Plan a trip to Accra

Christiansborg Castle (Osu Castle)

Accra (Osu), Greater Accra Region

One of the three castles in Ghana's World Heritage serial property, located in Osu, Accra. It later became a seat of government. In 2017 it was declared a presidential museum, and the GMMB has stated that it has a status similar to the Cape Coast and Elmina castles. Good to know: • Access arrangements have changed over time; confirm with GMMB that the castle is open to visitors before going.

Source: Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions (UNESCO World Heritage Centre) · checked November 5, 2026

Ussher Fort Slave Museum and Documentary Centre

Accra (Ussher Town), Greater Accra Region

Ussher Fort, originally the Dutch Fort Crèvecœur, is a component of Ghana's World Heritage forts and castles. Over time it has been a trading post, slave dungeon, police post and prison. After rehabilitation funded through UNESCO and the Netherlands, its museum on slavery reopened in June 2021. Good to know: • These are places of mourning and remembrance for people who were enslaved. Tours are led by site guides; follow their instructions about where to walk, speak and take photos (no official published photography policy was found).

Source: Ghana inaugurates the rehabilitated Ussher Fort Slave Museum and Documentary Centre (23 June 2021) (UNESCO World Heritage Centre) · checked November 5, 2026

James Fort

Accra (Jamestown), Greater Accra Region

An English-built fort in Jamestown, Accra, and a component of Ghana's World Heritage forts and castles. It was used as a prison until it was handed to the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Jamestown itself is one of Accra's oldest quarters, known for its lighthouse and fishing harbour. Good to know: • Visitor access to the fort interior was not confirmed by any source; check with GMMB.

Source: Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions (UNESCO World Heritage Centre) · checked November 5, 2026

Independence Square (Black Star Square)

Accra, Greater Accra Region

A large ceremonial square in Accra used for national events including Independence Day. It is dominated by the Independence Arch and the Black Star monument, which remembers those who died in the struggle for independence. Good to know: • It is a national ceremonial space; access can be restricted during state events.

Source: Greater Accra (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026

National Museum of Ghana

Accra, Greater Accra Region

Ghana's national museum, founded in 1957 and run by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Its collections cover archaeology, ethnography and art, and it hosts temporary exhibitions alongside long-term displays. Good to know: • The museum offers booked visits; groups are capped at 70 and schools book three weeks ahead.

Source: National Museum of Ghana (Ghana Museums and Monuments Board) · checked November 5, 2026

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Accra, Greater Accra Region

A memorial park in central Accra dedicated to Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president and a leading Pan-Africanist. It contains his mausoleum, where his wife Fathia is also buried, and a museum of his life. The park was redeveloped and reopened in July 2023. Good to know: • This is a gravesite and national memorial; behave as you would at any grave of a head of state.

Source: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026

W.E.B. Du Bois Centre

Accra (Cantonments), Greater Accra Region

The former home and burial place of the African American scholar and Pan-Africanist W.E.B. Du Bois, who settled in Ghana in 1961 at Kwame Nkrumah's invitation. Established as a centre in 1985, it includes a museum with his personal library and the tombs of Du Bois and his wife Shirley Graham Du Bois. Good to know: • Special permission is needed to access Du Bois's personal library. • Facilities may be under restoration; confirm opening status before visiting.

Source: W.E.B. DuBois Centre (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026

Makola Market

Accra, Greater Accra Region

One of Ghana's best-known markets, in central Accra along Kojo Thompson Road. It sells everything from food to clothing and footwear, both local and imported. Good to know: • Busy, crowded commercial area; keep valuables secure and ask before photographing traders.

Source: Greater Accra (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026

Homowo

Accra and Ga towns, Greater Accra Region

Homowo is the Ga people's harvest festival in Accra and nearby Ga communities. Its name means roughly 'hooting at hunger' and it remembers a famine in Ga history and the harvest that ended it. Rituals include a period of quiet with a ban on drumming before the festival and the sprinkling of kpokpoi (a maize dish) by chiefs. Good to know: • Respect the drumming ban; dress modestly at ritual moments; observe first and join only when invited by hosts.

Source: Homowo Festival (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026

Emancipation Day

Assin Manso / Cape Coast / Accra (varies), Central Region

Ghana marks Emancipation Day, remembering enslaved Africans and the end of slavery in the British empire, with commemorations around 1 August. Events have included wreath-laying at the Assin Manso river site and a Reverential Night at Cape Coast Castle on the eve. Good to know: • These are memorial events; follow organisers' guidance on dress and conduct.

Source: Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Site (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026

Visiting slave-trade memorial sites respectfully

Cape Coast, Elmina, Accra, Assin Manso, Central Region

The castles, forts and Assin Manso are places of grief and remembrance as well as heritage sites. Visitors of every background are welcome. Guided tours, shrines, wreaths and remembrance ceremonies are part of how the sites are kept. Good to know: • Follow your GMMB guide on where photography is appropriate, especially in dungeons and shrine areas; no official written photography policy was found. • Do not touch or move offerings, wreaths or shrine items. • Keep voices low in dungeons and at graves; people around you may be mourning or praying. • Do not assume a fellow visitor's ancestry or reasons for visiting.

Source: Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions (UNESCO World Heritage Centre) · checked November 5, 2026

Respect at festivals, palaces and shrines

Accra, Kumasi, Winneba, Anloga, Ashanti Region

Many Ghanaian festivals are living community and religious events, not shows staged for tourists. Some shrines remain active places of worship. Visitors should observe first, follow hosts and traditional officials, and respect temporary customs such as the Ga drumming ban before Homowo. Good to know: • Ask a local host or guide before photographing chiefs, priests or rituals. • Watch first, and join dancing or rituals only when invited.

Source: Homowo Festival (Ghana Tourism Authority (visitghana.com)) · checked November 5, 2026