Located in the bustling city of Accra, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is one of the city’s biggest and most iconic landmarks. Accra is the capital of Ghana and it is located right on the waterfront and coast. Like some other places in the region, the city has a long and interesting history as Accra was a merger with a British Fort, a Dutch Fort and a couple of Danish Forts. From 1878 to 1957, Accra served as the capital of the British Gold Coast. Now, Accra is a city of contrasts, with 19th-century colonial-style buildings mixed together with modern skyscrapers. No trip to Accra is complete without a visit to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, so here is a guide to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Ghana.
Tip from tour guide
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park was built in 1992 and is situated on the site of the former British colonial polo grounds. It is the spot where Nkrumah made the declaration of Ghana's independence. Here, you'll find 7 men on both of the walking paths blowing the horns, as it's the number of completeness and perfection.
The building is meant to represent an upside-down sword, which is a symbol of peace and happens to be the third and final resting place of Nkrumah. He died in Romania in 1972 after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 62. Initially, he was buried in Guinea. In 1972, he was brought back home and buried in a tomb in the village of his birth, Nkroful, in the Western Region. While the tomb remains in Nkroful, his remains were transferred to this spot, and close to him is the tomb of his Egyptian wife, Fathia Nkrumah, who also died in 2007 at the age of 75.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
Things to do
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first president post-independence from Britain. Kwame Nkrumah was a leader in the independence movement in post-WWII Africa and is considered a revolutionary not only among Ghanaians but also as a leader for a pan-African movement, even winning prizes and awards for it throughout his life. After Ghana declared independence in 1957, Nkrumah was elected as the first president and under him, the country enjoyed a rise in energy-projects, education for the youth and the promotion of African culture and decolonization across the continent. Kwame Nkrumah was deposed in 1966 and spent the rest of his life in Guinea where he was named honorary co-president.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is dedicated to his life and what he’s done for Africa and Ghana. The grounds for the park were built on top of a former British polo ground and houses the body of himself and his wife. The design of the monument is an upside-down sword, symbolizing peace and is clad with Italian marble with a black star on top symbolizing pan-African unity.
Explore the museum
The monument here is both a park and museum as well as a mausoleum with the body of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife Fathia. As previously mentioned, the museum was built on former British polo grounds meaning that the area surrounding it is very large and spacious. The museum and mausoleum have displays in English for visitors and the information here covers just about every facet of Kwame Nkrumah’s life from his birth and education to his death in the 1970s. There are also a bunch of personal items on display, including the president’s former personal car. The tour is about a half-hour and culminates in the mausoleum which has a skylight at the top illuminating his grave.
Walk the grounds of the park
The museum and mausoleum is not only the highlight here, but the park on which everything stands in is beautiful as well and is well worth your time to walk through. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is on 5 acres (2 ha) of land that is groomed and manicured with statues and fountain fixtures surrounding the mausoleum. The tomb is surrounded by water, which is symbolic of life and taking in the museum part from the outside really makes you appreciate the architecture and design that went into building Nkrumah’s mausoleum.
Travelers tips
Stay hydrated
For travelers coming from colder climates, be sure to drink a lot of water. The heat in Accra can get pretty high and being near the coast means the tropical climate can make you dehydrated very quickly. Always carry water around with you or buy bottled water. Voltic Water is a local reliable brand and always make sure to check if the seal is unbroken before consuming.
Be respectful
Although you’ll likely get a pass as a tourist, there’s a certain kind of respectfulness that Ghanaians practice. Make the effort to not eat or offer with your left-hand and make sure to always greet people. Greetings are important in Ghanaian culture and usually come in the form of a simple “good morning/afternoon”.
If you want to impress the locals, learn the Ghanain handshake. It is a normal handshake at first followed by the snapping of your thumb and middle finger.
How to get there
Public transit
There isn’t really a standard public transport system here but there are vehicles known as Tro Tro’s. They are minivans that go around town acting as the de facto bus service. They are the cheapest form of transportation but are very slow and uncomfortable.
Taxi
To wave a taxi down, extend your arm out with your finger pointed to the ground. Very few cabs are metered in Accra so make sure to negotiate a price before your driver takes off. Some drivers don’t know their way around so make sure to instruct your driver based on landmarks. The charging system is largely at the discretion of the driver so always make sure to establish a price.
Uber
Uber is by far the best way to get around town as they will usually be more comfortable than the taxis of Accra and you won’t have to hassle yourself with negotiating a price with your driver.
How to book tickets
Tickets can be bought on-site when you arrive to enter the museum portion of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The cost is about 10 GHC which is about 2.50 USD.
Accra Tour Guide
Edem Gh
My name is EDEM YAO KWAWU born and raised in GHANA WEST AFRICA in Accra the Capital In a small town called Nima. My heart is filled with love and affection. My close people say that I am a cheerful and bright Guy. I always try to share my good mood with other people. I like to smile. I love to give surprises and I think that attention and awe are key to a happy Volunteering. I care about the fe... Read more
Tours by Edem
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park information
Address: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum, Accra, Ghana
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Official website: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Department of tourism: Visit Ghana
Price: 2.50 USD
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
