Ghana Landmarks, Monuments, Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

1. Ghana Landmarks, Monuments, Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

2. Map of Africa

3. Ghana Landmarks and Ghana Monuments(Ghana, GH, Western Africa) Thanks 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.

4. Independence Arch 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.

5. OsuChristiansborg Castle 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.

6. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park 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.

7. Cape Coast Castle 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.

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

9. Kintampo Waterfalls 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.

10. WaNaa's Palace Traditionally occupied by chiefs of the royal Wa family, this 19th-century palace has remained unoccupied since the death of the last chief, NaaMororiBondiri 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.

11. Lake Volta 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

12. Ghana Tourist Attractions and Ghana Sightseeing(Ghana, GH, Western Africa) Many of Ghana's main tourist attractions can be found in and around the capital city of Accra, including both Bojo Beach and Labadi Beach, as well as the bustling Makola Market. To make sure that you don't miss out on any, a tour taking in the main places of interest is a good alternative to making your own way around the city.A number of tourist attractions can also be found further afield and spread all over Ghana, and really are worth the effort of getting there. Many visitors choose to base themselves in a large town or city, such as Kumasi, enjoying subsequent sightseeing day trips.

13. Bojo Beach, Accra Also located within the Accra area, the Bojo Beach resort is another leading family attraction and is a wonderful place to come and relax, alongside the Atlantic Ocean. A large car park is conveniently located close by, along with a traditional thatched restaurant, offering al fresco dining at possibly its very best. The white sandy beachfront itself can be reached by taking a small canoe or boat ride across a neighbouring river, for just a nominal charge. If you are looking for a little excitement here, then consider hiring a jet ski.

14. Labadi Beach Resort Labadi Beach is situated just a short distance away from the city of Accra. It is undoubtedly very popular with both locals and tourists, making it a very busy place at the weekends. Nevertheless, an afternoon of sunbathing on the beach after a busy few days of sightseeing is an attractive proposition for many visitors.

15. BoabengFiema Monkey Sanctuary The Monkey Sanctuary is a popular stopover for visitors to the nearby Mole National Park. This attraction is home to around 200 black-and-white Colobus monkeys, which can be regularly seen hanging from the trees, and some 500 Mona monkeys, who prefer to head to nearby villages in search of food. Villagers believe that these monkeys are sacred and they are therefore closely protected. There is even a monkey cemetery. Visitors are advised to visit the BoabengFiema Monkey Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening, as this is when the monkeys are at their most active and entertaining

16. Pikworo Slave Camp At the beginning of the 19th century, the Pikworo Slave Camp was where most slaves who were captured in the north of Ghana were held before being transported to the slave market in Salaga. Evidence of daily life can still be seen in the form of holes, once used as cooking stoves

17. Paga Crocodile Pond If the thought of seeing some of the largest crocodiles in the world doesn't scare you, then a trip to Ghana's Paga Crocodile Pond is a must. The oldest reptile resident of the pond is thought to be over 85 years old. These Paga crocodiles are remarkably comfortable in human company, unlike their wild counterparts, allowing visitors to see and touch them at extremely close quarters

18. Aburi Botanical Gardens The Aburi Botanical Gardens were set up at the end of the 19th century. Today, that historical legacy is there for all to see, with a good selection of exotic plants, seasonal flowers and trees on view. Located just over 30 km / 19 miles to the north of Accra, the Aburi Botanical Gardens cover approximately 65 hectares / 160 acres and enjoy excellent views across the Accra coastal plain. Native butterflies and colourful African birds are to be found all around these charming gardens.

19. Visit the link below to watch videos clips of other interesting tourist attractions in Ghana http://www.ghana.world-guides.com/ghana_videos.html • Source: http://www.ghana.world-guides.com/ghana_attractions.html • Date visited: September 3, 2011