Tour Options
Ashanti African Tours are offering several one-day tour options for participants of ISTS Symposium43. Information brochures for each tour option can be downloaded below.
If your would like to book a tour, please contact Ashanti African Tours directly via email, quoting the code ‘ISTS’ to ensure you receive the discounted price. Please note that the ISTS takes no responsibility for the operation or management of any tours.
Tour Information Brochures:
Places to Visit In Accra
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP), located in downtown Accra, Ghana's capital, is a tribute to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the nation's first president and a key figure in the African independence movement. Opened in 1992, the park sits on the former British colonial polo grounds, where Ghana's independence was proclaimed. The central feature of the park is the mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur, which houses the remains of both Dr. Nkrumah and his Egyptian wife, Fathia Nkrumah. Shaped like an upside-down sword, symbolizing peace in Akan culture, the mausoleum is entirely clad in Italian marble, crowned with a black star at its apex, symbolizing unity.
Christiansborg Castle (Osu Castle)
Christiansborg Castle, also known as Fort Christiansborg, is a 17th-century castle located on the shores of Osu in Accra, Ghana, along the Gulf of Guinea. Originally built by the Danes, the castle has passed through the hands of various powers, including Denmark, Norway, Portugal, the Akwamu, and Britain, before becoming part of post-independence Ghana. Uniquely, it served as the seat of government for most of its history until the government moved to Jubilee House. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the castle has undergone archaeological investigations since 2014. In 2017, it was transformed into a Presidential Museum as part of Ghana’s 60th-anniversary project. The museum now displays presidential artifacts, papers, waxworks, and personal items from past leaders to honor their memories.
Legon Botanical Gardens
Legon Botanical Gardens, located in the heart of Accra within the University of Ghana, is a vibrant outdoor recreational space where nature and fun come together for all ages. The dynamic garden offers a variety of engaging activities such as a High Ropes Course, Children's Playground, Canoeing, Canopy Walk, Bird Watching, and Ziplining. With new activities frequently added, the Gardens provide a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Independence Square
Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, is a monumental public space in Accra, Ghana, commissioned by Kwame Nkrumah to celebrate the country's independence from Britain in 1957. Nkrumah, the first prime minister and president of Ghana, envisioned the square as a symbol of national pride. Completed in 1961 to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit, Black Star Square has since become the venue for all major national events, including military and civic parades, concerts, and festivals. The most significant event held here is the annual Independence Day parade on March 6.
National Museum of Ghana
The National Museum of Ghana, located at No. 2 Barnes Road in Central Accra, was inaugurated on 5th March 1957, just before the country gained independence. The museum features three main galleries dedicated to Ghana's history, traditions, and artistic culture. Visitors can explore exhibits on prehistoric Africa, view sculptures and paintings by both pioneering and contemporary artists, and see displays of traditional attire, musical instruments, and sacred tribal artifacts like the Asante ancestral stools, which are believed to hold the souls of the chiefs who sat on them.
Arts Center
The Accra regional centre for culture, “The Arts Center”, is better known simply as the National Center for Culture in Accra, Ghana. It is situated right next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where the Kwame Nkrumah Museum is. The Arts Center offers a vibrant showcase of Ghanaian arts and crafts. Visitors can explore traditional textiles, sculptures, and pottery, and enjoy live performances of music and dance that reflect Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Jamestown Lighthouse
Located in the historic Jamestown district, the Jamestown Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the bustling cityscape of Accra. This iconic structure, built during the British colonial era, serves as both a navigational aid and a historical landmark.
Dubois Center for Pan-African Culture
The Dubois Center is dedicated to the life and work of W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent Pan-Africanist and scholar. The center features exhibitions on Du Bois's contributions to African and global history, as well as cultural events and educational programs.
Places to Visit Outside Accra
Shai Hills
Shai Hills is a scenic area located northeast of Accra, known for its unique rock formations and wildlife. The area offers hiking opportunities and the chance to observe various species of birds and animals in their natural habitat.
Cape Coast and Elmina (Slave) Castles
The Cape Coast and Elmina castles, located along Ghana’s coast, played significant roles in the transatlantic slave trade. They now serve as important memorials and museums, offering visitors insights into the history and impact of the slave trade on Ghana and the world.
Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park, situated in the Central Region, is renowned for its canopy walkway, which allows visitors to experience the rainforest from above. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species and rare birds.
Mole National Park
Mole National Park, located in the northern part of Ghana, is the country’s largest wildlife reserve. Visitors can enjoy guided safari tours to spot elephants, antelopes, and other wildlife in their natural environment, as well as explore the park’s varied ecosystems.
