Staffers of the Ghana Tourism Authority proudly display their country’s flag for Caribbean Life, at the 2026 New York Travel & Adventure show at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, on Jan. 24. From left, Annabelle McKenzie, Genevive Nyagbe, Selasi Piphanje, Wisdom Ahadzi, and Michelle Konadu.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Ghana, located in the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, is one of the top countries on the continent to attract thousands of visitors, especially diasporans from the Caribbean and Black Americans who have migrated to the other side of the world to connect with their roots.
Metropolitan Accra, with a current population of 284,124, according to a 2021 census, is a hotspot for nightlife, culture, festivals, and heritage tours, all of which are driven by its growing popularity and prominence worldwide, according to Ghana Tourism Authority staffer Selasi Piphanje.
The lady with a pretty smile was eager to talk with Caribbean Life on Jan. 24, from the agency’s kiosk at the 2026 New York Travel & Adventure Show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
She described her homeland as the most visited country in West Africa. It shares borders with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso. The country has sixteen administrative regions. where the transatlantic slave trade took place. The slave castles are located along the country’s coastline.
The vast majority of those who were transported in the transatlantic slave trade were from Central and West Africa and had been sold by West African slave traders to European slave traders, while others had been captured directly by the slave traders in coastal raids.
She said most diasporans are interested in learning about Ghana’s heritage. Sites such as Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle, two principal depots – UNESCO World Heritage sites – often called “slave castles,” that held enslaved persons from kingdoms across Africa. They are mostly visited by vacationers.
“We are the center of culture, festivals, music, food, and I think many people are moving to Ghana because of the connection. Something that has been missing from their lives for a long time.”
“They are coming to Ghana. As soon as you get there, you feel a connection that says, ‘This is my roots.’”
“Ghana is a country of one people. They are naturally hospitable. We accept them and treat them like one of us. We open our doors to them, grant them citizenship, and give them land to develop. Investment opportunities are there,” said Piphanje.
“I think that is one of the reasons why African Americans and citizens of the Caribbean are coming to Ghana. Once you touch base with Ghana, you are connected to the country.”
“The Black-American Pan-African festival takes place yearly, while the emancipation program is planned every other year. The celebration includes tours, conferences, road trips, and activities planned by tour operators during the months of July and August.”
She said Delta Airlines operates direct flights to Accra year-round, so tourists can enjoy the tropical daytime weather and the cool atmosphere at nighttime, while relaxing in a city where musical concerts, fashion shows, and nightlife make vacationers feel young at heart. “They leave their worries behind and have a good time in Ghana.”
“The Ghana Tourism Authority is in charge of all matters related to the tourism industry, including accommodation, tour operators, the food and beverage industry, and everything connected to tourism. We are the agency under the Ministry of Tourism responsible for promoting Ghana, locally and internationally,” said Piphanje.
According to a tourism passport, Ghana’s cultural heritage is a treasure trove awaiting exploration and enjoyment, encompassing splendid traditional festivals, lively music, distinctive architecture, attire, and delectable local cuisine.
Ghana’s cultural richness is epitomized by its remarkable diversity. While the nation resonates with a distinctively African rhythm, travelers can anticipate striking contrasts in lifestyle. From the bustling urban energy of Accra to the serene simplicity of villages in Ghana’s northern reaches, the country awaits tourists.
“To truly grasp the breadth of cultural diversity in the African nation, visitors can explore various regions to uncover the captivating heritage of distinct ethnic groups and their age-old traditions.
Some of the tours include museums and parks, historical sites, the Centre of Ecotourism, Beaches, the Centre of Leisure & Adventure, the Centre of Night Life & Entertainment, and the Centre of Business. Ghana is also described as a true Wedding Destination.
Eat Ghana offers a diverse range of dining options, including numerous international restaurants across the country. For foodies looking to savor the tantalizing flavors of Ghana, local restaurants, often referred to as “chop bars,” serve delicious, spicy Ghanaian dishes.
A visa is required for most non-residents.