Ghana – formerly the Gold Coast – is a success story of African development, democracy and stability; a nation made up of people who are as warm as its climate. Rich in history and culture, Ghana is a touristic haven that combines the charms of a tropical beach idyll with a fascinating historical heritage, great cosmopolitan social (night)life, variety of flora and fauna and wildlife.
With its scenic landscapes, fascinating history and its time-honoured traditions in culture and art, Ghana stands out as a preferred tourist destination in West Africa. Along the shores of Ghana there are century-old forts and monuments attesting to Europe`s trading links with Africa and the transatlantic slave trade – some of them in recent times have become World Heritage Sites. Ghana has the single largest collection of medieval forts and castle in the world built by the Europeans who traded in gold, ivory and slaves in the gold coast.
As a nation, Ghana has played a pioneering role in Pan- Africanism, leading other countries to attain independence from colonial rule. Thanks to its wonderful diversity of natural attractions and its vibrant cultural identity, Ghana is able to offer the visitor a microcosm of the full taste of Africa. There is something for everyone in Ghana. While nature lovers will be delighted with the wildlife – including elephants, monkeys, birds, and butterflies- and the breathtaking views of our geographical landscapes and coastlines, others will be enthralled with cultural experiences that link the past to the future.
Ghana has many exciting traditional festivals, and they are occasions of great cultural pomp and pageantry where visitors will get to see, feel, and experience the indigenous culture, drumming and dancing of the various traditional areas and ethnicities. These celebrations are important occasions where most sons and daughters return home. They often mark the beginning of the traditional year or the celebration of great events of the past. Unforgettable are the colorful royal processions that wind through the streets as the chiefs are borne aloft in stately palanquins and large ceremonial umbrellas.