Attractions of Ghana
Ghana is a picturesque destination with a limitless amount of attractions. iTravelGhana has a selection of exciting and inexpensive excursions available in the tour packages page. Nevertheless, feel free to browse through the attractions below and create a custom tour and receive accustom price by emailing the details to contactus@itravelghana.com
note: the attractions and descriptions listed below were transcribed from the Ghana Tourist Board.
Greater Accra Attractions:
The National Museum
Located on Barnes Road, this fine museum houses a fascinating collection of Ghana's historical treasures. The exhibits housed under the two-tiered rotunda of the museum comprise much more
than Ghanaian Culture alone, and include a collection of the neighbouring West African countries as well as an archaeological department located in a hall ont he first floor.
One of the museum's ground-floor wings is devoted to temporary exhibitions which can range from contemporary dyed fabrics to traditional and even sacred artifacts such as the celebrated Ashanti
ancestor stools.
Independence Square
The venue for many national celebrations, dominated by the independence arch and the memorial to Unknown Soldier
The Du Bois Memorial Center for Pan-Africa Culture:
A source of inspiration to many, this Centre now houses a research library and gallery of manuscripts, as well as the grave of this famous African-American scholar and his wife.
Somewhere in the recesses of the City of Accra called Cantonments, where the calm air, the cool trees, and the sunshine combine to produce a unique serenity; where the songs of the birds provide a sort of euphoria; there, in that tranquillity, squats a house, No. 22 First Circular Road, which has been dedicated and consecrated to the memory of a man who loved Africa where he traced his roots, a modest man, but whose life and works raised him above ordinary men and placed him among the great men of all time - Dr. William Edward Burghardt Du Bois.
It is the W. E. B. Du Bois, Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture dedicated to the life of a man who spent greater part of his life in the struggle for the emancipation of the black man through Pan Africanism.
A house declared a National Monument by the Government of Ghana where the remains of the man, Du Bois and the ashes of his wife, Shirley, rest in a peace – enshrined, that their memory will live among men and women in this generation and beyond.
But, more significant too, House No. 22 First Circular Road, Cantonment, was the dwelling of Dr. Du Bois during the epoch-making last days of his life, and it was here, on August 27, 1963, that he breathed his last.
The black and white rectangular building sits in the middle of raised walls that form a large magnificently landscaped compound dotted with trees, flowers, pathways, and aquarium, with two gates in the Western and Northern walls.
Inside, the hall is decorated with the portraits of some celebrities of Ghana and Africa. There is also the display gallery for manuscripts, other Du Bois Memorabilia, and research library of his treasured books and other great writers.
A special plaque mounted on a concrete contrivance welcomes the visitor with two inscriptions from the Du Bois poem “Children of the Moon.
I am dead
Yet Somehow, Somewhere,
In Time’s weird contraction,
May tell of that dread deed, wherewith
I brought to children of the Moon
Freedom and vast salvation.
I rose upon the mountain of the moon
I feel the blazing glory of the sun,
I heard the song of children crying
“Free”
I saw the face of Freedom
And I died
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
This is the last resting place of the first President of Ghana, who was a famous pan-Africanist.The Centre consists of a museum of his life and works, the mausoleum, and his statue, which stands on the spot
(the Polo grounds as it used to be called) where he declared Independece for the country on 6th March, 1957.
The George Padmore Research Library on Africa Affairs
The George Padmore Institute (GPI) is a library, research and educational centre housing materials relating to the black community of Caribbean, African and Asian descent in Britain and continental Europe. The Institute is named after George Padmore (1902-1959), the Trinidadian writer and dedicated Pan Africanist who became one of the most influential figures in the anti-colonialism and independence
struggles of the 20th century.
Centre for National Culture - Accra
Presents traditional handicrafts in various forms from all over Ghana and West Africa, it includes workshops and art galleries. There is an arts and crafts bazaar and a traditional textile market with souvenirs that have been crafted in clay, wood, leather and metal. There is also indoor market with stalls for footwear, T- shirts and souvenirs University of Ghana at Legon Ghana's premier centre of higher education, it was founded in 1948. Set in beautiful gardens, including a striking botanical garden, it also houses the School of Performing Arts, the Balme Library and the School for African Studies.
