Why Every Traveller Should Visit Ghana At Least Once!
Africa welcomes you home.
Friday, May 30, 2025If you're a seasoned traveller like me, seeking more than just a holiday destination, Ghana is calling! It's not just a trip; it's a truly special homecoming. Imagine warm sunshine, incredibly rich culture, and history that feels deeply personal – it's an amazing reconnection! When a friend invited me to a wedding there, I knew instantly it would be the adventure of a lifetime, my first time in an African country! Just be ready for a bit of paperwork – invitation, accommodation, flights, vaccinations – before you can even apply for the visa. But trust me, it's absolutely worth it!
Image: Local color and culture on full display. This bustling Ghanaian market offers vibrant kente cloth, handmade bags, and warm welcomes from community artisans.
Why visiting Ghana?
A Country Filled with Black Excellence and Pride. Ghana stands tall as one of Africa’s most inspiring success stories—politically, culturally, and spiritually. Today, Ghana continues to embody Black excellence in music, fashion, and literature.
From the vibrant colours of traditional kente cloth to Afrobeat rhythms pulsing through Accra’s streets, Ghana is a living, breathing celebration of Black creativity, resistance, and pride. It’s a place where you’ll see your reflection everywhere—not as a minority, but as part of the majority, woven into the nation’s vibrant identity.
My Journey Home to Ancestry
For me, and for so many Black people in the diaspora, Ghana offers something truly extraordinary: a deeply personal connection to ancestry that you simply won't find anywhere else. This incredible country was a central point in the transatlantic slave trade, and stepping into the former slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina was an experience that moved me beyond words. Standing at the infamous "Door of No Return" wasn't just about looking back at a painful past; it felt like a powerful act of reclaiming a piece of what was tragically taken.
Ghana genuinely invites you to honour your ancestors, uncover historical truths that textbooks often gloss over, and truly begin (or continue!) a profound journey of cultural healing. It wasn't just educational for me. It was absolutely transformational.
Image: A powerful moment at Cape Coast Castle, standing where millions were held before the transatlantic journey. The weight of history here is impossible to ignore.
Image: Boat Ghana
A Warm, Welcoming Culture That Feels Like Family
Ghanaians are just amazing! From the moment I arrived, their warmth and hospitality were everywhere. Wandering through villages or chilling at a rooftop bar in Accra, I constantly heard, "You are welcome", and they truly mean it. There's a deep respect for elders, conversations feel so genuine, and the sense of community is incredibly strong.
As a mature traveller, I really felt that added layer of respect and care, which was lovely. There’s such emotional comfort in simply belonging, in walking through a place where your skin, your features, your very presence feel so understood and valued.
Ghana Offers Healing, Joy, and Discovery
Ghana offers healing, joy, and discovery. For me, it wasn't just a trip; it was a profound homecoming. It's a place of soul-level connection, rich culture, and pure joy.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN GHANA
1.Cape Coast Castle – Honour the Past
- Explore the dungeons where enslaved Africans were held.
- Guided tours offer stories of resistance, sorrow, and survival.
- A powerful moment of remembrance for the African diaspora.
2.Markets – Colour, Culture & Craft
- Visit Makola Market in Accra for vibrant fabrics, beads, and spices.
- Practice bartering—it’s part of the experience!
- Meet local artisans and bring back meaningful souvenirs.
Tip: Bring a foldable duffel bag—you'll want to shop!
3.Food – Taste Ghana’s Soul
- Try jollof rice, waakye, groundnut soup, and kelewele.
- Eat at chop bars (local food stalls) for the most authentic dishes.
- Sip on fresh coconut juice or sobolo (hibiscus drink).
Must-try: Spicy grilled tilapia with banku.
4.Kakum National Park – Rainforest Adventure
- Walk the canopy walkway high above the treetops.
- Explore tropical nature trails and spot monkeys and birds.
- A beautiful change of pace from the city.
5.Dive into Culture & Festivals
- Attend traditional festivals with music, dance, and regal attire.
- Learn about the Ashanti Kingdom and royal history in Kumasi.
- Visit art galleries, music venues, and museums in Accra.
Tips before you travel.
To travel to Ghana from the UK, you'll need to obtain a visa before your trip.
You'll need to provide:
- A valid UK passport with at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of travel arrangements (e.g., flight itinerary).
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in Ghana.
- An invitation letter from your host in Ghana.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
For mature travellers like me, especially those from the diaspora, Ghana holds a special kind of magic. It’s a place to feel proud, connected, and deeply inspired. Share your travel experience with us here!
Image: Savoring the rich flavors of Ghana, no visit is complete without a plate rice and fresh grilled tilapia.