Ghana operates on the Ghanaian cedi, abbreviated GHS or GH₵, which replaced the previous cedi in 2007 at a redenomination rate of 10,000 old cedis to one new cedi. As of 2024, exchange rates fluctuate between 12 and 15 cedis per US dollar, though this has deteriorated from approximately 6 cedis per dollar in 2019 and represents ongoing currency depreciation against major currencies. The cedi subdivides into 100 pesewas. Notes circulate in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 cedis. Coins exist for 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pesewas, plus 1 and 2 cedi coins, though coins below 50 pesewas have largely disappeared from practical circulation. Inflation averaged 31 percent in 2023, directly affecting purchasing power for travelers and locals alike. The Bank of Ghana sets monetary policy from its headquarters in Accra. Currency availability presents few problems in major cities, but rural areas operate predominantly on cash, and smaller denominations become essential outside urban centers.
ATMs in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, and Cape Coast generally accept Visa and Mastercard, with withdrawal limits typically capped at 2,000 cedis per transaction, requiring multiple withdrawals for larger amounts. Ecobank, Stanbic Bank, Absa Bank Ghana, and Zenith Bank maintain the most reliable ATM networks. Transaction fees range from 10 to 20 cedis per withdrawal from local banks, with foreign transaction fees added by your home institution. ATMs frequently run out of cash on weekends and public holidays, particularly outside Accra. Credit card acceptance remains limited to upscale hotels, some restaurants in Accra and Kumasi, and larger tour operators, with Visa more widely accepted than Mastercard or American Express. Mobile money services—MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Money—have transformed domestic payments since 2015, with an estimated 18 million active users as of 2023. Many smaller vendors, taxi drivers, and guesthouses accept mobile money transfers, though tourists need a Ghanaian SIM card and registered account to participate in this system.
Budget accommodation in Accra starts around 80 to 150 cedis per night for basic guesthouses in neighborhoods like Nungua, Dansoman, or Kaneshie, offering a bed, fan, and shared bathroom. Mid-range hotels in Osu or Airport Residential Area charge 250 to 500 cedis for air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and sometimes breakfast. International chain hotels and business-class properties in Ridge or East Legon demand 800 to 2,000 cedis nightly. Outside Accra, prices drop substantially. In Kumasi, serviceable guesthouses near Asafo Market or the central business district cost 60 to 120 cedis. Cape Coast offers hostels and budget hotels at 70 to 140 cedis within walking distance of Cape Coast Castle. Tamale and northern cities provide rooms from 50 to 100 cedis in local hotels, though standards vary considerably. Mole National Park guesthouse charges approximately 150 cedis for basic rooms near the park entrance. Coastal towns like Busua, Kokrobite, and Anomabo have backpacker lodges and beachside huts from 80 to 200 cedis depending on season and proximity to the beach. Homestays arranged through community tourism initiatives in Volta Region or Upper East Region typically cost 40 to 80 cedis including meals, providing direct economic benefit to rural households.
Street food represents the most economical eating option. A ball of kenkey with fish and pepper sauce costs 8 to 15 cedis at roadside stalls throughout Accra. Waakye served from roadside pots with spaghetti, gari, fish or egg, and stew runs 10 to 20 cedis for a substantial portion. Red-red with fried plantain and gari sells for 12 to 18 cedis. Banku and okro stew with fish averages 15 to 25 cedis. Jollof rice portions with chicken or fish range from 20 to 35 cedis at chop bars—informal eateries found in every neighborhood. Fufu with light soup or groundnut soup and goat or chicken costs 25 to 40 cedis. Kelewele sold in small plastic bags goes for 5 to 10 cedis as a snack. Tuo Zaafi with ayoyo or groundnut soup common in northern Ghana sells for 15 to 25 cedis. Local restaurants in Accra, called chop bars or local joints, serve complete meals for 30 to 50 cedis. Mid-range Ghanaian restaurants in tourist areas like Osu or Labone charge 50 to 100 cedis for similar dishes in air-conditioned settings. International cuisine and Lebanese, Chinese, or Indian restaurants in Accra demand 80 to 200 cedis per main course. Western-style fast food at Chicken Licken, Papa's Pizza, or KFC costs 40 to 80 cedis for a meal. A 330ml bottle of Club Beer or Star Beer at a local spot costs 8 to 12 cedis, rising to 15 to 25 cedis in restaurants.
Intercity transport varies dramatically by mode. Trotros—privately owned minibuses forming the backbone of public transport—charge based on distance. Accra to Kumasi costs 40 to 60 cedis in a trotro, taking four to five hours depending on traffic and stops. Accra to Cape Coast runs 30 to 50 cedis for the three-hour journey. Accra to Tamale ranges from 100 to 150 cedis for an eight to ten hour trip. VIP and STC buses offer more comfort and reliability at higher prices. VIP bus from Accra to Kumasi costs approximately 80 to 100 cedis with air conditioning and assigned seating. Accra to Takoradi on VIP runs 70 to 90 cedis. Intercity shared taxis cost roughly double trotro fares but depart when full rather than on fixed schedules. Private taxi hire for intercity travel becomes expensive—Accra to Cape Coast might cost 800 to 1,200 cedis for the vehicle. Within Accra, standard taxis charge 15 to 40 cedis for journeys within the same neighborhood, 40 to 80 cedis for cross-city trips, though ride-hailing apps Uber and Bolt offer meter-equivalent pricing typically 10 to 20 percent below negotiated taxi rates. Trotros within Accra cost 3 to 8 cedis depending on distance. Domestic flights between Accra and Kumasi on Passion Air or Africa World Airlines cost 400 to 800 cedis one way depending on booking timing.
Entry fees for major sites remain relatively low. Cape Coast Castle charges 50 cedis for international visitors, 10 cedis for Ghanaian adults. Elmina Castle costs the same. Kakum National Park canopy walkway entrance runs 80 cedis for non-residents, 15 cedis for Ghanaian citizens. Mole National Park charges 80 cedis park entry plus 120 cedis for a morning walking safari with a ranger, mandatory for all visitors. Aburi Botanical Gardens costs 20 cedis. The W.E.B. Du Bois Centre in Accra charges 30 cedis. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park costs 20 cedis for foreigners. Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi runs 40 cedis. Lake Bosomtwe access costs 10 to 20 cedis depending on entry point. Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary charges 40 cedis including a guided walk. Paga Crocodile Pond costs 30 cedis plus optional tips for guides. Many community-run sites operate on negotiable fees or suggested donations. Photography fees apply at some locations, typically 20 to 50 cedis additional. National Museum of Ghana in Accra charges 20 cedis entry.