The Markets of Accra
Amongst the most famous markets of Accra are Makola market located on Kojo Thompson Road, and the Osu Night Market, where market stalls are illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles.
Makola Shopping Mall
Located at the Accra Central. Has adequate car parking space. The market was recently constructed to replace the old one with the same name. One can obtain beautiful African Textiles, Foodstuffs,
Traditional Cloths and clothes, shoes, cosmetics, etc. It also houses a bank, restaurants, offices, etc. Because of its central location it enjoys a lot of patronage from residents in Accra and tourists alike.
Agbogbloshie Market
Located near the Timber Market on the Fadama Road. This is another newly constructed market. It enjoys all the facilities as the Makola Shopping Mall. Other local markets found in Accra are the Kaneshie Market Complex located on the Mallam-Odorkor Road, Kaneshie, and the Kantamanto Market also located in central Accra is the capital's local and largest flea market. Items sold here are mostly imported second hand clothes, shoes and household items.
The National Theatre
The distinctive architecture of this modern building encompasses an important national centre for the performing arts. Programmes are advertised on banners and in the national newspapers.
Accra Zoo
The Zoo is located at Kanda. When travelling north on the Independence Avenue, past Ako Adjei Interchange and look for Afrikiko Restaurant; turn left and follow the signs leading to the zoo.
The phone number is 021-772553 and it is open daily between the hours of 9:30am 5pm. There is a small, but fascinating collection of many birds and animals indigenous to Africa. Some of these animals
that are worth a visit include monkeys, snakes, lions, leopards, crocodiles, duikers among others. Interestingly, the zoo was once part of Kwame Nkrumah's estate. His original house (in its original condition) is still located adjacent to the zoo.
The Osu Castle (Christiansborg) - Accra
The Osu Castle (Christiansborg) is unique among the castles and forts. It served as Government House during various periods in the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to play that role today.
The building of the first lodge in the 17th century at Ursu or Osu is attributed to the Swedish African Company. In 1657, the Swedish headquarters at Carolusburg Castle, Cape Coast was captured by the Danish Guinea Company led by Heindrick Caerlof who himself was formerly the Swedish Africa Company's Commanding Director.
This resulted in all Swedish establishments including Osu lodge passing into the hands of the Danish Africa Company. Caerlof defected to the Dutch in 1659. The Danish Commander of Carolusburg was tricked into believing that Denmark had been conquered. He therefore sold Carolusburg to the Dutch together with the former Swedish establishments including Osu lodge. The Ga
Paramount Chief, Okaikoi, disgusted with their trickery, asked the Dutch to leave Osu. In 1661, Jost Cramer, Danish governor of Fredericksborg, near Cape Coast, acquired land from Chief Okaikoi
for 3,200 gold florins. The Danes built a stone fort to replace the earthen lodge and named it Christiansborg (Christian's fortress) after the former King of Denmark, Christian IV who had died in 1648.
Shai Resource Reserve
The Shai Hills Resource Reserve is found in the Greater Accra Region, approximately 50km north-east of the capital of Accra on the main road between Accra and the Volta Region. The reserve, which is 5,140ha (51km) in area, was first gazetted as a forest reserve in 1962 and is presently administered and managed by the Wildlife Division of the Ghana Forestry Commission.
New Coco Beach Resort
Located at Teshie-Nungua, east of Accra, it has a serene atmosphere with excellent accommodation. It is a perfect place for relaxation.
Cocoloco Beach
Cocoloco Beach is located at Ada Foah - about an hour east of Accra where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The area is a natural paradise and a breeding ground for a variety of sea turtles.
