Ghana Travel Highlights

Kwame Nkrumah Museum – Nestled in downtown Accra, Ghana, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum is a must-visit destination. As one of the top Ghana Travel Highlights, this site serves as the final resting place for Ghana’s first President and renowned Africanist, Kwame Nkrumah. The adjacent museum showcases rare artifacts that highlight Ghana’s journey to independence, while guided tours of the park offer visitors a deeper understanding of the Sub-Saharan struggle for freedom. Exploring the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is an essential experience for anyone following the most notable Ghana Travel Highlights.

Jamestown Light House – The Jamestown Lighthouse, situated in the vibrant Jamestown neighborhood of Accra, Ghana, is a fascinating historical landmark. Standing 28 meters (92 feet) tall, this iconic structure was built in the 1930s to replace an earlier lighthouse constructed in 1871. The lighthouse features a striking stone tower with a lantern and gallery, connected to a keeper’s house. Both the lighthouse and the keeper’s house are adorned with bold red and white horizontal stripes, making it a must-see attraction for visitors exploring the area. Discover the charm and history of Jamestown at this remarkable site!

James Fort – Constructed in 1673 by the Royal African Company of England (RAC), Fort James served as a trading post for gold and slaves. Located next to the Jamestown Lighthouse, this historic fort functioned as a prison from the colonial era until 2008. Notably, Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, was imprisoned here alongside common criminals from 1950 to 1951. Explore the rich history of Fort James and its significant role in Ghana’s past!

Ussher Fort – Originally built by the Dutch in 1649 as Fort Crèvecœur, Ussher Fort was handed over to the English in 1868. Situated on High Street, just 500 meters past Fort James, Ussher Fort is located in the vibrant JamesTown area, near the Central Business District of Accra. As one of the must-see Ghana Travel Highlights, this historic site allows visitors to delve into its fascinating past and discover its significance in Ghana’s history. Exploring Ussher Fort is an essential experience for anyone following the top Ghana Travel Highlights across the country.

Franklin House – Once a minor fort involved in the slave trade, this roofless villa still showcases remnants of its dark history, including dungeons and an auction block. Interestingly, Jamestown is built over a network of tunnels that once facilitated the transport of enslaved individuals. One of the entrances to these tunnels can be found at the Franklin House, a hidden yet significant part of this community’s past. Discover the haunting history that lies beneath Jamestown and explore the stories these structures tell.

House of Tabom/Brazil House – This historic site is the ancestral home of the Tabom, a group of self-liberated enslaved individuals who resettled in Accra during the 18th century. Today, Brazil House serves as both an art gallery and the creative hub for ACCRA, the organizers behind the vibrant CHALE WOTE Street Art Festival. Explore this unique blend of history and contemporary art, and discover the stories that connect the past with today’s dynamic cultural scene in Accra.

Shai Hills – The Shai Hills Resource Reserve, located in Doryumu within the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region, is a stunning natural area rich in history and biodiversity. As one of the must-see Ghana Travel Highlights, it offers visitors a unique combination of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Established as a Forest Reserve in 1962, it originally covered 47 square kilometers (about 18 square miles) but was expanded to 51 square kilometers (approximately 20 square miles) in 1973. Designated as a Game Production Reserve in 1971, this protected area was once home to the Shai people, who were displaced by the British in 1892. Explore the Shai Hills to experience its natural beauty and learn about its fascinating history, making it a standout destination among Ghana Travel Highlights.

Sakumono Birding Lagoon -Covering an impressive 1,340 hectares, this site was designated a Ramsar wetland site of international importance on August 14, 1992. The Sakumono Lagoon, located nearby, is the premier birding destination in Accra, attracting both residential and migratory shorebirds throughout the year. Visit this vibrant ecosystem to witness the diverse birdlife and appreciate its critical role in conservation.

Exotic Coffins – In the late 1940s, Seth Kane Kwei founded a unique workshop in Teshie, Accra, where coffins are crafted to embody the personality, career, aspirations, or achievements of the deceased. This innovative approach transforms the traditional concept of a coffin into a meaningful tribute that celebrates life and individuality. Explore this remarkable art form and discover how it honors the legacies of those we cherish.

