A comprehensive guide to filming in Ghana

Filming in Ghana can be done once one has acquired all the necessary permission that is required of them by the law. The general filming permit of Ghana is issued out by the National film Authority and the application process has to be done through a local fixer on your behalf. In addition to the filming permit, foreign film crews also need to get media/press accreditation. Temporary importation permits for your equipment and Location permits where necessary. Contact our team for more information.

Filming Permit for Ghana

To film anywhere in Ghana, every visiting crew member must obtain a film permit which is issued out by the National FIlm Authority in Ghana. This application has to be done through a local fixer who then follows up the entire process until approval is issued out.  The processing time typically ranges between two weeks once all required documentation are submitted.

Documents required:

    • Introduction letter including project description, synopsis location , schedule and crew.
    • Complete the equipment list for the production
    • List of Ghanaian cast and crews with their roles and IDs
    • List of foreign cast and crews with their roles and Passports
    • Passport-size pictures of foreign cast and crews

The cost of a filming permit in Ghana costs 300 USD and once this money is paid, then the approval is issued out for you to film in Ghana. For assistance with getting a filming permit in Ghana please contact our local Ghana Fixer

Media/Press Accreditation for Filming in Ghana

In addition to the Filming permit, One also needs to be accredited by National Film Authority. Media accreditation is what proves that you have been officially approved to film in the country. Media application is mandatory for all crew members. 

  •  Application process. This has to be done through a local fixer and the process of appilcation to approval takes about 3 to 4 weeks but with fast tracking in can be done within 2 weeks. All you have to provide us with is the synopsis of the shoot , passport copy and passport sized photographs
  • Cost of Media accreditation is 200 USD on normal application basis per person . Please contact us for assistance with press accreditation

Location permits for filming in Ghana

Certain Locations in Ghana require you to get extra permission on top of the general filming permit and media accreditation. These places include national games parks and reserves. Cultural and heritage sites. Public places such as markets and locations that are privately owned. The cost for these locatios  permits varies depending on the administrators and the place you are interested in. For any assitance with getting location permits for filming in Ghana, Please feel free to contact Africa Fixers.  

Drone permits for filming in Ghana

Filming with a drone in Ghana can be done as long as you have the approval from Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. Drone importation in the country can also be done as long as you have the required documents and paperwork and follow the right procedure as shown below

  •  Apply for temporary approval and customs clearance from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) before importing the drone.
  • Submit the specifications of the drone
  • submit the drone operator’s license

Customs payment: Upon the drone’s arrival, pay 60% of its price to customs, which is refundable upon departure. Additionally, pay a fee for registration and temporary importation.

-INSPECTION AT GCAA: Send the drone to the GCAA for inspections immediately after clearing customs.

-PERMIT ISSUANCE: After inspection, an official permit will be issued by the GCAA.

Rules and regulations for filming drones in Ghana

For safe and legal drone filming in Ghana, follow these simple guidelines:

Register Your Drone: Register your drone with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Stay Safe in the Skies: Keep at least 10 kilometers (6 miles) away from airports or helipads. Don’t fly your drone at least 400 feet.

Always keep an eye on your drone.

Insurance Matters: Make sure your drone has insurance for all operations.

 No-Go Zones: Don’t fly your drone in restricted areas.

 Operator Requirements: Drone operators must be at least 18 years old.

 City Caution: Avoid flying in busy city areas and over crowds.

