Ghana

Ghana stretches from the Gulf of Guinea’s humid coast and forest belt to northern savannas. Accra, the capital, combines markets, contemporary art, highlife and newer music scenes. English is official, while Akan languages, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani and others shape everyday life. Regional identities and living traditions make the country much more than its coastal monuments.

Tamale reflects Dagbon culture, Mole National Park protects savanna wildlife, and Wechiau’s community sanctuary conserves river habitats. Paga has sacred crocodile traditions. Germany’s Foreign Office warns against Burkina Faso and Togo border areas in Upper West, Upper East and North East, plus specified northeastern towns. This includes Paga and Wechiau’s border sanctuary. It also advises against northern Côte d’Ivoire border areas in Savannah and Bono. Check current restrictions before planning northern journeys. Show more

Cape Coast and Elmina combine working coastal towns with UNESCO-listed forts and castles. Their dungeons confront the violence of the Atlantic slave trade and its enduring connections with African diaspora communities. These are places of remembrance. Nearby, Kakum National Park preserves rainforest, with a canopy walkway offering a different perspective on the forest ecosystem.

Kumasi remains a centre of Asante royal heritage, markets and craftsmanship. Traditional earthen shrine buildings around the city form a separate UNESCO World Heritage property. Kente weaving carries social meanings through patterns and colours across different communities. Sacred sites and ceremonies require respect, with permission for access and photography.

To the east, Ada Foah lies where the Volta reaches the sea. Akosombo connects the dam and Lake Volta landscape, while Wli Waterfalls illustrate the wooded eastern uplands. Busua adds fishing and surf culture on the western coast. Nzulezo is an inhabited lakeside stilt settlement, where residents’ privacy and community rules take priority.

Food includes waakye rice and beans, banku from fermented maize and cassava, and fufu with soups. Drier months vary regionally, while heavy rain can disrupt roads. Harmattan dust, inland heat and dangerous ocean currents deserve attention. Wildlife sightings and visitor access are never guaranteed.

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