Leandro Damiao struck the only goal on the stroke of half-time, running on to a defence-splitting ball from Fernandinho and finding the corner of the net from a tight angle.
It was one of the few moments of invention from the former world champions, even with the crafty Ronaldinho returning for his first international appearance since November after showing excellent form for Brazilian title contenders Flamengo.
He delivered a perfect cross to provide substitute Alexandre Pato with a header that forced a brilliant save from Ghana's new goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey.
After the match Ronaldinho and Damiao were included by coach Mano Menezes in a squad of home-based players for two 'B' friendlies against Argentina later this month.
Also included were gifted teenagers Neymar and Lucas, who were in Brazil's Copa America squad in July, but midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso will miss out after being injured against Ghana.
Monday's win for Brazil, who will host the 2014 World Cup, followed their unexpectedly early elimination from the Copa America and a 3-2 defeat by Germany in a friendly in Stuttgart last month.
