About Ghana

Capital: Accra

Main languages: English (official), Akan, Ewe, Ga

Highlights

In Ghana:

  • Discover Ghana’s energetic capital Accra, home to vibrant neighbourhoods Jamestown and Usshertown. Learn about Ghanaian history at the museum in Christiansborg Castle also known as Osu Castle, a former slave castle. Visit Kwame Nkrumah Memorial dedicated to the first president of Ghana

  • Learn about the transatlantic slave trade at castles and forts along the Ghanaian coast. For 400 years, millions of West Africans were enslaved in and transported to the Americas from numerous forts and castles along the coast, including the imposing Cape Coast Castle and St George’s Castle

  • Witness the colour and vibrancy of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana’s second-largest city Kumasi, especially during Akwasidae, a festival highlight in Ghana. Learn about the Ashanti kings at the Prempeh II Museum and the Manhyia Palace Museum

  • Shop at Kejetia Market in Kumasi, the largest market in West Africa. Visit Adanwomase, just outside Kumasi, to buy handwoven Kente cloth, a textile worn by African kings for generations

  • Explore Ghana’s natural environment hiking in the mountainous Volta Region, horse riding around Lake Bosumtwe, walking across the canopy walkway in Kakum National Park, or going on safari in Mole National Park

  • Appreciate impressive structures built in the Sudano-Sahelian style of architecture in Ghana’s north, including the Larabanga Mosque near Mole National Park and the Wa Na’s Palace in Wa

  • Attend a festival:

    • Akwasidae, a festival highlight in Ghana. Occurring every 42 days in Kumasi, this spectacular event brings together the Asantehene (Ashanti King), his chiefs and the Ashanti people in the Royal Court to honour their ancestors

    • Dipo, a festival of the Krobo people held in April to celebrate the initiation of adolescent girls into womanhood

    • Bakatue, held in Elmina on the coast in central Ghana in July. This festival commemorates the start of the fishing season

    • Homowo, a harvest festival of the Ga people in central Accra celebrated in August

    • Odwira, held in September or October in the Eastern region of Ghana, this event marks a victory over the Ashanti Kingdom in the 19th century

    • Hogbetsotso, a festival of the Anlo Ewo people in the Volta Region held in November