Ghana: Coastal Culture, Nature and Tradition

Coastal Forts and Trade History

Ghana’s fortified coastal trading posts were established between 1482 and 1786. They stretch for about 500 kilometres from Keta in the east to Beyin in the west and were part of Portuguese trade routes. The UNESCO World Heritage sites along the coast include castles and forts, some partly in ruins, ruins with visible structural features, and sites bearing traces of earlier fortifications in various coastal settlements. The structures have therefore not all been preserved in the same condition. Those interested in history can take these differences into account when choosing which sites to visit.

Nature Reserves and Activities

Mole National Park is Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve. In Kakum National Park, various trails lead through the rainforest; guided hikes are also available. More than 600 butterfly species have been recorded there.

The Kakum National Park visitor centre includes exhibitions, an open-air restaurant and a gift shop run by Aid to Artisans Ghana. If you plan to visit the restaurant or shop, check availability in advance.

Landscapes and activities also vary beyond the rainforest. Shai Hills Resource Reserve is considered the wildlife reserve closest to Accra. It is about 50 kilometres from the city and covers 52 square kilometres of savannah. Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region is one of the six UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves. Opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, fishing and canoeing are available around the lake.

At Paga Crocodile Pond, visitors can see, touch and feed protected crocodiles; viewing conditions vary by season. Those interested in a guided tour to Nzulezu travel by dugout canoe for an hour through aquatic habitats to Lake Tadane. The tour starts at the visitor centre in Beyin. As operating arrangements can change, it is a good idea to check the latest tour details before your visit.

Crafts, Architecture and History

In the village of Adanwomase, the cloth now known as Kente has been woven since the 17th century. The mosque in Larabanga represents a different tradition: it was built in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style using local materials and building techniques. It is also considered possibly the oldest mosque in Ghana and West Africa.

The Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi is located on the grounds of Manhyia Palace. Another striking site in Ghana is Independence Square, also known as Black Star Square: its stands offer a total of 30,000 seats. Legon Botanical Gardens is located on the University of Ghana campus in central Accra. These places offer travellers different points of interest, from a museum on palace grounds to a square with extensive stands and a botanical garden on a university campus.

Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park is associated with the transatlantic slave trade. During this period, it was one of the largest markets where people were gathered for sale.

Several shrines are located in the village of Tengzug near the Tongo Hills. Visitors from Ghana and neighbouring countries attribute spiritual power to them, believing they can provide guidance and help solve problems. Those interested in religious and cultural traditions will encounter a different kind of cultural heritage here than at historic buildings and museums.

Discover more destinations: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo Region, Northern Region, Volta, Upper West, Takoradi, Eastern Region, Western Region, Upper East, Central Region, Keta.

For the overview of the wider region: Africa.