Ghana getaway: Carol Ofori's family explores Accra's hidden gems

ZamaNdosi Cele|Published

Carol Ofori with her family at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Ghana.

Image: Instagram

As families across South Africa embrace the joys of the school holidays, radio presenter Carol Ofori has given her followers a captivating glimpse into her family adventure in Ghana, a vibrant West African nation.

She recently shared on Instagram, “Come with the Oforis to visit family and explore Accra, Ghana 🇬🇭 #Ghana #Accra #TravelAfrica,” highlighting the warmth and excitement of their trip.

The Ofori family immersed themselves in Ghana's rich history during their cultural tour, visiting significant landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Osu Castle.

Ofori expressed her admiration for the monumental Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, remarking, “All our personalities captured in one picture 😍 Visited the #KwameNkrumahMemorialPark today. Learned a lot, including the fact that Dr Nkrumah was not only the first president of Ghana (he led Ghana to independence in 1960) but also became co-president of Guinea 🇬🇳 A pan-African at heart, who wanted to see Africa united.”

Set in a beautifully landscaped area, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum offers visitors profound insights into Ghana's independence movement and Nkrumah's lasting legacy.

It stands as a tribute to a leader who envisioned a united Africa, just like South Africa's Nelson Mandela.

At Osu Castle, another poignant stop, the family confronted the sobering history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Ofori poignantly reflected, “Osu Castle… I am smiling - but many who walked through this door NEVER returned. This door is known as 'the door of NO return'.

"Enslaved individuals would be in shackles and ushered down the stairs to the massive ships waiting to take them away to foreign lands to be enslaved. The Danish were the first to sell enslaved individuals from this castle.”

The castle, known for its complex history, offers visitors a chance to engage with Ghana's colonial past and the legacy of the slave trade.

Guided tours and preserved spaces within the castle provide an in-depth exploration of this significant period in history.

In addition to their historical explorations, the family also took time to enjoy local flavours at Makola Market, Accra's largest marketplace.

Vibrant and bustling, it serves as the heartbeat of Ghanaian commerce and culture, with an array of goods from fresh produce to handcrafted items.

After their enriching experiences, the family relaxed at Labadi Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and cultural offerings.

As a destination, Ghana is known for its rich culture, friendly people, and diverse attractions. 

It offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant city life, making it suitable for various types of travellers. 

The country recently waived its visa requirements for South Africa in 2023, allowing travellers with ordinary passports to travel for up to 90 days per year without a visa. 

Both Ghana and South Africa have benefited from this agreement, with both countries seeing an increase in travellers. 

Ofori’s adventure in Ghana not only provided warm memories but highlighted the country's rich culture, diversity and welcoming spirit.