Ghana is a multi-cultural country in West Africa that is blessed with lots of tourist attractions (sites) visited by people across the boundaries of the world. It is the gateway to Africa for role it plays as far democracy is concern in African sub-region, hence compiling the tourists sites in Ghana.
Ghana has sixteen (16) administrative regions and among each of the region is a touristique attractions and sites that attract tourists both locals and foreigners. Among the top tourist sites in Ghana including the historical monuments, nature parks, dynamic cultural heritage sites, beaches, foods just to mention few.
Recommended reading… Why Ghana Is The Best Place For Tourism
Out of the numerous discovered sites comprising of the famous and unpopular locations explored, I am going to make a recommendation for the nicest, beautiful and most visited places to visit while on your tour journey to Ghana according to beaches, historical monuments and sites, castles, eco-tourist sites, arts and culture and market tour..
The Top Tourist Sites In Ghana
1. Beaches and Lakes
Ghana has a large stretch of coastal belt at its southern part attracting travelers for the purposes of tourism. The coastal line stretches from the Western Region, Central Region, Greater Accra Region and the Volta Region. These regions boast of the cleanest and nicest beaches that welcomes travelers and tour lovers.
Some of the popular beaches you can surf when you are in Ghana include the Aborigines Beach Resort, Labadi Beach, Kokrobite Beach, Escape 3 Points, White Sand Beach, Anomabo Beach, Prampram Beach, Titanic or Sakumono Beach, Coconut Grove Beach, Busua Beach, Bojo Beach Resort, Cocoloco Beach, Laboma Beach, Sajuna Beach just to mention few of the them. Tourists have shown much love for the beach life in Ghana, hence the best attraction for your bucket list.
There are also natural and artificial lakes in Ghana like the Volta Lake, Lake Bosomtwe and other notable rivers which also provides the excitement and pleasure to those away from the coasts such as the Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region, and so on.
The Dodi Princess at Akosombo provides a lifetime experience of unique tourism journey of cruising on the Volta Lake to the beautiful Island.
Also read about The Top Best Beaches In Ghana
2. Nature Parks And Ecotourism
When it comes to vegetation, Ghana has different vegetation zones with a protected and preserved wildlife that provides an attraction to nature lovers. These eco-system have different species of wildlife animals, avi fauna, mammals and different tree species for nature life.
Some of the top nature parks on the list include Kakum National Park, Mole National Park, Accra Zoological Gardens, Kumasi Zoological Garden, Aburi Botanical Garden, Legon Botanical Garden, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Mognori Eco Park, Ankasa Forest Reserve, Bia Nature Park and many others providing a warm climate and serene unadulterated environment to nature lovers.
Species of endangered animals in the habitat such as elephants, monkeys, baboons, crocodile and so on which are some-how hard to find are all found in these nature park that tourists can see.
There are mountains in Ghana that hikers can climb and explore. The highest mountain of West Africa, Mountain Afadjato is also one of the most visited places that have well embraced by most tourists.
Aside, the mountains, there are some waterfalls such as the twin waterfalls at Boti, Wli falls, Kintampo falls, Tsenku Falls, Adom Waterfalls all provides pleasure some colorful rainbow from the splash of the waterfall from the mountains making a great appeal to tourists.
Mount Gemi
Nature lovers can tour this highest habitable village of Ghana’s landscape of Mount Gemi in the Volta Region. Mount Gemi is very close to the Afadjato which is the highest mountain in the West Africa. Explorers can hike to the top of the mountain of Gemi and catch a glimpse of the beautiful township and the natural environment. Down the mountain is a waterfall that tourist enjoy swimming to cool off from the hike.
Apart from the bird view of the the natural surroundings, there is a church, a bell and a tall cross of about 4 meters on the mount constructed by some German missionaries in the year 1930s.
Fuller Falls
The place was formally a prayer grounds for Reverend Father Joseph Panabang, a missionary from the Philippines who discovered the site in 1988 at Yabraso near Kintampo.
