8 Must-Do Things in Ghana for Black Women Travelers
There’s a reason Ghana feels like coming home. It’s not just the warmth of the people or the rhythm of the drums — it’s the way the land seems to
recognize you. For Black women — especially those over 50 — Ghana is both a pilgrimage and a celebration. It’s where wisdom meets wonder, and every experience feels like an affirmation of legacy, beauty, and becoming. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Ghana or returning for reconnection, this journey blends culture, healing, and heritage in a way that speaks directly to the soul.
1. Visit the Slave Castles of Cape Coast and Elmina.
For many Black women travelers, visiting the Cape Coast and Elmina Slave Castles is a sacred experience. These coastal fortresses hold centuries of history — a painful yet powerful reminder of our ancestors’ endurance. Walking through the dungeons and standing before the Door of No Return is deeply emotional, yet profoundly grounding. Many first-time visitors to Ghana describe this moment as life-changing — a reclaiming of history and a prayer of gratitude for those who survived so we could return home, free and flourishing.
2. Join a Traditional Drumming and Dance Session.
Ghana’s music is medicine. From the heartbeat of the djembe to the sway of your hips in rhythm, traditional drumming and dance open you to joy and ancestral energy. In villages or cultural centers, you’ll learn that drumming is not just performance — it’s communication and connection. For Black women over 50, these sessions often feel like a release, a return to playfulness and presence. It’s an invitation to celebrate your body, your rhythm, and your freedom.
3. Take Part in a Naming Ceremony.
A traditional Akan naming ceremony is one of the most profound ways to reconnect with your roots. Elders welcome you with song, prayer, and blessings, giving you a name based on the day you were born or the energy you carry. It’s more than symbolic — it’s spiritual rebirth. For many Black women experiencing Ghana for the first time, this ceremony feels like a divine confirmation: You belong here. You always have.
4. Explore the Royal City of Kumasi.
Kumasi, the heart of the Ashanti Kingdom, overflows with regal energy. Home to the Manhyia Palace, Kejetia Market, and rich traditions of goldsmithing and storytelling, Kumasi immerses you in centuries of African royalty. You’ll learn about the legacy of Ashanti queens and the artistry that shaped their reign. For travelers seeking cultural depth and empowerment, Kumasi embodies what it means to walk with grace, dignity, and purpose — qualities that mirror the very essence of Black womanhood.
5. Visit a Kente Cloth Weaving Village.
Kente cloth is more than fashion — it’s identity woven in color and pattern. In villages like Bonwire, master artisans still handcraft kente using wooden looms, passing down techniques through generations. Each color tells a story: gold for royalty, green for growth, red for sacrifice. Watching these threads come together feels like witnessing the tapestry of Black culture itself. Many women purchase their own cloths to bring home — tangible symbols of pride, artistry, and connection.
6. Spend Time at a Local School.
Giving back while traveling adds meaning to your journey. Visiting a local school in Ghana allows you to share time, knowledge, and encouragement with children eager to learn. You might read stories, join in a song, or simply listen. These moments create bonds that cross oceans and generations. For Black travelers, especially women who’ve spent years nurturing others, it’s deeply rewarding to pour into the next generation — reminding them that their dreams reach beyond borders.
7. Learn to Make Shea Butter by Hand.
In northern Ghana, women’s cooperatives turn shea nuts into the luxurious golden butter used in natural skincare worldwide. Learning the process — roasting, pounding, and churning — connects you to a tradition rooted in sisterhood and sustainability. As you work alongside local women, you’ll witness the beauty of collective power. It’s a sensory reminder that Black women have always transformed the earth’s gifts into nourishment, resilience, and radiance.
8. Visit the Adinkra Symbol Village.
Located in Ntonso, the Adinkra Village offers a hands-on introduction to Ghana’s symbolic language of wisdom. You’ll learn to stamp cloth using traditional dyes and wooden symbols that represent values like strength (Dwennimmen), unity (Fawohodie), and endurance (Wawa Aba). Choosing symbols that resonate with your journey turns this experience into an act of reflection and artistry. For first-time travelers to Ghana, it’s a meaningful way to bring home a piece of culture infused with spirit and story.
Coming Home, Fully
For Black women travelers — particularly those over 50 — Ghana offers more than an itinerary. It’s a healing, affirming return to self. You’ll find beauty in the landscapes, wisdom in the elders, and belonging in every smile. Whether you’re rediscovering your ancestry or expanding your world, Ghana invites you to rest, reconnect, and remember: you are part of something vast and victorious.
Ghana isn’t just a destination — it’s a homecoming. And for every Black woman ready to travel deeper, it’s the beginning of a new chapter of joy, freedom, and grace.
