Shipping a car from the United States to Ghana has become increasingly common over the past decade. Some of it is driven by affordability—people often find good deals on used vehicles in the U.S. compared to what’s available locally. Others are motivated by quality, since American cars tend to have better maintenance records and sometimes lower mileage. But the bigger question is how to actually get a car across the Atlantic without spending a fortune. This is where West Africa RORO shipping often comes into the picture.
RORO, which stands for “roll-on, roll-off,” is essentially a method of transporting vehicles on specialized ships designed like floating parking garages. Cars are driven directly onto the vessel at the port of origin and driven off once they reach Ghana. At first glance, the concept appears simple enough. But behind it is a web of costs, schedules, shipping companies, and port regulations that can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a stressful one.
Why People in Ghana Turn to U.S. Cars
If you’ve spent time at Tema port or even just browsed online auto marketplaces in Accra, you’ll notice how many vehicles are tagged as “U.S. import.” The demand is not accidental. U.S. car auctions—like Copart and IAAI—are popular sources for slightly damaged or repossessed vehicles that still have years of use left in them. Importers in Ghana may buy a car at $5,000 in New Jersey, spend another $1,200 to ship it RORO, and after paying duties and clearing costs, still end up with a vehicle that’s significantly cheaper than a similar one bought locally.
Of course, this doesn’t mean every deal is a bargain. Sometimes auction cars hide more damage than advertised, and shipping delays can eat into profits. Yet the trade persists because, more often than not, the math works out. It may also suggest a cultural preference for certain U.S. brands—Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and Honda are among the most visible on Ghanaian roads.
The Basics of RORO Shipping
RORO shipping to Ghana from the USA follows a straightforward process, at least on paper. After purchasing the vehicle, the exporter arranges delivery to the departure port—commonly places like New Jersey, Baltimore, Savannah, or Jacksonville. The car is inspected, checked in, and then rolled onto the ship’s deck.
Compared to container shipping, RORO tends to be cheaper because you don’t need to rent an entire container or worry about container handling fees. The trade-off, however, is security and flexibility. With RORO, your car is stored in an open area of the vessel alongside hundreds of others, which makes it more vulnerable to minor scratches or exposure to salty air. With a container, you pay more but the car is sealed until it arrives.
Still, for the average Ghana-bound car buyer who wants to cut costs, RORO appears to be the more practical choice. Many shipping agents even advise it upfront, arguing that the price difference can be hundreds of dollars per vehicle.
Costs and What They Don’t Tell You
When people hear “affordable shipping,” the assumption is often that the price you’re quoted covers everything. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Shipping a sedan from the U.S. to Ghana via RORO may cost anywhere between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the port. But once the car lands, you have to factor in customs duties, port charges, clearing agent fees, and sometimes even demurrage if your documents are delayed.
For example, a buyer who brings in a 2015 Toyota Camry may think they’re saving $300 by choosing RORO over container shipping. But if the ship docks late and the car sits at Tema port for extra days, storage fees can quickly erode those savings. This is why some experienced importers argue that affordability in shipping should be measured over the entire journey—not just the ocean freight.
That said, West Africa RORO still ranks high on the affordability scale, especially for bulk shippers. Dealers bringing in multiple cars at once often find RORO the only feasible method to keep their margins intact.
How Long Does It Take?
Transit times vary, but on average it takes between 18 to 30 days for a RORO shipment from the East Coast of the United States to reach Ghana. A ship leaving from Baltimore may arrive faster than one departing from Houston simply because of the route. However, it’s not just the sailing time that matters. Scheduling can cause delays since RORO vessels don’t depart daily. Missing a sailing could mean waiting another week or two.
And then there’s the port congestion issue. Tema, being one of the busiest ports in West Africa, occasionally experiences backlogs. Cars may arrive on time but get stuck in the queue for offloading. Importers who’ve been in the trade for years often share stories of shipments that sat offshore for days before finally being cleared to unload. So while shipping companies often advertise smooth timelines, the reality may be more unpredictable.
Who Actually Uses West Africa RORO?
It might be easy to assume RORO is only for large-scale dealers, but that isn’t entirely accurate. Yes, dealerships bringing in ten or more vehicles benefit most from RORO’s affordability. But individuals—students returning home, Ghanaians abroad sending cars to family, or professionals relocating—also use the service.
For example, someone in New York might buy a car for their younger sibling in Kumasi and choose RORO because it’s the cheapest way to get the car shipped. Even though they know there are minor risks, the cost difference compared to a container makes it the more attractive option.
Potential Downsides Worth Considering
It would be misleading to call RORO flawless. A few realities should be acknowledged:
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Limited protection: Cars are not enclosed, meaning exposure to saltwater and weather is possible.
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No personal items allowed: Unlike container shipping, most RORO carriers strictly forbid leaving personal belongings inside the vehicle.
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Dependence on schedules: Missing one sailing could delay your shipment by weeks.
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Minor damage risk: While major incidents are rare, small scratches or dents occasionally occur.
These downsides don’t necessarily outweigh the benefits, but they explain why some people still choose container shipping even at a higher cost.
The Ghana Port Experience
Anyone who has cleared a car at Tema knows the process can be daunting, especially for first-timers. After your vehicle arrives, customs clearance must be completed before you can take possession. This involves paying import duty, VAT, and other port fees. The rates vary depending on the year, make, and engine capacity of the vehicle.
Some importers hire clearing agents to handle the paperwork and logistics, which can save time but adds to the overall expense. For individuals unfamiliar with the system, this may be the safest approach. The port environment is fast-paced, and without the right connections, cars can be held longer than expected.
Interestingly, some importers even argue that the stress of port clearance outweighs the savings of RORO shipping. It’s a bold claim, but it reflects how much bureaucracy can impact the overall affordability of the process.
Why West Africa RORO Remains Popular
Despite the risks and hidden costs, West Africa RORO shipping keeps growing. The reason may be simple: it strikes a balance between affordability and practicality. While container shipping offers more security, the average buyer in Ghana may not see the value in paying hundreds more just to avoid small scratches.
There’s also the sheer scale of demand. With thousands of Ghanaians importing cars each year, the system evolves to meet that demand. RORO shipping companies advertise specifically to West African clients, and the network of U.S. auction houses, freight forwarders, and Ghanaian clearing agents keeps the cycle going.
A Final Word on “Affordable”
The phrase “affordable car shipping” can be tricky. What’s affordable to a car dealer moving ten vehicles may not feel affordable to an individual shipping a single car for personal use. What looks cheap at first may later feel costly if port fees spiral.
Yet, RORO shipping appears to hit the sweet spot for most Ghana-bound vehicles. It’s cheaper than containers, widely available, and fast enough for the majority of importers. Like many things, it’s not perfect. But for Ghanaians looking to bring in a reliable car from the U.S. without breaking the bank, West Africa RORO seems to remain the default choice.