Accra, Ghana including Pan African Heritage World Museum listed among world’s greatest places

Ghana’s capital, Accra, has been named one of the best places to visit in the world by TIME Magazine. According to the magazine, the Ghanaian capital has become easy to access following the entry of Qatar Airways flights from Doha and new thrice-­weekly United Airlines service from Washington, D.C.

The magazine reported: “There are plenty of openings to help fill an itinerary: ADA, a contemporary gallery that launched late last year, showcases the work of emerging creatives—such as paintings by Nigerian artist Eniwaye Oluwaseyi and South African artist Zandile Tshabalala—from across Africa.”

It added that there is a new architecture school, the African Futures Institute (AFI), with a focus on cultivating regional talent. The AFI is the brainchild of Lesley Lokko, the founder and director of the Graduate School of Architecture in Johannesburg, in collaboration with award-­winning Ghanaian architect David Adjaye.

“And next year, the Pan African Heritage World Museum is scheduled to open. It will house archives, exhibits, galleries and a theater, with the aim of being a key destination for visitors interested in connecting with Africa’s history and its people’s heritage,” the magazine wrote in July 2021.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of the much-awaited Pan African Heritage World Museum (PAHW) at Pomadze Hills, near Winneba in the Central Region in May 2021. The founder and executive chairman of PAHW, Hon. Kojo Yankah said that the construction of the museum is to bridge the gap between Africans and peoples of African descent who have been separated for too long to teach, heal and inspire. The PAHW museum was inaugurated in September 2021 in a global virtual ceremony addressed by President Akufo-Addo.

Construction of the Museum will be completed in December 2022 and commissioned in Ghana in July 2023. The Heritage Museum complex will provide the opportunity to unlearn and relearn the history, culture, ideals and civilization of Africa from mankind’s creation till the present. The first living museum of its kind in Africa, the complex includes the Pan African Heroes Park, the Palace of African Kingdoms, the African Herbal Plant Village and a host of experiential programs and activities.

The over 50-million-dollar museum project is endorsed by the African Union Commission, the Association of African Universities, UNESCO, the NAACP, and other international organizations. Internationally acclaimed author, anthropologist, researcher and historian Dr. Runoko Rashidi before he passed away decided to donate his archive of collections to the museum.

This is the second time the PAHW Museum is gaining international recognition even before its launch. Last year, it was admitted to membership of the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) based in Washington, D.C.

Before compiling the list of the world’s greatest places, TIME said it solicited nominations of places—including countries, regions, cities and towns—from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

TIME further noted that its third annual list highlights one hundred extraordinary travel destinations around the world. It explained that the third annual list of the World’s Greatest Places “is a tribute to the people and businesses at the forefront of those industries who, amid extraordinary circumstances, found ways to adapt, build and innovate. It shines a light on ingenuity, creativity, revitalization and reopenings in destinations across the world.”

Here are the other destinations in Africa that followed Accra as reported by TIME Magazine.

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Benguerra Island is the second-largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometres and lies 14km offshore. Portuguese explorers also gave the island the name Santa Antonio.

Cairo, Egypt

TIME reports that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is finally scheduled to open this year in Giza, Cairo after ten years. It will be the largest archaeological museum in the world, “with more than 100,000 ancient artefacts—including thousands from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun—housed within its modern walls. In addition to GEM, the Egyptian government is investing heavily in other projects designed to lure future travellers to the capital” when opened.

Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Mozambique’s recently designated Chimanimani National Park is located in Zimbabwe-­bordering Manica province. The national park is a testament to the country’s ongoing conservation efforts. Guided hikes up the mountain are highly recommended. However, one must have a certain level of stamina to go for a walk.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park, in northeastern South Africa, is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Animals in the park include lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. There are several other mammals and bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks in the park. Bush plains, tropical forests and mountains are all part of the landscape.