Ghana is a West African country located in the Gulf of Guinea. The country is brimming with beautiful landscapes, a rich history, serene beaches, and a cultural heritage that attracts a horde of tourists. There are so many places that you can visit when you are in Ghana. Ghanaians are very peaceful and hospitable people hence is a popular choice for tourists. I will be listing twelve of the most beautiful destinations in Ghana for the year 2021. They represent a lot of Ghana’s diverse cultures and history deeply rooted in tradition, and tales of the slave trade. The twelve destinations I would be sharing with you are top places you would love to see
1.Fete Beach.
Looking for a peaceful, serene beach, the central region of Ghana has several beaches and one of the most popular choices is the Fete Beach. This awe-inspiring piece of nature is tucked neatly away on Ghana’s west coast in a town called Gomoa Fete. If you ever need a gateway from the hustle and bustle of city life this can be an ideal destination. This beach is well known for its exclusivity and luxury. This is attributed to the White Sands Resort which graces its shores adding that luxurious touch. This resort offers accommodation, restaurants, and a bar. It is also important to note that it is separated from the mainland by a saltwater lagoon. The fresh sea breeze, beautiful beach sand, and the tall lovely coconut trees give the beach a tropical setting that allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature. It is also surprisingly the only surfing beach close to Accra.
2.Ankasa Conservation area.
The Ankasa Conservation Area is a sprawling 190 square miles of beautiful lush vegetation hosting several exotic and local species of flora and fauna. This destination is located in the western region of Ghana. It is bordered by the town of Elubo to the southwest and the bustling city of Takoradi to the east. Ankasa Conservation area has one of the highest rainfall patterns in the country. At one time the reservation provided loggers with large amounts of logs. It is also home to over 263 bird species and the endangered Diana monkey, west African chimpanzee, and many other forms of wildlife. There are other breath-taking sites in the area, some of which include the bamboo citadel which showcases nature’s beauty as they are crisscrossed and form a canopy above. They provide shade and the perfect place for relaxation. Some rivers run through the area and serve as a source of waterfalls in the area. These rivers are the Ankasa, Nini, and Suhien. The Ankasa Conservation area can boast of biological diversity with over 300species of flora.
3.Assin Manso Slave River.
The Assin Manso Slave River is a place that speaks of the brutal history of the slave trade. It is located approximately 40km along the Cape coast-Kumasi highway. The area was well known to be the last stop for slave traders before they took slaves away to be sold at the Elmina castle. It is also called Donkor Nsuo in the local dialects which means ‘Slave Water’. It is said that the slaves were allowed to bathe in the river during their stay there. Over here strong slaves were separated from the weak ones and they were tied to trees and left for wild animals. The stronger slaves continued the rest of the perilous journey to Elmina castle. There are Ancestral graves that hold some of the remains of these slaves. There is also the Wall of Return where visiting black tourists write their names to prove that they returned to their roots.
4.Kakum National Park.
This tranquil park is a wonder to behold. It is located a few kilometers from the coastal town of the Cape Coast in the central region of Ghana. It was established in 1931 by the locals as a natural reserve. It is a tropical forest that holds some of the world’s largest and oldest plant population. Apart from the obvious plant life, there is a 350km canopy walk that connects seven treetops. Tourists can walk the canopy above as they have a spectacular view of the forest floor and the other wildlife. It is also home to 266 bird species, the giant bongo antelope, and the forest elephant. The park is also fed by the Kakum river from which it derives its name. There are also many ornamental plants such as the bovine flora.
5.Cocoloco Beach.
This beach is situated in Ada Fuah in the Volta region of Ghana. It has several bird species which make it a popular tourist site for bird watching. There are also several camping spots for folks looking to spend some quality time and enjoy nature. It is a preferred destination for tourists who are looking for relaxation. This destination has one of nature’s beautiful ecosystems, an estuary (Ramsar site) This swampy place is home to birds and swamp shrub.
6.Aburi Botanical Gardens.
Gardens are a wonderful repose; well known for the relaxing and serene environment they provide. The Aburi Botanical Gardens is one of such gardens. It is located in Aburi a town 32km from Accra. If you are looking for a destination to site see and appreciate nature the Aburi Botanical Gardens is the ideal location. It was once a sanitarium for British officials until it housed the garden. The cool mountainous weather makes it one of the favorites of tourists. It conserves several endangered plant species in the world. It is home to the largest tree in West Africa which is the sacred silk cotton tree. This tree is 5-7 meters wide with a height of 48metres.
7.Aqua Safari.
This is a luxurious five-star hotel located in Big Ada in the Volta region of Ghana. This beautiful edifice has several attractions, some of which include exotic birds like the peacock, swan, and pelican, two swimming pools, four bars, and one of its specialties a spa.
8.Paga Crocodile Pond.
The Paga crocodile pond is home to the sacred west African crocodiles of Paga It is located in the far north of the country in the Upper West region in a town called Paga. These crocodiles are a mystery to tourists due to their friendliness. Tourists are allowed to go crocodile riding on them. Children can swim in the pond with the crocodiles and no harm comes to them. The crocodiles are considered as sacred and it is taboo to kill them.
9.Komenda Cave.
This awesome work of nature is located in Komenda and has many stories describing it’s a rich history. It is said to have been occupied by some members of the British Monarchy during World War II. This sea cave offers tourists the chance to see sandstone which has worn out due to the tidal formation. The cave is believed to be formed from torrential waves hitting a cliff thereby creating a hollow.
10.Fort Santo Antonio.
One of the major features of the slave trade were slave castles and forts. Fort Santo Antonio is well known for its huge triangular shape. It was built by the Portuguese in 1515 in a town called Axim. It was later captured by the Dutch in 1642. It was built to withstand a siege for four years. It had an important defense system. There were three meters deep trench which was dug to defend the fort. This Fort is within the proximity of the River Ankobra.
11.Boti Falls.
Waterfalls are wonderful showcases of nature. They captivate everyone who sees them. The Boti falls is no different, with its twin waterfalls which are believed to be male and female deities. The Boti falls is located in Manya Krobo in the Eastern region of Ghana. The falls take its course from the river Ponmpon. History has it that the falls were discovered by a white Catholic priest. It is also located in the area known as the Huhunya forest. It takes about 45mins to trek through the forest to the site of the waterfalls.
12.Nzulezu Village
This village is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site that highlights the history and creative architecture of Africans. This because of the unexpected location of the village, it sits in the Tadane lake which is located in Beyin a town West of Takoradi. It is a 7-hour drive from the city of Accra. This settlement is made mostly from stilts, coconut trees, hardwood, and platforms. There are between 400-500 residents of the village. The village is self-sufficient although they do not have access to electricity. They make do with lanterns and car batteries to power their gadgets.