GHANA'S TOURISM



Tourism has played a vital role in the development of Ghana, allowing the country to showcase its diverse tourist attractions, festivals and rich cultural practices. Most of the tourist attractions in Ghana are predominantly public-owned, while transport and accommodation are run by private enterprise. 

With so many diverse tourist attractions - historical, ecological, cultural heritage and beaches - dotted all over the country, Ghana is well placed to provide a great tourist experience all-year round.

Historical Attractions
Ghana’s historical attractions, monuments and sites are associated with our country’s deep history, beginning from pre-colonial times through to the birth of the new nation on 6th March 1957.  Of the more than 40 edifices strewn along the coast of West Africa, 29 can be found in Ghana.  They include forts and castles, traditional buildings, mosques in the northern part of the country, and various archaeological sites.The forts and castles are steeped in history and bear the footprints of early European contact with black Africa.  They attract large numbers of African Americans engaged in what has been termed root tourism, i.e. the quest for links with the birthplaces of their forefathers. The three main UNESCO-designated World Heritage Monuments are the Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle and Fort St. Jago, which attract a great number of both domestic and international visitors.


Ecological Attractions
Ghana’s ecological heritage – luscious vegetation, stunning waterfalls and abundant wildlife, including elephants, hippos, buffalo, and warthogs - can be found across the length and breadth of the country. The Mole and Kakum National parks are a wild life lover's dream! Popular water bodies, to visit include Lake Bosomtwi and Volta Lake. The rain forest, which straddles the western corner of Ghana, narrows towards the Ashanti and mid-Volta Regions. Although an attraction in its own right, it contains many other  spectacular features as well.




Cultural Heritage
Ghana’s rich and deep cultural heritage includes indigenous music and dance, traditional festivals, folklore, handicrafts, cuisine, costumes, architecture, and artefacts. Most notably, The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) is a key feature of Ghana’s cultural attractions. Foreigners are fascinated by the institution of chieftaincy, village life and numerous shrines, beliefs and practices.


Beaches in Ghana
Most of Ghana’s coconut-fronted, sandy beaches are found in the western half of the country’s 540-kilometre coastline (specifically, the stretch between Accra and Axim).  They are very popular among both Ghanaian and foreign travellers looking to relax and chill out.  There’s never a shortage of music, food, trade and activity on Ghana’s beaches. The most patronised beaches in the country include the La Pleasure (Labadi), Kokrobite and Bojo beaches in Accra, the Busua Beach in the Western Region, Anomabo and Elmina beaches in the Central Region, White Sands Beach in Gomoa Fetteh and Butre Beach at Butre.  




Whatever your interest, Ghana has a lot to offer so why not make a trip to this beautiful country in the west of Africa and sample her food, beautiful attractions, colourful festivals, vibrant music and dancing. You are bound to get a free lesson on the famous Azonto Dance.

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Packing the Right Clothing
Since the climate is warm and tropical all year round be sure to pack light washable cotton clothing and casual wear. Do not forget your sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. There are no restrictions on what men and women may wear. Slacks and shorts for both sexes are permissible.

Electricity
If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, they should operate on or be adaptable to 220 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept either 3 pronged, or sometimes 2-pronged British or Continental European type plugs or converters.

Money/Currency
Ghana’s currency is the cedi which comes in notes of denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20000. Coins are 50, 100, 200 and 500 cedi. Foreign currency can be freely exchanged at any Forex Bureaux in the country.
Some commercial banks also exchange foreign currency. Banks are normally open from 8:30 am - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In larger cities, most large commercial banks will also have automatic teller machines located outside and available during and after hours. Most will take VISA and some other cards.