Taking a Look at Ghana

The West African nation of Ghana is an interesting country with diverse wildlife and secluded beaches.

The capital of Ghana is Accra, located on the Atlantic coast.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park honors the first president of Ghana, who helped lead the country to independence. In the park, you’ll find Nkrumah’s mausoleum and a museum that tells about his life.

This is a tranquil park with many bronze statues, a fountain, and to the delight of visitors strolling peacocks.

Jamestown began as a community around the 17th century British James Fort later merging with the growing city of Accra. Today it is a rather poor neighborhood but worth a look at for its colonial buildings, clapboard houses, and corrugated iron shacks. To get the best views of the city climb the Jamestown Lighthouse. It offers views of the city and the colorful fishing harbor.

The ANO Center for Cultural Research is an art institution that takes its name from the word “grandmother” in Akan. It was founded by Nana Oforiatta-Ayim, a Ghanaian art historian, writer, and filmmaker. There is a permanent space for exhibitions and screenings as well as a workshop and a library.

Enjoy the excitement of Makola Market. A vibrant place with vendors selling everything from food to secondhand clothes to shoes and so much more.

Independence Square or Black Star Square is a large square that is dominated by an enormous arch similar to McDonald’s. Beneath the arch is the Eternal Flame of African Liberation. The square only fills up for special commemorations. Across the street from the square is the Independence Arch. This arch is crowned by a large black star which is Ghana’s national symbol. Photo-taking is forbidden.

Goethe-Institut is the cultural arm of the German government in Ghana. It’s also a popular event venue in Accra. On the first Saturday of every month, they have a great market here where you can purchase food, paintings. and handicrafts. A small beer garden kind of restaurant offers German beer and bratwurst. and sauerkraut. You can check a program to see what concerts or movies are available.

Bojo Beach is a clean and lovely beach just a short way from Accra city. Once there visitors pay an entrance fee and then get rowed across a strip of water to a wonderful beach. You can sunbathe and enjoy refreshments.

If you want more action than just a quiet beach head for Labadi Beach. This is Accra’s most popular beach where you can play ball, run in the surf, go horse riding. and dance to loud music in the bars and restaurants along the shore.

The National Museum of Ghana is located on lovely grounds. It has excellent displays on Ghanaian culture and history. Among the displays are local crafts, ceremonial objects, and the slave trade.

Visit Flagstaff House which was completed in 2008. It was designed to resemble an Asante Golden Stool. Today it is the office and residence of the President of Ghana.

The British Consul organizes cultural events and lectures. They also have a library with English newspapers and magazines.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is an impressive red-brick Anglican church that was completed by the British in 1894.

The Artists Alliance Gallery is an amazing contemporary and fine arts gallery. It was created by Ghanaian artist Ablade Glover. The three-story gallery has displays of Kente clothing, furniture, Asafo flags, masks, and unique metal sculptures. Almost every prominent Ghanaian artist is represented and many of the pieces are for sale.

Other Places to Visit In Ghana

Cape Coast a former European colonial capital is one of the most culturally significant spots in all of Africa. Originally the Portuguese called this town Cabo Corso and it used to be the largest slave trading center in West Africa. Slaves were brought here and locked up in the intimidating castle then put on vessels that took them to the New World. Today it is a fishing town where you can see old colonial buildings while strolling about.

Kakum National Park is a great place for a day trip from Cape Coast. In the park, you’ll find 40 mammal species, 300 bird species, and more than 600 butterfly species. The most popular part of this park is the canopy walk. These are a string of viewing platforms linked together by safe and bouncy suspension some 30 meters above the park floor. You can get a park ranger or guide to take you about.

Around 30 km from the city of Sekondi-Takoradi you’ll find the village of Busua. This village offers the potential for great excursions so it is an ideal base camp. The beach here offers calm waters just great for swimming. This is a tourist place so there are great hotels, restaurants, and shopping places. You can rent surfboards and bikes.

If you are interested in a family safari then the place for you is Mole National Park. This park covers a large savannah with African elephants, buffalos, baboons, warthogs, and kob antelopes. Making their home here are around 100 mammal species and around 300 bird species. The park offers walking and driving safaris and if you prefer you can rent your own park vehicle. The best time to spot elephants is between December and April.

Tamale is the country’s northern capital and is mostly inhabited by the Mole-Dagomba group. You can see some impressive mosques here and the cultural center has craft shops, and dance and music performances. Tamale is considered to be the “kitchen” of Ghana and visitors can delight in local and exotic foods. The land is hot and arid since it is close to the Sahara Desert. Take the time to see the two traditional palaces Dapkema and Gulkpe Naa.

Lake Bosumtwe is located 32 km from Kumasi. This is a crater lake that is almost 90 meters deep and was created when a large meteorite collided with Earth. The lake is surrounded by awesome trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The lake is a sacred site for the Ashanti people. Folklore has it that the spirits of people come to this lake after death to say goodbye to the god Twi. This is a great place to relax and enjoy water sports.

The largest man-made lake on Earth is Lake Volta in Ghana. While exploring this area you can stay in the neighboring towns of Ho or Ewe. Visitors can enjoy botanical gardens, take music cruises on the lake, go canoeing, see monkey sanctuaries, go fishing. see waterfalls and a Kente weaving village. You can also hike up to the top of Mount Afadjato which is Ghana’s tallest peak.