After Black Panther was released years ago, it felt like Africa was standing in a new light. From music to international personalities, the world started paying attention and I couldn’t be more excited for this new wave that is calling foreigners to see Africa beyond the media’s portrayal of starving children and poverty. Yes, “Wakanda” is a fictional place, but Africa itself (which it seeks to represent) is one full of beauty. I’d say my favorite thing about Black Panther’s portrayal of Africa is that despite Wakanda being the most technologically advanced and richest place on earth, there remains an emphasis on an untainted culture. One that is not looked at with shame or poverty, but is celebrated with pride. So that its residents dressed differently, spoke differently, and still lived surrounded by vast lands, but it no longer suggested a lower class; instead, it depicted wealth in culture.
Ghana is my second home. It is a place that I have long wanted my friends to see and explore. Thanks to social media, I’ve been able to take you along with me every time I visit, but I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately to share more about the country. So, I decided to share a list of my favorite things to see and do in Ghana for those of you who have been asking for a travel guide and for those it might inspire to explore one day.
BEFORE YOU VISIT:
Get all necessary vaccinations as instructed by the Ghana authorities . Most airlines have detailed and most up-to-date information concerning trip requirements into Ghana.
Visas may be required to cover the duration of visit for non-Ghanaian passport holders
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
December is the most popular time to visit Ghana and a great time to visit if you are looking to see the country come alive. The month is packed with a long list of fun cultural and entertaining events. It also means traffic and crowds are at an all time high. If that’s not your scene, find your sweet spot in a summer visit to Ghana or an even quieter time between March and June.
GETTING AROUND:
If you don’t book a private car, the best way to get around Accra is with Taxi, Uber or Bolt (typically the most inexpensive of the three). For a fraction of the price, there’s also a very inexpensive option in “Trotro” –a shared van that makes stops at major points throughout the city.
PACK:
Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable shoes, hand fan, and copies of any required vaccination records
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:
LANGUAGE: Most people speak English. WEATHER: Get’s really hot and dry. Pack clothes to keep you cool and hydrate.
Black Star Square
Visit the Black star square to see monuments honoring Ghana’s Independence including the Black Star Monument/Black star gate, Independence Arch and the Liberation Day Monument
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum
Speaking of Ghana’s Independence, see where it all began a few streets away from the Black Star Square. Walk down over to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum, where you can find the burial place and museum of Ghana’s first president and one of its founding fathers, Doctor Kwame Nkrumah. Fun fact: Ghana was the first African country to gain its independence
WEB Du Bois Memorial Centre
Visit the home and burial grounds of African-American Civil Rights Activist and co-founder of the NAACP, W.E.B Du Bois.
Take a day trip out to the Central Region
Home to historical sites such as the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle which were both prominent during the slave trade era
—Hans Cottage Botel
While in Cape-Coast dine and adventure with crocodiles at Hans Cottage Botel
—Kakum National Park
Or go a 100ft above ground on a canopy walk through the 234 Square rainforest at Kakum National Park
Ghana with its vibrant funky prints has always had its unique way of interpreting style. See the best Street Style at Afrochella
Labadi Beach
One of Accra’s most popular beaches and nightlife scene
Afia Beach
A calmer and less crowded alternative to Labadi Beach
Jamestown
Lined with graffiti walls and fishing boats by the harbor, enjoy a walk through Accra’s eclectic artsy scene.
Royal Senchi (outside Accra)
A beautiful mix of modern and traditional. Relax by the pool or take a fun boat ride over the Volta River to see the Adomi bridge. (Read about my experience here).
Hillburi, Aburi (outside Accra)
A hotel and restaurant situated on top of the beautiful hills of Aburi. (Read about my experience here)
Aqua Safari Resort, Ada (outside Accra)
This is the only thing on my list I am yet to do, but it comes highly recommended by all my friends. Take a weekend away and enjoy some jet ski fun
TASTE
There’s nothing quite like Ghanaian food! Here are a few local dishes I recommend you try while in Ghana
Jollof Rice
Rice, tomato sauce, and tasty flavors make up this one-pot rice dish you have to try! And for the record Ghana Jollof is BETTER than Nigerian Jollof. Polls closed!
Fufu & Light Soup
Cassava and ripe plantains are pounded together until they became a dough. This is fufu! A dish popular in both Ghana and Nigeria and served with a variety of soup options. My favorite combination is fufu with chicken light soup.
Waakye
Another favorite is Waakye. A mélange of dark black-eyed beans and rice with tasty add-ons like meat, fish, spaghetti, and gari (cassava flakes) Mouthwatering!
Kenkey & Fish
You can’t leave without trying this Ghanaian staple. Kenkey or Komi is a popular Ghanaian dish made of fermented maize (say yes, to food coma). It is usually served with hot pepper and fried fish.
DRINKS
Palm Wine
Lightweights beware. Palm wine is a popular West African alcoholic beverage made up of palms such as coconut and date palms.
“Sobolo”
The local name for Hibiscus drink in Ghana
Listen…
Shop for Souvenirs: Oxford Street . Art Center
Favorite Places to Hangout
The list of places to visit, things to do and food to eat goes on and on, but as I said these are my current favorites! I will expand the list as I continue to explore more. I also urge readers who have visited Ghana to share their recommendations in the comments for all of us!
Enjoy your trip!
Accra Travel Guide This post was originally published in March 2018. Updated December 2021