Filming in Ghana

Hiring a fixer in Ghana

The favorable exchange rate means that most major currencies go far when filming in Ghana. Locations, supporting crews, and talent are by world standards very inexpensive. The major costs are having to fly in equipment and key crew. Be mindful about smoking in public, as it is illegal, and do not be surprised to see a man with multiple wives. Our fixer in Ghana will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.

Visa for Ghana

As a western passport holder, you will need visas and proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals and those of other countries with which the Government of Ghana has specific bilateral agreements are exempted. US passport holders can apply online. All foreign crew needs Press Accreditation. Our local Ghanaian fixer will provide you with a Letter of Invitation for the press accreditation required for filming in Ghana.

Film Permits in Ghana

Each visiting crew member must have Press Accreditation and security clearances to film anywhere in Ghana. This usually takes 2-3 days to process once all visiting crew documentation is submitted. Film permits at a specific location depend on the scope and nature of the shoot. Although there may not be a set fee for a location, donations help open doors. Shutting down roads and more complex requests typically take our fixer in Ghana at least a week to organize.

Special equipment renting info

Ghana has some standard camera, lighting, and grip equipment available locally. Crews bringing in their own gear will need our Ghanaian film fixer to apply for a customs insurance bond on equipment to be imported.

Tungsten lights or LED? It depends on the feel you want to imprint on your video. We can help you with advice on the right equipment, negotiate discounts on package deals that include everything you need and nothing more, and help you bring it to Ghana.

Cultural facts

Except for obtaining your film permits in Ghana, there are other norms you should stick to when filming here. For example, prolonged eye contact can be viewed as rude or threatening. Smoking in public is prohibited. When meeting a group of people, it is good manners to begin shaking hands with the person on the right and move to the left. Polygamy is legal and people do not have a problem with polygamous families, so far as the breadwinner can provide for all.

Weather when filming in Ghana

When filming in Ghana, you should know that the temperature typically varies from 23°C (74°F) to 32°C (91°F). The hot season lasts for 5.8 months, from November 17 to May 11, with an average daily high temperature above 31°C (89°F). Also, the cool season lasts for 2.2 months, from July 3 to September 9, with an average daily high temperature below 28°C (83°F). However, in Accra, the wet season is mostly cloudy, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it feels hot year-round.

Tax rebate in Ghana

There are no tax incentives for foreign films or commercial shootings in Ghana at the moment. However, talent day rates and buyouts are reasonable. You should keep in mind that our fixer in Ghana negotiates it on a personal basis., ensuring the most reduced costs for you.

You should plan to spend around GH¢288 ($26) per day in Ghana. Some of our past customers have spent, on average, GH¢69 ($6.31) on meals for one day and GH¢94 ($8.60) on local transportation, to visit the country after a shooting day.

Conclusion on filming in Ghana

All visitors entering Ghana must have valid entry visas or in the case of Commonwealth nationals, entry permits, issued by a Ghana diplomatic mission or consulate abroad or any other visa-issuing authority mandated by the Ghana Government to act on its behalf. Besides the usual film permits, you will need a Press Accreditation that our fixer in Ghana can help you with.

Expect to find some standard gear, fit for a small to medium production. If more specialized equipment is required, we know all the trustworthy suppliers in the region. Also we have the leverage to negotiate the best prices for you. Contact us for video production and help navigate the social reality of Ghana.

Get in touch

hello@fixerghana.com