3 Fascinating Sites in Accra You Can Learn Ghanaian History

Visiting Accra soon or planning to enjoy a different taste of Accra than what you’ve known all along? 

Get ready for an educative trip around the capital of Ghana. Visitors and residents alike will learn a great deal from these venues. Yes, there’s a lot of fun to be had and memories to be made in Accra. And when you get the chance, grab it like a ball. But there are also a few locations where you can take in plenty of Ghanaian history. 

Beyond the history, you can pick up many inspiring life accounts that will spur you to live a more impactful life. Or at least, what you learn will make you reflect on your Ghanaian (African) roots.  Who doesn’t need those timely reminders once in a while?

Why visit Accra

You can’t visit Ghana without taking a stop in Accra. It’s the capital city with Ghana’s international airport. 

Unless you’re on a connecting regional flight to another city like Kumasi or Takoradi, you’ll spend some time in Accra. Before you visit the other exciting tourist destinations around the country, you’ll spend a lot of time in Accra.

But you can also make your visit to Ghana all about Accra, and you’re sure to enjoy an exciting time. I want to challenge you to add a different twist to your time in Accra. Visit some educational sites to learn something different.

You’ll have a different experience than others have gained from their visit to these places. But if your visit to any of these sites can cause a sober reflection in your heart, that’s a good enough victory. Without much ado, here goes:

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

Recently redeveloped to welcome more visitors, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is the best place to learn about Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Brace yourself to soak in some history of this revolutionary leader who helped the country attain independence from British Colonial rule.

“It has a Mausoleum which is the final resting place of Ghana’s first President and Africanist. The park has a museum that hosts rare artifacts relating to Ghana’s independence and tours at the park give visitors the in-depth history of the Sub-Saharan struggle for independence.” notes visitghana.com

You’ll learn some of what he stood for and how his influence has continued down the decades. 

Osu Castle

For decades since independence, the Osu Castle had been the seat of the Government of Ghana. But before it became the Office of the President of Ghana, it played a pivotal role in the colonial government days. It served as a residence to the British Governors working in the then Gold Coast. And prior to that, it also facilitated the infamous trans-Atlantic slave trade. 

That’s not the brightest spot in Ghana’s history, but the Osu Castle is still worth visiting. Because it’s still a security zone, you may be denied access on some days. 

Black Star Square

The Black Star Square, also called the Independence Square, was commissioned by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to celebrate Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule. Today, the site wields a lot of significance, as many national public events are held at the site, most notably the swearing of Ghana’s elected presidents. 

It’s big enough to welcome up to 30,00 people. Nearby, you’ll also find the Independence Arch, another symbol of Ghanaian independence.

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Amidst the fun you can have in Accra, you can also learn a great deal about the history of Ghana. These three sites allow you to soak in some of this history first-hand.