Ghana is evidence that big things do come in little packages.
This nation, which is regarded as one of Africa’s great success stories, is benefiting from a strong democracy and remarkable progress. The resultant enthusiasm spreads over the nation with glee.
In Ghana, you get a stunning landscape, warm beaches, a rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, hospitable natives, an abundance of animals, and simple access to the entire nation.
Ghana’s northern and southern regions are very diverse from one another in terms of terrain, culture, and religion. But you’ll still get the impression that the country is one unified whole.
If you’ve never gone to Africa, Ghana is renowned as “Africa for Beginners,” making it an ideal option for anyone looking to explore the continent.
Looking for where to start? Here are 15 beautiful places to visit in Ghana.
- Accra
- Artists Alliance Gallery
- Labadi Beach
- Jamestown
- Cape Coast
- Kakum National Park
- National Museum of Ghana
- Elmina Castle
- Busua
- Mole National Park
- Akwidaa And Cape Three Points
- Kumasi
- Tamale
- Lake Bosumtwe
- Volta Region
1. Accra
The largest city in Ghana is Accra, which has little over two million residents.
This capital city has a lot of character and oozes love.
Accra provides amenities to make you feel at home, whether you’re visiting on by yourself or with a group of friends.
The numerous beaches that surround the city are what visitors adore most, especially Labadi Beach. The National Museum in Accra is where you may locate many of the nation’s historical artifacts.
The National Theatre, the International Trade Fair, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, Independence Square, and the W.E.B. Dubois Center are all worth visiting as well.
There are marketplaces, amazing cuisine, great music, and loads of traffic around every corner. Visit one of Teshie’s many casket stores to top it all off. You definitely won’t run out of options on what to do in Accra.
2. Artists Alliance Gallery
With its collections of modern and exquisite art, this gallery will astound you.
The three-story gallery was built by renowned Ghanaian artist Ablade Glover and is a treasure trove of Asafo flags, masks, furniture, and distinctive metal sculptures.
Nearly all of the well-known Ghanaian artists are represented, and the majority of their works are for sale.
3. Labadi Beach
Labadi is the perfect city beach and is arguably Accra’s most well-liked beach.
There is excellent food and drink available, along with neighborhood entertainment and people-watching.
Be aware that there is a minor entrance fee for those who are not staying at the nearby hotels since they are responsible for maintaining the beach.
Hiplife is a distinctive musical genre that fuses hip hop with Ghanaian culture, and if you happen to be there on the weekend, you’ll undoubtedly catch some local reggae bands, local drumming, and hiplife performances.
Also read: 15 Places To Visit In Liberia
4. Jamestown
Jamestown is a difficult but fascinating neighborhood of Accra. The people of Jamestown are kind, and the town is bustling.
Due to the cultural and architectural legacies that the British and the Portuguese both left behind, there is a ton of history to learn.
Since there aren’t many markers to explain the context of the history you’re viewing, a guide is a wonderful bonus but is by no means required.
The area, which is a hybrid of rural and urban, is renowned for producing outstanding national boxers.
5. Cape Coast
One of Africa’s most important cultural hubs is Cape Coast, a historic European colonial city.
The town, which the Portuguese originally called Cabo Corso, was once the largest slave trade hub in West Africa.
Slaves were hauled here, imprisoned within the forbidding town’s castle, and then loaded onto ships to the New World.
You will feel a great deal of emotion from what you see and do here.
Cape Coast is predominantly a fishing community nowadays, with an artistic feel. The streets are lined with historic colonial structures and make for pleasant strolls.
You may visit Anomabu, Elmina, and Kakum National Park from Cape Coast.
6. Kakum National Park
From Cape Coast, a trip to Kakum National Park is a fantastic one-day excursion.
There are about 600 butterfly species, 300 bird species, and 40 animal species.
The canopy walk is the park’s most well-liked feature. It consists of a series of viewing platforms connected by secure suspension bridges that are about 30 meters above the park’s ground level.
Make arrangements in advance for a park guide or ranger to accompany you farther into the park if you want a more in-depth view.
7. National Museum of Ghana
The Ghana National Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Numerous exhibitions are devoted to the Atlantic Slave Trade and the lives of Africans that were permanently changed as a result.
