1957: Ghana becomes the first sub-Saharan nation to gain independence

• 1482

  Elmina Castle founded on the Gold Coast

• 1701

  The Asante Empire is formed at Kumasi

• 1992

  Fourth Republic constitution adopted

1. 1
   Cape Coast Castle: walking the stone corridors where Ghana’s Atlantic story is told

   Central Region

   
2. 2
   Above the rainforest: the Kakum canopy walkway is still Ghana’s most thrilling half hour

   Central Region

   
3. 3
   Mole National Park is Ghana’s best chance to walk beside elephants

   Savannah Region

   
4. 4
   A first-timer’s guide to eating jollof, waakye and banku in Accra

   Greater Accra

   

• Visas & entry

  Most nationalities need a visa in advance from a Ghana mission

• Best time to visit

  The dry season runs from November to March

• Money

  The cedi is cash and mobile money first, cards are limited

• Health

  Yellow fever certificate required, malaria prophylaxis advised

Full guidance is in Travel Tips and Visas & Diplomatic Missions.

Cape Coast Castle: walking the stone corridors where Ghana’s Atlantic story is told

Central Region

• Elmina Castle, built in 1482, is the oldest European building south of the Sahara

  Central Region

• Elmina’s fishing harbour is the loudest, brightest morning in Ghana

  Central Region

• Independence Square, Accra: the walk every visitor starts with

  Greater Accra

Mole National Park is Ghana’s best chance to walk beside elephants

Savannah Region

• Above the rainforest: the Kakum canopy walkway is still Ghana’s most thrilling half hour

  Central Region

• Wli Waterfalls, the highest in West Africa, sits on the Togo border

  Volta Region

• Paga crocodile pond: what the ritual visit actually involves

  Upper East Region

Homowo season brings the drums back to Accra, and the whole city eats kpokpoi

Greater Accra

• Damba in Tamale is a horse festival, a durbar and an all-night party

  Northern Region

• Manhyia Palace Museum tells the Asante story in the kingdom’s own words

  Ashanti Region

• In Bonwire, the loom keeps time: a day with the weavers who make kente

  Ashanti Region

A first-timer’s guide to eating jollof, waakye and banku in Accra

Greater Accra

• Labadi Beach on a Sunday: horses, highlife and grilled tilapia

  Greater Accra

• Aburi Botanical Gardens is an easy escape from the Accra heat

  Eastern Region

• Nzulezu, the village on stilts, is reached by a 45-minute canoe ride

  Western Region