Things to Do in Ghana

Ghana is West Africa at its most welcoming, and the easiest introduction to the region: English-speaking, politically stable, and proud of a history that runs from the Ashanti kingdom to independence as the first sub-Saharan African nation to shake off colonial rule.

Our programs are based in Accra, a coastal capital of markets, highlife music and Atlantic surf, within a few hours of the country’s most important historical sites.

The best things to do in Ghana

1. Cape Coast and Elmina Castles

The most significant places in Ghana, and the hardest. These whitewashed Atlantic forts held enslaved people in dungeons before transport to the Americas; standing in the Door of No Return is a confronting experience that visitors describe as the defining moment of their trip. Both are around three hours west of Accra and usually visited together.

2. Kakum National Park

Rainforest with a canopy walkway strung 40 metres up between huge emergent trees — seven rope bridges through the treetops. Early morning gives the best chance of birdlife and the least company. Commonly paired with Cape Coast on the same weekend.

3. Accra

Independence Square and Black Star Gate, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, and Makola Market for the full sensory version of the city. Jamestown, the old fishing quarter with its lighthouse and street art, is the most photogenic corner, and Labadi Beach is where the city goes at the weekend.

4. The Volta Region

East towards the Togo border: Wli Falls is the highest waterfall in West Africa, reached on a forest walk; Mount Afadja is Ghana’s highest peak and a manageable climb; and Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest reservoirs, spreads through the middle of it all.

5. Kumasi and Ashanti culture

The Ashanti capital, four hours north of Accra, with the Manhyia Palace Museum, the vast Kejetia market and nearby craft villages where kente is still woven and adinkra symbols stamped by hand.

6. Busua and the western beaches

Ghana’s best beach stretch runs west of Takoradi — Busua for gentle surf and a laid-back village, and Axim and Cape Three Points for near-empty sand. The standard reward at the end of a placement.

When to visit Ghana

The main dry season runs November to March, with harmattan haze blowing off the Sahara in December and January. The heaviest rains fall around May and June, with a shorter wet spell in September and October. Ghana is hot and humid year-round on the coast; programs run in every season.

Getting around

Intercity coaches (STC and VIP lines) are the comfortable way to cover distance to Cape Coast or Kumasi. Within Accra, use ride-hailing apps — traffic is heavy, so allow far more time than the distance suggests. Shared tro-tro minibuses are the cheapest option and an experience, though rarely the fastest.

Seeing Ghana as a volunteer

Accra placements put Cape Coast, Kakum and the Volta Region within weekend range. Our Ghana placements are based in Accra, include accommodation, meals, airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, and leave evenings and weekends free — which is exactly when most of this list gets ticked off. See volunteer programs in Ghana for live prices and dates, or read our complete guide to volunteering in Ghana for costs, visas and safety.

Ghana travel FAQs

Photo: Lasiba / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)