Ghana is the home of true hospitality and culture; it is abound in a number of touristic attractions a volunteer must see. These places have Cultural, historic, educational, and natural appeals which are a must visit and see for all volunteers who come to Ghana. After helping out through the week you must see the sights and sounds of this country during the weekend.

Some of these places have been adopted as the world heritage sites by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). In almost all the ten Regions we have here in Ghana, you will find a place of touristic value to visit which will be an imprint on your mind. This information is to help provide you with a guide as you plan your volunteer trip to Ghana.

GREATER ACCRA REGION

The capital city of this region is Accra,the national Capital.
You will find the following;

  • The National Museum
  • Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
  • Kwame Nkrumah Science and Technology Museum
  • Shai Resource Reserve. You can view tropical deer in a grassland safari; baboons and butterflies can also be seen there.
  • Art Center; where we have a traditional art and craft market.
  • La pleasure Beach Resort.
  • Kokrobitey Beach Resort with traditional drumming and dances pertaining to it.

 

EASTERN REGION

This is a region with a rich blend of amazing landscapes, historic relics, traditional cultures and dramatic sliding scale climate ranging from tropical to sub-tropical-Mediterranean climate. It is also a home to the Volta Lake which is the world’s largest artificial lake. Among the lot you will see here are as follows ;

  • Aburi Botanical Gardens; It’s a colonial garden with a rich collection of tropical flora that attracts scores of birds and butterflies. It can be found in the Akwapim Hills in a serene atmosphere where you could have your picnic.
  • Traditional Beads Market at Koforidua on Thursdays, Avery colorful traditional market with a colourful variety of beads to choose from and a colourful shade of tourist.
  • Boti waterfalls, and a climb through the mountains to see the Umbrella rock and traditional villages all at Huhunya.
  • Tetteh Quashie Cocoa farm at Mampong,on the Akwapim mountains. It is the first cocoa farm in Ghana and was established by Tetteh Quashie who brought the first cocoa seeds from Fennan de’ poe and planted them there in 1885. He swallowed the cocoa seeds before he brought them here to plant.
  • Volta Lake and Akosombo Dam. It provides hydro-electric power for Ghana.
  • Dodi Island. To get to this touristic island you will cruise on the Volta Lake in a Dodi Princess Boat which has a life band and a restaurant on board and you will be met on arrival on the island with traditional drumming and dancing.

CENTRAL REGION

The capital city of this region is called Cape Coast. It is the hub of Ghana’s tourism. It was the first capital city of Colonial Ghana before it was moved to Accra in 1874.
In this region you will find the following;

  • Cape-Coast Castle and slave dungeons. The World Heritage Foundation under UNESCO has identified the Cape Coast castle as a World Heritage Monument.
  • On the 10th of July 2009, President Barak Obama of the US visited this castle with his family.
  • Cape Coast and Elmina beaches.
  • Castle Elmina Castles and slave dungeon. The World Heritage Foundation under UNESCO has identified the Elmina Castle as a World Heritage Monument.
  • Kakum National Park. This park has a virgin rainforest, preserved as a habitat for rare local animals. It hosts a 40 meters high canopy walkway over the rainforest. It is the one and only rainforest canopy walkway in Africa and the third in the world.
  • The white Sand Beach at Gomoa Fetteh. It is a scene of spectacular natural beauty.
    As you walk through the city of Cape Coast and Elmina Township you will see relics of historic and ceremonial buildings of the 15th century, built by the Portuguese who were the first to come Ghana in 1471. Later the Spanish, English, Dutch, Swedes, Danes , the Germans, not in any particular order also came here.

VOLTA REGION

The Capital city of this region is called Ho. This region has rolling hills and valleys, and a collection of lagoons, rivers, and waterfalls. It is also a home to a number of colourful festivals and ceremonies such as Hogbetsotso of the Anlos.
In this region you will find among the following;

  • Mountain Afadjato. It is the highest mountain in Ghana at 885cm. You can do Mountain climbing if you wish.
  • Tafi Monkey Village.
  • The caves of Likpe, Nyagbo, and Logbo.
  • Wli Water Falls.

ASHANTI REGION

The capital city of this region is called Kumasi. This region is christened as the cultural hub of Ghana. It was also the home of the ancient kingdom of the Ashanti people. It is a kingdom of gold, culture and history. This kingdom was founded in 1695 by The Great King Osei Tutu and his Traditional Priest friend Okomfo Anokye who planted a sword in the heart of the city and it has since not been able to be pulled out from the ground. It is a must see site when you visit Ghana. The Manhyia Palace of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reveals the cultural and historical background of all Ashantis. The people in the region celebrate the Akwasidae festival.
Among the lot you will see in Kumasi are as follows.

  • Kejetia market
  • Lake Bosumtwi
  • Owabi Bird Sanctuary
  • Bonwire Kente weaving village
  • Okomfo Anokye sword site
  • Military Musum, previously called Kumasi Fort
  • Manhyia Palace

NORTHERN REGION

The capital city of northern region is called Tamale. It is the largest region in Ghana. Visitors traveling through the region will discover the distinct differences from landscapes and architecture from the southern regions. Tamale the capital is accessible by air or by an 8-hour drive from Accra.