This is the place to go if you want a thorough explanation of the anthropological diversity of contemporary Ghana.
Learn how to weave Kente cloth, see traditional household items, artwork, and royal Ashanti tools, and gain insights into people from the past and present.
8. Elmina Castle
Elmina Castle served as the first European trading center for slaves in Africa.
It is situated in what is now Ghana and was constructed by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
It principally served the Caribbean and Brazil slave networks over the centuries and was under the authority of the Dutch and the British.
Visit the dungeons below where one cell could house up to 200 prisoners and afterwards view the luxurious lodgings where the Europeans lodged up top.
It’s a really enlightening examination of a challenging period in African and European history.
The castle is a component of the national museum system and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Monument.
9. Busua
Busua is possibly Ghana’s most chill beach. Backpackers and volunteers who love to visit to unwind on the beach for a few days at a time are drawn to it.
The settlement of Busua is located between Dixcove and Butre, about 30 kilometres from Takoradi, and has the potential to be an excellent base camp for adventures.
While swimming might be risky at certain Ghanaian beaches due to heavy waves, the seas at Busua are as laid-back as the area’s atmosphere.
Since it’s largely a tourist destination, you most definitely will shop, rent bicycles and surfboards, and stay in excellent hotels.
10. Mole National Park
In Ghana, this is the location for family safaris.
A sizable grassland known as Mole National Park is home to African elephants, buffalo, baboons, warthogs, and kob antelopes.
Here, you may find at least 300 different bird species and almost 100 different types of mammals.
The park offers both walking and driving safaris, and if you don’t have a car of your own, you may hire one.
The ideal months to travel are between December and April if you want to see elephants, but you’ll see plenty of other species all year round.
11. Akwidaa And Cape Three Points
For beachgoers, Ghana provides Akwidaa, one of the greatest beaches the nation has to offer with a lengthy stretch of immaculate white sand.
Get a night time tour of the turtle nesting locations along the beach as well as a look around the neighboring cocoa fields and trees.
You can paddle a canoe to Cape Three Points, Ghana’s southernmost point, if you’d like.
There are plenty of local attractions, a lively bar scene, and delicious food to offer a satisfying balance of lounging and exploring.
12. Kumasi
Kumasi, which formerly served as the seat of the influential Ashanti monarchy, is the second-largest city in Ghana.
Ashanti traditions are still strongly ingrained in the city.
The Kejetia market is this location’s main draw. A place where you can get lost for days. Discover authentic African democracy at the Manhyia Palace.
Don’t forget to visit the National Cultural Centre while you’re there and take in a dance or drumming class.
13. Tamale
Tamale, the nation’s capital in the north, is predominantly populated by the Mole-Dagomba ethnic group.
There are many beautiful mosques in this area, and the cultural centre hosts dance and music performances in addition to specialty shops.
It is perhaps the city in West Africa with the greatest growth rate, and it is also certainly one of the friendliest.
Farmers by custom, say the Sahara Desert lies nearby in this hot, dry area.
Don’t forget to see Gulkpe Naa and Dapkema, two traditional palaces.
14. Lake Bosumtwe
Lake Bosumtwe is located just 32 kilometres from Kumasi.
Additionally, a lot of locals come here since the lake is a spiritual location for the Ashanti people.
According to folklore, after passing away, the people’s ghosts visit Lake Bosumtwe to bid the deity Twi farewell.
This is a great weekend getaway location if you’re searching for a laid-back aquatic setting.
15. Volta Region
Lake Volta in Ghana is the largest artificial lake in the world.
Stay nearby in the towns of Ho or Ewe while you explore this lush, picturesque region.
Take advantage of the Aburi botanical gardens, lakeside music cruises, kayaking, monkey refuges, fishing, waterfalls, and a Kente weaving hamlet.
You can climb Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s tallest peak if you’re up for it.
While you’re there, make sure to visit Xavi, a bird sanctuary, and Shai Hills, a nature park. This is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s most stunning regions, and it should not be missed.
When you drop by Africa, be sure to stop by one of these places. If you’re already there and haven’t explored most of these places, what are you waiting for?