Accra
Accra is the capital of Ghana, on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park honors Ghana’s first president, who helped lead the country to independence. The park contains Nkrumah’s mausoleum and a museum charting his life. Makola Market is the city’s vast, colorful bazaar. Popular seafront spots Labadi Beach and Kokrobite Beach offer golden sand and high-energy nightlife.
The Eternal Flame of African Liberation, first lit by Nkrumah, stands in Black Star Square, home to the Independence Arch and other monuments to Ghana’s freedom. The National Museum celebrates Ghanaian culture. Ussher Fort, a 17th-century Dutch stronghold on the coast, now documents the history of slavery in Ghana. James Town Lighthouse offers panoramic views over the sea and city. The W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture includes the civil rights activist’s former home and tomb, plus a research center. The peaceful Aburi Botanical Garden has trails through tall palms. Accra’s malls draw shoppers from across Ghana.