Ghana Landmarks and Monuments

(Ghana, GH, Western Africa)



Cape Coast Castle photographThanks to Ghana's rich environmental and cultural heritage, there are plenty of landmarks worth a visit. These range from waterfalls and lakes to mansions and memorials, offering something of interest to most visitors.

There are also some very important castles and fortresses within Ghana. The most noteworthy of these landmarks include the Elmina Castle, Fort Prinsensten and the Osu Castle (Fort Christiansborg), the latter of which resides in Accra, along with the much-photographed Independence Arch and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.


Further view of the Cape Coast Castle and its cannons

Cape Coast Castle

Address: Victoria Road, Cape Coast, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 4232701
Cape Coast's castle is located in an historic fortification that dates back to the 17th century. The first fortress on the site was built by the Swedish Africa Company, although this was soon extensively rebuilt by Ghana's British colonial rulers. Converted into a museum during the 1950s, following Ghanaian independence, the current collections cover archaeology, ethnography, architectural history and photography. A gift shop and bookshop are available and complete the main attractions.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Elmina Castle (St. George of the Mine Castle) picture

Elmina Castle / Elmina Slave Castle (St. George of the Mine Castle)

Address: Elmina, Cape Coast, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 4232701
Elmina Castle dates back to the 15th century and is closely tied in with the region's colonial legacy and that of the slave trade once operating from this region. Indeed, it is the oldest European building in the entire West Africa region. Recently rescued from a state of ruin, the onsite visitors centre houses a collection of various photographs of Elmina Castle over the centuries. From these, visitors can get a good sense of Ghana's colonial history, as well as how the architecture of the region has developed. Visitors can take advantage of guided tours. A restaurant and bookshop are also housed within the complex.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, with permission

Osu Castle (Fort Christiansborg) view

Osu Castle (Fort Christiansborg)

Address: Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
Osu Castle (also known as Fort Christiansborg) has variously been under the control of the Dutch, Danes and the British since its earliest construction in 1661. It was primarily built to facilitate trade between the Gold Coast and Europe, with everything from muskets to brandy being exchanged for slaves and gold. Today, Osu Castle is the seat of the Republic of Ghana's government. This attraction can be viewed from the exterior only.
Open hours: only with special permission
Admission: free

Fort Prinsensten

Address: Keta, Ghana, GH, Africa
Fort Prinsensten was the work of Danish-Norwegian colonialists, who built it as a military stronghold and to make sure that other European countries couldn't easily do trade in the region. Slaves, gold and ivory were just some of the goods exported from Ghana and exported to Danish-Norwegian islands in the West Indies. Later on, the fort was put into action as a prison. The encroaching seas resulted in a fair amount of structural damage during the 1980s.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Picture of the famous Independence Arch at Accra

Independence Arch

Address: Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
The Independence Arch is one of Accra's unmissable landmarks. Topped off by a large black star, the arch looks remarkably like a stark version of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It is located at the north side of Independence Square, the site of many official celebrations and parades, and has become something of an iconic symbol of the city.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free


Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park picture

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Address: Accra, Ghana, GH, Africa
Tel: +00 233 21 671610
Dedicated to the life of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Memorial Park is used for a variety of state ceremonies. These include Ghana's Independence Anniversary celebrations held in March each year, which always attract large crowds of spectators.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge


Kintampo Waterfalls photo

Kintampo Waterfalls

Address: Ashanti, Ghana, GH, Africa
The Kintampo Waterfalls are seen as the best of their kind in Ghana. Located a short distance off the road between Kumasi and the Mole National Park, the falls drop some 70 metres / 230 feet down two levels of rock steps. This spectacular natural landmark offers the perfect place to have a picnic or simply to cool down, whilst taking in some breathtaking views and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Wa Naa's Palace photo

Wa Naa's Palace

Address: Wa, Ghana, GH, Africa
Traditionally occupied by chiefs of the royal Wa family, this 19th-century palace has remained unoccupied since the death of the last chief, Naa Morori Bondiri in 1998. Restoration work on the various compounds within the palace began in early 2009, with hopes that a new Wa-na can be found to take up residence once again.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free


Lake Bosumtwi

Address: Kumasi, Ghana, GH, Africa
As well as being known as Ghana's largest natural lake, Lake Bosumtwi is thought to be the place where the Ashanti people's dead congregate to bid farewell to their god Twi. The lake is the result of a huge meteor that hit the lush rain-forested area a million years ago. Tourism on the lake began around 1915. Today, Lake Bosumtwi remains a popular resort both for visitors and locals. Swimming, fishing and boating are all available here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Aerial view of Lake Volta

Lake Volta

Address: Akosombo, Ghana, GH, Africa
Lake Volta is the largest artificially made lake in the world, created by the building of the Akosombo Dam in 1965. It covers an astonishing 3.6% of Ghana's total land area. Although the lake primarily serves a practical purpose, to create electricity for nearly all of the country's needs and to irrigate farmland, it also acts as a draw for tourists. A boat operates between Akosombo and Yeji throughout the day. Fishing trips and water sports are also to hand around the shoreline.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free