The waterfall takes its source from the Black Volta flowing to provide a natural beauty of a waterfall. There are rocks and seats made from concretes for tourists to sit and meditate and also have the bright side of nature.
Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary
This site is also a unique tourist site in Ghana for the conservation and preservation of wildlife in the northern part of Ghana. The vase land stretches to the Black Volta bordering Burkina Faso serves as the habitat for hippos, snakes, bats, chameleons and many species of mammals and amphebians.
Tourist can enjoy their stay of Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary by resting in the tree houses, trekking in the forest conservation area and enjoying local food and drinks from the local people.
Paga Crocodile Pond
This is attractive site in the Northern part of Ghana. It is a sanctuary for crocodile that are very friendly and harmless to the people. Touring enjoy their adventure by feeding the crocodiles and scaringly conquering their fears by sitting at the back.
The Big Tree
The big tree is located at Akim Oda in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The tree is of the Bako species and the botanical name is Tieghemela Heckle. It is the biggest tree in West Africa with over 700 meters height with over 400 years of age.
Enjoy a nature life by visiting the West Africa’s biggest tree in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Fiema Boabeng Monkey Sanctuary
One of the most renowned tourist attractions in Ghana is the Fiema Boabeng Monkey Sanctuary in the Bono East Region.
The sanctuary has over 700 species of monkeys protected in the twin township of Fiema and Boabeng.
Historically, the monkeys which were 4 mona monkeys were believed to be the children of a fetish priest who went to stay in Boabeng years back. The chief of the town had instructed the people not harm or kill the monkeys, hence their multiplication today. Amazingly, when the monkeys die, a burial rite is held for them just like humans.
Currently the sanctuary is under the protection of the Department of Games and Wildlife providing tourist attractions to tourists.
Umbrella Rock
The umbrella rock can be found at the same venue for the Boti Falls in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The strange rock is beautifully formed with a large sediments of rocks laying on a smaller rock forming the shape of an umbrella.
Being a surprise to tourists, the large rock has laid on the smaller rock for ages without falling. The umbrella rock can provide shelter to over 15 to 20 people and a major tourist attraction.
International Stingless Bee Center
This is a tourist site yet unpopular but very interesting to visit. This is an ecosystem where one can tour the sanctuary of stingless bees making their stings. It is an educative and research site where you can explore different species of bees as they make their honey and also tasting the natural and fresh honey.
3. Historical Monuments
Exploring the best places in Ghana cannot be complete without visiting some historical monuments that are in remembrance of some past events
Castles and Forts
In the trans-Atlantic slave trade era, Ghana was the hub for the slavery happened before transporting of the enslaved Africans to their new destination. After the abolition of the slave trade, there are lots of castles and forts that were serving as the domicile or home to the Europeans during their stay in the Gold Coast (now Ghana).
There are three (3) major castles in the history of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa and they are Elmina Castle (St. Georges Castle), Christianborg Castle (Osu Castle) and the Cape Coast Castle which are all found in Ghana. There are also over forty (40) forts which were built during their stay in Ghana. Out of the forts, some have gone into depletion whereas the remaining ones are used for the tourism. The notable ones include Fort Amsterdam, Fort St. Jago, Fort Victoria, Fort Prizenstein, Fort Good hope and many others.
The Europeans also built some light houses which overlooked the harbor and also served as a signal to the arriving ship in the Gold Coast. The light houses include the Jamestown light house, St. Paul Light house at Keta etc now serving as a monument for tourism.
Osu Castle
The Christianborg Castle as the official name of the Osu Castle is one of the three major castles in the history of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa.
Built in the year 1961 by the Danish, the castle was the office and the residence to the governor. It also remained the seat of the Ghana Government after independence till the construction of the Flag Staff House.
The Christianborg Castle can be found at Osu in the Greater Accra Region serving the purpose of tourism to both local and the international travelers.
