Are you planning a trip to Africa? If so, Ghana should definitely be on your list of places to visit and that is how you landed on this page. Maybe you wondering if there are amazing places to visit in Ghana Ghana is known for its rich culture, friendly people (like me), and beautiful landscapes. From bustling cities to peaceful villages, Ghana has something for everyone. And from me to you, you are always welcome. I’d like to introduce Ghana to you well. And I will do that by showing you why Ghana should be on your bucket list. Don’t worry it’s a free guide. You can also share it with people as a gift too.
In this article, Mrpocu.com will explore some of the best places to visit in Ghana, as well as the country’s history, culture, and traditions. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s national parks, relaxing on its beaches, or learning about its past, Ghana is sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Places To Visit In Accra
Osu Oxford Street
Osu Oxford Street is a premier business center and a popular shopping destination located in the Accra metropolis, Ghana. It derived its name from the famous Oxford Street in London, U.K., due to its busy nocturnal activities and is also known as the “West End”. The street is a vibrant and globalized commercial district, attracting people from various social and economic backgrounds. The street is home to numerous shops, including supermarkets like Koala Supermarket, and various electronic stores such as Sony Centre and Somovision Ghana. Osu Oxford Street offers a range of dining options, including the popular Chinese restaurant Dynasty, Check out my post on top restaurants in Osu you can visit when you find yourself on Oxford Street.
The street is a popular hangout spot, especially on weekends and holidays, and is a great place to entertain the family during special occasions. Osu Oxford Street is known for its lively nightlife, with numerous clubs and bars in the area. The street is a microcosm of historical and urban processes that have made Accra a variegated and contradictory metropolis, with a diverse population including Ghanaians, Afro-Brazilians, Danes, and Lebanese. Towards the end of every year, there is a big carnival on Osu Oxford Street, which is open to all.
Artists Alliance Gallery
Artists Alliance Gallery is a renowned art gallery located in Accra, Ghana. Established by the respected Ghanaian artist Ablade Glover, it has become one of the most important art venues in Ghana. The gallery is located in the Ohanye House on the sea coast and has three expansive floors of art displayed in cool marble galleries. The gallery showcases a mix of modern and contemporary African art, including works by established artists such as Owusu Ankomah and George Hughes. The gallery also features traditional Ghanaian art, including Asafo flags with appliquéd and embroidered symbols, ancient strip-woven Kente cloths by the Akan and Ewe, African masks of the type that inspired Picasso, and intricately carved furniture5. Additionally, full-sized coffins in the shapes of crabs, running shoes, and eagles are also on display. Everything in the gallery is for sale. The gallery offers private viewings, guided tours, and events.
Labadi Beach
Labadi Beach, also known as La Pleasure Beach, is a popular beach located in Labadi, a suburb of Accra, Ghana. It is the busiest beach on Ghana’s coast and is maintained by the local hotels. Labadi Beach offers a range of activities, including horseback rides along the water, street food, and local gin. Visitors must pay a small access fee of about GH¢20 (US$2) to enter the beach. On holidays and weekends, there are often performances of reggae, hiplife, playback, and cultural drumming and dancing. Labadi Beach is also a popular spot for art stores, where visitors can purchase various artifacts like Krobo beads, rings, trinkets, and wooden masks. The beach is usually filled on Fridays and Saturdays, but it offers a quiet environment for reading or reflection on weekdays. Labadi Beach Hotel, an upscale hotel beach in the same vicinity, offers a beachfront location, an outdoor swimming pool, and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi access.
Jamestown Accra
Jamestown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Accra, Ghana. It was built around and named after the 17th-century James Fort, which was the British colonial administration’s headquarters. Today, Jamestown is a vibrant and colorful fishing town that is home to many residents who have lived there for generations. The town is known for its iconic bright red and white lighthouse, which is a popular tourist attraction. Jamestown is also known for its beautiful murals and buildings, which are symbolic of the tenacity of people living in one of the poorest parts of Accra. The town is a place of resilience and beauty, and its inhabitants are known for their strength and creativity. Jamestown walking tours are available every weekend, and visitors can explore the town with local guides. The tours offer a unique opportunity to see the reality of everyday life for many Ghanaians and to learn about the history and culture of the town. Overall, Jamestown is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant culture and history of Accra.
Osu Castle
Osu Castle, also known as Fort Christiansborg, is a historical landmark located in Accra, Ghana. It was built in the 17th century by the Danes and later served as the seat of government for the British colonial administration, the Akwamu people, and post-independence Ghana3. The castle is arguably one of the best places in Accra that you should add to your bucket list. The castle has a rich history and has changed hands between Denmark, Portugal, Norway, the Akwamu, Britain, and Ghana. Osu Castle is located on the shores of Osu, a township within Accra, Ghana, on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in Africa. Visitors can explore the castle with local guides, who can provide information on its history and significance. Osu Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Ghana.
