December in Accra is not just a month; it’s a full-time job with no leave days. Everything increases: the traffic, the event ticket prices, the surge-priced ride-hailing rides, the constant “Are you coming out?” messages, and the silent pressure to wrap up your life neatly before 31st December so you can enter the new year with that fresh “new me” energy.
Add the fact that you’ve been working, commuting, pushing through deadlines and noise all year, it’s no surprise that by December, many people (introverts especially) are operating on half a battery, while Accra is operating on full volume.
If you want to enjoy the season without losing your mind or your energy, this guide is for you.
1. Know the Traffic Danger Zones Before You Step Out
There are places you don’t approach at certain times unless you’re prepared to age gracefully in the car:
- Osu Oxford Street — After 4 pm? Forget it.
- Airport, Cantonments, Labone — Event-heavy zones; choke by default.
- East Legon & Adjiringanor — After 5 pm is always a problem
- Mahama Road — 4 pm to 7 pm — have patience.
- Atomic Junction → Atomic Down — You’re on your own.
- Accra Central — 7–10 am? Stress. After 2 pm? Don’t try it.
- Lapaz, N1 & Dzorwulu — 6:45–10:30 am; after 4:30 pm, all the best.
- Madina → Adenta — 5–9 pm
- Dome Market — Has its own timetable; unpredictable.
- Kasoa — All day, every day. No explanation needed
If your event starts at 7 pm, leave home at or before 5:30 pm; otherwise, you will get to the event when it has ended.
2. Choose Events That Match Your Energy
There will always be more events than you can attend. Instead of chasing everything, choose the ones that genuinely align with how you feel and what you can handle. Whether it’s a concert, a brunch, a quiet dinner or a festival, prioritise experiences that won’t leave you exhausted. You’re not missing out. You’re being intentional.
3. The Best Times to Leave for Events
- Day Parties:
If the flyer says 2 pm, expect that the event starts around 4 pm because of “Ghana man time”. - Evening Concerts:
If it says 7 pm, add 2–3 hours. But leave home before 6 pm because traffic does not care about your plans. Also, if you get there too late, there will be a lot of people at the entrance trying to get inside and you’ll struggle, depending on the pass you have. If it’s VIP, you may be in the clear. - Big Festivals:
If “everyone” is going, go early or spend half the night in a queue. - 31st Night (Crossover):
Most religious Ghanaians do not play about 31st night. Churches fill faster than concerts, and getting space to park your car can become a problem. Get to church early to avoid standing or sitting outside the building.
4. Have an Exit Plan (This Is Crucial — Especially for Introverts)
Introverts enjoy things more when they know they can leave quietly. If you have your own ride, you move according to your own timing, and you have your peace of mind.
5. Transportation Hacks That Will Save Your Sanity
- Ride-hailing app surge pricing is real. Don’t let it shock you.
- Trotro availability drops, not because they vanished but because they are stuck somewhere along the road in traffic.
- Have backup transport contacts, especially late at night.
6. Enjoy Solo December Moments
You don’t necessarily need a crowd to have a lovely time. You can try:
- a solo breakfast
- a quiet beach visit
- a soft road trip
- a museum afternoon
- a long evening drive with music you actually like (if you can bear the bright headlights from the oncoming vehicles)
Remember that small joys count too.
7. Your Personal Survival Kit
Because December in Accra is chaotic:
- Charger
- Power bank
- Body mist
- Cash (Momo can disappoint you)
- A calm spirit that understands plans will change
- Small fan
- Comfortable shoes/sandals/slippers in your bag
December is for enjoyment, yes, but you get to define what enjoyment looks like. Sometimes it’s shouting lyrics at a concert. Other times, it’s a quiet dinner. And other times, it’s staying home with your peace.
Move the way your energy allows.
And because movement affects everything, your timing, your comfort, your safety, your ability to leave when you want, having your own ride changes the entire December experience.
WopeCar gives you that freedom: Reliable cars, no surge pricing, no unnecessary stress. Just movement on your terms.
Book early. December waits for no one, and neither do the cars.
