December in Ghana – Where to Go
On the series of December in Ghana, I make your time and stay here in Ghana during the Yuletide fun and stress free. I bring you every information you need to enjoy your time whether as a first timer or a native.
In this episode, I am bringing to you a continuation of tourist sites you should consider visiting here in the capital city, Accra.
Ghana is blessed with a lot of tourist sites. Almost every region has different sites you can visit for various experiences.
The Capital city of Ghana, Accra, is arguably the most busiest region in the country and sometimes, navigating your way around and through can be stressful but with my kind of information, you’re good to go.
Here are 5 places you should consider visiting in the capital.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve – This is located in Doryumu in the Shai Osudoku constituency. There are 5 separate hills covered by huge trees, rocks and green grass. The forest was declared as a reserve in 1962 and was later made a game resort in 1971. Shai Hills game reserve houses over 100s of Baboons, Green Monkeys, Antelopes, Zebras, other Mammals, Reptiles and over 172 bird species.
The park of opened everyday between the hours of 6 am and 5pm. You can walk in, make payments and be led by a guide into the park to see these wonderful creatures in their natural states. Aside the game watching, these are the other activities you can engage in
a. Exploring the caves
b. Rock Climbing
c. Hiking
d. Stay -in the guest house
Shai Hills Resource Reserve is the closest wildlife reserve to the capital, Accra and is located along the Tema–Akosombo road. It is about 17 kilometres (11m) from Accra which is between 45 minutes and an hours drive from the Kotoka International Airport.
Independence Square – also known as the Black Stars Square, this is a very significant monument in the history of Ghana. Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah cut sod for the construction of this National monument and he officially commissioned it in 1961 which coincided with the first official visit to Ghana by the late Queen Elizabeth 2. The Square consists of 3 monuments which represent significant happenings during the fight for independence.
The Independence Arch – which is to the south of the square and covered at the back by the Gulf of Guinea.
The Memorial of the unknown soldier- On the opposite side of the square but facing the arch is the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier, which honors the Ghanaian soldiers who fell fighting for their beloved country.
To the North is the Black Stars Main Square roundabout which leads to the Black Stars Gate, a high rise building topped by the 5-pointed stars which represents Africa and particularly the Black Stars of Africa, Ghana.
The Square is one of the biggest squares in the world and can take a sitting capacity of about 30,000 sitting around the center. The square is mainly the host to national parades and other events with the recent being the Global Citizens Concert and also taking shape to host the much anticipated Afro Nation concert in December.
The independence Square is located on the 28th February Road, about 25 minutes drive from the Kotoka International Airport. You can take amazing pictures there and enjoy great view of the Gulf of Guinea.
National museum of Ghana – this museum consists of 3 primary collection areas which are archaeology, ethnography, and art, which are used to weave together a story about Ghana’s rich cultural history. This museum happens to be the oldest in Ghana and had been in operation since 5th March 1957, a day before Ghana’s independence. After it was reopened in June this year after going under renovation, the site has been boosted with Interesting Ghanaian pre and post-colonial history, Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah Cadillac and Ex prez. John Kufuor’s Limousine, rich arts collections by Ghanaian artisans and many more in the newly renovated Ultra-modern facility. You can locate the National Museum on the 2nd Barnes Road in Accra and just about 25 minutes drive from the Airport.
Gallery 1957 – this ultra-modern art gallery is located in the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra. The gallery features exhibition of works by artisans from all over the country, across West Africa and also the Diaspora. From fabrics to painting to crafts and many other arts installations. The gallery is opened from Tuesday–Saturday 11am–7pm during exhibition and closed on Mondays & Sundays.
Legon Botanical Gardens – this nature park presents you with lots of activities as an individual or even in a group. Activities to engage in includes Canoeing, High rope course, bird watching, fishing, canopy walk, cycling and many more. Children are not left out, there is a playground on site for children and also an event space. Find Legon Botanical Gardens on the Agbogba Junction, Haatso Atome Road. The park is open every single day of the week between 8am and 5pm.
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