Generally safe for Black travellers🇬🇭 Accra, Ghana
Accra for Black travellers
Accra is one of the best-known destinations on the continent for African American and diaspora visitors, shaped by Ghana's Pan-African history and its Year of Return campaign. Visitors report feeling welcomed, though some describe heavy commercialisation around heritage tourism.
Where to stay & explore
- Osu — Lively streets, boutiques, galleries and nightlife; also home to the Osu Night Market.
- Jamestown — Historic fishing quarter with old forts, a lighthouse and colourful colonial-era streets.
- East Legon — Suggested by Black travellers as a convenient base with central access to most attractions.
Stay safe in Accra
- FCDO says pickpocketing and bag-snatching are increasing in Accra.
- Local police have named Graphic Road, George Walker Bush Highway, Accra Mall Roundabout, Awudome Cemetery Road, Labadi beach area and GIMPA road as risk spots.
- FCDO reports isolated crimes in all taxi types, including app-based ones; check driver details and avoid solo taxi rides after dark.
- Theft is common at beaches and isolated assaults have occurred; FCDO advises against visiting alone.
- Romance and business scams target visitors; one Black traveller's review warns of being treated as a 'walking ATM' around heritage tourism.
Black heritage & culture
- W.E.B. Du Bois Centre — Dedicated to the history of the Pan-African movement.
- Independence Arch and Black Star Square — Landmarks of Ghana's 1957 independence.
- Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park — Honours Ghana's first president.
- Cape Coast and Elmina castles — Slave castles west of Accra and emotionally significant stops for many diaspora visitors.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Yango) are recommended over driving yourself because of traffic; some taxi drivers cancel unless you can pay in cash.
Festivals & events
- Afrochella (now Afrofuture) and Afronation — December, Ghana's peak season for concerts and cultural events
- PANAFEST and Emancipation Day — Annual; established in the 1990s to attract diaspora visitors
Black-owned in Accra
- The Buka Restaurant · Accra
Much-loved West African restaurant in Osu, Accra, founded in 2003 by Ghanaian entrepreneur Audrey Selormey — Ghanaian and regional West African dishes.
Black-owned · Website - Villa Monticello Boutique Hotel · Accra
One of Ghana's most-awarded luxury boutique hotels — Ghanaian-owned, founded by women and largely women-run. 16 individually themed suites in Airport Residential Area, about 10 minutes from Kotoka International Airport.
Black-owned · Website - Koko Palm Inn · Accra
Family-owned 11-room boutique inn near Spintex Road, about 15 minutes from Kotoka Airport and Labadi Beach, with a bar, lounge and balcony patio.
Black-owned · Jeff Adiyiah · Source · Website - Midunu · Accra
Chef Selassie Atadika's reservation-only dining experience serving 'New African Cuisine' — tasting menus and handmade chocolates.
Black-owned · Chef Selassie Atadika · Source · Website - The Republic Bar & Grill · Accra
Lively Osu bar with cocktails made from local ingredients, Ghanaian and international food, live music on Wednesdays and DJs at weekends.
Black-owned · Raja & Kofi Owusu-Ansah · Source · Website - Jamestown Café · Accra
Restored heritage venue on High Street in Jamestown, next to Ussher Fort — cocktails, local food, live music and art exhibitions.
Black-owned · Joe Addo · Source · Website - Nubuke Foundation · Accra
Visual art and cultural institution in East Legon (founded 2006) with exhibitions, film screenings, talks and workshops. Open Tuesday–Saturday.
Black-owned · Odile Tevie, Kofi Tutu Agyare & Kofi Setordji · Source · Website - Dine on a Mat (Fulani Kitchen) · Accra
Nomadic pop-up dinners of Fulani food and culture, eaten on a mat, from Accra-based Sierra Leonean chef Fatmata Binta, the first African winner of the Basque Culinary World Prize (2022). Dates and venues change, so check before you plan.
Black-owned · Chef Fatmata Binta · Source · Website
Sources: greenbookglobal.com · gov.uk · theconversation.com. Editorial city guide compiled October 2026 — not official travel advice. Opening times and conditions change; check official advice (GOV.UK, travel.state.gov) before you go.