Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

01 February 2025

3 minute read

Ghana, literally meaning “warrior king”, was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence from colonial rule. Situated on the West coast of Africa and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Ghana is a country of diverse natural beauty, spanning tropical rainforests to coastal savannas, interspersed by magnificent waterfalls, caves and mountains, and the largest man-made lake in the world; Lake Bosomtwe.

Yussif, a Raqi and teacher from Ghana, says that his country is a “treasure trove of historical sites, natural landmarks and cultural experiences.” Some must-visit tourist attractions in Ghana include the Cape Coast Castle and the Elmina Castle that are both UNESCO World Heritage sites providing insight into the Transatlantic slave trade, the Accra museum, the Ashanti traditional regions which encompasses the rich history of the Ashanti people, the Mahiya Palace housing beautiful artefacts, and the Kakum National Park that offers a unique perspective of the rainforests from a skywalk.

Beaches in Ghana are popular and offer the best experiences for tourists, especially those with an availability of watersports. Amongst the eight beaches that Ghana boasts is Labadi beach in Accra that is popular for tourists and locals, and Busua beach in the Western region with its fine sands offering activities like surfing, swimming and boat trips.

From November to March is the ideal time to visit Ghana as the country experiences the dry season during this period and the more comfortable temperatures allows for outdoor activities. During the rainy season from April to October, there are fewer tourists, but the lush forests are something not to be missed.

The predominant religion in Ghana is Christianity, but almost one fifth of the population is Muslim. Islam’s influence on the country’s traditions and daily life can be seen throughout the land. Ghana is divided into 2 sectors with more Muslims living in the Northern sector than in the South. There is a tolerance of religion, and the two Eid festivals are public holidays and are celebrated by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The aqeeqa and naming ceremony upon the birth of a baby is also a big occasion for communities. Muslims in Ghana are included and consulted in every department of the government.

The oldest masjid in West Africa that is situated in Ghana, called the Larabanga Mosque (featured image above), is believed to have been built in 1421 and the original structure still stands, it is still used for salaah and is open to tourists as well.

Ghanaian people are extremely hospitable and friendly, and they welcome visitors from all over the world to enhance the travel experience for visitors to their country.