Things To Do
in Ghana
Ghana is a vibrant West African nation known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions to the arts, particularly in music and textiles. It boasts a dynamic economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, gold mining, and a rapidly growing technology sector.
With its peaceful democratic governance, scenic coastal landscapes, historic forts, and welcoming communities, Ghana serves as a pivotal example of progress and cultural richness in Africa.
- "Me da wo ase" - Thank you
- "Yɛn ara nsɛm" - It's our matter
- "Ɛyɛ" - It is good
- "Odo yɛ" - Love is
- "Kɔtɔkɔ" - Go well
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Accra and check into your hotel. Take some time to refresh before starting your exploration.
Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum to learn about Ghana’s first president. Next, explore the bustling markets to experience local culture.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant offering traditional Ghanaian stew. Stroll along the coast at Labadi Beach for a relaxing end to your first day.
Start with a visit to the Independence Arch and Memorial. Take some photos in this historic area.
Explore the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for a glimpse into African-American history. Visit the Art Centre for Arts and Crafts for souvenirs.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city. Relax and enjoy live music that showcases Ghanaian culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diversity
- Stable democracy and political environment
- Abundant natural resources, including gold and cocoa
- Warm and welcoming people
- Growing economy with opportunities in various sectors including tourism and agriculture
- Vibrant music and arts scene
- Infrastructure challenges, particularly in rural areas
- High unemployment rates, especially among youth
- Healthcare system struggles with accessibility and quality
- Corruption in some government sectors
- Environmental issues, including deforestation and pollution
- Limited access to quality education in some regions
Best Activities in Ghana
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike in the lush Akuapem Hills, offering stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
Explore Ghana's largest wildlife refuge, home to elephants, antelopes, and birds, and offering amazing safaris and walking tours.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Busua and enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball.
Experience the thrill of walking on the canopy bridges suspended high above the rainforest floor, offering an unparalleled perspective of the flora and fauna.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ghana with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ghana
Visit one of these nice places.
Located in the Volta Region, Wli Waterfalls offers a spectacular view and photo opportunity with its twin falls and surrounding lush scenery.
This historical site provides not only a stunning coastal view but also a poignant photo opportunity, as it is a reminder of Ghana's colonial history.
The park's savannah landscape and abundant wildlife present fantastic photo opportunities, especially during safaris or from the panoramic Mole Motel viewpoint.
This iconic attraction allows for incredible views from the treetops and provides unique photo opportunities of the rainforest canopy.
Food in Ghana
Ghana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Jollof rice is a popular one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. It's typically served with chicken, fish, or fried plantains. For an authentic experience, try it at Buka Restaurant in Accra.
Must-Try!
Banku is a fermented corn and cassava dough, often paired with grilled tilapia and served with a spicy pepper sauce. For a true taste of this dish, visit the Labadi Beach area in Accra where you'll find several seaside restaurants serving fresh Banku and Tilapia.
Kelewele is a beloved street snack made of spicy, fried plantains. You can find vendors selling Kelewele in various neighborhoods, particularly in the evenings when it's a popular choice for a quick and flavorful bite.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ghana better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Makola Market in Accra is a bustling hub of activity where you can find an array of street food options, fresh produce, and local spices. Be sure to try the waakye, a traditional Ghanaian dish with rice and beans, sold by vendors within the market.
The Osu Night Market offers a lively atmosphere and an abundance of street food choices, from grilled meats to fufu (pounded cassava and plantain) with light soup. It's an excellent place to sample an assortment of Ghanaian street foods in a vibrant setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ghana, greetings are very important and it is customary to greet people with enthusiasm and respect. Handshakes are common, and it is polite to use the right hand when giving or receiving items.
Ghanaians generally dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and traditional settings. It is important to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites or attending traditional events.
Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Ghanaian culture. It is important to show deference and courtesy to older individuals, and it is customary to use titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' when addressing older people.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ghana with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ghana
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ghana, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip hotel staff, tour guides, taxi drivers, and restaurant servers. The amount typically ranges from 5-10% of the total bill, but it is ultimately at the discretion of the individual.
Cash is the primary method of payment in Ghana, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. However, credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted in larger cities. Mobile money services such as M-Pesa and MTN Mobile Money are also popular for peer-to-peer transfers and bill payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ghana.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Ghana for warm weather, cultural festivals, and wildlife viewing. Ideal for exploring beaches and enjoying outdoor activities.
Expect heavy rainfall, lush green landscapes, and the possibility of encountering fewer tourists. Some areas may experience humidity and an increase in mosquito activity.
Ghana at Night
Hiking in Ghana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located near Accra, the Aburi Mountains offer scenic trails with panoramic views, lush greenery, and the opportunity to explore botanical gardens.
Located in the Central Region, Kakum National Park features canopy walkways and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent hiking destination.
This protected area in the Western Region offers rugged terrain and beautiful rainforest trails, ideal for experienced hikers.
Situated in the Eastern Region, this trail follows the Boi River, providing a mix of hiking and opportunities for birdwatching.
Stretching from the Eastern Region to Accra, Akwapim Ridge offers various trails with diverse landscapes and is popular among local hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ghana through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Ghana by plane.
Located in Accra, Ghana, it is the main international airport serving Ghana.
Located in Cotonou, Benin, it's a key regional airport offering international flights.
Located in Lomé, Togo, this airport serves as an international gateway for travelers.
Located in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, it is one of the major airports in West Africa.
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, it is the busiest airport in East Africa with numerous international connections.
This airport serves as the main gateway to Ghana from various international locations.
Located in Bamako, Mali, this airport connects Mali to international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A major ethnic group primarily located in the Volta Region, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
One of the largest ethnic groups in Ghana, primarily found in the Ashanti Region, known for their historical kingdom and contributions to cocoa production.
A significant ethnic group in the northern regions of Ghana, comprising the Dagbani-speaking people of the Dagbon kingdom.
An ethnic group from the Central Region, part of the Akan family, known for fishing and trade activities.
An ethnic group in the Greater Accra Region, known for their traditions related to the sea and urban development.
An Akan ethnic group found in the Eastern Region, recognized for their contributions to education and culture.
An ethnic group located in the Western Region, known for their agricultural practices and cultural festivals.
A group in the Western Region, known for farming activities, particularly cocoa cultivation.
An ethnic group in the Bono Region, recognized for their traditional crafts and agricultural practices.
A smaller ethnic group primarily found in the northern regions of Ghana, known for their agricultural and pastoral activities.
The Soul of Ghana
Discover the essence of Ghana through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Ghana, football is a national passion with a rich history. The Ghana national team, known as the Black Stars, has achieved significant success in international competitions.
Basketball has been rapidly gaining popularity in Ghana, particularly among the youth. The presence of local leagues and the performance of Ghanaians in international competitions have contributed to its growth.
Athletics, including track and field events, is widely practiced in schools and communities. Ghana has produced several notable athletes who have excelled in various competitions.
Boxing has a strong following in Ghana, producing world-class boxers who have made their mark on the international stage. The sport enjoys significant media coverage and fan support.
Cricket is steadily growing in popularity, particularly among schools and local clubs. The Ghana Cricket Association works to promote the sport and develop talent.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Ghanaian cuisine prominently features fish and meat, many restaurants and eateries now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Places like Bistro 22 in Accra and Tea Baa in Kumasi are known for their diverse veg-friendly menus.
Individuals with gluten restrictions can find several options in Ghanaian cuisine. Dishes like waakye (rice and beans) and kenkey (fermented maize dumplings) are naturally gluten-free, and many restaurants are accommodating to dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ghana with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ghana.