Cultural Attractions
Accra, Ghana, is a vibrant and culturally rich city. There are many cultural attractions to explore, from the various cultural events, such as the Panafest, to the numerous art galleries and museums, such as the National Museum of Ghana.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best cultural attractions in Accra, Ghana:
Visit the National Museum of Ghana
Visiting the National Museum of Ghana is essential when exploring Accra’s cultural heritage. Located in the city center, it is one of the most important educational and historical institutions in West Africa. The museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional tools and weapons, pottery, baskets, masks, musical instruments, and jewelry from many African countries. It also has displays of Ghana’s archaeological finds, including ancient stone relics and mysterious bronzes.
Guided tours of the National Museum are available that include interactive activities such as making clay figures or learning how to grind grains as their ancestors did. Additionally, visitors can enjoy lectures on art appreciation or history lessons. There is also a gift shop with souvenirs such as jewelry, handmade toys, and Ghanaian textiles to purchase so you can take home something special to remember your visit.
Whether you want to immerse yourself with artifacts from centuries-long past or learn about modern-day Ghanaian culture through lectures, there’s something for everyone at the National Museum of Ghana!
Explore the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
Located in downtown Accra is the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, a memorial to Ghana’s first president. It was constructed in 1992 and enshrined the skeletal remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Rizk. The tomb is a five-story mausoleum with a domed roof featuring African motifs and paintings of Dr. Nkrumah adorning its walls. It also houses several artifacts and photographs chronicling the life and legacy of Ghana’s first president.
The mausoleum is still a popular pilgrimage site for residents and tourists, who can take in the grandeur of its architecture while learning more about this important figure in Ghanaian history. The mausoleum offers the following:
- Educational programs
- Guided tours
- Recreational activities
- Cultural events
- Exhibits on various topics related to Nkrumah’s life, writings, speeches, and thoughts about pan-Africanism self-determination for Africans worldwide.
- An annual lecture series featuring lectures from prominent academics worldwide on African politics and culture topics.
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of history by exploring its fascinating architecture and reflecting on its role as an essential symbol for pan-Africanism and African independence movements.
Take a Tour of the Jamestown Lighthouse
The Jamestown Lighthouse is located in the beautiful fishing port and colonial-era settlement of Jamestown, Accra. The lighthouse, which stands at 67 ft (20 m), has been a beacon of light for ships visiting and departing the harbor since 1875. Constructed by the order of Governor John Pope Hennessy, the bright beacon is a reminder of Accra’s rich maritime history and culture.
Visitors to Jamestown can tour the old town and explore its historical monuments, including the beautifully restored lighthouse. The lighthouse towers above the hillside fortifications and offers visitors some breathtaking views out to sea. In addition, you can explore other areas around Jamestown, such as Usshertown or Chichakole Hill, providing insight into local daily life where centuries-old traditions remain untouched.
If you’re lucky enough to make it during the moon season, you may even stand on top of the lighthouse at night and observe some fascinating moonrise scenery! So make sure you don’t miss out on this majestic structure for your visit to Accra – take a tour around Jamestown Lighthouse!
Natural Attractions
Accra, the capital of Ghana, is home to some of the most breathtaking natural attractions. This vibrant city has something for everyone, from towering mountains to lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls.
This article will explore some of the most popular and breathtaking natural attractions Accra offers. So read on and find out why Accra should be your next destination.
Visit the Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park is a protected tropical evergreen rainforest area near Assin Manso in central Ghana. This lush reserve allows visitors to explore one of the wildest and most spectacular areas of West Africa. Kakum National Park spans 350 square kilometers, containing numerous unique species, including the rare aquatic Ursula’s Antelope, a variety of primates such as colobus monkeys and spot-nosed guenons, forest elephants, leopards, pygmy antelopes, and numerous bird species.
