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On the west coast of the African subcontinent is a country that shares its coastline with the Gulf of Guinea, known as Ghana. The country gets its name after the greatest ancient trading empire in African history. Ancient Ghana’s tales of grandeur and riches are in the several scriptures found in the Middle East. In the country of Ghana lies a city known as ‘Accra’. Which is also the capital city of the country. The city boasts of rich art and cultural heritage which needs definite exploring. Below we have compiled a list of tourist sites and things to do in Accra.
Top Things To Do In Accra
1. Old Fadama (Agbogbloshie)
It is one of the most unique villages in all of Accra. The village lies on the outskirts of the city and is also known as Agbogbloshie. The village is spread over four acres of wetlands and is home to almost 40,000 Ghanaians. The most unique thing about the village is that the villagers have made unique contraptions and gadgets by recycling scrap metal, old appliances and old computers. They have used the least amount of resources to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhood.
Entry Fee: N/A
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: N/A
Pro tip: Make sure to book your tour of the village with a local Accra tour agency to have a memorable experience.
2. Old Accra (Ga Mashie)
The Old Accra or Ga Mashie district is home to the Ga people of Ghana, the original dwellers of the region. The small area is a hub of rich natural history, culture and heritage. Travellers can explore the villages bustling with local fishermen. And also witness how young men are taught to weave fishing nets and hollow canoes by hand. The village is also home to artisans, carpenters, tailors and masons who create vivid art using ancient techniques passed down from generations.
Entry Fee: N/A
Best time to visit: November to March
Timings: N/A
Pro tip: Make sure to book your tour of the village with a local Accra tour agency to have a memorable experience.
3. Salaga Market
It is the second most popular market in Accra, as it is slightly smaller than the main Makola Market. But, the Salaga market fosters the same energy and zeal as Accra’s largest centre of trade and commerce. Travellers that end up at the Salaga market can find anything and everything. Ranging from herbal medicines used by locals to handcrafted objects, pots, pans, brightly coloured jewellery and even building materials.
Entry Fee: N/A
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: N/A
Pro tip: Make sure to savour the local delicacies and taste the ‘palm wine’.
4. National Museum Of Ghana
The museum opened to the public back in 1957 and has since become a major attraction with domestic and international tourists alike. The National museum acts as a museum, an art gallery and a contemporary artefacts gallery. The art gallery is home to some of the well-known masterpieces made by local African artists. The 3rd gallery is home to several pieces of modern contemporary art and 3D life-sized paintings and sculptures.
Entry Fee: $ 10
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Saturday
Pro tip: Book yourself a guide for more in-depth detail on the history and culture of Ghana.
5. Ussher Fort Museum
Unlike other museums that attract travellers to showcase the rich history of the surrounding terrain. The Ussher fort museum is a reminder of the horror of the West African slave trade that the people of Africa had to go through. The halls and the chambers of the fort are home to shackles and relics of the torturing weapons used by the captors. The Ministry Of Tourism in Ghana has put in constant efforts to educate the travellers of the travesty and torture suffered by the Ghanaians.
Entry Fee: $ 10
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Saturday
Pro tip: Check out the gallery that pays homage to the one’s who fought for the abolishment of the slave trade.
6. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park
The park is to commemorate Ghana’s first president and one of the founding fathers, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Also known as Osagyefo or in literal terms ‘the Messiah’. It is also the same venue where the Dr declared independence from British colonial rule in 1957. The park is home to the remains of the Dr and his wife. Along with, several pictures and relics depicting his journey from a man from a village to the president of the country.
Entry Fee: $ 15
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM, Daily
Pro tip: Book your tickets online to skip the rush of getting in line.
7. W. E. B. DuBois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture
The site is home to the remains of one of the most influential and American born civil rights activists, socialist and author, William Edward Burghardt DuBois. He was also the first foreigner to become a resident of Ghana in his later years. He is known for his active participation in the Pan-African campaigns and later even came to be known as the father of ‘Pan-Africanism’. The centre is on the outskirts of Accra and is in the same place where he and his wife spent their last years.
Entry Fee: $ 15 (with camera)
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday – Saturday
Pro tip: Within the complex is a restaurant, a library and a museum which will make the trip worthwhile.
8. Makola Market
In 1924 Makola was the first retail and wholesale spot to open up in Accra. Since then the market has been commonplace for trade among different communities. The market is a vibrant and energetic place where one can find anything from giant garden snails to discarded automotive parts. In 1979, the Makola market was brought down by the government in the hopes of improving the local economy. But, the locals brought the market back to life within a short time.
Entry Fee: N/A
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: N/A
Pro tip: Make certain to carry a hat as the local’s trade-in anything and everything right under the sun.
9. Jamestown
The town is a reminiscence of the colonial past of Ghana. The town is a fishing location and has many local fishermen and their families that call Jamestown their home. The British built a lighthouse back in 1871 which shines light over the entire town of Jamestown. Travellers can climb to the top of the lighthouse and gain an exceptional view of the entire ancient colonial town.
Entry Fee: $ 10
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: The Fort opens from 9 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Saturday
Pro tip: There is a prison within the fort that surrounds the lighthouse.
10. Independence Square
Popular with the general population as the ‘Black Star Square’, the Independence Square in Accra serves as a reminder of the city’s glorious past. The square was initially a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, but post-independence the square was open to the public. Travellers visiting the square around March can see the square in its pristine glory. Furthermore, it is also the 2nd largest square in the world.
Entry Fee: $ 10
Best time to visit: October to April
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM, Daily
Pro tip: Book tickets online to skip the long lines.
