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.
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.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Accra. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on Map
Sight Name: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Accra, Ghana (See walking tours in Accra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Accra, Ghana
Create Your Own Walk in Accra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Accra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Accra Introduction Walking Tour
Accra, the capital city of Ghana, is a charming mix of history, culture, and modernity. The city's origins trace back to the Ga people, who settled along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa and were nicknamed Nkran, meaning "ants", for their industrious nature. The nickname also referred to the numerous anthills found in the area. During European colonization, the term... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles