Archaeological sites across Ghana have unearthed an incredible wealth of clues to its past. Each site sheds light on different cultures and time periods that once flourished here.
Elmina Castle, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once served as a main port in the transatlantic slave trade. Meanwhile, Assin Manso Slave River became famous when slaves bathed there during their final bath on African soil – both historic places are celebrated today.
Jamestown
Jamestown stands out in Accra as an inspiring blend of colonial architecture and Ghanaian spirit, making it one of the liveliest districts. Its rich history and struggle for independence stand as testaments to the strength and character of its residents.
Boyase Hill provides evidence of early stone industries, microliths and stone arm rings dating back to prehistory.
Boyase Hill village is also home to a traditional palace belonging to Wa Naa, chief of Wala people. Constructed during the 19th century and featuring Sudanese architectural styles, the palace currently functions as a museum.
Gwollu Slave Defense Wall
Gwollu Slave Defense Wall stands as one of the few remaining examples of organized resistance against slavery across Africa. Constructed near Ghana-Burkina Faso border, the double-ringed wall was designed to defend homes and farms against raids from warlords Babatu and Samori who operated slave raids against these areas.
Building began around 1864, decades after slavery was outlawed in both America and England. Similar to Nalerigu’s wall, its design displays Sudanese architectural features.
Travellers should greet and request permission before visiting this historic landmark, suggesting a small donation to aid its preservation. Photographing walls is allowed while certain areas containing shrines must remain off limits for photography.
Salaga Market
The Salaga Market stands as a powerful reminder of Africa’s involvement in trans-Atlantic slave trading, while also serving as a memorial to victims from this painful chapter in history. It can be found near Korle Dudor.
This location features a pond known as “Wonkan bawa,” a Huasa term meaning the bathing spot of slaves, as well as a young baobab tree in what used to be slave market area. Nearby there is also a small museum featuring various artifacts like bone harpoons and stone arrowheads for viewing.
Daboya, Ntereso and Boyase Hill are also significant archaeological sites of the Kintampo culture that bear evidence of intensive iron working and pearl millet cultivation.
Wa Naa’s Palace
Elmina Castle stands as a powerful reminder of Africa’s role in trans-Atlantic slavery. African Americans who visit this landmark find it to be an emotionally charged experience which underlines how humans can commit extreme acts.
The Palace is the official residence of the Wala People of Northern Ghana’s paramount chief, Wa Naa. It holds significant religious, cultural, and political importance to them and features architecture combining traditional ethnic styles with Moorish and Sahel-Sudanese elements; additionally its forecourt contains graves of previous Wa Naas.
Asante Houses
Asante was a West African state that reached its apogee between the 18th and 19th centuries. A hub for trade, Asante successfully fought British incursion into its territory while resisting their incursion into Asante territory.
Ten shrines/fetish houses located in villages near Kumasi stand as testaments of Ghana’s unique architectural style and are filled with traditional motifs and beliefs. Surviving buildings feature courtyards containing rooms for drumming, cooking and singing activities.
Mud houses were constructed following in the footsteps of early European travelers; however, with modern life’s unavoidable changes coming at them from all directions, their long term sustainability was gradually compromised due to lack of an adequate conservation management strategy.
Paga Nania Slave Camp
Pikworo Slave Camp was established in 1704, three kilometers west of Paga in Kassena Nankana West District. Initially developed as a slave transit center – here slaves were auctioned off and resold at Salaga Slave Market before they were sent off for shipment on ships from Paga Harbor.
A knowledgeable guide can provide visitors with insight into its history. There are man-made scoops carved into rocks to serve as eating bowls for slaves; additionally, gashes in rocks were used for drawing water – these sites serve as powerful reminders of Ghana’s role in transatlantic slave trading.
