Filming in Ghana: How to Film Successfully

Ghana's Popular Locations

Ghana has a wide variety of beautiful and interesting places to film, from lively cities and historical landmarks to breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you're looking for modern cityscapes, cultural heritage, or untouched nature, Ghana has something for every filmmaker.

Accra, the capital, is a mix of old and new, with busy markets, modern buildings, and scenic coastal views. Jamestown has a raw, historic charm, while East Legon shows the city’s more polished, upscale side. Kumasi, the center of the Ashanti Kingdom, is rich in tradition, with the Manhyia Palace and the sprawling Kejetia Market offering colorful and authentic settings.

For historical films, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles provide powerful locations that tell the story of Ghana’s past, particularly its role in the transatlantic slave trade. The Larabanga Mosque, with its unique mud-brick structure, is one of West Africa’s oldest religious sites. Nzulezu, the village on stilts, offers a rare and stunning backdrop of life on water.

If you're looking for nature and wildlife, Ghana’s national parks are full of incredible sights. Mole National Park is home to elephants, antelopes, and a variety of birds, making it great for wildlife filming. Kakum National Park’s canopy walkway gives an amazing bird’s-eye view of the rainforest, while the Ankasa Conservation Area is a lush, untouched jungle filled with rare plants and animals. Whether you're filming history, culture, or nature, Ghana is a great place to bring stories to life.

Is Filming in Ghana Safe?

Yes, filming in Ghana is generally safe, especially when proper planning and security measures are in place. The country has a stable political environment, a welcoming culture, and a growing film industry that supports both local and international productions. However, like any filming destination, you have to take precaution.

The National Film Authority, local production crews, and fixers can help navigate logistics, security, and permits. By preparing well, filmmakers can capture Ghana’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity with minimal risks.

Filming Wildlife in Ghana

Ghana offers a diverse and dynamic landscape for wildlife filmmaking, with 18 protected areas, including national parks, resource reserves, sanctuaries, and Ramsar sites. From vast savannahs to lush rainforests and coastal wetlands, filmmakers can capture breathtaking scenes of Africa’s unique biodiversity in its natural habitat.

Top Wildlife Filming Locations:

• Mole National Park – Perfect for filming elephants, baboons, antelopes, and over 200 bird species in the vast savannah.
• Kakum National Park – Home to Ghana’s famous canopy walkway, providing aerial views of dense rainforest, primates, and rare birds.
• Ankasa Conservation Area – A pristine wet evergreen forest, rich with plant life, butterflies, and elusive primates like the white-naped mangabey.
• Kyabobo National Park – Offers dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and the striking “breast mountain”—ideal for adventure and nature documentaries.
• Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary – A unique setting where sacred monkeys live in harmony with local communities, adding a cultural aspect to wildlife storytelling.
• Ramsar Sites (Keta & Songhor Lagoons) – Prime locations for filming migratory birds, traditional fishing practices, and sea turtles during nesting season.

Ghana’s stable political climate and strong conservation efforts make it an ideal destination for wildlife and eco-documentaries. The National Film Authority and local guides are available to support filmmakers in securing permits, location access, and logistical assistance for seamless production.

Whether you’re capturing the power of elephants in Mole, the intricate beauty of rainforest ecosystems in Kakum, or the coexistence of wildlife and culture in Boabeng-Fiema, Ghana provides the perfect backdrop for compelling wildlife storytelling.

Filming with Drones in Ghana

In Ghana, all drones must be registered with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), with registration fees reaching up to $4,000. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison. Drone operators must follow strict regulations, such as maintaining a visual line of sight, keeping flights below 400 feet, and avoiding flights within 10 kilometers of airports or helipads. Operating a drone at night requires a special permit, and drone insurance is mandatory.

Drones cannot be flown over crowds, congested urban areas, or within 30 meters of buildings or vehicles without permission. Additionally, they cannot be used to transport goods without prior authorization. Only individuals aged 18 and above are permitted to operate drones, and flights in icy conditions are strictly prohibited. For further details, refer to the official regulations issued by the GCAA.

