There are many reasons to visit Ghana, but the most popular reason why people do visit Ghana is to get a feel of the many beautiful places in the country.
Whether you are feeling artsy fartsy or just want to unwind and let the wind from the ocean wash over you or whether you are looking to explore a little bit of history, you will find Ghana to be a country of many interesting places.
I thought to make the decision process a lot easier for you, so I spoke with some friends who live in or have been there and put together a list of places to visit if you’re ever in Ghana.
Do artsy stuff at the Artists Alliance Gallery
Sam’s recent trip to Accra, Ghana, was for a company retreat which, somehow, morphed into an art trip to the Artists Alliance Gallery. “The art in that place was simply exhilarating”, he recalls, “there’s something about the environment and the curated works there that make you want to spend your whole life just staring at those pieces”.
My curiosity was piqued by Sam’s unskilled, yet enthralling reminiscence of his trip to this art gallery, so much so that I put it on my list of things to do when I visit Ghana later this year. So, if you’re ever in Accra, Ghana, make a stop at the Artists Alliance Gallery and check out the beauty that my friend so famously gushes about.
Unpack the history and culture at Jamestown
When the British and the Portuguese left Jamestown, they left behind cultural and architectural indicators of their presence. In this moving neighbourhood of Accra, you will enjoy an exciting experience learning about this legacy.
According to my friend, Sam, it is best to explore this community with a guide who knows the place very well as there are no exact markers to help visitors navigate the historical landmarks. So, if you’re ever interested in exploring this community, be sure to go with someone that knows the way.
Unpack some more history at Cape Coast
Kunle’s visit to the former European colonial capital, Cape Coast, opened his mind to such history as he did not expect from such an eye-catching environment. Once referred to as Cabo Corso by the Portuguese, this is considered as one of the most culturally significant spots in all Africa.
As Kunle immediately learned, the Cape Coast was a holding point for African slaves headed for the New World. According to the history of this place, the slaves were brought and held in an intimidating castle in the town before they were loaded on ships and sent on their epic sail across the Atlantic ocean.
If, like Kunle, you are a history buff who likes to match classroom textbook material with real-life proof, then a trip to the Cape Coast should be a top spot for you to visit when in Ghana.
Cool off at Lake Bosumtwe
Lake Bosumtwe is the only natural lake in all of Ghana. But that is not the only exciting thing about it.
According to Ashanti traditional belief, the souls of the dead come to this lake to say their final goodbyes to the goddess Asase Ya, as a result, fishing in this lake is permitted only from wooden planks.
This lake promises a relaxation spot that is very cool and which has a very exciting history behind it. If those are the kind of things you generally find interesting, then do check it out.
Enjoy the view at Kakum National Park
If you’re into animal watching or exploring the wild like my friend, Tony, then you will find the Kakum National Park an exciting adventure on your trip to Ghana. “The best way to really appreciate the scenery of the park is to go on the canopy walk for sure”.
The canopy walk may sound frightening, but it is actually an exhilarating experience (I say this from having gone on the canopy walk at Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos). At the Kakum National Park, I don’t expect it to be any different.
If you need to take a break from your routine and see daily living from a different, unique perspective, then visit Ghana and explore these awesome places.