The Volta Estuary is also a sanctuary for an enormous number of birds. Cocoloco has camping and accommodation in a number of bungalows built in a traditional thatch style. To get there, head east from Accra and branch right at the Kasseh-Ada junction. If you are coming by "tro-tro" or commercial bus, get out at the last stop and ask a taxi to take you to the Cocoloco Beach Camp Resort near the village of Totimekope.
Korle Beach Resort
This interesting resort is located on the Accra beach road. A budget hotel on Korle Gonno Beach front is becoming popular for holidaymakers.
Next Door Beach Resort
Next Door, an excellent beach resort-complex is a model resort of international standard worthy of mention. The peace and tranquility reigning in the hearts of lovers and people are ever present at this resort. It is simply a pictorial story you need to know and consume as first hand information about this earthly paradise, which is on the Accra-Teshie road.
Kumasi Attractions:
ATTRACTIONS & EXCURSIONS IN Kumasi and the Asante heritage
Kumasi is the capital of the Asante kingdom and the local highlights are:
• Manhyia Palace Museum
• Centre for National Culture
• The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
• Kumasi Fort & Military Museum
• Okomfo Anokye Sword
• The Akwasidae Ceremony
• Kejetia Market
• Kumasi Zoo
• Traditional Street sculptures
• University of Science and Technology
George Ferguson's Tomb
George Ekem Ferguson was a Ghanaian colonial agent who was instrumental in convincing local chiefs to sign treaties of friendship with the British. He was later (1897) killed by slave raiders, but his tomb is preserved in Wa.
Komfo Anokye Sword
The 'unmovable' Sword of the Komfo Anokye remains in the grounds of the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he pushed it. It is believed the Okomfo pronounced that no one would be able
to remove the sword, and so it has remained in spite of many attempts.
Royal Mausoleums
These final resting places of Ashanti Royalty can be seen at Bantama and Breman and may be visited with consent of the Manhyia Palace.
The Crafts of Ashanti
The crafts villages surrounding Kumasi include: Bonwire - (18km NE of Kumasi) Kente weaving Pankrono- (3km N of Kumasi) Pottery Ahwiaa (6km N of Kumasi) Wood carvings Ntonso - Adinkra cloth making Asuofia/Asamang (Barakese Road) bead making Ampabame Krofrom (10km from Ahodwo) Brass smithing, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths can be seen in Kumasi.
Patakro shrine
Pankrono is located 8 km on Mampong Road. Renowned for its distinctive and colourful pottery created through transitional process without the use of the potters wheel.
Bobiri Forest Butterfly Sanctuary
Located 20km on the Kumasi - Accra highway, a quiet research centrefor the Forestry Research Institute showcasing an arboretum,forest hiking trails and a butterfly sanctuary. Lodging, guiding and
interpretative materials are available
Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary
About 80km northeast of Kumasi. The reserve showcases a rare tropical landscape, vibrant waterfall and a wide variety of bird and animal life. Assistance and clearance is available at the Wildlife
Division Office.
Digya National Park
Occupying 3.478 square kilometres of undulating terrain on the western shore of the Volta Lake. Made up of predominately Guinea Savannah Woodland and gallery forest along the major rivers, complete with sandstone inselbergs. Has at least six primate species, black and white colobus monkeys and baboons, elephants and a variety of antelope species, crocodiles, buffalos, water bucks, hartebeests, warthogs, Manatee and clawless otters and are also reported to be present.
Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve
This nature reserve protects about five species of monkey.
Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary
Formerly, Kumasi’s only source of drinking water was the Owabi River, located to the west of the city. When the river was dammed to create a reservoir, the resulting watershed extended deep into the city’s nearby forests. The reservoir and forest have since become the natural habitat for many species of the region's wildlife, as well as for a number of migratory birds.
Lake Bosomtwi
It is located 31km southeast of Kumasi. A picturesque meteorite Crater Lake surrounded by dozens of virgin fishing and farming villages. The Lake Basin is ideal for mountaineering, diving, swimming and relaxation. Accessible by road from Kumasi.
