Day two of my Ghana holiday began with breakfast at my hostel accommodations in Accra. The hostel restaurant’s cook served up a hearty veggie stir fry of potatoes, green peppers, carrots, onions, and tomatoes for me. In addition, I devoured the yummy ginger cookie that I had purchased the prior day at Pat’s Vegetarian & Health Food Center (Pat’s Vegetarian & Health Food Center).

My tour guide arrived by 9am to take me on a full day of sightseeing in the capital of Accra. First on the itinerary was a visit to the W.E.B. DuBois Center museum, on the outskirts of the city.. Born in 1868, Dr. William DuBois was an American of French, Dutch, and African ancestry. He was a civil rights activist in the United States. The Center’s complex includes the home where he spent his later years. Dr. DuBois was a staunch advocate of Pan-Africanism to promote equality for the African people. His works include the “Dictionary of African Biography”, books about the racial injustice, and contributions to various journals.

His office displays his personal library of literary works and his original desk.

Original copies of his “Dictionary of African Biography” and various magazines for which he had contributed articles are displayed under a glass case.

Upon leaving the DuBois Center, we headed back into central Accra to view the Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square. Completed in 1961, it was commissioned by Kwame Nkrumah to honor the visit of Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Nkrumah was the first President of Ghana. Within the Square, lies the Black Star Gate. Independence Arch or Black Star Gate is a tribute to the country’s independence from the British in 1957.

National Independence Day festivals and other events take place in the square, noted to be the second largest public city square in the world.

A little further down the road resides the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Masoleum. This is the place from where President Nkrumah declared Ghana’s independence.

Rain was starting to pour, but that did not derail my enthusiasm for the remainder of the day’s tour. We drove through the huge Makola Market in Accra. Constructed in 1924, the market vendors sell everything from food products to clothing to household goods and jewelry. A multitude of vendors also line the streets to hawk their wares. It is really a sensory experience to see and hear the action and witness the variety of goods.

After the drive through the market roads, we passed through the oldest part of the city. Small shacks were passed down from generation to generation, so that descendants currently live there rent-free. One can easily notice the stark contrast of both wealthy and impoverished residences encompassing the capital.

We drove onward to a neighborhood of Accra, known as Jamestown. This area developed in the 17th century, around the British James Fort and Ussher Fort on the coast. Built in the 1930s after the original structure was destroyed, its lighthouse guides ships in and out of the harbor.

Jamestown Fort was built by the British as a trading post during the 17th century. Slaves were kept in its prison, awaiting the arrival of slave trade ships.

The nearby Ussher Fort was built during the 17th century by the Dutch. Originally a factory and tradepost, it also became involved as a prison for holding slaves.

Accra’s National Museum was closed for construction. However, I was given the opportunity to take photos of its exterior and the grounds. The large museum displays the art, traditions, and culture of historic and modern Ghana. Statues and tribal symbols with carvings decorate the exterior of the main museum building.

Across the walkway lies an outdoor garden with multiple bronze statues of Ghanaian figures and symbols.

A local Moringa plant can be found on the premises. Known as the “miracle tree”, its anti-oxidant properties causes many healing effects.

Lunch time had arrived. I dined at Assase Pa(Assase Pa) an all-vegan restaurant in Accra. Most restaurants in Ghana are small shack-like buildings, known as “Chop Bars”. This particular establishment consisted of a walk-up counter window to order food, an outdoor dining area under a thatched roof, and a small shop.

For my beverage, I chose a refreshing bissap juice.

My entree was a delicious dish of spinach greens and plantains with spicy scrambled tofu.

Dessert was a tasty mini pineapple pie.

I spent some time perusing the adjacent shop after my meal. From local herbs and teas to skincare products, this market is a vegan’s delight. I purchased an African “black soap” and cinnamon tea.

A full day of sightseeing had come to an end. My tour guide dropped me off at my accommodations to relax for a couple of hours, before meeting back up for dinner.

Early evening saw my guide’s return to the hostel to pick me up again. As we drove towards our dinnertime destination, I noticed many vendors approaching vehicles on the main roads and highway, selling everything from plantain snacks to laundry detergent.

By evening, we had arrived at Legasse Gardens. The secluded property on an uphill winding road, included a guesthouse, a restaurant, and a store. I ate dinner at the Legasse Gardens Restaurant (Legasse Gardens Restaurant). The “open air” chop bar had a small seating area.

Prior to my meal being served, I walked over to their adjacent store and examined the products including teas, snacks, soaps, and hair care products.

My entree was a delicious groundnut(peanut) soup with greens and veggies, and a side of brown rice. A cool watermelon juice accompanied my meal.

My day of guided tours in Accra was wonderful. I enjoyed visiting the capital city’s historic sites commemorating the country’s independence, learning about the fort history, and dining on local Ghanaian vegan meals. I looked forward to the next day’s journey and tour of the Ashanti region of central Ghana.