There are a lot of fun and exciting things to see and experience in Ghana.
In September 2018, the president of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo officially launched the Year of Return program in Washington, D.C. Aside from its economical benefits, this initiative was created with the aim of uniting Africans in the diaspora with Africans in Africa.
The Republic of Ghana (formerly known as Gold Coast) has garnered a lot of attention from the international community. This has led to the country attracting a lot of celebrated African American icons and foreign visitors such as Steve Harvey, Naomi Campbell, actor Idris Elba, Cardi B, Vic Mensa, Chance the Rapper, Ari Lennox and Kendrick Lamar just to name a few.
If you are looking to experience some of the fascinating things Ghana has to offer, check out our list of 11 beautiful and fun places to visit in Ghana.
1. Bliss Family Entertainment
Described as Accra’s happiest place, you can locate The Bliss Family Entertainment at the heart of Accra, inside the Aviation Social Center, Airport City. The recreational facility provides an unforgettable experience for all ages with a 6-lane bowling alley, a variety of slides, zip-lining activities, thrilling trampoline activities, and a variety of food and drinks. This is a great place for group activities. Your family, friends and work colleagues will have the opportunity to relieve stress while engaging in thrilling activities that are totally safe.
2. Osu Castle
Also known as Christianborg Castle, the Osu castle is a fascinating place to visit. Originally built by the Danes, it has been occupied by many people of different nationalities after that. The Portuguese, Dutch, British, and local rulers occupied it over the years, all of which were active in the slave trade. There are dungeons, diplomatic rooms and a chapel from centuries ago.
3. Black Star Gate
The Black Star Gate was one of the projects commissioned by Kwame Nkrumah, the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana, to signify the sovereignty of the new country Ghana. Also known as the Independence Arch, the Black Star Gate is one of the oldest monuments in the country and a great place to take photos. You can also enjoy the view of the Black Star Square and Accra Sports Stadium.
4. Freedom Skatepark
The Freedom Skatepark is Ghana’s first skateboard park/skatepark. It was opened in December last year as a tribute to the late Ghanaian-American fashion artist, Virgil Abloh, who was involved in the project before his unfortunate death. It is located in Shiashie, East Legon, in the capital, Accra. It offers membership to its patronizers and unlimited access to skating equipment as well. Visitors are allowed to take photographs and partake in skating activities.
5. Aburi Botanical Gardens
The Aburi Botanical Gardens is located in the lush Akwapim hills, these famous gardens comprise great lawns planted with native and imported trees and plants. It’s a nice quiet break from the bustle of the city. There are guides to lead visitors through the gardens, sharing lots of knowledge of the various plants and their history and significance.
6. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park is located in the heart of the capital, this is the final resting place of Ghana’s first President and Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This solemn place also houses rare artefacts relating to Ghana’s independence. There are guides who take visitors and tourists on tours. The serenity of the area should definitely give visitors an in-depth history of the Sub-saharan struggle for independence.
7. Makola Market
Makola as it is popularly called is a renowned marketplace and shopping district in the centre of the city of Accra. Hustle and bustle aren’t enough to describe the scene at Makola. It is massive, fast-paced, crowded, and lively with traders and vendors of all kinds – shops, counters, hustlers in endless inner/over/under/hidden lanes and pathways. Almost anything can be found. Much cheaper than the malls, or regular stores. Don’t forget to bargain. But do remember that people go there knowing what they want.
8. Accra Mall
The Accra Mall is a shopping centre in Accra, located on the Spintex road adjacent to the Tema Motorway. With a total retail floor area of 220,000 sq ft, it has over 70 choices of retail stores and entertainment offerings. It has a movie cinema where you can watch the premiere of the latest movies. If you’re looking to make some high-end purchases or have a good time with friends and family, the Accra Mall should definitely be on your bucket list.
9. Osu Oxford Street
The Osu Oxford Street is arguably Accra’s most popular street, located in Osu, Accra off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Guinea. Known for its vibrant nightlife and clubs, there is a nice blend of restaurants and shops on both sides. Whenever you’re looking for a good time, just troop over to Oxford street with a couple of friends, and check out cool hangouts such as Bloom Bar, Serallio and Purple Pub. Another popular landmark worth of a mention is the No.1 Oxford Street, an ultra-modern hotel with state-of-the-art facilities.
10. Jamestown Lighthouse
The Jamestown Lighthouse can be found in Jamestown. This colonial-era lighthouse is 28 meters (92 ft) tall and was built in the 1930s replacing an earlier lighthouse that had been built in 1871, by the British at James Fort. It has become a tourist attraction over time. It is a lovely place to be during the time of homowo or during the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, a festival that focuses on African art, music and dance.
11. Cape Coast Castle
The Cape Coast Castle is one of about forty slave castles built on the coast of Ghana by European traders. Famous for its ‘gate of no return’, it contains the legacy of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are lovely views from inside of the castle out to sea and visitors would certainly enjoy the breeze along the beach amidst the retrospection.
