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Took this photo facing the Black Star Gate

Have you really been to Ghana if you've never been to the independence square and taken a picture at the black star gate? Well, this was me until travellers' guilt held my neck two weeks ago when I started another cross country trip landing first in Ghana.
There are some people that might read this and conclude that at this rate, I should just pack a few things and move to Ghana, and I would totally understand.

I admit this past year, I've not been the most consistent with writing here - my blog updates have been about as reliable as a Glo network connection during a rainstorm. But that's because so many things have either been happening or have happened.
Remember that song "Crazy things are Happening" by Tems? If I wasn't so inclined towards faith I'll say she sang it for me. However, ladies and gentlemen, I've been travelling.

I started telling travel stories on TikTok and it took off, but not in a luxe way but more about history and culture. You can check out my Tiktok videos by watching my latest HERE.

outside the window of my morning flight from Lagos to Accra.

It just kind of happened and according to my niece and nephew, I'm the best teacher in the world, so it only makes sense for me to use my content to teach.
Before I get into the details of my visit, it's only fair that I share a few recommendations based on where I stayed in Ghana and how I moved around - consider this my digital penance for past travel documentation sins.

Getting Around
Before you visit Ghana, there are three apps you should have if you wish to move around conveniently:
Uber
Bolt
Yango
Pro tip: I've conveniently listed them in order of pricing. You're welcome.

Accommodation Secrets

If you're looking for a place to stay, bookings.com is your digital travel companion. Every time I've been to Ghana - both in Accra and Cape Coast - I've scored accommodation through this platform. My most recent booking was genuinely impressive, Byblos Hotel by Sky Suite ( I don’t hoard abeg). Located in Osu within the capital, it was just 7 minutes from the airport, on a street so quiet you could hear the buzzing from the nearby indian owned bodega.
It was about 590 GHS for a night, which is about 39 USD.

My Food Adventures

My culinary journey doesn't extend beyond eating kelewele, fried yam chips and chicken at restaurants in Melcom and roadside suyas. On my last trip I also tried food from Afrikoko, which I liked. Gourmet? maybe not but Delicious? 100% yes.
I arrived at the square around midday, armed with filming intentions and a strategic plan to avoid the tourist rush (and potential sunburn).

Entry is free, and while most visitors stick to ground level, I decided to climb to the top of the star - because why not?
Although they asked me to make a donation to the foundation that manages the square, with the man that asked constantly reminding me this was not enforced or official before I handed them 20 GHS.

Kwame Nkrumah’s Dream

Commissioned in 1961, four years after Ghana gained independence, the Black Star Gate is more than just a neoclassical structure. It commemorates Ghana's groundbreaking role as the first sub-Saharan African nation to break free from colonial rule.

Watch full tour here plus bonus history lesson.

Kwame Nkrumah's vision wasn't just about independence - he dreamed of a united Africa, free from borders and colonial shadows. The entire Independence Square was envisioned as a meeting place for all Africans.

The star atop the gate isn't just decorative. It's a powerful Pan-African symbol representing unity, freedom, and the collective strength of African nations. Standing beneath it, you can almost feel the weight of history and the dream that continues to inspire generations.

Stay tuned for my next article - a road trip adventure from Ghana to Ivory Coast via a late-night bus. Spoiler: A lot of sleeping will be involved.

Grateful to add that this work was made possible through the support of Africa No Filter, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, with funding provided by GIZ on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

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Earlier this year, I embarked on an unforgettable road trip from Lagos, Nigeria, to Cape Coast, Ghana. I booked my journey with GIGM, a reliable bus service that made the long ride more comfortable. Despite some bumps along the way, including dealing with customs in Togo and arriving past midnight in Accra, the trip was incredibly rewarding. Once in Accra, I stayed with friends, and in Cape Coast, I found a cozy, affordable Airbnb. If you’re thinking about tracing your ancestry in Ghana, here’s how to do it affordably and effectively.

What You Need to Take an Affordable Trip to Ghana to Trace Your Ancestry

1. Plan Your Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary is key to making the most of your trip. My journey started in Lagos, and after navigating through Togo's customs, I arrived in Accra. Although I got there late, I was able to stay with friends for a few nights, which saved me money and provided a local touch. From Accra, I traveled to Cape Coast, where I stayed in an affordable Airbnb. Cape Coast is essential for anyone tracing their roots; don't miss the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both rich in history. Explore local spots like Asafo posubans and fishing villages to gain deeper insights into Ghanaian culture.

2. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Finding budget-friendly accommodations is straightforward in Ghana. I stayed at an affordable Airbnb in Cape Coast, which provided comfort without breaking the bank. In Accra, staying with friends was a great way to save on accommodation costs and get local recommendations. Consider booking early to secure the best deals, and look for guesthouses or budget hotels that offer an authentic experience.

View from my Airbnb at Cape Coast, Ghana.

3. Use Affordable Transportation
Getting around Ghana can be inexpensive. After my journey through Togo, I traveled from Accra to Cape Coast by tro tro, a shared minivan that’s both economical and a great way to experience local life. While the trip can be slow with many stops, it’s an affordable option. Within cities, walking is a cost-effective way to explore, with taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber available for longer distances.