Places To Visit In Cape Coast
Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle is a historical landmark located in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was originally built by Sweden in the 1650s and later served as a trading post for various European nations, including the Danes, Dutch, and British. The castle is one of about forty “slave castles” built on the Gold Coast of West Africa (now Ghana) by European traders. Cape Coast Castle, along with other forts and castles in Ghana, is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its testimony to the Atlantic gold and slave trades. The castle is arguably on of the best places to visit in Ghana. The castle is open to the public and currently serves as a historical museum with a Ghanaian arts and crafts gift shop6. The castle’s opening hours are 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. Entrance fees apply. Cape Coast Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Ghana and the transatlantic slave trade.
Elmina Castle
Elmina Castle is a historical landmark located in Elmina, Ghana. It was built by the Portuguese in 1482 as Castelo de São Jorge da Mina, also known as Castelo da Mina or simply Mina, and was the first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea. The castle was used for the gold and ivory trade mainly at the beginning, but when European powers began to invade Africa for slaves, Elmina became an essential stop on the slave route and a prison of sorts for captives. Today, Elmina Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is preserved as a Ghanaian national museum. The castle is open for visits daily between 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and entrance fees apply. The museum provides tours of the castle, and exhibits include photographs representing the images of St. George’s Castle across the centuries, displays on the Asantes of Elmina, and on local trading activities with the Europeans, gold weights, shackles, murals, local textiles, stools, stone implements, ceramics, bottles, clay, glass, and beads. Elmina Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Ghana and the transatlantic slave trade.
Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park is a popular tourist attraction located in the Central Region of Ghana, just 30 km north of Cape Coast. The park covers an area of 357 km² and is known for its undisturbed coastal forest and diverse wildlife. The park is home to Africa’s only rainforest canopy walkway, which is one of only a dozen such walkways in the world. Arguably, the park is one of the best places to visit in Cape Coast. The canopy walkway is 333 meters long and suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old. Kakum National Park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including endangered forest elephants, colobus monkeys, over 300 species of birds, and more than 600 species of butterflies. However, game viewing is difficult due to the dense forest and the park’s popularity with tourists.
Places To Visit In Kumasi
Lake Bosumtwe
Lake Bosumtwe is a natural lake located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It is the only natural lake in Ghana and was created by the impact of a meteor. The lake is situated within an ancient impact crater that is about 10.5 kilometers in diameter. Lake Bosumtwe is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its natural beauty, surrounded by mountainous crater walls in vivid shades of green. The lake is considered sacred by the locals, and it is believed that the souls of the dead come here to bid farewell to the goddess Asase Ya. Fishing is only allowed from wooden planks, and it is considered taboo to touch the water with iron or any metal. The lake is home to various fish species, including the endemic cichlid Hemichromis frempongi and the near-endemic cichlids Tilapia busumana and T. discolor. The lake catchment spans two districts, Bosomtwe and Bosome-Freho, and consists of a mixture of three unique types of ecosystems – forests, wetlands, and mountains – which contribute to the conservation of vital biodiversity. Lake Bosumtwe is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and culture of Ghana.
Kejetia Market
From a distance, the Kejetia Market appears as if an extraterrestrial mothership has touched down at the heart of Kumasi. Upon closer inspection, the weathered tin roofs covering this expansive market (often acclaimed as the largest in West Africa, boasting 11,000 stalls and a workforce several times that) resemble a circular shanty town. Stepping inside, the bustling Kejetia can be disorienting yet irresistibly captivating. Within its vibrant confines, you’ll discover a myriad of goods ranging from foodstuffs, second-hand shoes, and clothing to plastic trinkets, glass beads, kente strips, Ashanti sandals, batik, bracelets, and much more.
Exploring the market independently is perfectly fine; few tourists venture here, and shopkeepers will likely be pleasantly surprised by your presence. Alternatively, consider hiring a guide. A guide not only navigates the labyrinthine market with ease but also offers insights into obscure trades and goods, assists in bargaining, and facilitates interactions with stallholders.
Manhyia Palace Museum
The Manhyia Palace Museum is a historical museum located in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana, and situated within the Manhyia Palace. The museum was established in 1925 as a private residence for Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I and was converted into a museum by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II on August 12, 1995, to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne. The museum displays the residence’s original furnishings and royal memorabilia, including royal regalia, photographs, medals, furniture, drums, and palanquins, which are over two hundred years old. The museum also features video presentations and key historical items pertaining to Ashantiland and Ghana’s ancestry. The building itself is an exhibit, a canvas on which the story of the Asante is painted. The Manhyia Palace Museum is one of the must-visit destinations in Kumasi for anyone interested in the history and culture of Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom.
Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum is a historical museum located in Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana, and situated within the Manhyia Palace. The museum was established in 1995 to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II’s ascension to the throne as the Asantehene. The museum is relatively small, but it offers a personalized tour included with admission, providing a fascinating introduction to Ashanti culture and history. The museum is located within the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene’s official house. The entrance fee for the museum is 10 GHS, which is lower than the 20 GHS fee for the Manhyia Palace Museum. The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum is located near several other attractions in Kumasi, including the Kumasi Zoo, Rattray Park, Paa Joe Stadium, Kumasi Central Market, and Manhyia Palace.
Kumasi Zoo
Kumasi Zoo, also known as Kumasi Zoological Garden, is a zoo located in the heart of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana1. The zoo occupies a 1.5-square-kilometer (370-acre) area between the Kejetia Bus Terminal, the old race course, and the Kumasi Centre for National Culture. The zoo was established in 1951 and officially opened in 1957 by the Asanteman Council to conserve nature and display indigenous wild animals of Ghana. The zoo houses about 40 different species of animals, with individual animals numbering over 135. The main functions of the zoo are to display local fauna in captivity to satisfy the curiosity of the viewing public, foster social research, and publish journal notes on Ashanti customs and other matters of general interest. Kumasi Zoo attracts a significant number of visitors, including school children, tourists, and locals.
Places To Visit In Volta Region
Wli Waterfalls
Wli Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction located near the village of Wli in the Volta Region of Ghana. It is the highest waterfall in Ghana and the tallest in West Africa, with water descending from a height of about 1600 feet. The waterfall is also known as Agumatsa Falls and is situated within the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can hike to the upper falls, which is normally too slippery and treacherous during the rainiest months. The hike to the lower falls is a 30-45 minute walk on a cleared, unobstructed, sometimes fenced path. A visitor center at Wli Waterfalls offers shaded seating, beverages, a nice gift shop, and flush toilets1. Homestays can be arranged at the visitor center, and camping is also permitted there. Private lodging is available at two hotels in Wli that also serve food. Wli Waterfalls is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and culture of Ghana.
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is a traditional sacred grove conservation located about 230 kilometers northeast of Accra and 43 kilometers south of Hohoe in the Volta region of Ghana. Established in 1993, the sanctuary is home to Mona and Patas monkeys and was created to protect the forest and its inhabitants. The sanctuary is a community-based ecotourism project that has helped preserve the forest and its wildlife. The sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Volta Region. The village residents believed that the monkeys were sacred because they were believed to be messengers from the gods. The sanctuary was established in 1993 under the direction of a Peace Corps Volunteer to protect the forest and monkeys. Visitors can take guided tours of the sanctuary, which include a visit to the village and a chance to interact with the monkeys. The sanctuary also offers a cultural village experience, where visitors can learn about traditional customs and crafts.
Mount Afadjato And Mount Gemi
Mount Afadjato and Mount Gemi are two prominent mountains located in the Volta Region of Ghana, near the border with Togo. Mount Afadjato, also known as Mount Afadzato, is the highest peak in Ghana, standing at an elevation of 885 meters. The mountain forms part of the Agumatsa Range, which runs along the Ghana-Togo border. Mount Gemi, on the other hand, is a neighboring peak with an unspecified elevation. Mount Afadjato and Mount Gemi form part of the Agumatsa Range, which runs along the Ghana-Togo border. The range includes well-developed Guinea Savanna and semi-deciduous forest, with the western slopes of the hills supporting semi-deciduous forest and the steeper eastern sides dominated by wooded savanna. There is an entrance fee for climbing Mount Afadjato to preserve the natural beauty and protect the ecosystem. Mount Afadjato and Mount Gemi are popular tourist attractions in the Volta Region of Ghana, welcoming thousands of visitors from around the globe annually. The nearby Tagbo Falls and Wli Falls are also popular tourist attractions.
Wli Waterfall
Wli Waterfalls, also known as Agumatsa Waterfalls, is the highest waterfall in West Africa, located near the village of Wli in the Volta Region of Ghana. The waterfall is situated within the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary and features both upper and lower falls. The total height of the waterfall is 80 meters. Wli Waterfalls is located in the Hohoe municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana, approximately 280 kilometers from the capital Accra. Visitors can take guided tours of the waterfall, which usually include a local guide. The visitor center at Wli Waterfalls offers shaded seating, beverages, a nice gift shop, and flush toilets. Homestays can be arranged at the visitor center, and camping is also permitted there. Private lodging is available at two hotels in Wli that also serve food. There are several great lodges in the area with stunning views and access to waterfall trails.
