Accra, Ghana
Credit: Konrad Lembcke
Accra, Ghana’ s lively capital, is quickly becoming one of the world’ s top cultural destinations, known for its golden beaches, vibrant arts scene, and rich historical roots. As the first African country to gain independence in 1957, Ghana’ s legacy of resilience and pride is embedded in the city’ s streets, museums, and monuments. Visitors can experience this heritage through iconic landmarks and compelling storytelling throughout the city. Travel has never been easier, with United Airlines offering nonstop flights from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Accra’ s Kotoka International Airport( ACC) five times a week, bringing you closer to the heart of West Africa in a single flight.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines has nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Accra, Ghana’ s Kotoka International Airport( ACC) five times weekly.
In 1957, under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana gained political independence and sovereignty. Today, Accra’ s landscape and culture reflect the tensions, influence, and separation from the country’ s former British colonial rule. As a result, there are seemingly countless institutions, museums, and galleries that highlight the cultural importance and significance of this vibrant capital city and the country’ s strong identity.
Start your visit at one of the city’ s top landmarks, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Dedicated to Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’ s first prime minister and president, the site honors his legacy as a key advocate for Ghana’ s political independence. The park includes a museum with his personal artifacts, a mausoleum marking his final resting place, and a vibrant garden with trees planted by world leaders. Likewise, the W. E. B. DuBois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture also highlights the legacy of Pan-Africanism and civil rights leader Dr. W. E. B. DuBois. Walk through both the home and museum parts of the site to explore his belongings and artifacts, or attend a workshop or event to learn about his influence on Ghanaian society.
Another significant site for exploration is Independence Square, which features various monuments symbolizing Ghana’ s struggle and fight for independence, including the notable Independence Arch. Built in 1961 for Queen Elizabeth II before her visit to the capital, Independence Arch was constructed to honor the fallen soldiers who fought for the country’ s freedom and is one of Accra’ s many must-see cultural landmarks.
Continue your journey to uncover the fascinating history of the country by visiting the National Museum of Ghana, a key center for archaeology, ethnography, and fine arts. The museum offers a library, conservation laboratory, and educational hall, and with a spectacular collection of over 10,000 objects, there are countless opportunities to explore Ghana’ s culture and history from both the pre- and post-colonial periods.
And if you are an arts enthusiast, Accra has plenty to offer. Accra’ s annual Chale Wote Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors every August, and spans over the course of one week. The festival was created by artists and cultural activists, and since its inception in 2011, Chale Wote has featured workshops, exhibitions, performances, and more, making it one of the city’ s most invigorating events. Another gem, the Nubuke Foundation, is a prominent Ghanaian hub for art. Based in East Legon, Accra, the foundation aims to highlight the work of Ghanaian artists, showcasing works that span generations.
From its vibrant art scene to its rich heritage, Accra is a fabulous destination spot for the history buff and astute traveler.
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AUTUMN 2025
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