A Sensory, Savory and Vibrant Ghana!

Start off in Accra, of course! Make a beeline for Gallery 1957, an exquisite art gallery situated in the luxury Kempinski Hotel annex, where you will experience unforgettable contemporary African art and sculptures. They have a rotating roster of phenomenal African artists from across the continent and Diaspora, so check in advance what exhibition is on show and you may even be able to meet the artist in person.

Next, check out two amazing artist residencies in Accra. The Institute Museum of Ghana & Noldor Residency is a repurposed industrial warehouse in the La neighborhood of Accra that is a residency for exceptional emerging talent. I love the space because not only do you see amazing exhibits from their artists in residency, but you also get to meet them and engage in conversation around their creative practice. The world-famous Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo has also created a beautiful space called dot.ateliers in the beachside community of Osu in Accra. Not only do you get to experience some of his exceptional pieces, but the residency also has a rotating roster of visiting artists, exhibitions and other stimulating events for the burgeoning creative community in Ghana.

Other locations to get your artistic fix in Accra are the recently opened art-house theater and film library, Africa Film Society, in the East Legon neighborhood — courtesy of the acclaimed film director Blitz Bazawule ("The Color Purple" [2023], "Burial of Kojo" [2018]) — and the photographic studio, gallery and library called the Dikan Center.

To immerse yourself in the pulsating local culture, book a tour with a local guide and explore the Osu and Jamestown neighborhoods of Accra. Be prepared for a full five-sensory overload! Both neighborhoods are rich in history and home to the Ga confederation of independent states, or stools, that endure to this day. The Osu Nadu/Klottey Clan ruled this area until imperial annexation. The clan’s origin story begins in the early 1600s with their migration into present-day Osu, and when you tour the neighborhood, you will witness both historical architecture, delicious local cuisine, gorgeous arts and crafts and an enduring spiritual and cultural lineage openly on display. Likewise in Jamestown, you will find a flourishing fishing, artistic and sporting community. If you travel to Ghana during the month of August, both Osu and Jamestown are the epicenter of the sacred Ga Homowo Festival and the world-famous Chale Wote Street Art festival.

Venturing beyond the capital, Accra, two hours as the crow flies northwest is the town of Aburi and surrounding mountains in the Eastern region of Ghana. Beside the well-visited Aburi Botanical Gardens, check out an amazing outdoor adventure space called We-Ape Mega Zipline and Adventure Park. For a more somber and reflective experience that's still equally immersive, consider heading two hours east to the coastal town of Ada in the Volta region and visiting the Nkyinkyim Museum. An unforgettable and emotional experience is what you can expect alongside a deep immersion into the history, culture and spirituality of Ghana.

For my fellow outdoor enthusiasts, the most scenic vistas in Ghana can be found in the Volta region of Ghana. Right on the banks of the mighty River Volta, you can stay at my very own establishment, the River Camp at Mangoase, that is an Airbnb global guest favorite (shameless plug!) where we promise you delicious local cuisine, excellent kayaking and local sightseeing adventures. An equally great option is the Royal Senchi Resort. Venture further into the Volta region and chase waterfalls by visiting the charming and quaint village of Amedzofe, where you can hike up Mt. Gemi and then visit the gorgeous Ote Falls and canopy walkway. Have lunch and spend the night at Tagbo Falls Lodge in the village of Liati Wote and learn about their inspiring community development initiatives.

Of course, you cannot depart Ghana before you visit my in-laws in the Asante region! The seat of the indomitable Asante Empire that once encompassed the contemporary borders of modern-day Ghana, the region is steeped in centuries of history and culture. Visit the Manhyia Palace Museum to witness an exhibition of the recently returned sacred Asante artifacts, looted by the British in the final Anglo-Asante War, and then head on over to Ike’s Cultural Village for resplendent accommodation and delicious local delicacies. Grab some fabulous art before you leave at the artists’ collective and incubator blaxTARLINES Kumasi, located at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology campus.

Don’t stop here — keep heading north past Kumasi for the savanna regions of Ghana. You won’t regret it and it will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Ghana. Ghana’s predominantly Muslim northern regions are equally steeped in centuries of history and culture. Spend a few days in the northern city of Tamale and visit Ibrahim Mahama’s Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art.

Last but not least for my beachcombers, never fear! Ghana’s best beaches are far out in the Western region, where you are guaranteed the best surfing spots and, at certain times of the year (late August to late November), some great whale-watching opportunities. Make a beeline for the town of Busua that has excellent surfing spots; stay at either Ahanta Eco Lodge or further west at Lou Moon Resort on the beautiful Cape Three Points.

One of the unique and truly standout features of Ghana’s culinary scene is just how versatile and experiential it is! Many restaurants double as art galleries, event spaces, venues for live music and other performances and even libraries!

Exhibit number one of this: the Mix Design Hub and Restaurant in the La neighborhood of Accra. A gorgeous, elegant, Afrocentric multi-purpose space that has a fantastic restaurant and also routinely hosts art exhibitions and creative performances in the same space, this is a must visit.

Not too far away in the Osu neighborhood is the epicenter of the young, creative, experimental cadre of chefs in Ghana who are reviving the indigenous and sustainably sourced culinary value chain. The Ghana Food Movement is a food hub, kitchen, laboratory and pop-up restaurant where you can not only enroll in and participate in cooking classes, but you can also reserve your place at one of their scheduled guest chef tasting menu events.

Moving along, the newly opened Sans Frontieres is a rooftop restaurant and library bar in the East Legon neighborhood of Accra. Not only does this restaurant afford you the opportunity to sample an extensive fine wine selection, but you can also casually browse their library of contemporary African classics and other best-sellers while you enjoy your meal.

Other favorites in the city are Le Petit Oiseau for refined Afro Fusion cuisine and Yaya La Parissiene. And, for a truly decadent delicious example of gourmet indigenous chocolate, visit Mansa Gold Chocolate Shop and Cafe and sign up for one of their immersive tours of their bean-to-bar factory.

For our vegan family, you cannot go wrong with Tatale Vegan Restaurant in Accra that is exceptional, as well as Jerk Soul Rooftop restaurant in Oyarifa and Kukun that is both a restaurant and coworking space in the Labone neighborhood of Accra.

Finally, as Accra and Lagos battle it out for the "Detty December" crown, sit back and enjoy the vibes at Front/Back Accra, the Republic Bar, the Garage in East Legon that routinely hosts the hottest African superstars and Ace Nightclub.