More About Visas and Work Permits

To get a visa for Ghana, you need to complete an online application form. Gather the required documents, submit your application, and pay the visa fee.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:

Determine Visa Type:
Ghana offers various visa types, including tourist, business, student, and transit visas. Choose the visa type that aligns with the purpose of your visit.

Gather Required Documents:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Ghana.
• Visa Application Form: Complete the online visa application form accurately and completely.
• Passport-Sized Photo: Provide a recent, color passport-sized photo.
• Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Ghana, such as bank statements or a letter from your sponsor.
• Travel Itinerary: Include evidence of your travel plans, such as flight reservations.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable): If you are invited by a Ghanaian resident, provide an invitation letter.
• Business Letter (for business visas): If traveling for business, include a letter from your employer or sponsoring company on company letterhead.
• Other Documents: Depending on your visa type, you may need additional documents, such as a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian for children under 18 or a company code and certificate for a visa on arrival.

Submit Your Application:

• Online Application: Complete the online visa application form and upload all required documents.
• Payment: Pay the visa fee online or through the specified payment method.
• Submission: Submit your application and supporting documents to the Ghana embassy or consulate in your home country.

Processing and Issuance:

• Processing Time: Visa processing times vary, so check with the Ghana embassy or consulate for estimated processing times.
• Visa Issuance: Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa.

Important Notes:

• Visa on Arrival: Some nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival, but it's advisable to check with the Ghana embassy or consulate in advance.
• Visa Fees: Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the processing method.
• Contact Information: For specific requirements and application procedures, contact the Ghana embassy or consulate in your country.

Filming in Public Places

Filming in public spaces in Ghana is possible but often requires permits and approvals, especially for commercial projects. The Ghana Film Authority (GFA) oversees filming regulations, and for large productions, you may need their approval. Additionally, local authorities may require permits, particularly in cities like Accra, where municipal assemblies regulate public filming. National parks and heritage sites, such as Kakum National Park or Cape Coast Castle, require separate permits from the Ghana Tourism Authority or site managers. If you plan to use drones, approval from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is mandatory.

Filming in streets and markets is generally allowed, but large productions may need police approval for crowd control. It’s essential to avoid filming people without their permission, as some locals may find it intrusive. Certain areas, such as government buildings, military zones, airports, and borders, are highly restricted, and filming without special clearance can result in fines or equipment confiscation.

To ensure smooth filming, hiring a local fixer can be beneficial in obtaining the necessary permits and navigating bureaucracy. Always ask for permission before filming individuals, particularly in markets or traditional areas, and respect cultural norms, as some communities may have restrictions on filming ceremonies or sacred sites. While small-scale projects and vlogs may not face significant issues, professional productions should secure proper clearance to avoid legal complications.

Ghana's Unique Weather

Ghana has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The weather varies slightly across regions, but overall, temperatures remain warm year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).

Rainy Season (April – October)

The southern regions, including Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi, experience two rainy periods: April to June (major rains) and September to October (minor rains). In the north, the rainy season is longer, from May to October. During this time, heavy rainfall can make roads muddy and some locations difficult to access. While the lush landscapes look stunning on camera, rain and cloud cover may disrupt outdoor filming.

Dry Season (November – March)

The best time for filming in Ghana is during the dry season. From November to March, the weather is sunny and clear, with less humidity and minimal rainfall. This period is ideal for shooting in national parks, coastal areas, and cities without weather-related disruptions. However, from December to February, the Harmattan winds blow from the Sahara, bringing a dusty haze, especially in the northern and central regions. While this can create dramatic cinematic effects, it may also reduce visibility.

Best Filming Months

• November to early December – Clear skies, good lighting, and vibrant landscapes before the Harmattan begins.
• March to May – Just before the rainy season, with lush greenery but manageable weather conditions.

For wildlife filming, the dry season is best because animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. If filming in rainforests or waterfalls, the post-rainy season (September–November) offers full rivers and lush scenery.