The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
Located in the Centre for National Culture ground, the museum houses a fascinating collection of Ashanti History such as memorabilia of Okomfo Anokye, including the 300 years old antique treasure bag which he forbade anyone to open.
Manhyia Palace and Museum
This is the official residence of the Asantehene. Its large courtyard and museum hold statues of past great kings and queens of the Asante Kingdom.
Ghana Armed Forces Museum
This Museum exhibits materials that primarily concern the British- Ashanti war of 1900, World War II and Ghana’s recent military history. On display are maps, old photographs, and military regalia.
Digya National Park
The Digya National Park was gazatted in 1971 and covers an area of 3,478 km2 of undulating terrain with sandstone inselbergs. It is situated on the western shores of the Volta Lake. Guinea savanna woodland predominates with gallery forest along the major lines. The Park supports at least six primate species including black and white colobus, elephants and a variety of antelopes. Manatee and clawless otter are also reported to be present in the Park.
Digya is the historical home of two currently extinct large mammals,: the black rhinoceros, locally known as the naree , and the gregarious wildebeest, locally called the gnoo (gnu) the manatee omit pr sea cow is the Park's emblem.
Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary
Description:
Owabi can best be described as a secondary forest surrounding a large water reservoir. It is a tranquil site with a great variety of birdlife and fascinating forest walks. It an ideal place for winter migratory birds and hundreds of Mona Monkeys
Central Region Attractions:
Castles
The castles along the coast of the Central Region are amongst the best preserved in Ghana. Not to be missed are Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle And Fort St Jago.
Local highlights include:
- Castle tours, including the slave dungeons
- Walking tours of Elmina
- The 19th century Dutch cemetery
- The fishermen’s market
- Posuban Shrine
- The Cape Coast Castle Museum
Kakum National Park
A 357km² national park comprising undisturbed virgin rainforest. Excellent walking tours (and a canopy walkway) through the forest provide the opportunity to see much of Ghana’s indigenous plant life, as well as rare butterflies, birds and game (that could include the extraordinary Bongo and forest elephant). Highlights include:
- Forest walks
- Treetop canopy walkway
- Bird watching
- Medicinal plants
The Beaches of the Central Region
Beaches lovers will enjoy our palm-fringed beaches, warmed by African sunshine, where surf ranges from gentle rollers to sizeable breakers. Popular spots are:
- Brenu beaches – 15 minutes from Elmina
- Winneba – with the Sir Charles Beach Resort
- Elmina – close to the historic castles
- Gomoa Fetteh – popular with picnickers
Traditional Fishing Villages
Along the coast of the Central Region are a succession of busy fishing villages and traditional market town that reflect the distinct cultures of the district. Visitors to all the village will be welcomed with traditional Ghanaian hospitality. Of particular interest are:
- Winneba – famous for its fishing fleet, masquerade festival and local ceramics
- Mankessim – well known for its Posuban Shrine and busy market
- Kromantse/Abandze – twin fishing villages, one of the important trading centres to which the late Louis Armstrong, the great jazz player, traced his ancestry.
Craft Village
The villagers of the central region are famed for their traditional crafts that are still worked as their forefathers have worked for generations. They all make great souvenirs of your visit to the central region. Particularly important village are:
- Winneba – famous for its beautiful and unusual ceramics
- Gomoa-Otsew-Jukwa – a village of pottery makers
Aburi Botanical Gardens
These century-old botanical gardens, about one hour’s drive from Accra. Accra offers a rich collection of tropical flora which attracts scores of birds and butterflies. The tranquil paths are a popular excursion for our city dwellers.
Tetteh Quarshie’s Cocoa Farm
The first cocoa farm established in the country from seed first brought from Fernando Po Island. From this small beginning grew our major cocoa industry.
Lake Volta
One of the largest man-made lakes in the world, the lake and the Akosombo dam are two of Ghana’s great achievements. The lake offers opportunities for cruising, especially to the Dodi islands.
Akonedi Shrine, Larteh
On the Akwapim ridge the fetish shrine is an important place of traditional healing and religious ceremonies.
