Country Information

• Make the most of Accra; see a large collection of Ghanaian art in the National Museum and Independence Square, dominated by the Independence Arch and the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier.

• Admire some coffins. The carpentry workshops of the world famous Fantasy Coffins are at Nungua. Among the Ga people it is fashionable to be laid to rest in a coffin that bears a relationship to what the deceased did in life.

• Indulge in some history. All Ghana’s castles and forts are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. In particular, do not miss Cape Coast Castle and Fort St Jago. Cultural shows are often performed at the castles and guided tours are available.

• Examine the ruins of the Manhyia Palace and the Royal Mausoleum, burnt down by Lord Baden-Powell, in Kumasi, the historic capital of the Ashanti civilisation.

• Visit the Larabanga Mosque, situated 8km (5 miles) north of Mole National Park. Built in the style of former Western Sudanese Empires, it houses a holy Koran and is believed by locals to be a ‘God-built mosque’.

• Pay a visit to the Witches’ settlements, located at Ngani in the Yendi district, Gamaga in the east Mamprusi district and Kpatinga in the Fushegu district. These are sanctuaries for people, mostly women, accused of witchcraft.

• Bird enthusiasts should go to the Owabi Forest Reserve and Bird Sanctuary, located close to Kumasi. Further to the northeast is the Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary, containing the spectacular Bomfobiri Falls. The salt marshes of the Songow Lagoon are also essential.

• Check out the wildlife in Ghana’s national parks. The Kakum Nature Reserve is a protected conservation area with monkeys, antelopes and water buffalo. Visitors can view wildlife at tree canopy level from the 333m (1,093ft) tree-top walkway and stay in a tree house.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.