Ghana import query
 

Hi all, we are currently in The Gambia waiting for DHL to deliver an Ohlins rear shock (ouch!). Due to it being classified as dangerous goods we have been hit hard on the courier fee, and are now trying to make up costs in other areas... so a friend plans to meet up with us in Ghana in a couple of months, flying from London, and has offered to bring us in a set of tyres that we had previously thought we would just get couriered in. Anyone out there know if it is possible to carry tyres on as check-in luggage, and would there be hassle for her coming through Ghana's customs?

We have a carnet, so hopefully if we're there to meet her could alleviate any problems?

Thanks for any responses / advice...

Mark and Allison

Buy them in Ghana
 

Not that I know exactly what u want. But buy African, buy what is avail. And especially Ghana even more than Cote d'Ivoire or Nigeria should have most of what we are looking for. They are said to be the best mechanics on the continent. Going there soon and will find out.
Think of ur poor friend ;-)
Manfred, in Bamako

Tyre size available?
 

So Manfred, do you know if Ghana stocks tyres to fit a BMW 1150GS (front tyre 110/80/19, rear 150/70/17)... so far there has been no tyres large enough to fit but if Ghana has them we'd rather source there and avoid importing. As well as save our friend trying to cart a tyre over each shoulder!

Not been to Ghana yet
 

A friend, who lives here in Bamako, who by chance owns a 1150GS, and other bikes, puts it this way, for the newest model maybe not for anything older chances are pretty good in Ghana (Accra). I am exited myself getting to Ghana and see.

A friend of mine who is extremely tight actually brought in a set of tyres (Ford pickup) from USA to Ghana as checked luggage. Customs will not give you hassle - I have brought in very strange vehicle items many times no problem at all, just smile and greet and you will see how friendly Ghanaians are!

About sourcing the tyres here in Ghana, well I would not count on it. I am sure you would get them but it might be quite a hunt. About them being the continent's best mechanics... well, let's just say I know some brilliant technicians but also some real butchers!
Gil

An alternative to getting tyres in Ghana may be to try in Togo instead. Toni Togo, the KTM dealer in Lome has a range of Mich deserts etc. I expect that he would mainly have standard 18 & 21 inch sizes, rather than 17s/ 19s, but worth trying in advance.

Tyres to Ghana
 

With KLM the check in baggage allowance is huge - 2x 25kg bags and 10kg hand luggage so if your friend wants to bring the tyres weight shouldnt be a problem.

Baggage to Ghana
 

You also get good baggage allowance on Ghana International, from Gatwick direct, with no change of aircraft.

They allow 46kg per person plus 8kg hand baggage, we used it last October.