THINGS TO DO IN GHANA

Ghana is known as the gateway to Africa or the “Africa for beginners” which simply means if you want to travel through Africa without feeling overwhelmed you start with Ghana. It welcomes you with its heart touching hospitality, culture and the warmth she gives to foreigners from all worth of life.

Ghana is blessed with tropical beaches like in Hawaii, fascinating historical heritage like Rome, Rich cultural variety as India, friendly people just like New Zealand and interesting wildlife in the national park just as the Eastern, Southern part of Africa and Delicious intercontinental and diversified cuisines and incredible Night life just like in the USA. The southern part of Ghana doesn’t tarnish the fact that West Africa has vast beautiful green vegetation with all lush Jungle and perfect beaches escapes.

Not leaving out the northern part of Ghana which always never fails to capture the hearts of tourists with the game rich savannah of mole national park- as setting that evokes east Africa.

Ghana is peaceful, safe, friendly and easy to navigate making it a perfect destination for solo travelers wanting a feel of Africa and here are the best things to do in Ghana;

EXPLORE ACCRA

We get to explore the urban Accra which is more like a diversified blend of the past, present and multi cultures. Take an extensive tour through the colorful and vibrant streets of Accra and spend an afternoon exploring the town’s many historical sites, picturesque spots, street foods and craft markets.

OXFORD STREET

Discover the colorful and vibrant streets of downtown Accra from the hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars.

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, is located in Accra, Ghana, and is now the site for all national gatherings in the Ghanaian capital. It was completed in 1961 to coincide with the state visit of Queen Elizabeth II in November 1961.

From the first parade in honor of the Queen’s visit all the way up to the present day, Black Star Square has hosted all of the country’s major national public gatherings, national festivals, military parades, concerts, and even crusades. None of these are more important than the Independence Day parades held in the square each year on March 6. The square serves as one of Ghana’s picturesque sites for tourists in Ghana. If you want to prove to people you were in Ghana this is one of the spots to take a picture from

VISIT THE MAKOLA MARKET

Do a walk-through the renowned market place and shopping district in the center of the city of Accra which overflows with goods from colorful fabrics, fruits, cloths to people, scents and sounds, hustle and bustle. It is the best place to absorb the atmosphere of a West African market.

EXPLORE THE ARTS CENTER

Visit the Arts Centre which vibrantly filled with a maze of alleyways with mini stalls exhibiting authentic Ghanaian art in the form of handcrafted clothes, jewelry, sculptures and paintings to shop for souvenirs and some traditional outfits.

VISIT THE LABADI BEACH

Labadi beach is the busiest and popular beach in Ghana with a host of beach restaurants and bars. It offers a great urban beach experience and with a view of the Atlantic Ocean accompanied by numerous beach activities like horseback riding, swimming and beach ATV rides, the Labadi beach is simply a hub for non-stop beach parties and must definitely be the list of places to visit in Ghana.

ABURI BOTANICAL GARDENS

Aburi has always been one of my favorite places in Ghana because its peaceful ambience as compared to the busy Capital, with its mountain breeze and how it welcomes you with its glorious green jungles, beautiful views from the peaks of the mountains. Learn about some vital and exotic plants in the universe and also to expose you to the ingenuity of the locals as you interact with them.

DOWNTOWN NIGHTLIFE

One thing is sure: Accra knows how to party! Enjoy Accra by night and discover the best bars & nightclubs in Accra. Explore the city’s nightlife not as a tourist, but as a true Ghanaian!

CHASING WATERFALLS

Ghana might not be on the list of countries with the famous waterfalls but that doesn’t take away the fact that we have some of the most fascinating and beautiful waterfalls tacked in the bosom of the jungles. Chasing Ghana’s hidden gems should definitely be on your list of things to do in Ghana. Currently, the country has about 10 unique waterfalls but the most recommended would be the Boti waterfalls which consist of the male and female and it’s mythically believed when the two merge, it means they’re mating and a rainbow is formed.

Second on my list of fascinating waterfalls in Ghana would be West-Africa’s tallest waterfalls – Wli waterfalls or Agumatsa as the locals call which translate “Allow me flow” falling 1600 feet down into a pool at the base is definitely a must visit in Ghana.

THE ASSIN MANSO SLAVE RIVER SITE

The Assin Manso slave river site which served as a place where slaves had their last bath on African soil before being marched down to the slave castles. They were fed and cleaned so they appeared attractive and healthy to guarantee higher prices. hot branding irons were used to burn identifying marks onto the skin of captives. The marks were a scar on the shoulder, breast or upper arm to show ownership. Other times, branding was used to show that proper duty had been paid.  it is now a sacred place of remembrance.  it is home for the first two diasporas (Lady Crystal from Jamaica and Samuel Carson from New York) whose remains were brought to Ghana through the “door of return” and Reburied. Also, remains of African slave descendants from Barbados are buried on the site to symbolize emancipation and reconnection.

ELMINA TOWN & THE ELMINA CASTLE

Ghana’s historic towns which houses the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa which is 537 years old being the first slave castle in gold coast now Ghana, a town going with names such as Aldea das Duas Partes (Village with two parts) because it lies between the Gulf of Guinea and the lagoon and Costa de El Mina de Ouro (The Coast of Mines) later corrupted to Elmina as the town is known presently. Elmina town being the headquarters of the Portuguese for 150years and designed to fit the status of Lisbon (Portugal’s capital) was a slave harbor where slaves kept in the castle are shipped off into the new world through the door of no return.

CAPE COAST CASTLE

A site Barack Obama once said reminds him of the capacity of human beings to commit great evil. The Cape Coast Castle is one of the 40 castles and forts which constantly reminds us of the dark times in our history from the discomfort in the dungeons, torture, rapes and people losing their lives remained the fate of the captives till the walkthrough of the “DOOR OF NO RETURN” into the slave ships.  Today, people of black decent visit the castle to hear the untold stories the walls have to tell.

VISIT THE KUMASI

Visit the lush heartland of Ghana, a region full of rich traditions. This powerful kingdom is an integral part of Ghana being the heart of Ghanaian culture. A proud people living their culture through expression in language, music, art and in practical things of daily life. The famous Kente cloth, exquisite pottery and carvings, mouthwatering traditional dishes and the feel of walking through the ancient yet fascinating streets of the city is an experience undescribed by words.

SEE THE MANHYIA PALACE

Visit one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world. ‘Manhyia which translates- gathering of the people, serves as the central palace for the Asantehene (Ashanti king). Explore the unique museum established to commemorate past leaders, and to communicate the richness of our history and culture to future generations

THE ADINKRA VILLAGE

The adinkra village popular known for adinkra cloth design. Adinkra in the local dialect means “farewell”, the designs are prominent for the proverbial content it carries and was worn only for funerals in the Ashanti Region and produced mainly in black, brown and red. But today it is made in all colors and used throughout Ghana for numerous occasions and even tattoos etc.,

A trip to the adinkra village entails learning about how the dye is extracted for a tree and the process involved in making it, then make your own imprints using the adinkra stamps on your preferred cloth.

THE KENTE VILLAGE

Kente is a colorful handwoven Ghanaian traditional fabric which is worn mostly on important occasions and celebrations it is believed to be inspired by the craftmanship of the spider in making its webs. Today, stands as a symbol of African culture, heritage and ingenuity not just in Ghana but the entire continent of Africa and learn all about the history and the process involved in creating one of Africa’s cultural treasures.