You need a non-citizen Ghana card to register a vehicle, available with your passport. Don't buy remotely, visit in person to test drive first. Shipping from abroad has high customs duty but you know the car's history. Get an international license before arrival, then convert to Ghana license.
Moving to Ghana and need a car? Here's what you need to know about buying, shipping, and registering a vehicle as an expat.
Can You Register a Vehicle Without Residence?
You need a non-citizen Ghana card to register a vehicle in your name. You can get this card during your first week in Ghana with just your passport. The registry issues these cards to people setting up businesses or planning permanent residence.
If you don't have a non-citizen card yet, you can buy an already registered car and drive it with your international license while you sort out your documentation.
Buying a Car in Ghana
Don't send money to anyone in Ghana to buy a car for you. Come to the country first before making any purchase.
Buy a car in Ghana the same way you would in the States: go check it out and test drive it before you pay. There are garages and sales points where you can visit in person. Do a Google search and several will come up. Making large online payments without visiting first is risky.
Car prices in Ghana are steep at dealerships, but you're more likely to get quality vehicles there. Most cars for sale in Ghana came from abroad, mainly the US and Europe, but increasingly from South Korea, China, and Japan.
Shipping a Car from Abroad
Shipping a car to Ghana has mixed results. Some people find it worth it, others don't.
The main cost is customs duty, which is high. But if you ship your own car, you know all its issues and history. Some people shipped from the US and found it much cheaper than buying in Ghana despite the customs duty. The experience was pleasant apart from the high fees.
Others say save yourself the headache and bring the money to Ghana to buy your car there instead.
If you ship, find a shipping company to transport your car, then visit the port to clear it. Research thoroughly how to clear your car from the port before you start the process.
Driver's License Requirements
Get an international driver's license before arriving in Ghana. This gives you time to know what to do next while you legally drive around.
Ghana used to be lenient with foreign licenses, but now they want Ghana licenses. Visit any license center in Ghana to get a license that allows you to drive there. Let them know you intend to use your foreign license to drive in Ghana so they issue the right document.
The process is easy: acquire a license from your country that allows you to drive internationally, then convert it at a DVLA license center in Ghana.
What to Do First
If you're staying over a year, get an Airbnb for your first month while you look for a permanent place and handle car purchases. This gives you time to visit dealerships, test drive cars, and make smart decisions without rushing.
Don't make large payments for vehicles until you're physically in Ghana and can inspect what you're buying.