Destinations in Ghana
Ghana is roughly the same size as Britain, and has a population of fifteen million. The region around the capital of Accra on the coast is fairly dry and desolate due to the unusually isolated local sub-climate. The road that traverses the length of the Ghanaian coast features many alluring beaches you’ll be hard pushed to resist. It is also recommended you schedule in time to explore the many forts and castles in the region.
Here is a guide to the main cities and regions.
Southern Coast
Accra
The Ga people around the fifteenth century founded Ghana’s capital, Accra. The city itself is making a comeback, and has some interesting cultural things to do. You will find the after hours club scene vibrant and reflective of this lively, musical population. For shopping in the capital, visit Makola Market, a lively, colourful bazaar where you can pick up all your basics, alongside traditional crafts. Kaneshi Market is another popular retail space for those on the hunt for bargains. For more information on what to do and where to stay in the capital, get yourself along to the Ghana Tourist Development Company on Sanchi Road in the Airport Residential Area. For a spot of culture, take a visit to The National Museum of Ghana, where you can see one of West Africa’s best art collections.
If you’re into beach life, this is a great place to visit. Within in Accra itself, you’ll find the best area for bathing is at La Pleasure Beach, the swimming is good, but watch for the strong undercurrents. Lifeguards are on hand to assist swimmers in distress. The beach parties here at the weekend are the place to be, when the cities youth turn out in force to party. Take a tro-tro from the town centre.
To the east of Accra, the beach at Prampram is arguably Ghana’s best and you can combine this with a visit toFort Vernon.
West of Accra/Cape Coast
To the west of the capital, you will find an abundance of picturesque fishing villages streaked with gorgeous palm-lined beaches. Find your piece of paradise off-season for the most serene and quiet spots.
Winneba
The township of Winneba, situated in between two lagoons, is host to the annual festival of Aboakyer (a-bo-a-chi-r), otherwise known as the deer-hunting festival, a sacrificial offering to the gods for a good harvest, health in the family etc. Aside from this festival, you’ll be hard pushed to find other things to do in Winneba, so time your visit for early May. There is a respectable beach and accommodation is available according to your budget.
Elmina
The Portuguese built Elmina Castle in 1482, in a region rich in gold and ivory resources. This area became heavily competed for in terms of its strategic position for trade, by other European powers. As the plantations in America took off, the trade in slaves expanded, and Elmina became the last place many thousands of Africans would see in their homeland, for many also it would be the last place they would see altogether, due to the high death rates incurred during the middle passage in such abominable conditions. Elmina Castle is one of West Africa’s oldest standing buildings; it means ‘the mine’ in Portuguese. It was also the first permanent structure south of the Sahara built by the Europeans. The castle served as an outpost for the Portuguese to trade their goods for slaves, many thousands being kept in the dark, damp dungeons. The Dutch captured the castle in 1642 after previous unsuccessful attempts, and other nations that fought to control it included the English. At the height of the trade, 30,000 slaves were passing through Elmina each year on their way to the Americas. This continued for nearly three hundred years in appalling conditions.
Other forts worth visiting include Fort St Appolonia inBeyin, Fort Groot Friederichsburg in Princestown, and Fort Santa Antonia in Axim.
Brenu-Akyinim beach, a little west of Elmina can be approached on foot along the coastal track, however, if you don’t fancy the three hour plus trek, transport is available, dropping you off about 2 miles from the beach. This idyllic palm-laden setting has beautiful white sand stretching far along the coast. Breakers sheltering the rougher spots aid swimming and the beach itself is fairly secluded. Accommodation is available in the nearby town at Celiamen’s Hotel, which also serves delicious homemade food.
Central Region
Kumasi
Located in the central region of the country, the Asante heartland is scenic and hilly, but ideal for travel as there is plenty to see, and the culture remains strong. The British colonial legacy is also prevalent here, with majestic buildings, now worn with time, standing alongside the African traditions to provide an enticing combination of old and new charm. This capital of the Asante region should definitely be a stop on your list. It’s a lively centre for local arts and crafts, in particular the Kente cloth, a colourful woven cloth used to make the traditional African costumes. Don’t miss the incredible carvings; the stools made in this region are famous. Keep a hold on your possessions while strolling around the market as pickpockets target this area. Inexpensive accommodation can be found fairly easily in Kumasi, however at the higher end of the scale, luxury accommodation is not so prevalent.
Food in Kumasi can come in the form of the chop bars and street vendors selling snacks such as plantains, fufu, (yam mash) and rice. If you have time in Kumasi, check out the local nightlife, usually consisting of live music, taking place in some of the bigger hotels. Kumasi also has a good selection of clubs, which also serve food, and reflect the burgeoning music scene throughout West Africa.
Around Kumasi, there is much attractive scenery, especially the rainforests and numerous villages representing typical village life. You will be able to observe and purchase traditional crafts in these outlying villages. The Obuasi gold mines, to the southwest of Kumasi are an exciting excursion, and relatively easy to get to, although the landscape is rather bland.
Mole Game Reserve
Open throughout the year and set in the northern Tamale region, Ghana’s largest national park occupies 1300 square miles. You should be able to spot elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo, among the more abundant species of monkey, antelope and birds. The Mole Game Reserve is amongst the easiest to reach in terms of access, and you can hire a local ranger to guide you through on foot. The best time to visit is Christmas, when the animals are out and the mosquitoes stay in. Plenty of repellent is vital at other times. It is possible to stay on site and you can find accommodation at the Mole Motel,ranging from basic rooms in chalets to the VIP Lodge. Travel to the park by bus from Tamale, Kumasi or Damongo, and you can book early morning walking safaris with a guide for around C/1500 per hour. These are the best way to get an insight into the park, as they know where to find the animals and greatly up your chances of seeing the rare species. Don’t expect to see lions and the like without a vehicle, and avoid the park altogether in the rainy season.
East of Accra
Nzulezo
This incredible village is in fact built on stilts over Lake Tadane, to the west of Takoradi. The houses are built on sticks with a wooden walkway connecting them. The village has adapted to life over water, and you can take a walk through the reeds and a canoe to the village from Beyin. Thursday is a sacred day, so visitors are not welcomed then. It is unsure why the village was built over the water, but the inhabitants descended from Mali about 500 years ago.
Destination – Ghana
MORE INFORMATION
Ghana Tourist Board
‘Promoting Ghana Throughout the World’
Detailed website listing background information and up-to-date news for Ghanaian nationals abroad and visitors to the country.
Africa Online
For Africans on the continent and around the world to stay in touch with local issues, latest news and updates, as well as feature articles and specific country info.
Ghana Link
A general information site including news and articles and a forum to get in touch with local people.
By Jenna Colbourne