Slave Market of Abonse
Traces of the 17th and 18th century slave market can still be seen in a town that was an important crossroads on the slave route.
Okomfo Anokye’s Shrine
60km from Koforidua, this important shrine is dedicated to the legendary priest credited with the founding of the Nsuate Empire
Boti Falls
Spectacular, but seasonal waterfall in the forest reserve at Huhunya. In the immediate vicinity are cascades, at their best in June to August.
The Waterfalls of Begoro
A series of falls and cascades surrounded by attractive woodland and forest. Just the place for picnics.
Western Region
The Castles of the Western Region
The Western Region is another region with a rich heritage demonstrated by the number of castles still open to visitors. The best examples in the region are:
- Fort St Appolonia at Beyin
- Fort cross at Dixcove (1693)
- Fort Batensteyn (1656) at Butri
- Fort Groot Fredericksburg at Princess Town
- Fort S. Antonio at Axim (1515)
- Fort Dorothea (ruins) at Akwida
- Fort Sebastian at Shama
The Village on Stilt of Nzulezu
An amazing village where life goes on in the centre of lake Tadane, just 90km west of Takoradi. The houses are built on stilts, and traditional village life adapts to the watery conditions. The excursion from Beyin involves a walk through the reeds at the lake’s edge, and a trip in a dugout canoe to the village. The village welcomes visitors everyday except Thursday, which is a sacred day.
Akatekyi Crocodile Pond
30km west of Takoradi, the local fetish priest entices the crocodiles from the water with a live chicken. Bring a bottle of schnapps for the libation. Visitors are welcome everyday except Wednesday, a sacred day.
The Beaches of the Western Region
Western region is famous for some of the best beaches in Ghana. Some of the most popular beaches are:
- Busua Pleasure Beach – only 5km from fort metal cross
- Sports Club Beach – behind the Atlantic hotel in Takoradi
- Ajua Beach – just 200metres from Dadowa lagoon
- Princess Town Beach – off the Takoradi/Elubo highway
- Mimia Beach – a secluded beach with rocky cave perfect for picnics.
Dr. Nkrumah’s Grave
The original grave of Dr. Nkrumah, first President of Ghana and now buried in the mausoleum in Accra, can be found at Nkroful, 83km west of Takoradi.
The Mines of Ghana
The western region has several mines that may be visited, by prior arrangement. The main sites are:
- Nsuta Manganese Mine – 20km southeast of Tarkwa
- Prestea Goldmine – 40km north of Tarkwa
- Tarkwa Goldmines – founded in the 1800s just 92km
Brong Ahafo Region Attractions
Kintampo Falls
These beautiful falls are hidden away in the woods close to the Kumasi/Kintampo highway.
Boabeng-Fiema Sanctuary
22km north of Nkoranza, and home to many families of Colobus and Mona monkeys, which are held sacred by the local people. Visitors taking the forest walk along shaded trails are rewarded with sightings of many birds, butterflies and indigenous flowers and tree.
Traditional Cloth Making at Boama
A20km from Techiman, village of Nsuta is famous for the production of Kyenkyen, a local folk weave cloth.
The Heritage of Brong Ahafo
The history and culture of Brong Ahafo comes alive if you visit the Hani Archaeological site 50km from Wenchi, inhabited by the Benghos about 1200BC, and the Kwaku Fri shrine at Nwoase 6km from Wenchi. The shrine is only accessible to visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Lake Volta
Lake Volta flows along the eastern edge of Brong Ahafo and a visit to the port of Yeji. Local fishermen land their catch here and the boat from Akosombo stops off here.
Volta Region Attractions:
Lake Volta Estuary
The estuary is an area of great scenic beauty with river and ocean beaches, and picnic spots shaded by palm tree. The sand bars are the nesting grounds for sea birds, and endangered species of twitter are still found here.
The Keta-Angaw Lagoon Basin
Important wetland and breeding ground for migratory birds
Tafi Monkey Village
The sacred monkey sanctuaries around Tafi Atome, some 5kn away from the Avatime hills.