Filming locations in Ghana

Ghana offers diverse filming locations, from historical sites to scenic landscapes and to wildlife zones such as National parks, the Country has several options for you to pick out. Here are some popular filming locations in Ghana, along with brief details:

  • Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle: These historical castles were used during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. They provide a poignant backdrop for films exploring historical narratives or human resilience.
  • Kakum National Park: Located in the Central Region. Known for its iconic canopy walkway, Kakum National Park features lush rainforest, diverse flora and fauna, and unique opportunities for shooting wildlife and nature scenes.
  • Mole National Park in Northern Region. It is Ghana’s largest wildlife refuge; Mole National Park offers a chance to capture diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, including elephants, antelopes, and baboons.
  • Wli Waterfalls in the Volta Region. Wli Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in West Africa, is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a stunning natural setting for film productions.
  • Aburi Botanical Garden is located in the Eastern Region. The Aburi Botanical Garden provides a tranquil environment with various plant species, making it an ideal location for scenes requiring a botanical backdrop.
  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum was found in Accra. The mausoleum dedicated to Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, offers a grand and dignified setting suitable for historical or political scenes.
  • Osu Castle (Christiansborg Castle) in Accra. Once a colonial seat of government, Osu Castle is a historic site that can be used for various film genres, including historical dramas.
  •  Witch Camps in the Northern Region. Witch camps are settlements where individuals accused of witchcraft seek refuge. These locations provide a unique cultural and social context for documentary filmmaking.
  • Labadi Beach in Accra. Labadi Beach offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for scenes depicting local culture, celebrations, or social gatherings.
  • Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, provides a picturesque backdrop for scenes involving water activities, fishing communities, or boat journeys.
  • Bia National Park is known for its biodiversity, including various species of primates, birds, and butterflies. It’s an excellent location for filming wildlife and nature documentaries.
  • Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area with a reservoir, providing opportunities to film diverse bird species and other wildlife in a natural setting
  • Forts (Amsterdam, Metal Cross, Saint Anthony, Good Hope, Patience, and Orange). Offering a unique blend of history, culture, and cinematic possibilities. Our nation is home to awe-inspiring forts and castles, standing as living testaments to the chapters of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and European colonization.

Fixer services offered by fixers in Ghana?

The services offered to you by our local fixers range from pre production to production as listed below

  • Filming permits
  • Media accreditation
  • customs clearance,
  • equipment hire
  • talent sourcing
  • location scouting.
  • Location management
  • Transportation services.
  • Visa application 

Visa Application in Ghana?

Applying for a visa in Ghana is simple. All you need is a passport-sized photograph and a photo of your passport bio-data. We apply for visas on your behalf, and they usually take 5 to 15 days to be approved after application. If you consider Ghana a filming location, applying for the visas in advance is essential. Contact our team for more information.

Transport services for filming in Ghana?

Local transport services are available and reliable for use in Ghana. The transport system is very efficient and safe. You have several options to choose from. This choice will depend on your budget, crew size, equipment, and any other preferences you may have. Africa Fixers provides these transportation services with professional and well-versed drivers in Ghana’s local areas.  Get in touch with us for more information.

Equipment importation in Ghana

Crews bringing in their gear will need a local film fixer to apply for a customs insurance bond on equipment to be imported. You will send a list of equipment showing the value of each item that will be imported. Once this is done, a temporary permit is set up for you, and a specific fee is ascertained for you to pay. Get in contact with us to know more about the importation of filming equipment in Ghana.

Can one hire and rent filming equipment locally in Ghana

There are some media houses in Ghana in which equipment can be rented for any shoot. If you plan on renting equipment locally, you must book it beforehand. This is because the equipment available is few compared to the demand. All you have to do is send a list of equipment you want; then we will source it for you. Contact us for more information.

Tips to Consider when Filming in Ghana

Hire a fixer in Ghana

For a successful shoot in Ghana. You must hire the services of a local Ghanaian film fixer in the country, both for preproduction and production. Having a fixer with you during your shoot will ensure that any issues that may come up in the process will be dealt with. Shoots can be dynamic, and any small thing can erupt into a big problem, halting your shoot, but with a fixer on the ground, you get to eliminate such.

To know about a fixer in Ghana, please contact us.

Best time to film in Ghana

When filming in Ghana, it’s important to consider the country’s tropical climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season typically runs from April to October, while the dry season spans from November to March. The temperature varies between 23°C (74°F) and 32°C (91°F) throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 25-32°C (77-90°F).

