Top 10 ‘world class’ attractions in Ghana
The Elmina Castle in Elmina, a fishing town along Ghana’s coast. It is home to one of Ghana’s biggest attractions. Also known as St George’s Castle it was built by the Portuguese in 1482.
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Later, it was captured by the Dutch about 150 years and made the headquarters of their West Indies Company for over two centuries.
The stark beauty of the white-washed Castle walls contrast deeply with the dark history of this place.
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is Ghana’s largest wildlife park and is located in north western Ghana. In Mole you can expect to see buffalo, roam antelope, elephants, warthogs, hyenas and if you’re very lucky, leopard.
For bird watchers there are over 250 species to enjoy. The best time to spot wildlife is during the dry season from December to April. An added attraction is the Larabanga Mosque near the park.
Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park is a dense tropical rain forest also in the Central Region. The forest is home to over 40 species of larger mammals including forest elephants, forest buffalo, Mona-meerkats and civets.
The highlight of any visit to Kakum is a stroll on the Canopy Walkway that is built 30 meters above ground. The canopy walkway offers a unique viewing perspective of the wildlife and unique plants of the forest.
There is a basic campsite for those who want to stay overnight.
Cape Coast Castle
The Cape Coast Castle was built for the slave-trade and is one of the most impressive of Ghana’s old forts.
It was originally built by the Dutch in 1637, later expanded by the Swedes. Finally the British took control of it in 1664 and turned it into their colonial headquarters until 1877.
The Cape Coast Castle is now a great museum with information about the history of Ghana, the slave-trade and local culture. Tours are a “must” and will take you through the dungeons and the “door of no return”.
Like at Elmina, be prepared to drop a tear or two for mankind’s inhumanity to mankind.
Wli Waterfall
Located about 280 kilometers from Accra, Wli waterfall is arguably the highest in West Africa. The fall is known locally as Agumatsa waterfalls – which in Ewe could mean, "Allow Me to Flow."
It measures about 143 metres from the upper fall to the plunge pool below it. Its sheer grandeur, height, beauty and cool environment beat every imagination. It is a natural attraction every tourist will desire to visit.
Lake Bosumtwi
Designated a World Heritage Site, this is a crater lake believed to have been created by a fallen meteorite. This picturesque meteorite crater lake is surrounded by dozens of fishing and farming villages.
The sacred lake ringed by rugged mountains is ideal for mountaineering, diving, swimming, fishing and bird watching.
Paga Crocodile Pond
Located in the north-eastern border of Ghana, Paga is a sacred crocodile sanctuary. Although crocodiles are considered as wild creatures, the Paga crocodiles are friendly and coexist with humans.
It is an offence to harm, kill or show any sign of disrespect to the crocodiles. Visitors are welcome to sit at the back of or holding the tale of a crocodile without any harm, after a sacrifice of fowl.
Nzulezu
Nzulezu is a village built on stilts in the marshy Amansuri Lagoon. Similar in looks and atmosphere to Genvie in Benin, this is a unique little fishing community, far from the hustle and bustle of daily Ghanaian life.
You can only reach it by renting a canoe, available from the village of Beyin (about two hours drive from Axim). It takes about an hour to reach the village.
Simple accommodation is available in a stilt house. You can also find the Ankasa National Park in this region.
Manhyia Palace Museum
This was created within the old residence of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I and Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, the 13th and 14th Kings of Asante, respectively.
The Museum building is of great historical interest and importance. It was built in 1925 for Asantehene Agyeman
Prempeh I, by the British Colonial Government, as his private residence when he returned from Seychelles after 28 years in exile.
Tafi Atome
Nestled in the mid-Volta tourism circuit - which includes Afadjato, Liati-Wote, Amedzofe Mountain and Wli Waterfall - is this monkey sanctuary with a difference, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary.
Tafi Atome is 45 minutes’ drive from Hohoe. In the 1990s the USAID, Peace Corps, SNV and the Ghana Tourist Board came together to set aside this sanctuary as an ecotourism project. Today, the attraction is helping to return the village to its roots with a business model that blends environmental conservation with community development and cross-cultural exchange.
