Ghana, a nation in West Africa, has Accra as its capital. It is also the largest city in Ghana and is situated on the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf of Guinea’s southern shore. This city has different monuments, activities, historic sites, and cultures. Five must-see sites on your next trip to Accra will be explored in this article.

1 ) Jamestown Lighthouse –

This iconic structure is located on Prof Atta Mills Street in the Jamestown district of Accra, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The town is home to architectural and cultural legacies the British and Portuguese left behind during their rule. The Jamestown Lighthouse is one of the oldest buildings in the neighbourhood. The first lighthouse was erected in Jamesport in 1871 before the current one was built in the 1930s. 

The tower stands at 28 meters. The lighthouse is painted in red and white colours. It also gives an expansive view of the whole fishing village in Jamestown. It has a bungalow attached to it called the keeper’s house. The lighthouse’s caretaker resides there. One has to take 112 steps in the tower before reaching the peak. At the top, a lantern guides boats to the shore and can be seen 30 km away. One can also get a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean, the whole Jamestown and neighbouring communities. This activity can be done with a very affordable budget as there is no designated guide except locals offering to take on the work for a few cedis.

2 ) Kwame Nkurumah Memorial Park and Masoleum

This historical site in downtown Accra was built in honour of the great Pan-Africanist and the first president of Ghana, Osagyefo Kwame Nkurumah, in 1992. The architectural structure of the building represents an upside-down sword which Akan culture is a symbol of peace.

The Museum was built on the spot Nkurumah made the declaration for Ghana’s independence from the British. The mausoleum, built by Don Arthur, is donned in Italian marble from head to toe and this building houses the remains of the Pan Africanist and his wife, Fathia Nkurumah. At the top of the mausoleum sits a black star which is a symbol of unity.

3) Osu Castle 

This historical fort is located in the Osu community of the central region of Accra. It is also called Fort Christainborg or The Castle, named after the former King of Denmark. The ownership of this structure has moved from the Danish, the Norwegians, the Portuguese, Akwamus, the British, and finally, post-independence Ghana.

The Castle was the seat of government in post-independence Ghana before it was moved to Jubilee House. The Castle was converted into a Presidential Museum during the country’s 60th Independence anniversary.

4 ) Independence Square

Independence Square also known as the Black Star Square, symbolizes liberation and independence built by Kwame Nkurumah to mark the country’s independence victory. The square is notably used for civic gatherings and military parades. 

It is also used to celebrate the country’s annual national independence day. The square houses three monuments; the statue of an Unknown Soldier, the Independence Arch, and the Black Star Gate.

5) Beaches in Accra

Accra is a coastal city home to some of the country’s most beautiful and serene beaches. When vacationing in Accra, especially during the summer, it is advisable and a fun sport to visit the beach and try out different activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, surfing etc.

These beaches include Labadi Beach, which is one of the most popular, if not the most popular beach, in Accra; Bojo Beach, this beach has an indoor pool, a resort, and a restaurant, guaranteeing a fantastic time during your stay there; Kokrobite Beach, which is said to be one of the cleanest beaches in Accra and is located in the small fishing village of Kokrobite. 

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