The Atlantic breeze carries the sound of crashing waves as visitors step through the thick white walls of Cape Coast Castle. Outside, fishing boats rock gently along the shoreline and the sun glitters across the sea.

Inside, however, the air grows cooler and heavier. The narrow corridors, iron doors, and stone chambers tell a far deeper story—one that echoes across continents and centuries.

Standing prominently along the coast of Cape Coast, this imposing fortress is one of Ghana’s most powerful historical landmarks. Originally built by the Swedish in the 17th century and later expanded by the British, Cape Coast Castle became a central hub in the transatlantic slave trade.

Thousands of captured Africans were held within its dungeons before being forced through the infamous “Door of No Return,” a narrow passage leading directly to the Atlantic Ocean and the ships that carried them into slavery.

Walking through the castle today is an emotional journey. Guided tours lead visitors into the dimly lit male and female dungeons where captives were once confined in crowded, unsanitary conditions.

The silence inside these stone chambers often leaves visitors reflective. A short distance away sits the governor’s quarters—an unsettling contrast between the suffering below and the relative comfort above.

Yet Cape Coast Castle is not only a place of sorrow; it is also a place of remembrance and reconnection. For members of the African diaspora visiting Ghana, the site carries deep personal meaning.

Ceremonies and heritage tours often bring travelers from across the world seeking to understand their ancestry and reconnect with history.

Beyond the castle walls, the town itself offers lively coastal energy. Colourful fishing canoes line the beach, and the nearby Cape Coast Fishing Harbour buzzes with activity as fishermen bring in their daily catch.

Local markets, traditional dishes, and the rhythms of everyday Ghanaian life surround the historic site.

Travelers often pair a visit to the castle with nearby attractions such as Kakum National Park, famous for its rainforest canopy walkway, or Elmina Castle, just a short drive away.

Visiting Cape Coast Castle is not a typical sightseeing stop. It is a place that invites reflection, learning, and conversation.

As the ocean breeze sweeps through the ancient stone corridors, the past feels close—reminding visitors that understanding history is an essential part of shaping the future.

On a typical morning in northern Ghana, the soft aroma of freshly steamed tubani drifting from a roadside stall is enough to draw a small crowd.

Wrapped neatly in leaves and served warm, this humble bean cake has long been a comforting and nourishing staple for many households.

Tubani—sometimes spelled tumbani—is made from black-eyed pea flour mixed with water and a small amount of potassium carbonate, locally known as kawe.

The mixture is whisked into a smooth batter, carefully poured into leaves, and then steamed until it firms into a soft, fluffy cake. The result is simple yet satisfying: a light, protein-rich dish that has sustained generations.

But tubani’s appeal goes far beyond its ingredients. In northern Ghana, it is a familiar sight in markets, roadside food stalls, and neighbourhood corners, especially in the early morning hours. Vendors unwrap the steaming bundles and serve them with a generous drizzle of shea butter or oil, often topped with pepper and chopped onions.

The flavour is mild and earthy, allowing the spicy toppings to bring the dish to life.

For many people in the north, tubani is more than a snack—it is breakfast, lunch on the go, or a quick evening bite after a long day. Its affordability and nutritional value make it especially popular among students, workers, and travellers.

@akosuahstastyrecipe Enjoy one of the most nutritious Ghanaian 🇬🇭food from the NORTH 😍 Ideally you have to cook this for 30-40mins But because of this Comfee multipurpose cooker From @Kitchen And Beyond Limited the tubani was done in 15mins😍I LOVE SOFT LIFE…Call kitchen and beyond on 024 285 7393 and get yours NOW 🇬🇭INGREDIENTS 4 cups black eye beans 1 teaspoon potash (kawa) Salt to taste Kebab pepper Onion Oil NOTE 🇬🇭You can blend the beans into powder and mix with water or you can use the method i used . 🇬🇭You can add some seasoning if you want Serve with hot sauce ,stew ,or suya spice #ghana #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanafood #fyp #bean #beanstiktok #ghanaianfood ♬ Yalma Dage Wanga – King Ayisoba

Visitors to Ghana who venture beyond the big cities often discover tubani as part of the region’s vibrant food culture.

Its preparation method—steaming batter in leaves—reflects culinary traditions passed down through families over decades.

In a country known for bold flavours and hearty meals, tubani stands out for its quiet simplicity. Yet that very simplicity is what makes it unforgettable.

Ghana is set to become the fifth country in Africa to grant visa-free access to all African passport holders.

The landmark policy, announced by President John Mahama, will take effect on May 25, 2026 — coinciding with Africa Day celebrations.

Here is everything you need to know about the historic shift.

1. The Policy Takes Effect on Africa Day, May 25

President John Mahama announced the new visa-free regime during the first state visit of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Ghana, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The policy will officially come into force on May 25 — a symbolic date chosen to align with Africa Day, the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union).

2. Ghana Becomes the 5th African Country to Offer Visa-Free Access to All Africans

With this move, Ghana joins a small but growing group of African nations that already allow visa-free entry to all African nationals. The other four countries are:

• Benin
• The Gambia
• Rwanda
• Seychelles

Ghana is now the fifth country on the continent to adopt such a policy, marking a significant shift in its travel and immigration framework.

3. The Policy Builds on a 2025 Promise That Did Not Materialize

The visa-free initiative was originally introduced under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders in his final State of the Nation Address in January 2025.

However, the measure — initially expected to take effect in 2025 — did not materialise as planned before the end of his tenure. The Mahama administration has now implemented the policy.

4. It Will Be Linked to a Broader E-Visa Rollout Next Month

The visa-free regime will not stand alone. It forms part of a broader reform of Ghana’s immigration system, including the introduction of a new e-visa platform expected to launch next month.

Authorities say the system is designed to streamline entry processes while maintaining border controls. The visa-free regime will form part of this broader e-visa system set to be launched by the Mahama administration next month, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa.

5. The Policy Aims to Boost Tourism, Trade, and Pan-Africanism

Ablakwa noted that the policy is aimed at reinforcing Ghana’s position as the cradle of Pan-Africanism, while unlocking gains in tourism and intra-African trade through the reform.

The introduction of visa-free entry for all Africans is expected to support increased mobility across the continent, with potential implications for tourism, business travel, and regional integration. The move aligns with broader continental efforts to ease movement under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Bonus: Ghana Is Also Expanding Travel Access for Its Own Citizens

Ghana’s government has also been expanding travel access for its own citizens. The Foreign Ministry said 23 visa waiver agreements have been negotiated for Ghanaian passport holders since last year.

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