An In-Depth Exploration of Ghana’s Premier Tourist Attractions Based on the 2024 GTA Tourism Report
As the morning sun rises over the Gold Coast, casting its golden rays across ancient castles, mist-shrouded forest canopies, and marble monuments, Ghana reveals itself as a tapestry of extraordinary experiences. The Ghana Tourism Authority’s 2024 report unveils not just numbers, but the beating heart of a nation that welcomed over 1.28 million international visitors—a remarkable 12% increase that underscores Ghana’s magnetic pull as West Africa’s premier cultural and heritage destination.
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1. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park: Where Independence Lives Eternal (333,233 Visitors)
Standing majestically in the heart of Accra, where the echoes of “Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!” once rang out, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park reigns supreme as Ghana’s most visited tourist destination. This isn’t merely a tourist site—it’s a pilgrimage destination where history breathes through Italian marble and cultural symbolism.
Designed by Don Arthur, its architecture is rich in cultural symbolism. Resembling an upside-down sword, a symbol of peace in Akan culture, the mausoleum is a beacon of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Adorned with Italian marble and crowned with a black star symbolizing unity, the mausoleum represents one of Africa’s most profound architectural achievements.
The memorial complex, dedicated in 1992, occupies the historically significant site of the former British colonial polo grounds—the exact location where Ghana’s independence was declared on March 6, 1957. Each spring has seven bare-chested, squatting statuettes of flute blowers, who seem to welcome the arrival of world leaders and other important personalities, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration.
The museum within the complex houses Dr. Nkrumah’s personal belongings, rare photographs, and documents that provide intimate insights into his Pan-Africanist ideals and his vision for a united Africa. Visitors can explore his private study, view his collection of traditional Ghanaian artifacts, and experience multimedia presentations that bring his speeches to life. The park’s design of the mausoleum, a blend of Byzantine and traditional Ghanaian styles, is an embodiment of the nation’s cultural heritage, making it a masterpiece of architectural fusion.
2. Kakum National Park: Africa’s Gateway to the Sky (183,757 Visitors)
Suspended 40 meters above the forest floor, where ancient trees have stood sentinel for over 300 years, Kakum National Park offers an experience that exists nowhere else on the African continent. In March 1995, Kakum National Park became home to the only canopy walkway on the Africa continent, transforming how visitors experience tropical rainforest ecosystems.
The park’s crown jewel is its breathtaking canopy walkway—7 suspension bridges which form a 333-meter long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old. This engineering marvel was constructed using wire rope, aluminium ladders, wooden planks and safety netting. In order to protect the trees, no nails or bolts pierce the bark, demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism.
The biodiversity within Kakum is staggering. There are 266 species of birds within the park boundaries. It has the most populous collection of forest elephants within the country. The park shelters Diana monkey, giant bongo antelope, yellow-backed duiker and African elephant, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Beyond the famous walkway, Kakum offers multiple forest trails where visitors can encounter butterflies with wingspans larger than dinner plates, hear the haunting calls of forest elephants, and witness the intricate dance of forest life. The park’s canopy provides access to a world typically reserved for birds and researchers, where epiphytes create hanging gardens and monkeys navigate superhighways of interconnected branches.
3. Bunso Arboretum: The Botanical Paradise (155,149 Visitors)
Just two hours from Accra’s urban sprawl lies a natural sanctuary that has captivated over 155,000 visitors with its remarkable biodiversity and accessibility. Bunso Arboretum represents Ghana’s commitment to conservation education and serves as a living laboratory for botanical research.
Home to over 110 bird species, the arboretum creates a symphony of sounds as dawn breaks over the forest canopy. The resident hornbills announce the morning with their distinctive calls, while sunbirds dart between flowering trees, their iridescent feathers catching sunlight like living jewels. The herb garden showcases traditional medicinal plants that have been used by local communities for generations, offering visitors insights into Ghana’s rich ethnobotanical heritage.
The tree-top walkway provides a different perspective from Kakum’s—here, visitors can observe the intricate ecosystem of a managed forest, where conservation and research intersect. Butterfly viewing areas attract species ranging from delicate blues to massive swallowtails, while the guided nature walks reveal the complex relationships between plants, animals, and the environment.
The arboretum’s educational programs have made it a favorite among schools and university groups, who use the facility to study tropical ecology, conservation biology, and sustainable forest management. The facility’s proximity to Accra makes it an ideal day trip for families seeking to introduce children to Ghana’s natural heritage.
4. Kumasi Zoo: Wildlife Conservation in the Heart of Ashanti (133,954 Visitors)
Nestled in the cultural capital of the Ashanti Region, Kumasi Zoo has evolved from a simple animal display into a modern conservation facility that educates visitors about Ghana’s wildlife heritage. Housing over 40 different animal species, the zoo serves as both a refuge for rescued animals and a breeding center for endangered species.