Fort Metal Cross
Formally known as Fort Dixcove, is a historical site in the Western Region along the coast. It is among the forts that were built by the British in the Gold Coast in the 16th Century.
It was built for the purpose of extending their trading activities of minerals to the areas in the hinterlands. However the purpose for the building derailed into a service station for repairing of ship and later a prison for the transatlantic slave trade.
Being a property of the National Museum Board and protected by UNESCO, it is now a tourist attraction for people to have the historical background and feel of the activities during the colonial period.
Pikworo Slave Camp
This camp was developed as a transit center to transport enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade. The venue was used between the 17 centuries and the 18 centuries for auctioning and selling of enslaved people to the other slave markets like the Salaga slave market, Assin Manso slave market and river, then to the various castles for shipment.
Black Star Square (Black Star Gate)
Black Star Square is also called the Independence Square of Ghana which is the grounds for all national events but it is widely known for the celebration of Independence in Ghana. It is also the second largest Independence Square in the world.
At the Black Star Square is the Black Star Gate, which is the gateway to Africa. It is in commemoration of Ghana’s total liberation from colonialism and being the first African country to attain independence.
Also at the independence square, is a monumental statues of some ex-service who were shot to death while on peaceful march to agitate for their benefits promised by the colonial masters as veterans of the World War II.
Kwame Nkrumah Meseum ( Mausoleum)
The fight for Ghana’s independence and the liberation of the African continent from colonialism was by a Great man called Osagye Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. At the museum is where we have the mausoleum the burial place of Ghana’s first president and his wife. Inside the museum are some items used by him such as office desk, piano, clothes, books written by him and other personal belongings.
At the mausoleum where we have the final burial of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife is built in the shape of a truncated tree that is signifying the uncompleted work of the great man. It is also design like a sword turned upside down which is a symbol of peace.
WEB Dubois Center
Being the residence and the burial place of the late Williams Edward Barghart Dubois, the facility is serving the purpose of a museum for the promotion of Pan African Culture.
Dr Dubois was an Afro-American philosopher, author and a A pan-Africanist who was a close friend of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He played a major role in the liberation of the black people in the diaspora through the formation of various movements.
Inside the museum are lots of books written by Dr. Dubois and other African great writers. There are also a wall of fame for some African leaders who dedicated their lives in the fight against colonialism.
Adomi Bridge
Adomi bridge also known as the Akosombo Bridge is located at Atimpoku near Akosombo on the Volta river. It is a suspension bridge which spans on the lake connecting the Volta and Eastern Regions.
Best accommodations in Akosombo
Nzulezu Stilt Village
One of the few in the world to see village built on stilts is the Nzulezu Village. At Nzulezu , the entire daily activities of the people are carried on the Tadane lake in the Western Region of Ghana.
Tourists should expect a unique and natural explore of the beautiful village that has been built on the river. Read more on the Nzulezu Village on the River here.
4. Shopping and Market Tour
African Largest Open Markets
Tourists can take a tour of the largest West African open markets in Ghana. At the market, one can shop for all items from food, clothing, foot wears, arts, jewelries and what have you. Some of the popular markets to explore while in Ghana include the Makola Market, Kejetia Market, Kotokoraba Market and other local market.
The most attractive part of the tour is meeting the local people for interactions and also seeing different types of local commodities.
Art Center
One of the largest markets in Africa where one can shop for art and craft commodities is the National Center for Culture in Accra. It is few minute walk from the Kwame Nkrumah Museum and the Independence Square.
The Art Center offers an indoor and outdoor market for the creative. For all traditional souvenirs and crafted items like kente dresses, beads, leather bags, paintings, caving, tie and dye materials and many more, the Art Center is perfect location for shopping.
The venue also offers a session for listening to live music, performances and learning of traditional and culture displays.
Osu Oxford Street
Osu Oxford also called the West End was named after the Oxford city in the United Kingdom. Located in the center of Accra at Osu, the street is one of the busiest streets in Ghana for the diverse activities carried out by the people from day to night.
