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traveling to ghana?
traveling to ghana?
Are Black Americans Gentrifying Ghana?
Are Black Americans Gentrifying Ghana?
Going to Africa is an experience every Black person, descendant of Africa and descendants of ensalved Africans should have whether to visit, invest or live. Traveling ethically is important when traveling to countries that have been impacted by colonialism and western imperialism.
I offer consultations for people of all ages interested in going to Ghana or Africa for the first time or those planning a visit solo or with a group. If you have any questions, you can fill out for consultancy form for more details.
Ghana & The black Diaspora
Ghana & The black Diaspora
Ghana and the African diaspora share a deep, historic connection rooted in the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, yet their relationship has evolved into one of solidarity, cultural exchange, and mutual respect.
1935: Arrived in the U.S. from the Gold Coast (now Ghana).
Enrolled at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania (the first historically Black university in the U.S.).
Later pursued graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, earning multiple degrees in education, philosophy, and theology.
Nkrumah studied:
Western political philosophy (Plato, Hegel, Marx)
Black intellectuals (W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey)
The principles of socialism, nonviolence, and anti-colonialism
From all backgrounds, Black people who were and weren't affected by the transatlantic slave trade find themselves in Ghana to build communities across the country.
Ghana holds a special place in the hearts of African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and Afro-Latinos due to its pivotal role in the fight for African independence from colonial rule. In 1957, Ghana became the first African country to gain independence from Britain under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. This was a moment of hope not only for Africans but also for African Americans, who saw Ghana’s liberation as a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression and racial injustice.
1. Independence Leader
Led Ghana to independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, inspiring other liberation movements across Africa.
2. Visionary Pan-Africanist
Promoted Pan-African unity, hosted key figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Malcolm X.
Played a major role in founding the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union.
3. Education and Infrastructure
Built new schools, universities (e.g., University of Cape Coast), and technical institutions.
Initiated major infrastructure projects like the Akosombo Dam for hydroelectric power and Tema Harbor.
4. Industrialization and Modernization
Advocated for a state-led economy with a focus on industrialization through the Seven-Year Development Plan.
Established state-owned enterprises aimed at reducing dependence on foreign imports.
In the 1960s, Ghana became a key destination for African Americans seeking to reconnect with their African heritage. Figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, an influential African American intellectual and civil rights activist, moved to Ghana, where he was given honorary citizenship. His arrival marked the beginning of a larger movement of African Americans visiting or settling in Africa to explore their roots and engage in the continent’s liberation struggles. Dubois' also was responsible for working with the Ghana government to allow the African diaspora to have the right to abode within the country.
1. Invitation from Kwame Nkrumah
In 1961, Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, invited Du Bois to Ghana to work on the Encyclopedia Africana, a project aimed at documenting the history and culture of Africa from an African perspective. Nkrumah admired Du Bois for his Pan-African ideals and scholarship.
2. Move to Ghana
Du Bois accepted the invitation and moved to Ghana in 1961 at the age of 93, with his wife Shirley Graham Du Bois. Ghana granted him citizenship, and he renounced his U.S. citizenship in protest against racism and Cold War McCarthyism.
3. Death and Burial in Ghana
Du Bois died in Accra, Ghana, on August 27, 1963, one day before the March on Washington in the U.S. His funeral was honored with a state ceremony. He was buried in Ghana, and his gravesite has since become a memorial and museum known as the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre.
4. Legacy in Ghana
The W.E.B. Du Bois Centre in Accra serves as:
A research facility for Pan-African studies
A museum and archive of Du Bois’s works
A symbolic site for the African diaspora and Pan-African unity
Assisted in the enactment of African Americans and descendants of the transatlantic slave trade having the right to abode in Ghana.
African Americans are not given automatic citizenship despite social media rhetori. However, there are pathways to gain citizenship which includes permanent residency, marriage, residential permits, work permits and other governmental requirements.
In 2019, Ghana's current President Nana Akuffo-Addo took its relationship with African Americans to a new level with the "Year of Return" initiative which was announced in Washington D.C. This year-long celebration marked the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving in Jamestown, Virginia.
The campaign invited African Americans to visit Ghana as a way of acknowledging their ancestral ties to the continent and celebrating the resilience of their forebears. It was a powerful and symbolic gesture, encouraging African Americans to rediscover their cultural heritage and embrace their African roots.
