Hidden Gems in Ghana You Shouldn’t Miss

Ghana is famous for its colorful culture, amazing history, and stunning nature. Most people rush from the airport to the tried and tested tourist destinations, such as Cape Coast Castle, Mole National Park, and Labadi Beach, barely scratching the surface of all the secret places that the country has to offer. These under-the-radar sights and cultural experiences bring you a more “real” and richer Ghana that’s often overlooked in traditional guidebooks.

If you are a culture traveler looking for immersion, unusual destinations, and community-based experiences, then the following list of hidden gems in Ghana is what you are looking for.

Unlocking Ghana Beyond the Guidebooks

The appeal of Ghana is far more than the popular attractions. The heart of the country beats through its local communities, artistic traditions, and pristine natural landscapes. Here is where to go and what to do if you would like to truly connect with Ghana’s cultural soul.

Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

Nestled deep within Ghana’s Volta Region, the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary is a peaceful, yet dynamic eco-preserve teeming with hundreds of sacred Mona monkeys that swing untrammeled through its trees and are left unmolested by a local population that believes the animals are creatures of God. This small sanctuary — smaller even than one of Ghana’s big parks — combines a mission to save the country’s animals with a profound cultural connection. The villagers revere the monkeys as divine, and they protect the creatures vigilantly.

What makes it unique: Feed monkeys, explore tranquil forest trails, and engage in cultural storytelling with locals.
When to go: Late morning or early evening, when the monkeys are most active.

Sirigu – The Home of Art and Pottery Village

A vibrant village in northern Ghana, away from the tourist routes of the south, Sirigu features mural-painted houses and a community of women artisans in the Upper East Region. In this village, visitors to workshops are invited by the Sirigu Women’s Organization for Pottery and Art (SWOPA) to discover traditional painting and pottery techniques.

What it is: Take part in hands-on pottery lessons, meet with local artists, and help to safeguard Ghana’s traditional art heritage.
Pro tip: Reserve a guided session through the Akwaaba App if you want to guarantee availability and support local artisans in person.

Krobo Bead Market – Eastern Region

If you also share a love for handcrafted jewelry and local markets, the Krobo Bead Market in Koforidua might just be one of those hidden gems you’d want to explore. Beads are held in high esteem in Ghana, and Krobo beads are particularly significant to the culture. Here, we have artists creating exquisite beads using centuries-old techniques that were introduced to them by their ancestors using recycled glass.

What makes it special: Watch bead-making demonstrations, learn cultural meanings of bead colors, and shop for unique pieces you won’t find in tourist shops.

James Town – Accra’s Historical and Artistic Quarter

Situated in Accra, James Town is often overshadowed by contemporary districts. But this coastal district is among the city’s oldest and most culturally rich enclaves. Home to colonial-era architecture and its annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival, as well as a lively boxing tradition, James Town provides travelers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Accra’s most culturally rich neighborhoods.

Must-do: Go on a guided walking tour with locals who make history come alive, visit artist studios, and sample street food, all while learning about Ga traditions.

Pottery Classes in Accra – Secret Creative Retreats

Far fewer travelers know that Accra has a discrete, burgeoning ceramics scene, where local artists hold private classes in backyard studios and small art centers. Studios like Wild Gecko Art and Accra Arts Centre provide informal but substantial hands-on workshops.

What makes it special: Roll up your sleeves and mold a traditional Ghanaian pot using local techniques, then design your own one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Pro tip: Download the Akwaaba App to find and schedule workshops ahead of time. It’s a wonderful way to support local creative entrepreneurs.

Nature Getaways Off the Beaten Path

Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock

Situated in the Eastern Region close to Koforidua, Boti Falls is a quiet twin waterfall that’s underrated by foreign visitors. An easy stroll and you’ll be flabbergasted by the amazing Umbrella Rock, a bizarrely balanced and gravity-defying rock transformed into an observation deck.

Why is it a gem: It is less crowded than other nature attractions and is great for a day trip to enjoy hiking, swimming, and/or nature photography.

Nzulezo – The Stilt Village

On the shores of Lake Tadane, everything floats above the ground on stilts in this isolated village in the Western Region. Its inaccessibility only serves to add to the adventure, requiring a canoe ride through a mangrove swamp to reach Nzulezo.

Cultural touchpoint: Discover the village’s history and hear how residents have adjusted to a unique way of life.

Community-Based Tourism Experiences

More travelers today are looking for experiences that benefit local communities. Ghana is a pioneer in community-based tourism (CBT), and several villages now offer travelers an immersive experience involving everything from homestays and craft workshops to guided nature walks and cultural performances.

Top CBT Examples:

Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrine – Sacred rocks and traditional priest practices.
Paga Crocodile Pond – A spiritual pond where dwell together the people and the crocodiles.

Find CBT destinations, hosts with a seal of approval, and guidelines for ethical travel using the Akwaaba App.

How the Akwaaba App Unveils These Hidden Experiences

Venturing into unknown locales can be a scary proposition without proper instruction. Enter the Akwaaba App. The app helps travelers:

Discover authentic local guides and artisan-led experiences
Book cultural tours and classes
Connect with CBT communities
Get event information, accommodation, and transport details grouped herein

Let Akwaaba be your Ghanaian insider.

FAQs

What are some of the cool, hidden places to visit in Ghana?

Some of the top hidden gems of Ghana are Sirigu Art Village, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, Nzulezo Stilt Village, and James Town in Accra. These are places with cultural depth and experiences unfiltered by the tourism industry.

Where can I learn pottery in Accra?

Classes in pottery are offered at spots like Wild Gecko Art and other studios of its kind in Accra. The Akwaaba App will direct you to hands-on creative workshops you can take with neighborhood artisans.

Are village/town tours in Ghana safe?

Yes, community-based tourism in Ghana is secure and often facilitated through registered NGOs or traditional authorities. Be sure to always go through reliable applications, such as Akwaaba, to book verified experiences and guides.