10 Must-Visit Historic Sites in Ghana for Every Traveler

Did you know that in the past, Ghana was known as the Gold Coast? 

This name was given to Ghana due to the significant gold reserves and trade in the region that early Portuguese explorers encountered. 

Besides gold, the country is a home to numerous historic sites that any person who loves travelling should visit while in Ghana.

These sites hold powerful stories of oppression, survival, and ingenuity, reflecting Ghana’s rich history and resilience. Positioned along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, 

The nation is renowned for its unique cultures, particularly the iconic Kente cloth. The country also played a major role during the transatlantic slave trade era, leaving behind historical relics that remain important to this day.

A Photo of Ghananian's dressed in Kente Clothes

Thanks to the Ghanaian government’s efforts in preserving these monuments, tourists can still experience the deep history embedded within these historic sites. 

From UNESCO World Heritage sites to ancient tribes, Ghana offers an array of historic landmarks that evoke strong emotions. If you love history and antiquities, make sure to visit these 10 historic sites when you travel to Ghana.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in Ghana in 2025

A quick fact: Did you know that Ghana is the second leadign cocoa producer in the world following Côte d'Ivoire, if you didn't know i'm glad you now know. 

1. The Traditional Buildings of the Asante Kingdom

The Asante Kingdom was a formidable force in the 18th century and remains influential in Ghana today. The Asante people, known for their military prowess, controlled large territories rich in gold deposits before European colonization. This historic site consists of 13 houses built by the Asante Kingdom during the European reign. Though many of the buildings were destroyed, the surviving ones serve as cultural emblems, located in southern Ghana.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, these structures feature walls made of clay or mud and roofs woven from palm branches. Their geometric designs are embellished with stylized animal emblems, offering a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the Asante people.

2. Jamestown Lighthouse

Jamestown is one of the oldest historic sites in Ghana, located in Accra. By the 17th century, it already had established communities, and by the 19th century, it experienced significant development. Today, it serves as a vibrant fishing harbor with a rich history.

The most striking feature of Jamestown is its lighthouse, originally built by the British in 1871. The current structure, erected in the 1930s, stands at an imposing height of 28 meters. From the top, visitors get a panoramic view of Usher Fort, the Bukom District, and James Fort. A visit to Jamestown is a must for history lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

3. Forts and Castles of Volta, Greater Accra, Central, and Western Regions

Another UNESCO World Heritage site in Ghana, these forts and castles were built between the 15th and 18th centuries as fortified trading posts. Stretching about 500 kilometers along the coast, they were occupied by European traders from Denmark, Britain, Germany, Holland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

These forts played a crucial role in the gold and slave trade. Despite their tragic past, they remain some of the best-preserved forts in West Africa. Recognized by UNESCO in 1979, they stand as reminders of Ghana’s colonial history and its struggle for independence.

4. Kakum National Park

Established as a national park in 1992, Kakum National Park covers 357 square kilometers of lush forest. Its major attraction is the canopy walkway, the first of its kind in Africa and one of only three on the continent. Suspended 40 meters above the forest floor and spanning 350 meters in length, this walkway links six giant trees and offers breathtaking views.

Other features of the park include towering hardwood trees reaching heights of 65 meters, medicinal plants, and the Sunbird Trail. Most visitors come for the canopy walkway, so it's best to arrive early to enjoy the experience.

5. Paga Nania Slave Camp

One of Ghana’s most significant historic sites, Paga Nania, attracts thousands of visitors. In 2008, the Ghana Tourist Board reported earnings of $500 million from tourists visiting this location.

Dating back to 1704, this slave camp was established when slave raiders captured and held people from Paga and surrounding communities. Today, remnants of the camp include water troughs carved into rocks, observation posts, and grinding stones. The government is being urged to restore the site to make it more attractive to tourists.

6. Lake Bosomtwe

Considered sacred by the Asante people, Lake Bosomtwe is believed to be the gathering place of the souls of the dead before they bid farewell to the goddess Asase Yaa. Over 1.07 million years old, it is Ghana’s only natural lake, formed from an asteroid impact.

Despite its significance, Lake Bosomtwe is at risk of drying up. There are ongoing debates to have it recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which would help in its preservation.

7. Holy Trinity Cathedral

Built with funding from the British government, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is part of the Anglican Diocese of Accra. Completed in 1894 and made a cathedral in 1909, this fortress-like structure is known for its rectangular bell tower.

Apart from being a place of worship, it is a historic site that attracts tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from Accra’s bustling city life.

8. Salaga Slave Market

The name ‘Salaga’ originates from the Dagomba word ‘Saji,’ meaning “to get used to a place.” During the transatlantic slave trade, Salaga was an important trading route linking the northern and southern Sahel. Enslaved people were held here before being transported to the coast for export.

A civil war in 1892 led to the drastic depopulation of Salaga. Today, reaching the market requires a ferry ride through Yeji if traveling from Kumasi. Due to its remote location, the Salaga Slave Market is one of the least visited historic sites in Ghana.

9. Gwolu Slave Defense Wall

Ghanaians have a strong survival instinct, and the Gwolu Slave Defense Wall is a testament to that resilience. Located in the Upper West Region, this wall was built in the 19th century by Gwolu Koro Limann to protect his people from slave raiders.

Though much of the structure has been lost due to environmental factors, the surviving portions remain a significant historical attraction. Gwolu also has other points of interest, including a traditional bone-setting clinic, a crocodile pond, and the tomb of former President Hilla Limann (1979-1981).

10. Cape Coast Castle

Built in the 15th century by the Swedes for the gold and timber trade, Cape Coast Castle was later used as a holding facility for enslaved Africans before they were shipped to the Americas.

Restoration work began in the 1920s, and after Ghana gained independence in 1957, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board took over its care. Today, the castle serves as a museum, housing slave-related artifacts and historical documents. The rusting cannons on its walls stand as haunting reminders of the brutal transatlantic slave trade.

Conclusion

Ghana is home to several other historic sites, including Independence Square and Osu Castle. No matter where you travel in the country, you are likely to find a historical landmark nearby. Visiting these sites offers a deeper understanding of Ghana’s past and its journey toward independence.

Have you visited any of these historic sites in Ghana? Share your experience with us!