Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra (must see)

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park honors the nation’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence from British rule in 1957. Recognized as Ghana’s "Man of the Millennium," Nkrumah’s legacy is celebrated through a monument, his mausoleum, and a museum showcasing books, photographs, and artifacts related to his life and achievements. Located in downtown Accra, the park provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of Nkrumah’s role in Ghana’s history and the broader struggle for independence in sub-Saharan Africa.

The mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur, serves as the final resting place for Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah. Its unique structure, resembling an upside-down sword, symbolizes peace in Akan culture. The exterior is clad in Italian marble and crowned with a black star representing unity. Inside, marble floors surround a grave marker set amid river-washed rocks, creating a serene atmosphere that reflects the significance of Nkrumah’s contributions to Ghana and Africa.

The park is located at the Old British Polo Grounds, a site steeped in history. This location, once reserved for Europeans, was chosen by Nkrumah to declare Ghana’s independence. A dedicated Pan-Africanist, Nkrumah played a key role in founding the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, in 1963.