Among the lot you will find on your tour are as follows;

  • Mole National Park, a broad savannah and safari. It’s perfect for indigenous flora and fauna, 4840 km of savannah and rocky outcrops, home to 93 species of mammals, including herds of elephants, bucks, and small plains games.
  • The Larabanga Mosque from the 13th century. It is believed to be first Mosque built by the Moorish traders. It has a distinctive facade.
  • The mystery stone of Larabanga.

WESTERN REGION

The capital city of this region is a twin city called Sekodi-Takoradi. It is a home to a harbor built by Gorden Guggisburg a colonial governor in the early 20th century. It has a number of colonial relics.Among the lot will see in Western Region are as follows;

 

  • Fort Appolonia at Bevin
  • Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove.
  • Busua Pleasure Beach.
  • The famous stilt village of Nzulezu.

Volunteers can design their own trips itineraries or do so with the assistance of a tour guide. Volunteer who wish to tour at their free time can tour independently in Ghana on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at their own expenses. The tour expenses of the volunteers are not a part of their volunteering participation fees. You will have a memorable tour of your lifetime.

AHAFO REGION

ASUMURA, WHITE NECKED ROCK FOWL CONSERVATION

Located in the forests of Asumura near Akrodie in the Ahafo Region, is the home of a very rare species of birds which is considered as one of Africa’s most desirable birds by birders. The white necked rockfowl is lanky with a long neck and tail. It only hops and has its mud built nest built beneath giant hanging rocks.

BONO REGION

The Bui National Park is found in Ghana. It was established in 1971. This site is 1821km². It is located in a typical woodland savanna zone. The reserve is notable for its large Hippopotamus population in the Black Volta. The endangered black and white colobus monkey and a variety of antelopes and birds are also present. Part of the park has been inundated by the reservoir of the Bui Dam, which was constructed from 2007 to 2013.

BONO EAST REGION

Bouyem caves and bat sanctuary

Surrounded on three sides by dramatic cliffs and hills (the village name is translated literally as “inside stone”), Buoyem offers visitors beautiful views, cave exploration and extensive hiking opportunities. Trail highlights include a rock shaped like the continent of Africa and one shaped like an umbrella, as well as Bibiri falls and three major caves.

Tour guides also relate the fascinating history of the village, including how the caves came to be sacred and how they were used strategically in the 18thcentury war with the Ashanti tribe. The area is very hilly and each hike involves some interesting rock scrambling or squeezing through small passages.

Buoyem has a nice visitor centre and guesthouse where you can arrange your tours and stay the night if you wish.

OTI REGION

Kyabobo National Park (pronounced CHAY-a-bobo) is a 360-square-kilometre (140 sq mi) national park in Ghana.

Kyabobo is located in the Oti Region on the border with Togo. The nearest town is Nkwanta.

The reserve was established in 1993 but its boundaries were adjusted several times until September 1999 when the current and final boundary was fixed. Ghana’s second highest mountain, Mount Dzebobo is contained within the park and offers visitors an impressive view of the Lake Volta.

The park is located in a transition zone between tropical rain forest and tree savanna. The Park’s wildlife includes African bush elephants, African leopards, African buffalo, waterbuck, several primate species, bushbuck, duikers and, a symbol for the park, the rock hyrax. A park survey lists at least 500 species of butterflies and 235 birds.

The park has seven hiking trails and two mountain biking trails. The most popular hiking trail follows a ridge in the southeast corner of the park to a peak atop one of the “Breast Mountains.”

SAVANNAH REGION.

Mole National Park.

Mole is Ghana’s largest national park with 4849 square kilometers of space. It is best known for its often-seen elephants (a population of about 600). It also features buffalo’s, antelopes, lions, leopards, hippos and five species of primates – over 93 mammal species in all.

There are over 300 bird species and 33 identified reptile species.

The park is also Ghana’s most developed ecotourism site in terms of tourist amenities, including a motel and small museum.

NORTH EAST REGION.

Gambaga escarpment

An impressive 100km long line of cliffs that form the northern boundary of the North East region.This beautiful point along the Gambaga Scarp looks out over the White Volta River and is the site of ancient rock carvings and paintings.

UPPER EAST REGION

Sirigu Women’s Organisation for Pottery and Arts (SWOPA) is an organisation which was established by Melanie Kasise in the year 1997 to assist women of Sirigu. The organisation started with 54 women and has expanded to 345 active women. These active women ply their work in basketry, weaving, pottery and other crafts to the Sirigu area in the upper east region of Ghana. It is also a self-funded organisation.

Sirigu Women’s Organisation for Pottery and Arts (SWOPA) was honoured with a communications award from the International Cooperation and Development Directorate-General of European Commission (EU).

UPPER WEST REGION

Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary is a community led tourism attraction project located at Wechiau in the Upper West Region of Ghana. It is run by the local communities and is committed to protecting and conserving the Hippopotamus and it’s habitat along the Black Volta River in Ghana.

Cheap Flights to Accra – Ghana

  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Alitalia
  • Emirates International Airlines
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Kenya Airways
  • Egypt Air
  • South African Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Air Ivoire
  • Air Burkina
  • Air France
  • Air Senegal

Cheap airfare to Accra, Ghana

Contact: Community Impact Volunteers of Ghana