The zoo’s collection includes indigenous species that visitors might never encounter in the wild, from the elusive royal antelope—the world’s smallest antelope species—to various primates that call Ghana’s forests home. The facility’s crocodile enclosure houses both dwarf and Nile crocodiles, while the aviary showcases Ghana’s incredible bird diversity, including the country’s national bird, the red-tailed tropicbird.
Recent improvements have focused on creating more natural habitats that allow animals to exhibit natural behaviors while providing visitors with educational opportunities. The zoo’s breeding programs have successfully contributed to the conservation of several species, including the endangered Diana monkey and various bird species.
Educational programs at the zoo reach thousands of schoolchildren annually, fostering a new generation of conservation-minded Ghanaians. The facility’s location in Kumasi makes it easily accessible to visitors exploring the Ashanti Region’s cultural attractions, creating opportunities for comprehensive cultural and natural heritage experiences.
5. Cape Coast Castle: Echoes of the Middle Passage (120,242 Visitors)
Rising from the Atlantic coastline like a testament to both human resilience and historical tragedy, Cape Coast Castle stands as one of Ghana’s most emotionally powerful destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage site has welcomed over 120,000 visitors who come to witness, remember, and understand one of history’s darkest chapters.
Built by the British in the 1660s on the site of a former Portuguese lodge, the castle served as the headquarters of the British Gold Coast colony. Its whitewashed walls and imposing architecture mask the horrific conditions endured by enslaved Africans who were held in its dungeons before being shipped across the Atlantic. The castle’s “Door of No Return” has become a symbol of the African diaspora’s painful origins.
The castle’s museum provides comprehensive documentation of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, featuring artifacts, historical documents, and interactive exhibits that help visitors understand the scope and impact of this human tragedy. Personal accounts from enslaved individuals, recorded testimonies, and archaeological findings create a powerful narrative that resonates with visitors from around the world.
Beyond its role in the slave trade, the castle played a significant part in introducing formal education and Christianity to Ghana. The first schools in the Gold Coast were established within the castle walls, and missionary activities spread from here throughout the region. Today, the castle serves as a center for historical education, reconciliation, and remembrance, hosting annual festivals and cultural events that celebrate African heritage and resilience.
6. Manhyia Palace Museum: The Living Heritage of Asanteman (106,100 Visitors)
In the heart of Kumasi, where the golden stool of the Asantehene—one of Africa’s most powerful traditional rulers—holds court, the Manhyia Palace Museum offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the continuing legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom. This isn’t merely a museum; it’s a living institution that documents the unbroken chain of Ashanti royalty and cultural traditions.
The museum’s collection includes royal regalia that has been used in coronations for centuries, including intricate gold ornaments, ceremonial swords, and traditional textiles woven with gold thread. The famous kente cloth, with its complex patterns and symbolic meanings, is displayed alongside explanations of its cultural significance and the skilled craftsmanship required for its creation.
Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience traditional Ashanti music, with royal drums and traditional instruments demonstrated by skilled musicians. The museum’s archives contain historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that trace the kingdom’s interactions with European colonizers, its resistance to British rule, and its eventual incorporation into modern Ghana while maintaining its cultural autonomy.
The museum regularly hosts cultural events, including traditional festivals, craft demonstrations, and storytelling sessions where visitors can learn about Ashanti folklore, proverbs, and philosophical traditions. The palace gardens showcase plants that hold cultural significance in Ashanti tradition, including trees used in traditional medicine and ceremony.
7. Elmina Castle: Africa’s Oldest European Monument (87,691 Visitors)
Perched on a rocky outcrop where the Benya Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean, Elmina Castle holds the distinction of being the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, this fortress predates the arrival of Columbus in the Americas and represents the beginning of sustained European contact with West Africa.
The castle’s strategic location made it a crucial hub for Portuguese trade activities, initially focused on gold, ivory, and other valuable commodities. Its massive walls and defensive positions reflect the military engineering of the 15th century, while its interior spaces tell the story of changing colonial powers and evolving trade relationships.
The castle’s transformation from a trading post to a slave fort mirrors the tragic evolution of European-African relations. Its dungeons, which once held enslaved Africans awaiting transport to the Americas, now serve as sites of remembrance and education. The castle’s museum features artifacts from archaeological excavations, including pottery, tools, and personal items that provide insights into daily life during different historical periods.
The surrounding fishing village of Elmina has maintained its traditional character, with colorful fishing boats dotting the harbor and traditional fishing methods still in use. The castle’s integration with the local community creates a unique cultural landscape where historical preservation and contemporary life intersect.
8. Accra Zoo: Urban Wildlife Sanctuary (83,953 Visitors)
Hidden within the verdant embrace of the Achimota Forest, Accra Zoo provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling capital while offering visitors encounters with Ghana’s diverse wildlife. This urban oasis has evolved from a simple animal collection into a modern zoological facility focused on conservation, education, and research.
