Ghana Info
Joined: 23 Feb 2007
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 Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 10:48 am Post subject: GHANA TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN GHANA |
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GHANA TOURISM GUIDE
Ghana can be divided into imaginary quartets although it actually comprises of ten regions.
ACCRA
Attractions here include the National Theatre, an Oriental abode for musicals, plays, dances etc., the National Museum which boasts of a huge collection of traditional art, The Centre for National Culture which exhibits and sells crafts, kente and other traditional cloths. The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, on the High Street, is a fitting tribute to the first President of Ghana. Finally the Makola Market on Kojo Thompson Road is the outlet for the wares of the neighbouring villagers who display them in the large and busy open-air market.
Aburi situated in the Akwapim Hills is located 38km (24 miles) to the north of Accra. The Botanical Gardens, planted by British during their colonial rule is a nature lover’s delight with its admirable collection of subtropical plant life. One gets a whiff of the refreshing climate from The Sanatorium (now a rest house), built there in the 19th century.
ADA
A water lover’s paradise, this popular resort is located at the mouth of the Volta. The zone is safe for swimming and a delight for those who love fishing for they are sure to catch some barracuda and Nile perch. Tourists can avail of the facilities in a luxury hotel built there. For the bridwatchers, the salt marshes of the Songow Lagoon have great scope. Shai Hills Game Reserve
You can tour this small reserve some 50km (30 miles) by road from Accra, on horseback.
CENTRAL & WESTERN REGION
The castles and forts that dot the central area of Ghana which flanks the Gulf of Guinea is reminiscent of the slave trade that flourished in the region.
Cape Coast Castle, built in the 16th-century and later reconstructed and enlarged, was the seat of British administration in the then Gold Coast until 1877 when administration moved to Christiansborg Castle in Accra. Yet another castle is the Castle of Elmina translated ‘the mine’, in the Western side. The first Portuguese settlement in Ghana was Elmina. This huge that largely remains intact, is the location. of one of the first Catholic churches in sub-Sahara Africa is located in this massive 15th-century fort, that remains mostly unspoilt.
Fort St Jago was a vital defence landmark atop a hill its vantage point offering great views of both Elmina and the Atlantic Ocean. Cultural shows are often performed at the castles and guided tours are available. UNESCO has declared Fort St Jago and Cape Coast Castle as World Heritage Monuments.
KAKUM NATIONAL PARK
One of the government ventures to promote eco-tourism, the park located 20 km from Cape Coast, is a protected conservation area. The 333 metre tree-top walkway provide visitors with a view of wildlife from tree canopy level.
It has species such as elephants, bongo antelopes, monkeys, more than 800 species of rare birds, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles.
WEST COAST
The western coast is a favourite beach destination. Busua is a tropical beach with palms and fantastic Atlantic breakers. At Dixcove there is a fish market and a 17th-century British fort. The zone is however not a safe swimming zone for the danger of the undertow of waves. Swimming is safe in the tiny rocky inlets found in the region.
VOLTA & ASHANTI REGION
The region is named after the largest man-made lake on earth, the Volta, which is the main geographical feature of the area, which occupies nearly two thirds of the country. One can opt for the one-day car ferry trip to Kete-Krachi or the three-day trip to the northern capital of New Tamale at the head of the lake. The points around the lake are linked by ferry services. Other activities at the lake include sailing, water-skiing and other watersports. In this connection, it would be ideal to mention the Akosombo, centre to the important Akosombo irrigation dam, which is developing into a holiday resort and watersport activity zone.
KUMASI
The place is of historical significance not only as the capital of the Ashanti civilisation but also as the place where ruins of the Manhyia Palace and the Royal Mausoleum, were burnt down by Lord Baden-Powell. The Cultural Centre is a complex that houses a museum, library and outdoor auditorium reminiscent of the Ashanti culture. In addition is a ‘Living Museum’, a farm and village, where potters, goldsmiths, sculptors and other artisans work using traditional methods. The weaving of the multi-coloured ‘kente’ or traditional ceremonial cloth is a lovely sight.
OWABI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
It is located in the West in the vicinity of Kumasi. To the south is the pleasant gold-mining city of Obuasi. The spectacular Banfabiri Falls are located further to the northeast in the Boufom Wildlife Sanctuary.
NORTHERN REGION
High plains and a plateau in the heart, which rises from150-300 metres is the terrain of the northern region. The Mole National Park, one of the best-equipped nature reserves in Ghana is located West of the region’s main town, Tamale. Visitors can tour the park on foot or a four-wheel vehicle but it is wise to be accompanied by a guide. They also have the option of camping in the park in a spot of their choice. The facilities include a motel with restaurant at the entrace of the park. You will come across species like monkeys, buffalo, antelope, warthog and the majestic additions of the park, lions and elephants.
The mosque Larabanga, believed to be ‘God-built’ by the locals is situated five miles north of Mole National Park. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Western Sudanese Empires and it houses a holy Koran. |
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