Ghana boasts some beautiful sandy beaches and lagoons, though swimming can be dangerous due to riptides and undertows. For a less risky dip, try the pools in Accra's big hotels. Jogging is also popular along the beaches near Accra, though you may have to sidestep human excreta. Beyond the sands, sport fishing for barracuda is popular, and if the fish aren't biting, at least the old seaside forts and villages look spectacular from the sea. The Volta River estuary is another good place to drop a line. Sailing and water-skiing are possible on Lake Volta. The two best spots for surfing are at Fete and Dixcove, both west of Accra. Kakum Nature Park, Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bia National Park, Bui National Park and Mole Game Reserve are all good options for hiking, wildlife watching and exploring the savannahs and rainforests.

The 42 day cycle of the Ashanti religious calendar culminates in Kumasi - the 'City of the Golden Stool' - with Akwasidee, a public ceremony at the palace involving the main chiefs and priests. The Aboakyer, or Deer Hunt Festival, is held in May in Winnebah. Elmina's Bakatue Festival, celebrating the beginning of the fishing season, is held the first Tuesday of July, with local chiefs parading through town in full regalia, followed by singers, dancers and stilt walkers. On the first Saturday in September, a raucous carnival called the Fetu Festival takes place in Cape Coast, featuring an all-day parade of local chiefs. The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (Panafest) - a spectacle-heavy cross-cultural dramafest - is held across Ghana in December of even-numbered years. National holidays include Independence Day on 6 March, Republic Day on 1 July and Revolution Day on 31 December.