TOP 5 AMAZING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN ACCRA, GHANA.
As an urban city and also the capital of Ghana, Accra is one of the most densely populated cities in the country and as such many of its residents forget to sit back and relax. If it were abroad, Accra will be seen as the big apple. This is because many people from all parts of the country make their way to Accra in search of greener pastures. Nonetheless, Accra can boast of many recreational centres, restaurants, clean beaches, nightclubs, casino houses, art centres and the like.
Aside from making profits and providing employment, these establishments aim at relieving people of their stress and promoting good health. As the famous saying goes; all work and no play they say make Jack a dull boy. Join me as we explore some fun activities you can do when in the capital, be it on a vacation or a working visit. Accra has more to offer so I entreat you to be a part of it and invest in our ever-growing tourism industry. Below is some activities fun you can engage in during your stay. TOP 5 AMAZING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN ACCRA, GHANA
1. The Independence Square / Arch
The Independence Ach represents Ghana’s struggle for independence from imperial British rule and honours fallen soldiers who died for the course. The square was built by the first president of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah in the year 19961. The square is now used for big national events like the swearing-in of presents, Independence Day march, Eid celebration, military parade, global concert, and other national events. It is surrounded by other iconic national buildings like the Accra sports stadium, National Conference Center, and Parliament House. Climbing to the top of the arch was scary, the steps were short and more. But I was awarded a stunning view of the capital when we got to the top. Do not forget to take pictures when at the top. Tour fee of 10 cedis but I suggest you go with a tour guide to give you a detailed history.
2. Usher Fort.
The fort was built by the Dutch in the year 1649 and was renamed after Herbert Taylor Ussher, the then-British administrator of Gold Coast in the 1800s. the original name was Fort Crevecoeur. Located on the high stress of Accra, the fort served as a prison until the year 1993. It houses a museum and during the Homowo festival celebration in August parts of the walls become a canvas for local and foreign street artists. We were unable to tour the place as it was locked. It is a few minutes’ walks from the iconic Jamestown Lighthouse, Fort James and the Bukom boxing arena. The Tour fee is 5 cedis per Ghanaian adult. TOP 5 AMAZING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN ACCRA, GHANA
3. Jamestown Lighthouse
Built-in the year the 1930s, this 28 square meter structure stands tall in Accra overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was originally built by the British in 1871. This iconic landmark consists of a light tower and a residence and both are painted white and red horizontal bands. Jamestown is one of the oldest districts in Accra. Most locals are Ga-speaking people and a hub of local arts, fishing, and boxing rings. The Bukom township and Usher Fort add to the beauty of the lighthouse. The tour was partial as the lighthouse was undergoing maintenance. I plan to revisit, climb the tower, and look at the ocean. Tour fee of 10 cedis for Ghanaian adults.
4. W.E.B Dubois Center
The centre is in honor of the late William Edward Burgharaf Du Bios who was an African American civil right activist in the early 1960s. He was also known as the father of pan-Africanism. The centre was established in the year 1985 by the Ghana Government to encourage visitors to visit. The centre has 4 divisions namely, the museum, the tomb of W.E.B Du Bios and his wife, the administration building and the Marcus Garvey guest house. It is a few meters from the US embassy. The centre is full of the history of the African struggle for independence. The tour was very insightful. Tour fee of 10 cedis for Ghanaian adults.
5.Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the mausoleum were designed by Don Arthur and serve as the final resting place of the first president of the Republic of Ghana and his wife. The memorial park has rare artefacts and personal belongings of the president. The park covers an area of 5.3 acres and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the capital. The place was closed for maintenance; however, we got the history of the place. A re-visit is underway. Tour fee of 10 cedis for a Ghanaian adult .
The capital has many tourist destinations and these are just a few. You can also visit the open-air markets, book a date to watch a stage play or dance the night out at the beach. Accra is a fun place to be and a tourist destination for all. Get that leave, vacation, and book your tour. Welcome to Accra, Ghana. TOP 5 AMAZING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN ACCRA, GHANA