The Waterfalls of the Volta Region
Although some may be seasonal, all are set in attractive wooded or mountain settings.
- Wli falls – 20km from Hohoe, in the Wli nature reserve
- Tagbo falls – Liate Wote
- Tsatsodu falls – 10km from Hohoe
- Aflambo falls –Leklebi
- Amedzofe – Abadzeme falls
Kalakpe Game Production Reserve
At Abutia, 15km from ho, the reserve has increasing species of migratory and indigenous birds life, buck, buffalo and monkeys.
Kyabobo National Park
A newly designated National Park in the foothill of Mt. Djbobo, on the border with Togo.
Grottos and Caves
In the limestone hills, the grottos and caves are dramatic. Not to be missed are:
- The ancestral caves of Likpe – 14km form Hohoe
- The grottos of Kpando – Aghehoe and Aziavi
- The caves of Nyagbo and Logba
- Caves and iron mine workings – Alepafu
Historical Sites
- Fort Prinzenstein, Keta
- Cape St Paul Lighthouse, Woe
- German Historical Site at Kpando, Ho, Amedzofe, Kpedze.
Northern Region:
Mole National Park
4840km² of savannah and rocky outcrops that are home to 93 species of mammal, including herds of elephant, buck and small plains game. The occasional lion and leopard can be seen resting after a kill, and the range of bird life (approximately 300 species) is considerable.
Larabanga Mosque
A 13th century mosque, believed to be first built by Moorish traders, it is one of the holiest site in Ghana. Its distinctive façade has been widely photographed.
Larabanga Mystery Stone
Nearby is a mysterious boulder that is the subject of a splendid local legend
Daboya
89km west of tamale, Daboya is the 16th century town from the Gonja Kingdom, and a famous source for hand made textiles.
Nalerigu Defence Wall
Said to be built in the 16th century to protect Nalerigu (120km from ‘Bolga’) from raiders, this has now been recognized as part of the slave route.
Salaga
The slave route is recognized at Salaga, where the Trans-Sahara caravans paused in Salaga market. Leg pegs can still be seen in the market place.
Yendi
96km East of Tamale, Yendi was part of a 19th century German settlement. Many of the Germans who died in battle with the Dagomba people are buried in the cemetery. The grave of the slave raider Batafu is said to be near here.
Upper East Region:
Bolga Market
A splendid place to meet traders from all over the region and bargain for basket ware, leather goods and traditional clothing
Tongo Rocks
The whistling rocks of Tongo rise dramatically from the landscape just 10km from Bolga, and the Harmattan creates ghostly whistling sounds
The Paga Crocodile Pond
Located at the Northeast border, this is a sacred sanctuary for crocodiles. The reptiles are enticed from the water by the custodians and make a surprising photograph to take home
Naa Gbewaa’s Shrine
This traditional shrine commemorates Naa Gbewaa’s at Pusiga who founded the mole-Dagbon tribe in the 13th century.
Navrongo
The historic mud-built church is well worth a visit
Nalerigu
The ancient defence wall was a local bastion indicating that the slave route passed close by its way from Djenne and Ouagadougou
Upper West Region:
Gbelle Game Reserve
17km south of Tumu, the reserve (565km²) is a sanctuary for indigenous wildlife, particularly its large herds of roan antelope, and is part of Ghana’s Conservation Programme.
Wa Naa’s Palace
The 19th century palace with its distinctive architecture is the official residence of the Wa Naa, traditional chief of the Walas. In front of the palace are graves of previous Wa Naas.
Gbollu Defence Wall
Gbollu, 70km north of Wa, was part of the slave route. In the 1`9th century Gbollu Koro Liman built the wall as part of its defence against the slavers
George Ferguson’s Tomb
George Ekem Fergusion was a Ghanaian colonial agent who was instrumental in convincing local chiefs to sign treaties of friendship with the British. He was later (1897) killed by slave raiders, but his tomb preserved in Wa
