I have been in Ghana about a month at this point and I have taken all forms of transportation that are available within Accra. Therefore I see this as the perfect time to talk about the interesting ways to travel in Ghana. Based on the order of price taxis come first. While taxis allow for less walking from junction to actual destination they come at a steep price. Taxis can range from 4 cedi to over 20 depending on where you want to go and how well you can bargain. Therefore, in order to get a good deal on a cab you have to be willing to play the game. For example a cab going from Osu, an area in Accra, to the University of Ghana, in Legon, "should" cost about 5 cedi. However, cab drivers may start the price at 12 cedi. To be clear THIS IS NOT A GOOD PRICE. The best way to handle this is to say "dabi tisso tisso", which is Twi for "no lower lower". By speaking Twi it shows that you are not a tourist that will pay anything. The cab driver will most likely come up with an excuse about why he wants to charge more but if you are able to stand to the price you know to be correct you will be able to get close if not exact to the price you want. A second thing to remember is to never be afraid to walk away. This means you can physically walk away, which will normally bring down the price as well. The third way to handle taxi drivers is when you are in a group you can laugh at the price when they suggest an absurdly high price. This option should only be used if the price is absurdly high because you do not want to offend the driver. Once a cab has been gotten you should not expect to get to your destination without getting lost a little bit first. However eventually you will get to your destination.
Tro-tros are the second most expensive; however, tro-tros around Accra are around 70 peswaas which equates to about 30 cents. The experience of getting in a tro-tro is something unlike anything in America. Tro-tros are fifteen passanger vans that can be anywhere from fine running condition to almost condemn-able. Most tro-tros only stop at designated junctions or stops, somewhat like a metro bus. The "mate" in the tro-tro will use certain hand signals and call out where the tro-tro is headed when it comes up to the junction. Therefore, it is necessary to know which signs signal which places. The reason it is so necessary is because many people will be vying for the same spots on the tro-tro and there are no lines or order to keep your spot. Thus you will have to push your way in and be aggressive in order to get the tro-tro you want, otherwise you will be waiting a very long time. Once on the tro-tro you will pay the mate and sit in very close quarters with all who are on the tro-tro. For people over 5'7" this will be a rather uncomfortable ride but you will get used to it. The tro-tro is the easiest transportation for the best price.
Lastly, are the buses. They are not much different from metro buses in America so if you have ridden on Detroit's People Mover before then you should be fine with the buses in Accra. The only issue with the buses is that they do not run on any particular schedule so actually getting them is more difficult than a tro-tro. These are the three ways to travel in Accra; all are fun and interesting in their own respects and with practice you can make the most of all your travels before you even get to your destination.
