A minimum of one historical monument in Ghana should be on the itinerary of every traveller to the Gold Coast. It is a significant aspect that visitors should never skip. Most of them depict tales of tyranny, endurance, and creativity. And there are plenty of historical sites in Accra you should consider visiting since your trip is going to start in Accra.
Mrpocu.com advises taking a superb guided tour to see the main historical attractions if you want to learn more about Ghana’s and Accra’s history in-depth. But you can still go exploring by yourself. If you are in Accra or now planning a trip to Ghana, check out some of the top historical sites in Accra you can visit alone or with the family.
Check out my ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you explore.
Historical Sites In Accra
Osu Castle
Christiansborg Castle (Osu Castle), often referred to as Fort Christiansborg or just the Castle, is a 17th-century fortress located close to Ghana’s capital Accra on the shore of the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. The first substantial fort was constructed by the Danes, and it has subsequently been owned by Denmark, Norway, Portugal, the Akwamu, Britain, and ultimately Ghana after its independence. Christiansborg Castle stands out among other castles and forts because, with a few exceptions, it served as Ghana’s administrative centre for the majority of its existence before the Jubilee House was constructed.
Among all the tourist attractions in the Greater Accra Region, the castle receives the most visitors.
Jamestown Lighthouse
It’s interesting to note that Jamestown is one of Ghana’s two oldest historical sites (in Accra precisely). Usshertown is the second. Communities existed at Jamestown as early as the 17th century. It had undergone significant development by the end of the nineteenth century. Jamestown is still essential since it has a fantastic fishing harbour.
Over time, the area has experienced a rapid population increase. The lighthouse is Jamestown’s most noticeable building. As early as 1871, the British created the initial structure. However, the 1930s saw the creation of the current building.
The 28-meter-tall Jamestown lighthouse is intimidating in size. You can see the James Fort, the Bukom neighbourhood, and the Ussher Fort from the summit. Today, Jamestown is one of Ghana’s most significant historic monuments and a well-liked tourist destination.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
This location is undoubtedly a good place to relax and unwind because it is decorated with lovely gardens, fountains, and flowerbeds. The park was created in honour of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who battled for the country’s freedom. The graves of the man and his wife are located in the park’s centre. A museum housing the previous president’s belongings is located within the same park. In this same museum, everyone can learn about his fight for independence. The memorial park is one of the top historical sites in Accra.
Center for National Culture (Arts Centre)
It serves as a venue for a variety of artistic endeavours and exhibitions and is located just next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. It has a theatre hall where performers and dancing groups perform. You may get yourself a lot of great things here, including stunning African-inspired clothing, jewellery, and other fashion accessories. It shouldn’t surprise you that this location draws more visitors than the majority of other tourist attractions in the nation because there are so many things that will draw you in.
W.E.B DuBois Centre
The facility has a library honouring the late W.E.B. DuBois. I like the location because of its historical significance. It is more important than ever to learn a little about the past of the places you travel to. Consequently, visiting the W.E.B. DuBois Center will be a wonderful chance to learn something new.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s better to inquire about prices because my first trip to the centre set me back more than $4 USD. If you reserve an Uber or Bolt, your GPS will point you in the right direction.
National Theater
The Greater Accra Region has a significant history of local arts and crafts that let people exhibit their culture and build strong ties to the future. You can visit the National Theater, which was constructed in 1990 with the main objective of training performing artists.
This theatre is elegantly constructed and cutting-edge, and it has helped the locals grow while skillfully displaying their skills to the rest of the globe. Great young people who have committed themselves to develop their abilities and talents via performing arts can captivate and entertain visitors at any time. The well-known national theatre actors, the National Dance Company, and the National Symphony Orchestra are all in attendance.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
The British government provided the money for this cathedral. The Holy Trinity Cathedral belongs to the Accra Anglican Diocese. This historic structure was finished in 1894, but it wasn’t converted into a cathedral until 1909.
The rectangular bell tower is this fortress-like building’s most striking feature. The church is one of Ghana’s historic landmarks and a popular destination for tourists in addition to being a place of worship. An escape from the busy city sounds is provided by the peacefulness of the inhabitants inside the walls.
Independence Square
This area is a sizable tract of land. Its significance in history was sealed as the site of the nation’s first declaration of independence. The first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, kindled the Eternal Flame of African Liberation here, and the flame is still flickering today. Here, the Independence Arch was also constructed. Due to the fact that it is primarily used for important occasions and events, the square is mostly unoccupied. The square is one of the top historical sites in Accra that hosts almost every tourist visiting Ghana.
Makola Market
Large and open, the Makola market is a place to find all kinds of trades. You might not see a signpost welcoming you to the market, but as soon as you arrive there, you will be certain of your location. There are constantly hawkers around, places to purchase your new and used clothing and an endless supply of locations where you can purchase anything you desire. Even though Makola Market can be overwhelming, you must visit it if you are in Ghana.
National Museum of Ghana
Accra, the nation’s capital, is home to Ghana’s National Museum. Of the six museums run by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, it is the biggest and oldest (GMMB).
On March 5, 1957, the museum was officially opened as part of Ghana’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Kent Duchess Princess Marina performed the official opening. The first Director of the Museum was A.W. Lawrence.
The National Museum building is home to archaeology, anthropology, and fine art. Undoubtedly stop by for a visit.
Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop
You might be astonished to learn that despite how strange it may sound, a lot of people still travel to this location. The coffins made here can be made to seem or have any shape. One only needs to make an order to have their coffin customized to look like a fish. You may observe the craftspeople in some of the stores as they create these elaborate coffins.
The workshop’s founder, Kane Kwei, has a lengthy and illustrious career. He was an enthusiastic coffin designer who carved coffins with the fervour of the deceased in order to produce coffins of the highest calibre. It is one of the main tourist spots in the Greater Accra Region and features wonderful artwork that astounds and delights many visitors.