Ghana is a great entry point for West Africa. Very friendly people and a safe and stable environment. Most people arrive in Accra and explore the nearby sites such as Cape Coast. But sometimes the real joy is in the countryside where you can discover such riches as the Ashanti people and Mole national park in the North.
Community Tips For Ghana
Visas are becoming a little easier through the embassy but be prepared to do this well in advance. Ensure you ask for multi entry if required.
Like in all of West Africa, roads remain a real challenge even in the big cities. If you hire a car, try to ensure you drive with great care and if you have a driver, encourage him (as it will almost certainly be a man) to drive slowly!
Have a plan on arrival and ensure you are being picked up at the airport. There are many people hanging around who might not have your best interests at heart.
Explore the hinterland and the north. The greatest joy of Ghana is interacting with locals and understanding their culture. They will generally speak English and be very welcoming by nature.
Explore Ghana
Accra
Explore the history museum and the celebration of Kwame Nkrumah, who was one of Africa’s leading lights in independence.
Krokobite beach is nearby and worth staying at or enjoying. Be sure to stop by Big Millie’s Backyard for some drinks and a possible drumming session.
Jamestown is a busy and chaotic area by the beach in Accra. Worth visiting for sure but be a bit more wary here. The smell of fish will stay with you for long!
Try the local food and go to some local bars. People are friendly, there are no dress codes and all ages are welcome (Julian)!
Cape Coast
Can be done in a day trip from Accra by road.
Take some time to explore the former slave ports and the awful conditions in which people were kept.
Take some small gifts for locals if you can such as football items or some food.
Sit at a local bar or restaurant and contemplate what happened here and the massive impact it had on the people and their communities.
Kumasi and North
Kumasi is the heart of the Ashanti region.
The market there is one of the biggest in Africa and interesting to visit but don’t go there too late (Rich.)
Visit the local museum where you can find out about the traditions and the Ashanti history.
Stop at some local villages on the way if you can for photos and to give local people some time and gifts (if possible.)
Visit Mole national park in the north. It has a surprising number of animals and very atmospheric to stay in one of the central huts and go on game drives.
