Ghana: West Africa's Golden Gateway

Cape Coast Castle

Introduction: A part of Africa away from the well-trodden "safari routes" - The Gold Coast

When travelers think of African destinations, their minds often drift to safaris in eastern or southern Africa (e.g. Kenya, Botswana or South Africa), or northern Africa (e.g. Morocco or Egypt.) However, look towards western Africa, where, nestled along the Gulf of Guinea, you will come across Ghana, a country where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern African dynamism. From the bustling markets of Accra to the historic slave castles along the coast, Ghana offers an authentic journey into West African culture that few destinations can match.

Historical Context

The Gold Coast Legacy

Ghana's story is intrinsically linked to gold - the precious metal that gave the region its colonial name, "The Gold Coast." But beyond its mineral wealth, Ghana stands proud as the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, setting a precedent for the continent. The country's journey from ancient kingdoms through colonial times to modern democracy offers visitors a unique lens into African history, as well as how the history of the New World got shaped (as an aside, do you know that voodoo practices that we normally associate with Haiti actually originated in Togo and Benin?)

Geographic and Demographic Diversity

A Land of Many Faces

Canopy Walkway: Kakum National Park

A journey through Ghana will reveal a country of remarkable variety:

• The vibrant coastal plains, where fishing villages dot the shoreline

• Dense rainforests in the Ashanti region, rich with wildlife and sacred groves

• The savannah landscapes of the northern regions

• The surprisingly modern and energetic streets of Accra

Cultural Tapestry

One of Ghana's most captivating aspects is its cultural mosaic. Here, more than 50 ethnic groups coexist harmoniously, each contributing to the nation's rich heritage. The Akan, Ewe, Ga, Hausa, and many others maintain their distinct traditions while embracing modern life - a balance that makes Ghana uniquely accessible to visitors.

Culture of Hospitality

Ghanaian hospitality isn't just cultural - it's a way of life captured in the concept of "Akwaaba" (welcome). During my years growing up here, I experienced firsthand how visitors are treated like honored guests, with genuine warmth that transforms tourists into family members.

Planning Tip: For authentic cultural immersion, consider timing your visit around traditional festivals like the Homowo of the Ga people (centered around the capital Accra)  or the Ashanti's Akwasidae (centered around Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city). We can help arrange privileged access to these celebrations through our local connections.

Culinary Journey through Ghana

Dishes to try

• Jollof Rice: The subject of friendly West African rivalry, Ghana's version features aromatic rice cooked with onions, meat in a spicy tomato sauce. A great conversation starter with a Ghanaian is to ask which country’s jollof rice is the best, and then hear a long explanation of why the Ghanaian version of the dish is the best. To make the conversation more lively, talk about the same dish prepared in Senegal, for instance!

• Waakye: A breakfast staple of rice and beans, served with spicy shiitoh sauce

• Kenkey: Fermented corn dough served with fresh fish and pepper sauce

• Fufu: A dough-like dish made by pounding boiled yams, cassava and plantains using a mortar and pestle. It is paired with flavorful soups and stews like groundnut (peanut) soup or palm nut soup

• Kelewele: Fried ripe plantain eaten either on their own, or as an accompaniment to other dishes

• Accra also has restaurants featuring international cuisines (Indian, French, Middle Eastern, etc.) as well!

Drinks to try

• Palm Wine: This traditional drink (also called akpeteshie in some regions) is made from the fermented  sap of certain palm trees, and  offers a unique taste of Ghana

• Sobolo: A refreshing hibiscus drink perfect for hot afternoons

• Local beers like Star and Club as well as numerous craft breweries showcase Ghana's brewing tradition

Weather and When to Visit

A quick aside: did you know that Accra is the world capital closest to (0, 0), i.e. the intersection point of the Greenwich Meridian (longitude 0° and the equator latitude 0°)?

Being close to the equator, Ghana has a tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons.

• October to March offers the most pleasant weather (lower humidity and rainfall), with temperatures around 30°C (86°F)

• April to June and September to October are shoulder seasons, which see fewer crowds, and more rain, but in short bursts

• The harmattan season (December to February) brings dry, dusty winds from the Sahara

• Avoid the heavy rains of July and August if possible, since travel is more difficult at this time

Must-Visit Destinations

1. Accra

• Vibrant Makola Market (check out the colorful fabrics on offer!)

• National Museum of Ghana

• Osu Castle (Fort Christiansborg) which was owned by several European colonial powers and later became a major hub for the slave trade. It became the seat of government after independence and once the seat was moved to another site, the castle was open to visitors

  
  

  

  Osu Castle

  
  

• Jamestown fishing harbor

• Contemporary art galleries

• Coffin maker, who makes custom-built coffins, based on the customer's requests. Visit him to see coffins in the shapes of airplanes, shoes, a mobile phone and even a wad of $100 bills!

  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  "Shoe" coffin in an Accra coffin maker's shop

  
  

2. Cape Coast

• UNESCO World Heritage castles

• Kakum National Park's canopy walkway

• Traditional fishing villages

3. Kumasi

•  Kejetia Market (largest in West Africa)

•  Manhyia Palace Museum

•  Traditional Ashanti crafts villages

4. Mole National Park

• Walking safaris among elephants

• Traditional communities

•  Stunning savannah landscapes

Practical Travel Tips

Getting There

• Direct flights available from major European, Middle Eastern and American cities to Kotoka International Airport

• Consider combining your trip with neighboring countries like Togo or Côte d'Ivoire

• Visas: Do check on the current visa regime! Most nationals will require a visa before arriving in the country. Some nationals (including those from west African member countries of ECOWAS) are either visa-exempt or can get a visa on arrival 

Cultural Etiquette

• Greet elders with respect - it's fundamental to Ghanaian culture

• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas

• Always use your right hand for eating and greeting

• Ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies

Ghana's music scene

Ghana's music scene is as diverse as her people, offering a sonic tapestry of rhythms and sounds. You would be remiss if you skipped visiting a club in Accra or elsewhere, to enjoy "highlife" or Afrobeats music!

Beyond the Ordinary

For those seeking deeper connections, we can arrange:

• Private cooking classes with local chefs

• Visits to sustainable cocoa farms

• Craft workshops with master kente weavers

• Meetings with traditional healers

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery

Ghana isn't just a destination; it's an invitation to experience West Africa at its most authentic and accessible. As someone who spent his formative years here, I can attest to the fact that Ghana leaves visitors with more questions than answers - exactly the kind of curiosity that makes travel transformative.

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Author's Note: This guide combines personal experiences from years of living in Ghana with current insights and practical information. While Ghana has developed significant tourism infrastructure, the real magic lies in the connections and experiences that can't easily be booked online - the kind we specialize in creating for our clients.