When your shipment reaches Ghana, it arrives at one of two places depending on how you sent it: Tema Port for ocean freight, or Kotoka International Airport for air freight. Knowing which one — and what happens there — helps you and your consignee plan collection without surprises.
Quick Comparison
| 🚢 Tema Port | ✈️ Kotoka Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| Receives | Ocean freight | Air freight |
| Location | ~25 km east of Accra | In Accra |
| Transit time | 28–35 days | 5–7 business days |
| Best for | Barrels, appliances, heavy goods | Electronics, documents, urgent items |
| Clearance | Ghana Customs at the port | Ghana Customs at the airport |
Tema Port — The Ocean Gateway
Tema is Ghana's largest seaport, just east of Accra, and it's where every ocean shipment lands. After the container is offloaded:
- The shipment is processed through the port.
- Ghana Customs assesses duties and clears the cargo.
- Your consignee (or their agent) collects from the port, or you arrange last-mile delivery.
Because Tema is outside Accra, factor in transport from the port to your consignee's home — especially if they're in Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, or another region. Many customers add home delivery so the consignee doesn't have to travel to the port at all.
Kotoka International Airport — The Air Gateway
Kotoka, in Accra, handles all air freight. It's faster and more central:
- The shipment arrives within 5–7 business days.
- Ghana Customs clears it at the airport.
- Your consignee collects, or delivery is arranged.
Air costs more per pound, but for electronics, documents, or anything urgent, the speed and the central Accra location are worth it.
Which Should You Use?
It comes down to what you're shipping and how fast you need it:
- Heavy, bulky, not urgent → ocean to Tema. Barrels, furniture, appliances.
- Light, valuable, or urgent → air to Kotoka. Phones, laptops, paperwork.
- A mix → split it. Bulk by ocean, urgent items by air.
See the full cost-and-speed trade-off in our Ocean vs. Air Freight guide.
Getting Goods Beyond Accra
Neither Tema nor Kotoka is the final stop if your family is outside Greater Accra. Options:
- Consignee collects and arranges their own transport to Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, etc.
- Add last-mile delivery at booking so we coordinate it for you.
Either way, arrival at Tema or Kotoka is the handover point where customs clears your goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which port my shipment uses? It's determined by service: ocean always arrives at Tema, air always at Kotoka. Choosing your service chooses your arrival point.
Who pays customs duties at the port? Duties are paid to the Ghana Customs Authority before release — typically by the consignee. See our Customs Guide.
How will my consignee know it's arrived? You'll have a tracking number to follow on the tracking page, and we coordinate collection details as the shipment lands.
Related reading
- Ocean vs. Air Freight to Ghana
- How Long Does Ocean Freight to Accra Take?
- Customs Guide: Duties & Clearance
Not sure which gateway fits your shipment? Get a free estimate → and compare ocean and air.