Sightseeing in Ghana, for a first or a return visit

Ghana’s landmarks split neatly in two. A first visit tends to cover the capital’s civic monuments, the coastal forts and the Ashanti capital; a return visit has time for the late-opening memorial park and the savannah. Prices are in Ghana cedis (GH₵), about 11.7 to the US dollar in early October 2026, and they move.

First visit: Accra, the coast and Kumasi

Black Star Square and the Independence Arch on the coastal boulevard in Osu were built in 1961 to mark national sovereignty. They are free to wander, but ask security before taking wide photos.

On the Central Region coast stand two UNESCO-listed forts that were centres of the transatlantic slave trade. Elmina Castle was built by the Portuguese in 1482 and is the oldest European building south of the Sahara; the Dutch took it in 1637 and the British in 1872. Cape Coast Castle began as a Swedish timber lodge in 1653 and was rebuilt in stone by British merchants. Foreign adults pay about GH₵80 at Cape Coast, which includes a guided tour, and the Elmina fee should be confirmed on arrival. Both are places of remembrance, so dress modestly, speak quietly and photograph with care. Information is at gmmb.gov.gh .

Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi was built in 1925 as the residence of the Asantehene, the Ashanti king. Its rooms hold royal regalia, gold weights and ceremonial swords, and tell the story of the 1900 War of the Golden Stool led by Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa. Check opening hours and the admission fee when you arrive.

Return visit: Nkrumah Park and the north

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum on High Street in Accra honours the leader who took the Gold Coast to independence in 1957. It is open daily from about 08:30 to 23:00. Non-Ghanaian adults pay GH₵100, tertiary students GH₵60 and children GH₵30; see knmp.gov.gh .

Larabanga Mosque in the Savannah Region, beside the entrance road to Mole National Park, dates from about 1421. It is one of the finest examples of Sudano-Sahelian mud-and-timber building in the country, with timber struts and conical minarets, and non-Muslims view it from outside. Mole is never a day trip from Accra, at about 690 km and 10 hours; fly to Tamale in about an hour and drive roughly 2.5 hours. The US government advises reconsidering travel to parts of northern Ghana, including areas of the Savannah Region, so read the US advisory and the UK FCDO guidance for Ghana before you go.

Getting between sights

Intercity STC coaches link Accra with Cape Coast (3.5 to 4.5 hours, about GH₵90 to GH₵130) and Kumasi (4.5 to 6.5 hours, about GH₵120 to GH₵160); see stc.gov.gh . Domestic flights serve Kumasi and Tamale. Carry cedis in cash, since cards are mostly limited to larger Accra hotels and restaurants, while mobile money is widely used.

Entry and health

UK and US passport holders need a visa from the official portal at evisa.immigration.gov.gh ; check the portal for the current fee. Bring your yellow fever certificate: if you cannot show one, you may be refused entry or vaccinated on arrival. Malaria is present all year, and the open Atlantic coast has rip currents.

Compare guided Cape Coast and Elmina tours if you want transport arranged.

Verdict: first-timers should anchor on Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi, then return for the north. The attraction tours guide adds craft stops.

• Ghana
• West-Africa
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