Ghana’s heritage centres, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles are set to come alive after dark, with visitors now able to tour the  historic sites until 10 p.m. as part of the  government’s 24-hour economy initiative.

The extended operating hours, announced by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, are expected to create new opportunities for tourism while making Ghana’s historic heritage sites accessible beyond traditional daytime hours.

The initiative follows the successful piloting of night tours at both castles by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 10, 2026, Ms Gomashie said the pilot had demonstrated the potential of extending tourism activities into the night.

“The Board and management of GMMB have successfully piloted night tours in Cape Coast and Elmina Castles,” she said.

According to the Minister, extending the opening hours forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement the 24-hour economy and unlock new opportunities across the tourism sector.

The move is also expected to give both domestic and international visitors greater flexibility to experience two of Ghana’s most significant heritage sites outside conventional visiting hours.

Beyond extending access, the initiative could create room for new forms of nighttime tourism and entertainment around the castles, while encouraging increased economic activity in the Central Region.

The Cape Coast and Elmina Castles remain among Ghana’s most visited heritage attractions and important sites in the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

With the introduction of night tours, the government is seeking to add a new dimension to the visitor experience while positioning Ghana’s heritage tourism sector to benefit from activities that continue beyond the traditional 9-to-5 economy.