⚡ Quick Answer: How Does RoRo Shipping to Ghana from the USA Work?
For RoRo shipping from the USA to Ghana, Tema is the principal vehicle-import gateway to evaluate, with Takoradi considered only if the booked carrier accepts the cargo. Running cars, trucks and mobile equipment need confirmed loading space and title documents. Importers should also check Ghana’s vehicle-age, valuation, duty and registration treatment before purchasing the unit.
USA → GHANA RORO SHIPPING SERVICES
A vehicle for Accra is commonly planned around Tema, while industrial equipment heading west may justify a different inland-delivery strategy. All TransportDepot compares available vessel calls and U.S. export gateways, coordinates pickup from dealers or auctions and checks the vehicle’s title, dimensions and operability before dispatch. The consignee remains responsible for Ghana Revenue Authority clearance, local charges and final release.
FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693 • U.S. Vehicle Pickup • African Port Coordination
Which Vehicles & Equipment Can Ship by RoRo to Ghana?
Cars up to 10 Years Old
Ghana bars used vehicles more than 10 years from their manufacture date. Check the build date on the door label, not just the model year.
Left-Hand Drive Only
Vehicles originally built right-hand drive are refused, and the speedometer must read in km/h.
No Major Salvage
Flood, fire and frame-damaged vehicles are barred. Minor repairable damage may pass if the car is roadworthy.
Ghana RoRo Ports & Receiving Arrangements
Tema Port, with Takoradi as a separate option
Tema serves the Greater Accra area and is a leading commercial gateway for cars and rolling equipment. Takoradi is another Ghanaian port, but a RoRo booking there must be individually confirmed with the vessel operator and receiving terminal.
Inland & Alternative Delivery
Vehicles going to Kumasi, Tamale or elsewhere in Ghana require separate inland transport after customs release. A rate to Tema should not be assumed to include nationwide delivery.
The named port is a planning gateway, not confirmation that a direct RoRo sailing is currently available. We verify the vessel, terminal and local receiver before collecting cargo.
RoRo Shipping Cost & Transit Planning to Ghana
RoRo freight to Tema is quoted by vehicle size and U.S. departure port. East Coast ports such as Baltimore, Newark and Jacksonville usually give the most frequent West Africa sailings.
| Cargo | How it is priced | Planning time |
|---|---|---|
| Car or SUV | Per vehicle, by size and U.S. port | About 4–6 weeks door to Tema |
| Pickup, van or bus | By measured volume | Depends on deck space |
| Tractor or construction machine | By dimensions and weight | Carrier approval first |
For all-in car shipping to Ghana, including container options, plan on $1,900–$4,500; see our car shipping to Ghana guide. Ghana duties, levies and port charges are paid separately.
Ghana Import Requirements, Customs & Vehicle Taxes
Ghana’s import treatment depends on the vehicle’s year, engine specification, condition, classification and customs valuation. Ghana Revenue Authority duties, levies and other taxes may apply, and overage or right-hand-drive vehicle rules must be checked on the current tariff and licensing requirements before shipping.
Ghana Customs (GRA)
- Declarations are processed through ICUMS, Ghana’s customs system
- Duty and levies are assessed on the vehicle’s customs value and HS code
- Vehicles over 10 years old are barred, not just penalised
- Use a licensed Ghanaian customs broker
Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)
- Importers and dealers must register with the GSA
- Pre-shipment inspection by a GSA-approved body
- Certificate of Conformance required for clearance from October 1, 2026
- Vehicles that fail are refused entry on arrival
Documents Commonly Needed for Ghana RoRo Shipping
U.S. Export & Booking
- Original vehicle title or accepted ownership documents; lien release if needed
- Purchase invoice or bill of sale, shipper ID and consignee information
- VIN or serial number, dimensions, photos and operating condition
- Applicable AES/EEI filing and ITN, plus terminal delivery order
- Carrier booking and ocean Bill of Lading
Tema Arrival & Clearance
- Bill of Lading in the consignee’s name
- GSA Certificate of Conformance
- Title and purchase invoice matching the VIN
- Consignee’s Ghana Card or TIN for the ICUMS declaration
- Duty payment and terminal release at Tema
How Our RoRo Shipping Service to Ghana Works
1. Check Age & Steering
Build date within 10 years, left-hand drive, no major salvage.
2. Book GSA Inspection
Arrange the pre-shipment inspection and Certificate of Conformance.
3. Collect in the USA
Pickup from the auction, dealer or home to an East Coast terminal.
4. Title & AES
Export documents filed before the terminal cutoff.
5. Sail to Tema
We send the Bill of Lading so your broker can lodge the ICUMS entry early.
6. Clear at Tema
Duty paid, release obtained and the car driven or trucked onward.
RoRo vs Container Shipping to Ghana
Choose RoRo
For safely operable cars, trucks and rolling machinery where the carrier and receiving port have an approved vehicle-handling service.
Consider Container or Special Cargo
For non-running or damaged units, approved additional goods, oversized components or routes without a viable vehicle-deck service. For a passenger car, compare the car shipping to Ghana cost, port and customs details before selecting RoRo or container service.
Frequently Asked Questions About RoRo Shipping to Ghana
Which port handles RoRo cargo to Ghana?
We initially assess Tema Port, with Takoradi as a separate option. The actual terminal and accepted carrier service must be confirmed for the specific booking.
How much does RoRo shipping to Ghana cost?
RoRo freight depends on the vehicle size and U.S. port. For planning, all-in car shipping to Ghana runs about $1,900–$4,500, with Ghana duties and port charges on top.
What is the age limit for cars imported into Ghana?
Used vehicles more than 10 years from their manufacture date are barred from import.
Do I need a GSA certificate to ship a car to Ghana?
Yes. From October 1, 2026 the Ghana Standards Authority requires a pre-shipment inspection and Certificate of Conformance for used vehicles. Without it the car can be refused at Tema.
Can I ship a salvage car to Ghana by RoRo?
Not if it has major damage: flood, fire and chassis-damaged vehicles are barred. A car with minor repairable damage must still start, steer and brake to use RoRo.
What import taxes apply in Ghana?
Ghana Revenue Authority duty and levies depend on the vehicle’s customs value and classification. Your customs broker calculates them in ICUMS from the VIN and invoice.
Can I ship a right-hand-drive car to Ghana?
No. Vehicles originally built right-hand drive are not allowed into Ghana.
How long does RoRo shipping to Ghana take?
Plan on about 4–6 weeks from U.S. pickup to arrival at Tema, depending on the U.S. port and sailing schedule.
Request a Ghana RoRo Shipping Quote
Send your cargo details, pickup ZIP, destination port, dimensions and running condition for a current route assessment and freight quote.
Ian Miriams is part of All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693) with more than 20 years of experience in international shipping and export logistics. The company handles vehicle shipping, RoRo, containerized cargo, heavy machinery and equipment, boats and yachts, inland transportation, and commercial ocean freight. Through major U.S. ports and international carrier networks, All TransportDepot Inc. supports individuals, dealers, exporters, businesses, and project cargo customers shipping from the United States to destinations worldwide.