ASIRT 2014

36 NATIONAL ROUTES IN GHANA (CONTINUED) National Road 3 (N3) Links Kong. ER-Suhum, ER, and links N3 to N2 via Oterkpalu, ER. National Road 4 (N4) Links Accra, GR-Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange-Koforidua, ER-Kumasi, AS. National Road 5 (N5) Links Adome, VR-Asikuma. VR-Kpeve, VR. Provides and alternate route to the N2 for reaching Kpeve, VR from Adome, VR. National Road 6 (6) Links Accra, GR-Nsawam, ER-Suhum-Nkawkaw, ER-Kumasi, AS. National Road 7 (N7) Links Sawla, NR-Larabanga,NR-Fufulsu, NR. N7 links N12 and N2. National Road 8 (N8) Links Yemorasa, CR-Dunkwa, CR-Fomena, AS-Bekwai, AS-Kumasi, AS. National Road 9 (N9) Links Tamale, NR-Jimle, NR-Yendi, NR. Links N10 and N2 between Tamale and Yendi via Jimle, NR. National Road 10 (N10) Links Yemorasa, CR-Kumasi, AS-Techiman, BA-Tamale, NR-Bolgatanga, UE-Paga, UE and Border with Burkina Faso. National Road 11 (N11) Links Bolgatanga, UE-Zebilla, AS-Bawku, UE-Bimpiela, UE. National Road 12 (N12) Links Elubo, WR-Enchi, WE-Sunyani, BA-Bamboi, NR-Wa, UW-Lawra, UW-Hamile, UW and border with Burkina Faso. National Road 13 (N13) Links Lawra, UW-Tumu, UW-Navrongo, UE. Links N12 to N10 between Lawra, UW Navrongo, UE via -Tumu, UW. National Road 14 (N14) Links Sakpeigu, NR-Cheperoni, NR-Yawgu, NR. National Road 16 (N16) Links Tumu, UW-Kapulina, UW and border with Burkina Faso. Road Travel Report: Ghana 32 ASIRT 2014

37 Appendix C: Commonly Used Road Signs No Entry for Vehicles No Entry for all Motor Vehicles No Entry for Motor Cycles No Entry for Bicycles No Entry for Pedestrians Pedestrian crossing Cycles Only Pedestrians and Cyclists Only- Route for Pedestrian Animal Crossing (Wild) Animal Crrossing (Domestic) Blind People Crossing Road Leads to River Bank Overhead Bridge No Sounding of Horn No passing Pass Either Side Bus stop or terminal Bus Lane on right Bus Lane on left Bus Lane Stop for Message shown Stop for Message Shown No Stopping Road Travel Report: Ghana 33 ASIRT 2014

38 COMMONLY USED ROAD SIGNS (CONTINUED) No Through Road Yield Stop Maximum Speed Limit as Shown End of Speed Limit as Shown Industrial Area Motorway or freeway End of Motorway or freeway Place of Interest Appendix D: Regions in Ghana REGION NORTHERN EASTERN WESTERN CENTRAL UPPER EAST UPPER WEST VOLTA ASHANTI BRONG-AHAFO GREATER ACCRA REGIONAL CAPITAL Tamale Koforidua Takoradi Cape Coast Bolgatanga Wa Ho Kumasi Sunyani Accra (capital of Ghana) Ghana Embassy, Regional Divisions Source: Wikimedia Commons Greater Accra Road Travel Report: Ghana 34 ASIRT 2014

39 Appendix E: Ecozones Regions can be grouped into four ecological-zones. ECOZONE South Western Equatorial Zone Wet Semi-Equatorial Zone Dry Equatorial Zone Tropical Continental Zone REGIONS IN EACH ECOZONE Western Region Ashanti and Eastern regions and the middle section of Volta Region Central and Greater Accra and the southern section of Volta Region Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and West regions and northern section of Volta Region Source: Republic of Ghana, Ministry of Roads & Highways, Department of Feeder Roads Source: Republic of Ghana, Ministry of Roads & Highways, Department of Feeder Roads NORTHERN REGION Part of Tropical Continental Zone. Less densely populated; has fewer roads than other regions. Roads and bridges are often in poor condition. 4WD vehicle required on most roads. Non-4WD passenger car may be adequate in dry season, but are not recommended. Road improvement projects nearing completion: Tamale-Buipe Road, Mpahe Road and the Fufulsi- Sawla roads. Rainy season: May through October. Located near the Sahel and Sahara Desert. Average annual rainfall: 30 to 40 inches. Vegetation consists of grassland or savanna areas. UPPER WEST REGION Part of Tropical Continental Zone Primarily a flat region, with several isolated plateaus and mountain ranges. Region includes Savannah grasslands with baobab trees and areas similar to the Sahel (a transition zone between the Sahara Desert and the wooded Sudanian Savanna). Includes semi-arid grasslands and savannas with patches of trees and shrubs. Main border crossings to Burkina Faso (Hamale. Paga and Kulunguguare) are located in the region. Gbelle Game Reserve, located 17 km south of Tumu. Provides refuge to endangered species. Road improvement projects nearing completion: Wa Sawla roads, Wa Dorimon Road, Wa Bulenga and Wa Funsi-Nabula Road. UPPER EAST REGION Part of the Tropical Continental Zone Fairly level topography with hilly areas in eastern and southeastern sections. Region is a savannah woodland area; widely scattered drought-resistant vegetation. Agriculture is the main occupation, followed by hunting, lumbering and raising livestock and poultry. Dry season (November to mid-february) is long and hot. Cold, dry, harmarttan winds moderate the temperature, but bring in dusty air conditions that can restrict activities, including transport. Road Travel Report: Ghana 35 ASIRT 2014