Shipping a car, truck, or SUV to Ghana is one of the more involved things you can send — but it's a well-worn path, and VoltaHaul handles vehicle shipments to Tema Port regularly. This guide walks through how the process actually works, what paperwork you'll need, and how to think about duties (which are set by Ghana's authorities, not by us).
The Two Ways to Ship a Vehicle
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) | The vehicle is driven onto a specialised vessel and secured | Standard running vehicles, lowest cost |
| Container | The vehicle is loaded and secured inside a shipping container | Higher-value vehicles, extra protection, or shipping parts/goods alongside |
Most standard vehicles ship RoRo. If you want maximum protection — or you're sending a high-value car — container shipping is the safer choice. We'll recommend the right option when you book.
Documents You'll Need
Vehicle shipments are paperwork-heavy. Have these ready:
- Original vehicle title (proof of ownership) — this is essential
- Bill of sale (if recently purchased)
- Valid photo ID of the owner/shipper
- Consignee details in Ghana (who receives it)
- Any lien-release documentation if the car was financed
Missing or mismatched title information is the most common cause of vehicle-shipping delays. Confirm the title is clean and in the shipper's name before booking.
How the Process Works, Step by Step
- Get a quote. Vehicle pricing depends on size, weight, method (RoRo vs. container), and origin. Contact us with the make, model, and year for an exact rate.
- Prepare the vehicle. Clean it out, leave only about a quarter tank of fuel, disable the alarm, and remove personal belongings (shipping goods inside the car has its own rules — ask first).
- Deliver to our facility or arrange transport to the departure point.
- Documentation and export filing. We handle the export paperwork.
- Ocean transit to Tema Port — roughly 4–6 weeks depending on routing.
- Customs clearance and duty assessment in Ghana.
- Your consignee collects the vehicle (or arranges onward transport).
About Ghana Import Duties on Vehicles
This is the part everyone asks about — and the part where you should rely on official figures, not estimates. Ghana levies import duties on vehicles based on factors including the vehicle's age, engine size, and assessed value, and older vehicles can attract additional penalties.
Because these figures change and depend on your specific vehicle, we don't quote duty percentages on this page. For a current, accurate duty estimate:
- See our Customs Guide for how Ghana classifies and assesses imports
- Contact us with your vehicle details and we'll point you to current guidance or a clearing agent
Duties are paid to Ghana Customs before the vehicle is released — they are separate from your VoltaHaul shipping cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put household goods inside the car? Sometimes, with declaration — but it changes the customs treatment and isn't always allowed. Ask us before packing anything inside the vehicle.
How long does it take? Ocean transit to Tema is roughly 4–6 weeks, plus customs clearance. Timing depends on routing and the container/RoRo schedule.
Do you ship non-running vehicles? Often yes, but usually by container rather than RoRo, since the car can't be driven on. Tell us the vehicle's condition when you ask for a quote.
Which port does my car arrive at? Vehicles arrive at Tema Port. See Tema Port vs. Kotoka Airport.
Related reading
- Customs Guide: Duties & Clearance
- Tema Port vs. Kotoka Airport: Where Your Shipment Arrives
- How Long Does Ocean Freight to Accra Take?
Shipping a vehicle to Ghana? Contact us with your car's details for an exact quote, or start an estimate →.