Major Tourist Sites in Ghana
Aburi Botanical Gardens
The garden is located at Aburi in the Akwapim South District of the Eastern Region and it is 30 Km North of Accra on the Akuapemhills at 1200 feet elevation. The garden can be used as a place of convalescing and has both flora and fauna. In colonial times, it was used as a retreat for official visitors and others who needed to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. The town has comfortable weather conditions similar to that of the fall in the northeastern part of the United States, the coast of France, or Germany during the summertime. It has a comfortable spot near the coast.
Boti Falls
Boti falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Ghana. It is a twin waterfall located at Boti in the Eastern Region of Ghana. These twin falls are referred to as female and male. People visit this site to swim and enjoy the feel of nature as well. At the site of the Boti Falls in Yilo Krobo District, that is where the Umbrella Rock is found. Arguably it is the most popular among all tourist sites in Eastern region.
Umbrella Rock
The Rock is roughly a 40-minute walk or hike in the forest from the falls. You can also get there by car in about 10 minutes. The Umbrella Rock which is also referred to as Akatamann, meaning umbrella in the Akan language, is certainly a sight worth seeing.Its size can shelter up to about 12 to 15 people at once. Even though the pivot on which the top rock lies might seem small, it’s very strong and has not been able to pull or pushed down with manpower. Yearly, many tourists make it to the Boti Falls to have a feel of nature, without leaving the umbrella rock from sight. Nearby is also a rock known as the Fertility rock which is believed to bless young ladies who sit on it with twins or triplets.
Lake Bosumtwi
An ancient meteorite landed in the Ashanti Region and the lake was born. He lake was said to be discovered by a hunter who chased an antelope into the lake. It is believed that the lake received the antelope like it was trying to save it from the hunter. That is why the lake is called the Antelope God Lake till today. This history makes the lake a very sacred lake to the Ashants. About 70,000 people live in the villages that surround the lake.
Bonwire Kente Weaving Village
It is no news that Africans put a whole lot of their resources on fashion and Ghana is no exception. Kente, for instance, is a fabric made and worn by Ghanaians for special occasions and events.The history of weaving in Africa can be traced way back to 3000BC and it has since developed, improved and evolved to what we have today. Kente fabric originated in the Asante kingdom around the 17th century and is now a fabric that is worn in all parts of Ghana and beyond today. According to history, Ota Karaban and his friend Kwaku learned everything they knew about weaving from a spider. They told a chief in Bonwire about their expenditure who later told the head chief of Asante kingdom, the Asantehene. This Asantehene later Incorporated this fabric into their culture and is still worn at important occasions till date. That fabric is the Kente fabric.
Manhyia Palace
This palace was the seat of power of the highest chief of the Asante kingdom, Asantehene. It is located in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. The palace was first built by the Ashantis themselves and it was so beautiful and grand that the British were impressed by the size of it when they first saw it. The palace contained many rows of books written in different languages. However, that didn't stop the British from leveling it during the war of the golden stool. It was later rebuilt in 1925 by the British themselves.
Osu Castle
Christiansborg Castle (Osu Castle), commonly known as Fort Christiansborg or just the Castle, is a 17th-century castle on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Guinea, near Ghana’s capital Accra. The first large fort was built by the Danes, and it has since passed through the hands of Denmark, Norway, Portugal, the Akwamu, Britain, and eventually post-independence Ghana. Christiansborg Castle is also remarkable among castles and forts in that it served as the seat of government in Ghana for the most of its existence, with a few exceptions, until the Jubilee House was built.The castle is the most visited among all the tourist sites in Greater Accra Region.
Independence Square
One of Ghana’s most prominent tourist attractions is Independence Square (also known as “Black Star Square”). The Independence Arch, Black Star Gate, and the Liberation Day Monument are among the memorials honoring Ghana’s independence war, which were completed in 1961.After Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, Independence Square is the world’s second largest city square. The Black Star Square, which has a capacity of roughly 30,000 people, is the venue of Ghana’s Independence Day parades, which take place every year on March 6th, as well as all significant national public gatherings and national festivals.As of 2011, the Independence Arch is guarded by many soldiers who ban individuals from photographing the Arch up close and ask visitors for official authorization, however you are free to photograph the surrounding area. There’s also a fantastic view of the Gulf of Guinea.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
It’s a national park dedicated to Osagyefo Doctor Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. The park was established on the site of a former British polo field, which also happens to be where Nkrumah declared independence from the United Kingdom in 1957.The park is five acres in size and houses a museum dedicated to Nkrumah’s life. There are numerous personal objects on display, but the mausoleum, which is where Nkrumah and his wife are buried, is the focal point. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum is a must-see for everyone interested in learning more about our first president and Ghana’s history.