The zoo’s naturalistic habitats house a variety of species, from the playful spot-nosed monkeys that entertain visitors with their acrobatic displays to the majestic African grey parrots whose intelligence and vocal abilities fascinate observers. The facility’s collection includes several rescued animals that serve as ambassadors for their species, helping visitors understand the challenges facing Ghana’s wildlife.
Educational programs at the zoo reach thousands of urban children who might otherwise have limited exposure to wildlife. Interactive exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on activities help visitors understand the connections between urban development and wildlife conservation, fostering environmental awareness in Ghana’s rapidly growing urban population.
The zoo’s location within the Achimota Forest provides additional opportunities for visitors to experience Ghana’s natural heritage. Forest trails wind through the surrounding woodland, offering glimpses of wild birds, butterflies, and other forest creatures that still call this urban forest home.
9. Shai Hills Resource Reserve: Ancient Landscapes and Modern Conservation (67,881 Visitors)
Rising from the coastal plains like stone sentinels, the Shai Hills Resource Reserve protects one of Ghana’s most unique landscapes—a realm of ancient granite outcrops, grassland savannas, and gallery forests that support an incredible diversity of wildlife. This 5,000-hectare reserve, just an hour from Accra, offers visitors a chance to experience Ghana’s geological heritage and diverse ecosystems.
The reserve’s distinctive rock formations, sculpted by millions of years of weathering, create a landscape that resembles a natural sculpture garden. These granite inselbergs provide habitat for rock-dwelling species and serve as natural fortresses that have been used by local communities for centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Shai people inhabited these hills for generations, using the rocky outcrops for defense and spiritual purposes.
Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter troops of olive baboons that navigate the rocky terrain with remarkable agility, while various antelope species, including the diminutive royal antelope and the larger kob, graze in the surrounding grasslands. The reserve’s diverse habitats support over 175 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers who can spot species ranging from the massive ground hornbill to tiny sunbirds.
The reserve’s conservation programs focus on protecting the unique ecosystem while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Community-based tourism initiatives allow visitors to interact with local guides who share traditional knowledge about the area’s plants, animals, and cultural history.
10. Aburi Botanical Gardens: A Century of Horticultural Excellence (52,330 Visitors)
Established in 1890 during the colonial period, Aburi Botanical Gardens represents one of Ghana’s oldest and most beloved horticultural institutions. Perched on the Akuapem Ridge at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level, the gardens benefit from a cooler climate and higher rainfall that support an extraordinary diversity of plant life.
The gardens’ collection spans 160 hectares and includes both indigenous Ghanaian species and exotic plants from around the world. Ancient mahogany trees tower over carefully maintained lawns, while rare orchids and tropical flowering plants create splashes of color throughout the grounds. The gardens’ herbarium houses one of West Africa’s most comprehensive collections of plant specimens, serving as a crucial resource for botanical research and conservation.
Walking trails wind through different sections of the gardens, each showcasing specific plant communities or themes. The palm collection features species from around the world, while the medicinal plant section demonstrates the importance of traditional plant knowledge in Ghanaian culture. The gardens’ elevated location provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including distant views of Accra and the Atlantic Ocean.
Educational programs at the gardens reach students, researchers, and visitors from around the world. The facility’s research programs focus on plant conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation, making it a vital center for scientific advancement in Ghana. The gardens also serve as a peaceful retreat for urban residents seeking respite from city life, with picnic areas and quiet corners perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Ghana’s Tourism Renaissance
These ten destinations represent more than just tourist attractions—they embody Ghana’s commitment to preserving its natural and cultural heritage while sharing these treasures with the world. The success of these sites reflects broader trends in Ghana’s tourism industry, which generated $4.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and supported thousands of jobs across the country.
The diversity of these attractions—from historical monuments and cultural sites to natural reserves and botanical gardens—demonstrates Ghana’s unique position as a destination that can satisfy virtually any traveler’s interests. Whether visitors seek historical education, cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, or simply the beauty of nature, Ghana’s top tourist destinations provide experiences that are both memorable and meaningful.
As Ghana continues to develop its tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable travel practices, these crown jewels of Ghanaian tourism will undoubtedly continue to attract visitors from around the world, serving as ambassadors for the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty. The increasing visitor numbers at these sites reflect not just their individual appeal, but Ghana’s growing reputation as a destination that offers authentic, transformative travel experiences in the heart of West Africa.
The success of these destinations also highlights the importance of community involvement in tourism development. Many of these sites depend on local communities for their preservation and interpretation, creating economic opportunities while ensuring that tourism benefits extend beyond the formal tourism sector. This approach to tourism development positions Ghana as a model for sustainable, community-based tourism in Africa and beyond.