As part of its commitment to shaping globally minded leaders, the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) took its 2025 interns on a cultural and educational study tour to Cape Coast in Ghana’s Central Region. The tour formed part of the experiential learning component of the internship program and offered a deeper understanding of the country’s rich history, enduring cultural traditions, and colonial past.
The trip featured visits to several iconic locations, including Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, the Kotokuraba Market, and the Cape Coast Technical University. Together, these stops painted a fuller picture of Ghana’s societal evolution, resilience, and vibrant community life.
At the heart of the visit was the Cape Coast Castle, one of the most harrowing yet significant landmarks in Ghana’s colonial history. Interns toured the dimly lit slave dungeons where thousands of enslaved Africans were held before being shipped across the Atlantic. They walked through the infamous Door of No Return, a powerful and emotional moment that connected them to the painful legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. Guided by expert curators, the interns learned about the brutal conditions under which enslaved people lived and the broader political and economic systems that sustained the trade. The experience underscored the importance of historical memory in confronting injustice and building inclusive societies.
Exploring Nature: Kakum National Park
Leaving behind the heavy atmosphere of the castle, the group continued to Kakum National Park, where they stepped into the dense rainforest and took on the famous canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor. The adventurous canopy walk, suspended over 30 meters above the forest floor, offered both breathtaking views and a refreshing encounter with Ghana’s diverse ecology. For many, the walk tested their limits but also sparked lively conversations about conservation, climate, and the intersection of nature and community livelihoods.
Local Life and Learning
The team also visited Kotokuraba Market, one of the oldest and busiest trading hubs in Cape Coast. Here, interns observed the informal economy at work and gained insights into the daily hustle that sustains many Ghanaian families. They even tasted local food delicacies. The market tour complemented their classroom-based studies on governance and development by grounding theory in local reality. At Cape Coast Technical University, interns had the chance to interact with students and faculty, learning more about tertiary education in Ghana and the institution’s contribution to skills development and innovation. The engagement sparked cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning between WACCE interns and local students.
About the WACCE Internship Program
WACCE’s internship program is designed for enquiring, driven, and globally engaged students and young professionals. It brings together individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to work on pressing issues in security, governance, and development in West Africa.
Since its inception in 2019, the program has hosted 18 interns from over six universities, including the University of Michigan, University of Denver, London School of Economics, Coventry University, University of Ghana, University of Stockholm, and New York City University. Interns spend between 8 and 12 weeks working under the mentorship of experienced WACCE staff, contributing to research, fieldwork, and program development. Beyond office work, the internship offers opportunities to explore Ghana’s culture, communities, and history, equipping participants with both professional skills and life-changing experiences. To learn more about the WACCE Internship Program or how to apply, visit Internships – WACCE or follow us on our social media channels.