Taxi in Ghana.

4. Eat Local and Save Money
Ghanaian cuisine is both delicious and affordable. I enjoyed eating at local eateries and street food vendors, where dishes like jollof rice, waakye, and kenkey were both tasty and budget-friendly. Sampling local food is not only economical but also a great way to experience the culture.

5. Pack the Essentials
To ensure a smooth trip, pack these essentials:

Travel Insurance: Always a good idea for peace of mind, especially if you're flying from outside Africa

A Good Travel Guide: Helps you find affordable options, however for a s, all fee of $3 you can purchase my guide. Which makes this easy for solo travellers to have the best trip without the additional cost of a guide.

Cash and Mobile Money: While some places accept international cards, cash and mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money are more widely accepted and avoid extra fees.

6. Be Open to Adventure
The journey itself is part of the adventure. Despite the challenges, like dealing with customs or arriving late, the experiences you gain will be worthwhile. Ghana is full of warm, welcoming people and rich culture, so embrace every moment and enjoy the journey.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Tracing your ancestry in Ghana or simply taking an educational trip with a bit of planning, can be done affordably and enjoyably.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve created a detailed travel guide with literally everything you need.

Pre-order your copy HERE and start your adventure in Ghana!

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If you're in Lagos and you're thinking about taking a trip to Ibadan, of course, there are a lot of transportation options, from road to air, but the train is perhaps the only means of transportation that is safe and relatively affordable.
I'm going to share my experience on the train with you, from the cost of the tickets, the appearance of the coaches, and the experience at each station, both in Ibadan and Lagos.

At The Train Station

So two stations in Lagos depart for Ibadan, the Mobolaji Johnson Station in Yaba, and the Ladoke Akintola station in Agege.
Even though the two stations are relatively close to me, I chose the station in Yaba because the environment is more serene in comparison to Agege.

The train leaves at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, and since I'm not familiar with the roads in Ibadan, I decided to take the early morning train.

A regular ticket from Lagos to Ibadan

I arrived at the station at 6:45 am, and by that time, there was already a queue for tickets. The queue moved fast, and less than 10 mins after I arrived, I'd gotten my ticket. For the trip to Ibadan, I got the regular ticket, which cost N3,600. They only accept cash at the counter, and you're advised to come with change because the likelihood they have change is very slim. You'll also be required to provide a means of identification before you're issued a ticket.
During my trip back, however, I noticed they weren't strict with these rules at the Ibadan station in Moniya. I took the Business Coach class on the train, thanks to my really good friend, so I got to compare the classes.

Business class ticket from Ibadan to Lagos

Getting to the station at Moniya was more tasking, and despite us taking a cab ride, it cost a ridiculous N8,000. According to the driver, he would lose money because he wouldn't be able to get a rider heading back to town. The business class ticket cost N6500, and just like Lagos, they only accepted cash.

The two stations had a lot of POS operators around them, but the rates were pretty regular.
After getting my ticket at both stations, I went to the waiting area, which is impossible to miss.

One funny observation I made was that despite the waiting area in Lagos being significantly larger, the air conditioning at the Station in Moniya was more effective. The waiting area in Lagos didn't seem to have electricity, so the announcement was done manually, while at Ibadan it was done over the PA system.

Inside The Train

seat numbering in regular

The Regular coach is split into two parts, where one side has three seats and another has two seats. I was lucky enough to get a seat near the window and at the center of the coach, which are the only seats in this class that have a table.

Each seat has a socket and USB portals for charging phones that work well. The legroom is fair, and the seats are covered with green seat covers.

seat numbering in business coach

In the Business class coach, it feels more like being on a plane. Each seat has a snap-back table with a cup holder. This area created the perfect ambiance for working or watching a movie. During my first trip, I was more focused on creating content in the regular coach, but on my way back, I was much more comfortable, so I spent most of the time watching a movie.

This overall trip was two hours and forty-five minutes in total. Food was allowed on the train, but food was allowed to be sold on the train. So far I noticed besides snacks like meat pie and sausages, they only sold plates of Jollof rice and chicken, which cost N2500.

watching a movie in business class

The rice was very good, but the snacks were pretty subpar in my opinion, with very little meat in the pies and sausages. Sadly on the trip back to Lagos, there was no rice.

view from inside the train

Arrivals

In the morning when I arrived at Ibadan, the train station at Moniya was not as busy, and to save money I took a bus from the station that cost N500 to any location in town. If you plan to use this bus, it's advisable to be quick because it's only one bus that leaves the station between morning and afternoon.

Arriving at the Yaba Train Station at night

Arriving in Lagos in the evening, on the other hand, was a lot more hectic than I anticipated. From the crowded escalators and elevators to the overpriced transport fares, if you have the option of someone coming to pick you up from the train station, I'd say take it.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Railway Corporation did a thing because this has made traveling to places like Ibadan and Abeokuta a lot more convenient, so will I travel by train again? Absolutely. Maybe this time, I'll use the first-class option, which costs N9,000 and give you guys an update.

You can watch my train experice video and follow my other travel experiences on instagram here

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