Cape Coast Castle
This castle has survived many gruelling times. It contains evidences of the slave trade periods and it is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites because of its history. This castle has been ruled by many powers since it was built. It was first ruled by the Dutch before the Swede took over and renamed it Fort Carolusburg in 1652. Both local and European powers contested for the ownership of this castle until it was finally captured by the British in 1664 after a four-day battle. It was then renamed Cape Coast Castle, which it bears till date. It became Britain's seat of power here in Ghana before the seat was moved to Christianborg castle in Accra.
Elmina Castle
Elmina is known to be the first point of contact between Europeans and Ghana. The Portuguese adventurer Diego D'Azambuja was the first European to land on the shores of Elmina. He and his adventurers were so attracted to the abundance of gold they found here so much that they even called the place Mina de Ouro, which points to the vast amount of gold and ivory found in the area. About 11 years later, Elmina Castle was built.
Kakum National Park
This tropical rainforest in Ghana is a home to about 40 different mammals like elephants, mona- meercats, civets and buffaloes. There are also about 250 different bird species in this park which makes it a nice spot for birding. Another interesting thing about the park is the 350meter long canopy walkway, hanging about 30meters about the ground. The canopy walkway high up allows tourists to have a nice view of the whole wildlife and plants in the park. The park also has some campsites for those who wish to spend the night at park.
Ankasa Conservation Park
This area alone contains two different wildlife reserves, the Nini-Suhien National Park and the Ankasa Resource Reserve. Between these two reserves, you will find many animals that will keep you entertained for every single second you spend there. You will find buffaloes and antelopes and baboons and many more. The fact that the region is one that gets a lot of rainfall also proves that there will be many different species of rare trees in different sizes to feast your eyes on.
Nzulezu Still Village
Every day of the week apart from Thursdays is a day to welcome guests in this village. This is because Thursdays are regarded as sacred days in the village. If you're going to spend some time in this village then it is better for you to learn to adapt to practically living on water. Even their houses are built on stilts. When you get there, you will get to learn about the interesting culture of the people and see the way do live and do things.
Ahanta Wave Surf School & Camp
Another thing beaches are useful for is surfing. Have you ever wanted to learn to ride the waves on nothing but boards like a water deity? Well, you have come to the right place. At Ahanta Surf School, you will get surfing lessons that are suitable for all levels of surfers. If you are already a good surfer, you can just rent a board and off you go, riding the waves of the Busua Beach. One thing about this beach is that there is hardly ever a time when the waves are not surfable. This simply means that you can get there anytime you want and still have a great time surfing.
Wli Falls
Quick fun fact: Wli waterfalls is the tallest waterfall in all of West Africa! You have to descend about 250 steps to see the waterfall from below where the fall looks the most beautiful. You will get lost at the sight of fascinating waters splashing in white on the ground right before you before finally flowing away, leaving you astounded and dazzled.
Mountain Afadjato
Afadzato is the name given to Mount Afadja by the Ewe people. In this article, the term “Ewes” refers to people from the Volta Region and Togo, with whom they share a border to the east of Ghana.Mount Afadja is one of Ghana’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of people each year from all over the world. According to legend, the mountain protected the people when they hid behind it to attack their foes during wartime.
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is a monkey hamlet where you can interact with a variety of wild but playful monkeys for entertainment purposes.The sanctuary is a community-based ecotourism project that houses Mona and Patas monkeys. It was founded in 1993 under the guidance of a Peace Corps Volunteer as a community-based ecotourism initiative.