Artist Alliance Gallery – Located on La Beach Road, this gem of a gallery is brimming with artistic expression. Spanning three floors, it showcases an impressive collection of art, sculptures, carvings, and artifacts, making it a true haven for anyone seeking inspiration or simply wanting to enjoy exceptional works. Visit this vibrant space to immerse yourself in creativity and discover remarkable pieces that speak to the heart.

Legon Botanical Gardens -Nestled within the University of Ghana in Accra, this beautiful recreational center covers 50 hectares of natural vegetation. Founded in 1950, it is owned by the university and managed by the Department of Botany in collaboration with Mulch Company Ltd. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a playground, canopy walks, and serene outdoor spaces featuring picturesque lakes. Explore this tranquil oasis for a perfect blend of nature and recreation right in the heart of Accra.

Labadi Beach -Known as La Pleasure Beach, Labadi Beach is the most vibrant and bustling beach along Ghana’s coast. Situated in the town of La, near Teshie in the Greater Accra Region, this popular destination is well-maintained by local hotels. With its lively atmosphere and stunning shoreline, Labadi Beach offers visitors the perfect spot to relax, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of Accra’s coastline.

Christianborg Castle -Christiansborg Castle, a historic 17th-century landmark, is situated along the shores of Osu in Accra, Ghana, by the Gulf of Guinea. Originally built by the Danes, this significant fort has changed hands several times, having been controlled by Denmark, Norway, Portugal, the Akwamu, Britain, and finally becoming part of post-independence Ghana. Throughout its history, Christiansborg Castle has been uniquely important as the seat of government in Ghana for much of its existence, until the government moved to Jubilee House. Today, the castle serves as a government archive, preserving the rich history of the nation. Explore this remarkable site to uncover the stories of its past and its role in Ghana’s journey.

Independence Square – Known as Black Star Square, this iconic site in Accra, Ghana, serves as the venue for major military and civic parades in the capital. Completed in 1961 to mark the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II, Independence Square features expansive stands with a total seating capacity of 30,000, making it one of the largest city squares in the world. This vibrant space is not only a hub of national celebrations but also a symbol of Ghana’s rich history and culture. Visit Black Star Square to experience its significance and witness the lively events that take place here.

W. E. B. Du Bois Center -The W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture is a significant memorial, research facility, and tourist attraction located in the Cantonments area of Accra, Ghana. Opened to the public in 1985, it honors W. E. B. Du Bois, an influential African-American historian and Pan-Africanist who became a Ghanaian citizen in the early 1960s. Du Bois spent his final years in Ghana at the invitation of President Kwame Nkrumah, working on the Encyclopedia Africana. Visit this inspiring center to explore Du Bois’s legacy and its role in promoting Pan-African culture and scholarship.

Center for National Culture – Commonly referred to as the Arts Center, the National Center for Culture is a must-visit destination in Accra, Ghana. Conveniently located next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, which houses the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, this vibrant center is a treasure trove for tourists. Here, you’ll discover a wide array of handcrafted items, including woven Kente cloth, wooden sculptures, beadwork, leather bags, earrings, and stylish African attire. With high-quality handicrafts sourced from all over Ghana, the Arts Center is truly a shopper’s paradise and a perfect place to experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Fort Vernon – Located in the fishing community of Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, the ruins of Fort Vernon offer a glimpse into Ghana’s colonial past. Built in 1742 as a small English trading fort using basic materials like rough stones and mud, Fort Vernon was abandoned around 1816 and gradually fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, restoration efforts were made, and the fort later served as a rest house for some time. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this historic site and appreciate its significance in the region’s history.

Chenku Falls – Tsenku Waterfall, also known as Wuruduwurudu Fall, is a stunning natural attraction located in the Dodowa Forest near the Shai Hills Wildlife Reserve in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Just 39 kilometers from the capital city of Accra, this beautiful waterfall is the only one in the region, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Explore the scenic beauty of Tsenku Waterfall and experience the tranquility of its surroundings.