The hot season lasts 5.8 months, from November 17 to May 11, featuring an average daily high temperature above 31°C (89°F). Conversely, the cool season lasts 2.2 months, from July 3 to September 9, with an average daily high temperature below 28°C (83°F). In Accra, the wet season is mostly cloudy, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it feels hot year-round.

For filming considerations, the dry season, characterized by sunny and dry weather, may be ideal for outdoor shoots. However, it’s worth noting that the dry season can also be dusty, affecting filming conditions. On the other hand, the wet season presents lush and green vegetation, perfect for nature scenes. Nevertheless, challenges such as rain, humidity, and potential flooding should be considered when planning productions during this period.

Overall, the best filming season in Ghana may vary depending on the specific requirements of the production. It is advisable to consult with local experts, such as production companies or film commissions, to determine the best time of year to film based on the project’s specific needs. Contact us to plan your shoot today.

How should one conduct themselves when filming in Ghana?

Observing proper etiquette is crucial when engaging in Ghanaian culture. Greetings should follow the tradition of moving from right to left, using the right hand, with palms properly aligned. This applies universally, regardless of age, gender, or status. Utilize the right hand for giving and receiving items. It is customary to respect everyone.

Show respect for the local environment by avoiding wasteful practices. Every item is valued in Ghana, and even small things are significant. Adhering to these cultural norms fosters positive interactions and mutual respect during your time in Ghana. For more information , please feel free to contact us

Limitations on the type of content that can be filmed in Ghana

Anything considered harmful to Ghana’s moral image as a country is prohibited. Most of the filmed content should have no negative effect on the country’s government.

Safety precautions to consider when filming in Ghana?

Ghana is safe, but stay updated on the local security situation and assess potential risks. Consult with local authorities or experienced professionals to determine any necessary safety precautions and measures during your shoot. And when on shoot. Having a local fixer with you is always advised, especially in remote areas.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about safety precautions while filming in Ghana.

Regulations for filming wildlife in Ghana

When filming wildlife, you are supposed to follow the conservation rules and regulations of the Wildlife conservation laws, such as no hunting and capturing wildlife.

You must have all the necessary permissions from the parks and wildlife authority to work with animals. In addition, you will have to acquire extra permits needed for the locations you will be filming in, such as national parks. Different national parks will have different tariffs depending on the activity taking place.

When filming wildlife, a code of conduct must be followed. Some regulations include keeping a safe distance from the animals, not damaging the environment, refraining from animal disturbance, etc.

Contact us to know more about regulations for filming wildlife in Ghana.

Hiring local crew

Ghana’s talent and casting scene offer a spectrum of options. The country has a diverse pool of skilled talents for the filming industry. We source the best skills and offer casting solutions that meet the diverse needs of film and television productions. Contact us to plan your shoot today.

Languages used in Ghana

There are roughly fifty native languages in Ghana and the official language is English. The main ones are Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagaare, and Dagbani. There are various tribes in different places that speak various languages. Feel free to contact us for further assistance.

state of health facilities in Ghana

The state of Health care in the cities of Ghana is generally fair and you are assured of getting health services in case of anything when on shoot. This is different if you are filming in the rural areas at the moment rural areas in Ghana are still affected with a lack of healthcare facilities. Contact us for further inquiries about health facilities.

Kind of food is eaten in Ghana

In Ghana’s southern region, plantains and cassava are common staple foods. Sorghum and millet are the principal staple foods in the northern region. Ghana uses beans, maize, and yam as staple foods. Cocoyam and sweet potatoes play significant roles in Ghanaian food and diet. Fast foods and some foreign cuisines can be gotten in restaurants and hotels. Contact us for more details.

Choose Africa Fixers?

Africa Fixers is a local fixer company in Africa. We assist filming companies and production agencies in countries listed on our website, including Ghana. Over the years, we have worked with various production companies on several projects, making us very experienced in this industry. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies in Ghana to ensure that accreditation and filming permits are processed quickly. Contact us for details and any pertinent information you want for successful filming in Ghana.