Ghana
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
16
Coastline
539 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Accra
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Mellow right pointbreaks
- Consistently headhigh
- Virgin, warm water surf
- Discovery potential
- Tropical African scenery
Negatives
- Lack of powerful waves
- Small waves in dry season
- Beach pollution
- Hot, humid and malarial
- Expensive flights
Where to surf in Ghana
Most surfers would know little about surfing in Ghana, apart from the backwash waves that were surfed out to sea in The Endless Summer. Ghana claimed independence in 1957, avoided the region’s wars and grew a democracy based on gold and cocoa. Ghana still has a frontier feel and the potential to discover empty right peelers is just as real today as it was in the '60s.
West of Accra, you will find 250km of golden sand and rocky patches, backed by flat plains and numerous estuarine lagoons. The surf scene is relaxed and empty outside the main surf camp areas of Kokrobite and Busua, where intermediates will love the rolling righthand points and beginners can frolic in the flanking beachbreaks.
East of Accra and Labadi Beach has been heavily industrialised with massive ports, terminals and jetties appearing in recent years, yet there are still some right points and peaks near the jetties around Tema. Rampant coastal armouring has occurred around Ningo, where the short, stubby rock jetties may help build some good sandbars in front of the numerous beach resorts. Straighthanders proliferate in front of the huge Songor Lagoon, before rights return as the coastline snakes N into Keta and onto the Togo border.
Surf spots in Ghana
Research the 16 surf breaks in Ghana and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Ghana.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Ghana
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 897,000
- Population
- 31,072,940
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- GHS
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 9,216 GHS GHS
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +233
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga)
Electricity
- Plug Type
- dg
Visas
You must get a visa before arrival and it can be slow so make sure you give yourself enough time before you travel. The UK cost is £20, France 50€, USA $60. Other country visa costs are somewhere in between. Contact your nearest Ghanaian Embasssy or high Commission. South Africans and most other African nationalities (excluding Morocco) can get a visa on arrival or do not need one. Latest visa info here
Getting There
Kotoka Airport in Accra is mostly served from London, Frankfurt, Milan, Amsterdam and New York. Ghana Airways fly in almost every country in West Africa. Dep tax: $20. Use STC buses to Takoradi (4h away, $4) then take a tro-tro (minibus) until Agona junction and take a taxi for Busua: about 1h.
Getting Around
The road network is in decent shape, but secondary roads are unsealed. Car rental is very costly ($450/week with Sputnik), only available in Accra. Better options for getting around include taxis, tro-tros and mammy wagons. Favour State Transport Corporation buses for long distance journeys, as they are more comfortable and safer.
Accommodation
Busua has accommodation to suit all budgets. Mr Brights and Ahanta Waves organise accommodation, lessons and tours to spots where you’ll be surfing all alone. Near Accra try Big Milly Backyard and Escape3points Lodge at Cape 3 Points is the best by far.
Activities
Besides palm-fringed beaches and slave forts, Ankasa national park is only 2h away. Fish markets are unavoidable! Laid-back atmosphere in Busua.
Hazards & hassles
Yellow fever, malaria and other tropical diseases. Night walks along beaches invite muggings. Ghana’s parliament recently passed a bill that imposes a three-year jail term on people who identify as LGBTQ. Drink bottled water only. Locals use the beach as a toilet. Snakes and scorpions.
Handy Hints
Mr Brights and Ahanta Waves have the basics but bring your own gear if you’re surfing beyond Busua.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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