The architecture of Ghana is influenced by a variety of historical, cultural, and environmental factors. Its architectural heritage consists of traditional architectural styles, monumental and symbolic architecture, and historic buildings and neighbourhoods. Architecture found across the country can be classified into indigenous architecture of the various ethnic groups, architecture of the colonial era, the tropical modernist style of the independence era, and architecture in contemporary times.

Traditional Ghanaian architecture is marked by the use of local materials such as mud, wood, grass and thatch, and is characterised by its adaptability to the local climate and environment. Indigenous structures, such as the Asante and Mole-Dagbani buildings were constructed using techniques like wattle and daub, with decorative bas-relief patterns, and features cultural symbols such as Adinkra motifs. With the arrival of the Europeans in the 15th century, architectural styles such as Gothic Revival were introduced, influencing the design of churches, and Neoclassical elements became prominent in government buildings and residential structures. This fusion of European influences with traditional indigenous construction methods brought about a change in the country's architectural landscape.

From the late 1950s, the architectural scene of Ghana saw the rise of Tropical Modernism, which combined modernist principles with the need for buildings adapted to the country's tropical climate. Characteristics of this style include the emphasis on natural ventilation, shading, and the use of locally sourced materials, with a focus on sustainability and functionality.

In contemporary Ghana, architecture has evolved to incorporate a blend of traditional and modern elements. Locally available materials, energy-efficient designs, and construction methods adapted to the tropical climate influence building practices.

Traditional buildings in the northern, middle and southern zones vary in materials and techniques used for their construction. Common vernacular building materials that have been used over centuries include timber, bamboo, laterite, grass, thatch, and clay. In Pre-colonial Ghana, traditional buildings were primarily made from materials such as mud, wood and thatch, chosen for their availability, affordability, and climate adaptability. These materials were used to build durable structures, particularly in rural areas. The wattle and daub construction method was widely used by groups like the Ashanti Empire and dates back to about 6000 years ago. This technique involved weaving wooden frames and filling them with a mixture of mud and straw, which created a sturdy wall structure.

In the Southern coastal regions, timber-frame construction with palm-thatched roofs is prevalent, while in Nzema, pile dwellings are built over water. The savanna regions of the north are characterised by dispersed homesteads and adobe compounds that blend with the landscape. Historical influences, including European and Muslim penetration introduced elements like louvered jalousies and sun-dried bricks, which were assimilated into Ghana's traditional architecture over time.

Mural decoration is another important feature of Ghanaian indigenous architecture. In the northern regions like Kassena, it appears on nearly all buildings, both private and state-owned. In the southern regions, murals are primarily on chiefs' palaces and fetish houses. These decorations were not only for self-expression, but also served as a means of identifying and distinguishing individual structures.

A major characteristic of Ghana's indigenous style is its reliance on locally sourced materials, environmental adaptability, integration with nature, and cultural significance of building practices. Construction techniques and methods such as the timber framed, adobe construction, pile dwellings and rammed earth have been used for centuries, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.