During Akuffo-Addo's last months in office, he granted over 700+ citizenship certificates to Africans in the diaspora from the Americas, Caribbean and European countries.
During his first term (2012–2017), Mahama focused on infrastructure development, including transportation, health, and education sectors. However, his administration faced challenges such as economic downturns, power shortages, and corruption allegations, leading to his defeat in the 2016 elections by Nana Akufo-Addo
Current president of ghana 2025-2029,
john d. mahama
Born on November 29, 1958, in Damongo, Ghana, Mahama hails from a politically active family; his father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, served as a Member of Parliament and a regional commissioner under President Kwame Nkrumah. He pursued his education at Achimota School and Ghana Secondary School in Tamale. Mahama earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Ghana in 1981 and later obtained a postgraduate degree in social psychology from the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow in 1988
Videos to Watch to Learn about Traveling to Ghana as a Solo Traveler, Digital Nomad and as a Diasporan
Travel itineraries are the main characters of all international trips and it's time to explore the beauty of Ghana beyond the norm. Ghana, located in the Western zone of Africa, has a variety of environments to suit the needs of any kind of tourist. Choose between mountains, waterfalls, lakes, beaches and forest when you want to take a break from the bustling city of Accra.
Transportation in Accra is not as advanced as Europe or the U.S., but there are buses and private tour guides who can assist you to your destinations. Luckily, Ghana's tourism industry is a main staple in the country and even easy to manage as a solo traveler. Here's a short itinerary for Ghana from our EIC, after reading this list, purchase our Travel Planner and Journal to accompany you on your solo or group trip.
10 Places to Visit in Ghana Outside of Accra
10 Places to Visit in Ghana Outside of Accra
Lake Volta in Akosombo, Ghana
Akosombo is a town surrounding one of the largest man-made lakes and the Akosombo Dam. Lake Volta has many attractions including a momentous canopy walk, boat rides, jet skiing and hotel resorts with special ameninites.Bunso Eco Park in Volta Region
Another attraction in the Volta Region of Ghana is Bunso Eco Park, great for those seeking a less strenuous adventure. The nature park features a zipline, canopy walk, and horse riding.Red Clay Studio in Tamale, Ghana
Tamale Ghana is in the Northern Region of the country. Red Clay Studio is a compound created by artist curator, Ibrahim Mahama. Features museums, creative classrooms, compound tours and more!
Wli Falls in Volta, Ghana
Waterfalls can be found in a few regions all over Ghana, but if you're spending time in Volta, take a swim at Wli Falls, the largest waterfall in the country. Rainy season is always a better time to visit waterfalls so the water can be full during your trip. This waterfall can also be seen from Togo.Tsenku Waterfalls in Dodowa, Ghana
Dodowa is a town just in the mountains areas of upper Accra into Eastern Region. Tsenku Waterfalls is also popular for private massages and one of the closer waterfalls for those staying in Accra planning a day trip.Mole National Park in Savannah Region, Ghana
The ultimate safari experience in Ghana is Mole National Park if you're visiting Tamale and Northern Region towns. During dry season, December through March, Elephants are expected to be seen but can also be seen during later hot seasons throughout the year.Safari Valley Resort in Aburi, Eastern Region
Safari Valley Resort is a luxury eco-resort in the mountains in Eastern Region about 1.5 hours from Accra. A restaurant, animal safari experience, golf course and lodging available.Aqua Safari Resort in Ada Foah, Ghana
Aqua Safari is another luxury eco-resort near the coastal area. Ada Foah is a town on the southeast coast of Ghana, where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The town is located along the Volta River, off of the Accra-Aflao motorway heading towards the Togo border.Busua Beach Resort in Western Region, Ghana
Busua beach town west of the Cape Coast and Elmina historical slave dungeons. A plethora of beach resorts in Busua can be booked out during festival seasons (Asabaako) and also popular for surf clubs.Shea Butter Village in Tamale, Ghana
If you take a plane to Tamale, you can bypass the road trip that would take 10+ hours. If you want an interactive experience, learn how to make shea butter at Hamamat's shea butter village and meet the women who make it.
Written by Nakira G.
July 11, 2024
Keywords: Ghana, travel, Accra, Volta, beaches, tourism, heritage, adventure, Africa, diaspora, real estate, land
sankofa = return home
gye nyame = accept god
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