Ghana, previously known as Gold Coast, holds numerous interesting places in West Africa. When visiting the country, one cannot miss exploring at least one or two of these captivating locations.
To ease your stress, we bring to you some of the top 10 Interesting Places to Visit in Ghana during your stay here in the country.
Cape Coast Castle
Our colonial masters, the Portuguese, built the Cape Coast Castle in the central region of Ghana, and it was one of the 40 slave castles. Initially, a trading post named Cabo Corso, the castle later transformed into a slave trade prison in response to the high demand for slaves for commodities like silk, milk, and sugar.
The castle has gained renown for its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, making it a significant place to learn about the torture our forefathers endured and to appreciate the freedom we now enjoy as liberated people.
Manhyia Palace
Experience the beauty of African culture at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, located in the heart of the Ashanti region of Ghana. Britain built the palace in 1925, serving as the seat of the Asantehene (the king of Ashanti), his monarchy, and its residents. After the construction of the new palace, authorities turned the original one into a museum featuring artifacts such as the bronze head of the first king and wax effigies of some kings and queens.Visiting the Manhyia Palace provides an opportunity to explore these historical settings. It is one of the most Interesting Places to Visit in Ghana.
Obuasi Mine
Situated in the Ashanti region, the Obuasi gold mine, once among the world’s 10 largest gold mines, operates underground in Obuasi. Commencing operations in 1897 with the formation of the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, the mine faced a temporary halt in 2014 due to substantial losses. However, with government approval in 2018, it underwent recapitalization and resumed operations in 2019.
Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary
The Bobiri butterfly sanctuary, recognized as the only butterfly sanctuary in West Africa, is situated on the main Accra-Kumasi highway in Kubease village. Functioning as a research reserve, the sanctuary boasts the highest number of butterfly species in the region. For a comprehensive understanding of butterflies, a visit to the Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary is highly recommended.
Takoradi Harbor
Located in the Western region of Ghana, the Takoradi harbor, one of the country’s two harbors, stands as the oldest. Serving as the primary export port for Ghana, it facilitates the export of cocoa, timber, manganese, and bauxite. Additionally, the harbor plays a crucial role as a trade port for landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, handling substantial cargo volumes for these nations.
Kakum National Park
The Kakum National Park in the central region of Ghana covers an area of 375 square kilometers. Established as a reserve in 1931 and officially designated as a national park in 1992, the park stands out with its tropical forest cover. Local people initiated the establishment of the park, as opposed to the State Department of Wildlife, which is responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana.
Kintampo Waterfalls
Situated in the Bono East region of Ghana, the Kintampo Waterfall, formerly known as the Sanders Waterfall during colonial times, features three drops and measures about 82 feet. Closed temporarily in 2017 due to a storm-related incident, it reopened in 2019 with improved facilities and security to prevent unfortunate incidents.
Mole National Park
Located in the Savanna region, Mole National Park is the largest wildlife refuge in Ghana. Abundant with wildlife, including mammals, birds, and plants, the park has become a significant study site for plants and other wildlife.
Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary
Image Credit: Haunsinafrica.com
Found in south Hohoe in the Volta region, the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary is the habitat of the mona and patas species of monkey for two centuries. Treated as a sacred place by the villagers who believe the monkeys were messengers sent by the gods, the sanctuary has been protected and developed with the help of villagers, public institutions, and NGOs, turning it into a tourist site.
The Paga Crocodile Pond
Also known as the Chief’s Pond, the Paga Crocodile Pond in the Upper East region of Ghana is home to numerous West African crocodiles. Due to their friendliness, the pond has become a popular tourist site for visitors from far and near.