The park’s highlight is a network of wooden bridges suspended high above the forest floor known as the Canopy Walkway. This boardwalk series allows visitors to traverse lofty heights among lush greenery on pathways up to 150 feet off-ground level. The theme walk educates parkgoers on medicinal plants found in reserves alongside artworks depicting Ghanaian culture and traditions. Visitors can also explore other attractions at Kakum, including Elmina Castle or Namkom River Rahm Nature Reserve nearby for a tranquil view of nature apart from the Canopy Walkway experience.
Whether you’re an avid explorer, bird watcher, or just looking for an adventurous outing from Accra city life, Kakum National Park will surely amaze you with its vast beauty!
Visit the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
The Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is one of the unique attractions in Accra, Ghana. Located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Kumasi, this natural sanctuary is home to a population of mona and black-and-white colobus monkeys – two species that live side by side in perfect harmony.
The villagers living nearby have welcomed them as sacred animals, and they are treated with respect. Indeed, the entire village community participates in the ongoing conservation effort of these animals by protecting their habitat and managing human-animal conflicts. Visitors can enter the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary on foot and observe these fascinating creatures up close while learning about local taboos and practices related to their conservation effort.
Visitors will appreciate this remarkable opportunity to understand how humans and wildlife can coexist alongside each other harmoniously when traditional customs are respected. It is a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing how nature can be carefully preserved with sincere collaboration from local villages.
Explore the Labadi Beach
Labadi Beach is one of Accra’s main beaches and perhaps the most famous natural attraction in the city. Located in the heart of Accra, this white sandy beach stretches along 10 miles of coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of space for visitors to explore.
The Labadi Beach Park is located at the center of Labadi Beach and provides a relaxing atmosphere with several amenities, including showers and changing rooms, lounge chairs to relax on, and beach umbrellas to shade you from the sun. You’ll also be able to find vendors selling snacks, cold drinks, and other items throughout the beach park.
Visitors can participate in activities at Labadi Beach, such as swimming in warm waters or sitting under a palm tree with a good book. Other activities include jet-skiing, surfing, parasailing, and windsurfing – experienced jet skiers can rent Jet Skis from any of the beach’s several companies that offer Water Sports activities. For those wanting more adventure during their visit to Labadi Beach, some companies provide boat cruises for visitors to enjoy whale watching or even fishing trips out at sea!
No matter what your reasons for visiting Accra may be, you definitely won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to experience all that Labadi Beach has to offer!
Shopping
Accra offers a unique selection of shopping experiences for visitors to explore. Throughout the city, travelers will find modern shopping malls and markets filled with Ghanaian imports, local arts and crafts, and souvenirs. Traditional markets are an unforgettable part of the Accra experience, where bartering for items is a normal part of the business. Here are some of the most popular places to shop in Accra:
- Malls: If you’re looking for brand names and up-to-date fashion trends, head to one of Accra’s many malls. Located throughout the city, malls offer shoppers a variety of designer stores, international chains, and trendy eateries all in one place. Popular shopping destinations in Accra include The Junction Mall, Oxford Street Mall, A & C Shopping Mall, and West Hills Mall.
- Markets: Markets offer a fantastic way to soak in local culture as you search through colorful items, including tie-dyed fabrics, jewelry made from recycled materials, Kente cloths made by Ghanaian weavers, hand-painted pottery, and locally crafted drums, just some of the traditional wares on display. Famous markets in Accra include Makola Market, located near downtown, where many locals shop for everyday needs such as fresh produce; Arts Center Market, located close to the National Theatre; Atomic Junction, located east of Dodowa; Agbogbloshie Market, located near the stadium; Labadi Beach Market, famous for its restaurants along the beachfront; Blohum Roadside Station offering African craft souvenirs from North Africa and West Africa; Tamale Central Market favorite for its fabrics from Turkey; Kumasi Crafts Village is known for its Asante culture artifacts.
- Midnight Markets: From December through March each year, specialized night markets stay open until midnight at various popular locations around Accra. These vibrant night markets feature localized DJs playing Afrobeats music. At the same time, visitors can enjoy grilled meats or fried plantains while bartering with merchants selling everything from gems to candles at rock-bottom prices!