The National Museum of Ghana, located in the heart of Accra, the National Museum of Ghana stands as the country's foremost institution for preserving and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Established in 1957—the same year Ghana gained independence—the museum serves as a gateway into the nation's deep historical roots, artistic traditions, and diverse cultural identities.
Outdoor exhibit at the National Museum of Ghana (c) Remo Kurka
As the largest and oldest museum in Ghana, it plays a vital role in educating the public, inspiring national pride, and preserving centuries of African history and culture for future generations.
The National Museum houses a wide array of collections that span several disciplines, including archaeology, ethnography, textiles, and fine art. Its exhibits are both locally and continentally significant, offering a glimpse into the cultural wealth not only of Ghana but also of other parts of Africa.
In the archaeological section, visitors can view ancient artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. These include tools, pottery, and relics from early settlements that speak to the ingenuity and evolution of societies that existed long before modern Ghana.
The ethnography section is particularly rich, displaying traditional musical instruments, weapons, ceremonial objects, and household tools that highlight the lifestyles, beliefs, and customs of Ghana’s many ethnic groups. Here, visitors gain a deeper understanding of how traditional knowledge systems and cultural practices have shaped contemporary Ghanaian society.
The textile exhibits showcase Ghana’s vibrant tradition of weaving and fabric design, with an emphasis on kente cloth, adinkra symbols, and other indigenous textile arts. Each pattern and color tells a story, often reflecting social status, political messages, or historical events.
The museum's art collection features both historical and contemporary works, celebrating the creativity of Ghanaian and African artists across different generations. These artworks capture everything from ancestral rituals to modern-day social themes.
Beyond its exhibitions, the National Museum of Ghana serves as an educational resource and a space for critical reflection. It hosts school groups, researchers, and tourists alike, offering guided tours and public programs that encourage dialogue about Ghana’s past, present, and future.
The museum is also a place of identity—a space where Ghanaians can see their heritage honored and preserved, and where visitors can connect with the soul of the country through its material culture. It underscores the importance of knowing one’s history as a foundation for national unity and development.
The National Museum of Ghana is more than a repository of objects; it is a living archive of the nation’s story. Through its carefully curated collections and community-focused approach, the museum continues to educate, inspire, and preserve the rich cultural legacy of Ghana. Whether you're a local resident or an international visitor, a trip to the National Museum offers a meaningful journey through time—one that celebrates the depth and diversity of Ghanaian identity.
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Founded by acclaimed filmmaker Kwaw Paintsil Ansah, the museum was officially inaugurated on July 28, 2019, by Ghana’s First Lady, H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo. Bisa Aberwa was created to celebrate the achievements, struggles, and sacrifices of African and Black icons from across the globe — from liberation fighters and civil rights leaders to cultural pioneers and spiritual figures.
With over 2,200 artefacts, including sculptures in clay, wood, and cement, as well as paintings, photographs, and audio-visual displays, the museum brings to life the collective memory of Black resilience and excellence. It features figures from across Africa and the African diaspora — including personalities from the French, Portuguese, and Spanish Caribbean, as well as African American civil rights icons.
Visitors will encounter evocative depictions of slave dungeons, plantation life, and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, alongside moments of triumph such as the Civil Rights Movement and the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States.
Notable Ghanaian personalities featured include Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Paa Grant, Dr. Esther Ocloo, A.S. Blay, and Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, among many others. Every exhibit is a step through time, designed to educate, inspire, and provoke critical reflection on Black history and its ongoing relevance.
Trans Atlantic Slave Trade (c) Remo Kurka
The Bisa Aberwa Museum is located in Nkontompo, a suburb of Sekondi-Takoradi, near Effia-Nkwanta Hospital. The museum is easily accessible by taxi or ride-hailing services from the Takoradi city center or the Takoradi airport, which is just a 10 to 15-minute drive away.
If you're arriving from Accra or other regions, STC buses and domestic flights to Takoradi make it a convenient journey. Road conditions from Takoradi to the museum are generally good and well-marked.
Visitors to the Bisa Aberwa Museum can also explore several cultural and coastal landmarks nearby, including:
Fort Orange – A 17th-century Dutch trading post overlooking the Gulf of Guinea
Sekondi European Town – A charming colonial-era district with historic architecture
Takoradi Market Circle – A vibrant open-air market full of Ghanaian textiles, crafts, and spices
Beaches along the Atlantic coast – Including the quiet Adjoa Beach and the popular Busua Beach (a bit further west)
The museum is governed by a Board of Trustees led by Mr. Kwaw Ansah himself, along with respected figures such as Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Prof. Kofi Asare Opoku, and Mr. Akwasi Agyeman of the Ghana Tourism Authority. Their collective vision is to position the museum as a hub of Pan-African thought, education, and cultural preservation.
Whether you're a researcher, student, history enthusiast, or tourist looking to reconnect with Africa's rich past, the Bisa Aberwa Museum offers a powerful and unforgettable experience — one that connects continents, generations, and shared heritage through art and memory.