The Adomi Bridge
The Adomi Bridge is a latticed steel arch suspension bridge that crosses the Volta River at Atimpoku in Ghana, West Africa. It is the first permanent bridge to span the Volta River and is Ghana’s longest suspension bridge. The bridge provides the main road passage, just south of the Akosombo Dam, between the Eastern Region and the Volta Region of Ghana. It was opened in 1957 by Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. The bridge is located in Atimpoku in the Eastern Region of Ghana, which is along the Volta River. The bridge carries National Route N2 and connects parts of the Eastern Region and Juapong in the North Tongu District, Ho, Hohoe, and other towns in the Volta Region. The Adomi Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the Volta River.
Ote Waterfalls and Canopy Walk
Ote Waterfalls and Canopy Walk is a popular tourist attraction located in Amedzofe, Ghana, in the Volta Region. The waterfall is around 2 kilometers from Amedzofe’s main town, and getting there takes a short but enjoyable stroll through the lush forest. The canopy walkway offers stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding rainforest. The waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction, and the canopy walkway provides a unique vantage point to enjoy its beauty. The canopy walkway stretches across the rainforest, offering visitors a bird’s-eye view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The walkway consists of 259 steps, which some visitors find challenging to descend. Ote Waterfalls and Canopy Walk attract tourists from all over the world, offering a stunning and mesmerizing natural environment. Visitors can take guided tours of the waterfall and canopy walkway, which usually include a local guide.
Tagbo Falls
Tagbo Falls is a waterfall located near Mount Afadjato in Ghana, at Liati Wote, approximately 27 kilometers east of the township of Hohoe. The water falls down in several stages, with the last stage being about 60 meters high. The area is surrounded by rainforest. Visitors can reach Tagbo Falls by walking along farms (okra, papaya, coco yam) and through a forest with butterflies. The walk is an easy hike through coffee and cocoa fields and untouched forests. A 45-minute to 1-hour relatively easy hike takes visitors to the waterfall from the lodge. The hike offers a guided walk through tropical farmlands and coffee plantations to the falls, with three bridges over the meandering river. Tagbo Falls is a popular tourist attraction in Ghana, offering a stunning natural environment and an opportunity to explore the local culture and cuisine.
Places To Visit In Northern Region
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is the largest and most prestigious protected area in Ghana, located in the north-west of the country, measuring 4,849 sq km. The park is Ghana’s largest wildlife refuge and was established in 1958 and re-designated a National Park in 1971. The park has very rich wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, baboons, warthogs, hyenas, and more than 300 bird species. The park is also home to the rare white-backed vulture. The park has a visitor center, a museum, and a research center. The park offers various activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching. The park has a lodge called Mole Motel, which is the best place to stay while visiting the park. The lodge consists of a bar, a restaurant, a long outdoor patio seating area, a small swimming pool, and a conference room. Mole National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and wildlife of Ghana.
Mognori Eco-Village
Mognori Eco-Village is a unique cultural and eco-tourism destination located near Mole National Park in Ghana. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional village life, homestay accommodation, and authentic local activities. Mognori Eco-Village provides an immersive experience of traditional village life, allowing visitors to stay in typical bungalows, eat local meals, and engage in various cultural activities. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful canoe safari, providing a unique perspective of the village and its surroundings. Mognori Eco-Village is a farming village with a rich history, and its descendants settled on the Murugu land before the slave raids. The village provides various activities such as village tours, wildlife quests, and cultural experiences, curated by local lifestyle and eco-tourism organizations. Mognori Eco-Village offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with local culture, traditions, and sustainable living practices, making it an ideal destination for those interested in authentic cultural experiences and eco-tourism.
Nalerigu Slave Defence Wall
The Nalerigu Defence Wall, also known as the Naa Jaringa Walls, is a historical monument located in the village of Nalerigu in the East Mamprusi District of the Northern Region of Ghana. The wall was built in the 16th century by Naa Jaringa, a powerful chief of the Mamprusi ethnic group, to protect the village from slave raiders and to fortify the capital of Nalerigu due to civil wars. The wall initially surrounded the entire village, but only a few ruins remain today. The slave route between Ouagadogou in Burkina Faso and Djenne in Mali passed close by, making the wall an important defense structure against the ruthless slave traders from Burkina Faso and Mali. The Nalerigu Defence Wall stands as a testament to the historical struggles and triumphs of the people of Nalerigu and serves as a reminder of the impact of the trans-Saharan slave trade in the region.
Places To Visit In Western Region
Busua Beach
Busua Beach is a popular tourist destination located in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region in Ghana, about 30 kilometers west of the regional capital, Sekondi-Takoradi. The beach is known for its long stretch of clean sand and warm sea, making it an ideal location for swimming and other water sports. The locals are friendly and helpful, and there are various accommodation options, including small seafood restaurants and hotels. You can enjoy various activities at Busua Beach, including surfing, fishing, and exploring the nearby Fort Metal Cross and Fort Batenstein. Busua Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and culture of Ghana, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience for visitors.