Looking for the top restaurants, pubs, street shopping for all items, marts etc can all be found on the Osu Oxford street. For night life activities, you can explore the clubs and party till you drop.
There are lots of shopping malls for travelers who do not fancy the local market but prefer the indoor marketing. Within the various cities are scattered shopping malls, marts, etc to buy all commodities from local to exotic to food. Some of the popular shopping malls to shop while in Ghana are the Marina Mall, Junction Mall, Accra Mall, West Hills Mall, A & C Mall and many others.
5. Historical Sites
Bonwire Kente
Kente is a special fabric from Ghana that is weaved by hand in strips to form the cloth. This historical special cloth has taken all over the whole world especially among the African diaspora. In the events and special ceremonies, people get stunned in their dresses made from kente.
The history of kente cannot be complete without the mention of the township of Bonwire and Adanwomase where it originated. Travelers can get the history of the kente weaving from this township on their visit and also learn a new skill of weaving the kente strip in the loom. Get the detailed information of the kente cloth from here.
National Theatre
At exciting and educative real feeling of the Ghanaian culture can be observed from the performing art at the National Theatre. The National Theatre is a venue equipped with providing theatrical programs, performing arts, and other special events to entertain guests.
Accra International Conference Center
This is another landmark close to the parliament house and the Accra Sports Stadium near the Independence Square. It is a popular venue that was constructed to host national and international events and other performances of the creative industry.
The facility was built in the early 90’s and can seat about 1600 people at the auditorium during an event. Popular events that tourists can look out for from the Accra International Conference Center include live concerts, beauty pageants, musical shows and many more.
Manhyia Palace
In terms pure Ghanaian culture, the Manhyia Palace is the hub to experience. Being the home of the throne of the Ashanti Kingdom headed by the Ashanti King Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, it is also a museum which is packed with the history of the Ashanti Kingdom. The golden stool which was not made but conjured from the sky by a fetish priest can also be found there.
Manhyia Palace is located in Kumasi the capital city of the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
The Mystic Stone
The stone is located at the outskirt of Larabanga in the Northern part of Ghana. Around the year 1950, some Road Contractors from Britain attempted severally to remove the stone from its place for construction of road but proved futile. Anytime the remove it, they return to meet it at its original place, there by compelling them to divert the road.
Wa Naa’s Palace
This is the official residence of the Paramount Chief of Wa. The palace which is a major attraction to the various clans of the Wala tribes is built in traditional Sudanese mud architectural style. In front of the palace are graves of dead chiefs of the Wala kingdom.
Cape Three Points
Explorers can travel to the Cape Three (3) Points in the Western Region of Ghana which is the southern-most part of Ghana. Being the tip of the Ghana map, it lies at a nice and beach where tourists can have fun.
Okomfo Anokye Sword
Another historical site to look out for while in the Ashanti Region is the Okomfo Anokye Sword. The sword shich forms a vital part in the history of the Ashanti Kingdom got stauck over 350 years ago.
It was Planted by a powerful fetish priest called Okomfo Anokye as a symbol of unifying the Ashanti Kingdom. After planting it, various attempts to remove it but to no avail.
It is situated at the same spot for the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital where the Fetish priest also made a declaration that the venue will be healing grounds for millions of people.
Accra Central Mosque
Explore the largest ulta-modern mosque in West Africa in Accra Ghana. The million dollar mosque has administrative offices, congress hall and a library for research.
The mosque was financed by the Turkish as means of fostering religious relation between Ghana and Turkey.
Ghana Armed Forces Museum
Established in 1953 at Adum in Kumasi is the Ghana Armed Forces Museum. It was converted into a museum after the Second World War when it was serving as a British fort.
The museum being the property of the Ghana Armed Forces contains military equipment like helicopters, explosives, guns etc. It is also contains items and pictures of some prominent personalities such as Emperor Haile Selassie, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, General Erskine a former military officer and a chief of staff and many others.