Bui National Park
This park spans 1,821 square kilometers and includes a portion of the Black Volta. The Bui National Park is home to a variety of antelope and bird species. It’s famous for being home to a big number of hippopotamuses. Tourists can take a cruise around the National Park on the Black Volta River.
kintampo Water Falls
It is located on the Pumpum River near Kintampo, a tributary of the Black Volta, and is one of Ghana’s highest waterfalls. Known as Sanders Falls during colonial times, it is one of Ghana’s most popular waterfalls, with a large number of visitors each year.It is the area’s biggest natural feature, buried deep in the forest and formed by three large waterfalls, the longest of which is 82 feet tall. The forest is home to a variety of bird and butterfly species. It is top among all the tourist sites in Brong Ahafo Region
Boabeng Fiema Monkey Santuary
This is a well-known tourist attraction in the Brong Ahafo Region. It is situated on a 35-hectare woodland tract that includes the settlements of Boabeng and Fiema, which are about a mile apart. Locals and tourists from all around Ghana and the world come to see the monkeys and have a nice time. The monkey sanctuary has no barriers and is home to around 700 different species of monkeys.The Black and White Colobus and the smaller Campbell’s Mona are the two varieties of monkeys. The latter feeds on leaves from high in the trees, whereas the Mona graze on a range of foods from lower in the trees.
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is one of the cheapest safaris in Africa. A drive in the park will show you the wealth of animals that the park has. The park boasts of having nothing less than 94 different mammals, some of which are the elephants, antelopes, baboons, buffaloes, warthogs and many more. The sky of Mole National Park is also filled with the shapes of beautiful birds. As a matter of fact, there are more than 300 different bird species in the park alone.
Laribanga Mosque
The Larabanga Mosque is Ghana’s and West Africa’s oldest mosque, according to legend. It is known as the “Mecca of West Africa” because of its rich historical and architectural traits. The mosque measures around 8 meters by 8 meters. The Larabanga Mosque has been added to the World Monuments Fund’s list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites.The World Monuments Fund named the Larabanga Mosque to its list of 100 Most Endangered Sites. The mosque is thought to have been built in 1421 by Ayuba, an Islamic businessman. The Sudanese-style mosque is composed of mud and sticks.The Mosque is one of the best places to visit among all tourist sites in the Northern Region of Ghana.
Mognori-Eco Village
The Mognori Eco-village, located near Mole National Park, is known for its colorful culture and customs. In this village, you may go on exciting canoe excursions to see animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, and birds. You can also take a tour of the village to learn about the people’s history and traditional medicines. In this village, you will also be entertained by dances and drumming. It’s might bro be popular but it’s one of the best tourist sites in Northern Region.
Gbelle Game Reserve
The Reserve is located about 17km south of Tumu. It is a sanctuary for many endangered species of wildlife like hippos, and water bucks, elephants and birds of spectacular plumage. The Reserve’s specialized activities are devoted primarily to conservation and reproduction in an effort to protect and increase the animal population. There is seasonal migration and visits of elephants and other species from Mole.
Weichiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary
The Reserve is located about 17km south of Tumu. It is a sanctuary for many endangered species of wildlife like hippos, and water bucks, elephants and birds of spectacular plumage. The Reserve’s specialized activities are devoted primarily to conservation and reproduction in an effort to protect and increase the animal population. There is seasonal migration and visits of elephants and other species from Mole.
Paga Crocodile Pond
The only thing that kills the crocodiles here is natural death. There is never a death that was caused by a human. This is because the crocodiles here are forbidden to be hunted, harmed or killed. The people of Paga believe that these crocodiles are somehow connected to the spirit of their ancestors. That is why the crocodiles are regarded as being sacred in the community. Also, these people make sure that these crocodiles are fed by offering them sacrifices of live fowls. The crocodiles have in turn learned to live I harmony with the people as they do not harm them. However, this is not to say that the crocodiles are not dangerous. There is just something about the crocodiles of Paga and the people of Paga. Theirs is an unusual friendship.
Navrongo Cathedral
This church is one of Ghana's oldest ones. Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Cathedral was built in 1906 by the Europeans. The walls of the cathedral was built with mud and that is the reason why it is sometimes called the mud cathedral. On the inside, it looks like many other Catholic churches with pictures of events in the time of Jesus are pasted on the wall. Being one of the oldest churches in the country, the people that visit it aren't all there to worship. Many of them are tourists who have come to feast their eyes on that ancient piece of beauty.
Bolgatanga Market
The most popular product you'll find at the Bolgatanga market are straw woven baskets, called Bolga Baskets, when it isn't the farming season. When it is the farming season, you'll find many agricultural products there. Apart from those two, many other products are being sold at the Bolgatanga Market.