The Top 10 Tourist Attractions You Must Visit in Accra Ghana

Today, tourists are no longer limited to visiting monuments and museums. They also look for activities that are fun as well as edifying. Moreover, a tourist attraction does not have to be old to be interesting. It just needs to have a unique character or something out of the ordinary. There are many things that make Accra stand out from other cities in Africa, including its rich culture and history, abundance of green spaces and markets, thriving art scene, presence of old colonial buildings and a vibrant music scene. There is so much to see and do in Accra that you can’t help but fall in love with it! Here is the list of top tourist attractions you must visit when you visit Accra Ghana:

Ghana National Museum

The National Museum is the oldest museum in West Africa and the second oldest in Africa. The museum was established in 1908 from the collections of the Ethnological and Zoological Societies of the Gold Coast and the British Colonial Museum sent material to the museum including archaeological and ethnographical objects. The museum contains a rich collection of musical instruments, traditional crafts, and hunting and fishing equipment. The archaeological collection includes stone and bronze age artifacts and iron age pottery and terracotta figures. The biological or zoological collection includes a wide range of animals, birds, and insects found in West and South Africa. The museum also houses a research library with books and journals on cultural, zoological, and archaeological topics.

Kotoka International Airport

The Kotoka International Airport is the largest airport in Ghana, and the only one that is used for international flights. It is located about 15 kilometers from the center of Accra and is the main hub for Ghana Airways. The history of the airport goes back as far as the 1930s, when it was built as a small airfield for the British flying boats. It was in 1959 that it was taken over by Ghanaians and was made into the country’s first international airport. The present building was constructed in the 1970s, and it currently handles over three million passengers annually. The airport has a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as a lounge for business travelers.

The Black Star Square

The Black Star Square is a monument that commemorates the struggle for independence of Ghana. The monument was built to replace the statue of the colonialist, Herbert Mac Donald, which was removed after Ghana’s independence in 1957. The Black Star Square has become a major tourist attraction in Accra and the site of several community events such as the Independence Day celebration, book fairs, and exhibitions.

Parliament Building

The Parliament Building is a fascinating structure that was built in the 1930s to house the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast. The building was designed by the famous British architect, Sir Arnold Blumberg. The building has been officially recognized as a national monument because of its status as a symbol of the struggle for independence. It has been modified since then but still maintains its old charm. The building is surrounded by lush green gardens and is a great place to learn about the history of Ghana.

Independence Square

The Independence Square was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebration of Ghana’s independence in 1957. It was constructed in the 1960s and has become a major tourist attraction in Accra. The square has become a symbol of national unity and patriotism among Ghanaians. The Independence Square is also the site of the National Heroes’ Monument, which honors the martyrs of the struggle for independence.

Makola Market

Makola Market is a buzzing marketplace that is more than 100 years old. The market is located near the center of Accra and is a great place to explore the local culture and find souvenirs. Makola Market has all kinds of items such as kente cloth, hats, bags, sandals, traditional medicines, and food items. The market is open from early morning until the evening. You can also visit the Afro-Caribbean section of the market and enjoy the live music and dance events. You will find so many things to buy that you won’t know what to do with all the bags!

Nsemba Mboane Cultural Centre and Museum of African Heritage

This museum is located in the Kwabenya neighborhood of Accra. It was built to preserve traditional African culture and to promote the arts and crafts of Ghana. The museum consists of five exhibition halls that showcase art, crafts, and artifacts related to African culture and history. You can also buy handmade products, including jewellery, textiles, and sculptures, at the museum’s gift shop. The centre also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Kwa Hemaa – The Shrimp Factory

This shrimp processing plant is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, about 45 minutes from the center of Accra. It is one of the largest shrimp plants in West Africa, processing about 10,000 tons of shrimp every year. The Kwa Hemaa Shrimp Factory is also one of only two factories in the country that process shrimp for export. The factory is a fascinating place to visit, as you get to see the whole process from start to finish. You can also purchase shrimp products at the gift shop and enjoy the amazing view of the ocean from the deck.

Ladies Guest House and Museum of Ghanaian Culture and Tradition

This museum was built in the 1920s by a group of rich Ghanaian women who wanted to promote local culture and the arts. The museum contains a wide range of artifacts, including wood carvings, iron and brass sculptures, textiles, pottery, and paintings. The museum also hosts a variety of events such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and traditional festivals.

Conclusion

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions You Must Visit in Accra Ghana are Ghana National Museum, Kotoka International Airport, The Black Star Square, Parliament Building, Independence Square, Makola Market, Nsemba Mboane Cultural Centre and Museum of African Heritage, Kwa Hemaa – The Shrimp Factory, Ladies Guest House and Museum of Ghanaian Culture and Tradition and the city itself. These places will give you a glimpse of Ghana’s rich culture and history, and you will come away with an enriched experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get your bags packed and book your flights to Accra. It’s time to experience the magic of this beautiful country for yourself! END END END END END END END END