Bisa Abrewa Museum
Bisa Abrewa Museum is a tourist site that was officially opened in 2019 by Mr. Kwaw Ansah in the Western Region at a location called Nkotum Mpo in Sekondi-Takoradi.
The museum is considered one of the largest collection centers of sculptures in Africa. There are over 2000 exhibits uniquely sculptured from clay that gives a visual representation of the past from slavery, independence and the liberation of the black race.
Artist Aliance Gallery
Situated at the Labadi in the Greater Accra Region, the Artist Alliance Gallery is highly respected exhibition center for the collection of artworks from great artists. Some of the items found at the gallery include traditional and modern crafts like carving, local drums, paintings, and other thrilling artworks.
Larabanga Mosque
Visit the ancient revered mosque in the northern part of Ghana. The mosque which is regarded as the ‘Mecca of West Africa’ is beautifully built in Sudanese architectural style since the 14th centuries.
The sacred place is very attractive for the style of the building and the number of years it has been in existence. There is also an old Quran in the mosque believed to have been gifted from the Heavens to an Imam for his prayers.
Prempeh II Museum
The historical site is located in Kumasi at the National Cultural Center. The museum is built in honor of the late Ashanti King Sir Nana Agyemang Prempeh II.
Discover the real history of the Ashantis at the cultural center through their drumming, dressing , just to mention few. At the museum, one can explore the personal used by King like his car, clothes, footwear, photos and other regalia from the palace during his reign.
Akosombo Hydroplant
Tourists can explore a guided tour of the hydro-plant constructed on the Volta Lake generating hydro-electricity power to Ghana and other neighboring countries.
It is located at Akosombo and a few drive from the Adomi Bridge which are all built on the Volta River in the Eastern Region.
Efua Sutherland Children’s Park
This is a recreational center in the capital city of Ghana close to the National Theatre. It was built in honor of a Ghanaian Writer Madam Theodora Efua Sutherland.
The amusement park has equipment to entertain children and also places for adult have quiet time for meditation.
Elmina Lagoon
The lagoon is in front of the Elmina Castle and It is the same venue for the celebration of the Bakatue Festival. Enjoy an in depth explore of the local people as they sail on the lagoon for their fishing activities. There are beautiful colorful boats with some interesting and philosophical writings on them that relates to their owners.
Tafi Abuife Kente Village
Aside the popular township of Bonwire and Adanwomase which has been widely known to be the origin of kente in the history of Ghana and the world, another village that also embarks on the weaving of the special fabric is the Tafi Abuife near Amedzofe.
Being the primary occupation of the village, the young generations are heavily imparted as they also engage in the weaving.
Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop
Explore the fancy coffin coffin shop in Ghana inspired by a man who was designing palanquin for chiefs but extended the idea to designing different shapes of casket relating to the decease’s occupation.
He was the first to design an airplane casket for her dead mum whose dream was to board a flight before he death but could not live up to her dreams.
The carpentry shop located at Teshie after the death of Mr Kane Kwei the shop is now presided over by his children who in addition uses their skill for tourist attraction to the public. Some of the fancy coffin spotted at the Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop included a Trailer Truck Coffin, fish coffin, maize coffin and many more.
Obuasi Mines
Explore the hub for the extraction of the world’s precious mineral. The Obuasi Mines is located in a town in the Ashanti of Ghana. The mines, is managed by the AngloGold Company Limited. Being one of the biggest exports of Gold in Ghana and Africa, tourists can tour the site for a lifetime experience of the advance technologies in the mining of the precious mineral. An underground operation with a depth of about 1500 metres where the excavation for the extraction is carried out is the spot you really need to see.
Sirigu Traditional Pottery
Another touristique sites in the northern part of Ghana is the Sirigu Pottery. At the site, the local women preserve the culture of pot making and basketry. Explore some beautiful pots from the gallery at the visitor center in Sirigu.
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