Ghana has always been a dream destination for tourists, especially those who cherish adventure and nature. With its rich history, including its colonial past and significant role in the fight for independence in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana beckons with its incredible stories and has recently advocated for the return of diasporans to Africa.
This advocacy gave rise to the Year of the Return program, which saw an influx of African diaspora visitors, including celebrities like Steve Harvey, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Nene Leakes, Kendrick Lamar, Boris Kodjoe, H.E. Kamala Harris, Tina Knowles, and many more.
Ghana deserves a spot on your African travel itinerary for various reasons, and to inspire your visit, we've compiled a list of 10 must-have experiences (though it was a challenge to limit it to only 10).
1. Slave Castles
Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was a hub for the transportation of slaves to the Americas and Europe. Its coastline is strewn with painful reminders of a dark past. The Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Norwegians, Germans, and British erected forts and castles to confine and transport slaves who would never see their homeland again. Explore castles like Elmina Castle, believed to be in the city where Europeans first interacted with locals. Cape Coast Castle is another prominent slave castle in Ghana.
For many African diasporans, visiting a slave castle provides a sense of closure and helps heal wounds that span centuries, connecting them to their ancestors who could never return.
2. Indulge in Ghanaian Culinary Delights
No trip to Ghana is complete without savouring its mouthwatering cuisine. From the famous Ghanaian jollof (originally from Senegal) to fufu (a starchy dish made from boiled and pounded cassava or Yuca root in South America) and unripe plantains served with peanut butter soup, and waakye (rice and black-eyed peas cooked together, served with spicy black chilli sauce, tomato stew, and various accompaniments), local food is a delightful fusion of flavours, seasonings, and cooking methods.
Don't miss the vibrant street food scene that comes to life at night with treats like kelewele (spicy fried plantains), kebab sticks (spicy goat, cow, or chicken skewers), and “nkosua ne m3ko” (boiled eggs served with spicy tomato chilli).
Prepare your taste buds for a Ghanaian culinary adventure, and remember to specify your spice tolerance, as Ghanaian food tends to be quite spicy.
3. Kakum National Park and Canopy Walkway
If you have a fear of heights, face it head-on by visiting Kakum National Park, located in Assin Attandaso in Ghana's Central region. This lush forest reserve boasts incredible biodiversity, with hiking trails winding through the landscape. The park's highlight is its seven suspension bridges, forming a 333-meter walkway suspended 27 meters above the forest floor.
Kakum National Park is also home to over 300 bird species, 600 butterfly species, and numerous mammals and reptiles. Embrace your inner explorer and reconnect with nature during your visit.
4. Fantasy Coffins - Teshie/La
While death is a subject most people avoid, coffin makers in Teshie, Accra, have put a unique twist on the craft of making eccentric coffins. These fantasy coffins, known as "abebuu adekai" by the Ga people of Teshie, come in shapes ranging from Coca-Cola bottles to aircraft, representing one's occupation in this life or a clan's totem. This quirky approach to death is a sight worth witnessing.
5. Trip to the Ashanti Region
The Ashanti region is one of Ghana's most popular destinations. Begin your journey with a visit to Manhyia Palace, home to the Ashanti seat of power and one of Africa's most recognized kings, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II.
Legend has it that two brothers in Bonwire learned to weave the colourful and intricate Kente cloth, a must-see when in the Ashanti region.
Explore the Okomfo Anokye sword site, where a powerful priest received a sword from the heavens, which remains unmoved to this day. Include visits to Kejetia Market, the largest market in West Africa, Lake Bosomtwe, Yaa Asantewaa Shrine, and various historical sites to learn more about Ashanti culture.
6. Partake in a Ghanaian Festival
Ghanaian festivals are vibrant celebrations, bringing communities together to ward off evil spirits, celebrate rites of passage, or celebrate the end of famine. With over 80 festivals in Ghana, prominent celebrations like Homowo, Hogbetsotso, Akwasidae, Aboakyir, Dipo, Fetu Afahye offer a colourful display of drumming, dancing, and communal happiness.
In recent times, new-age festivals catering to a younger demographic, such as Afrofuture and Afronation music festivals, have gained popularity. The Chalewote festival in August brings local and international artists together to showcase their creative interpretations of the annual theme. Many locals flock to Kwahu in the Eastern region for paragliding during the Easter celebrations. Don't miss the opportunity to partake in a once-in-a-life
time festival celebration and discover the essence of being Ghanaian.
7. Glamping in Shai Hills Reserve
Glamping, or luxury camping, may not be as well-known as other activities, but it offers an exhilarating experience that connects you with nature. Shai Hills Reserve, located in Doryumu in the Greater Accra region, is a sanctuary for wildlife, including zebras, baboons, antelopes, monkeys, and reptiles.
The reserve also hosts the Manya ancestral home, adorned with artifacts of the displaced Shai people after the British invasion. Book a weekend stay in a luxury camping tent and wake up to a scenic view of the hills.
8. Tour of Accra City
As the capital and most popular city in Ghana, Accra offers a host of iconic landmarks that should feature on your day trip itinerary. Explore the newly refurbished Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, W. E Du Bois Center, Arts and Craft Center, Osu Castle, Independence Arch, and Black Star Square.
Consider adding Jamestown Lighthouse, art galleries, and the Center for National Culture to your list, enabling you to discover both the past and present of Accra through a city tour.
9. Shopping in Makola Market
Hone your bargaining skills in bustling Makola Market, where you can shop for a wide range of goods, from food to textiles and more. Makola Market is one of Ghana's busiest markets, and with local phrases like "mi paatsor" (please) and "medaase" (thank you), you can negotiate prices with vendors. Be cautious in this crowded market and remember that cash is the only accepted form of payment.
Happy shopping!
10. Sandy Beaches of Ghana
Ghana's southern border meets the Atlantic Ocean, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and unwinding with a coconut in hand. We recommend Kokrobite, Ankobra, Ada, and Busua beaches for a refreshing ocean dip.
Cape Three Points, Ghana's southernmost point, appeals to eco-travellers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path beach destination.
No matter which activity you choose to indulge in, Ghana offers something that will undoubtedly make you fall in love with its people, culture, and country.
