Ghana Tour Guide Accra Located on the southern coast of Ghana, Accra is the nation’s capital and largest city with a population of 2 million. Born of multiple villages controlled by a single chief, today Accra it is a sprawling city, extending eastwards almost to the neighboring city of Tema, located 25 kilometers away. Accra is a friendly city that welcomes visitors and is a good introduction to the rest of the country for someone who has just arrived. Some interesting things to see in Accra are the National Museum, the intense and colorful Makola Market, the Independence Square, and the Centre for National Culture. There are also some beautiful sandy beaches around Accra, e.g. La Pleasure Beach (admission fee) east of the city, and Coco Beach (free access) further east. The Coast Along Ghana’s coast there is a chain of forts and castles, an extraordinary historical monument of Ghana’s slave trade history, unique in West Africa. The recommended ones to visit are Cape Coast Castle and its museum, and St. Georges’s Castle at Elmina. Both are Unesco World Heritage Sites. Cape Coast is also the starting point for trips to the Kakum National Park. Located 33 kilometers north of the city, it is one of Ghana’s major attractions. The park protects a mixture of true rainforest and semi-deciduous forest and is an important refuge for several endangered species, including forest elephants. The highlight of the park is the 350 meter rope and cable canopy walkway. It consists of several viewing platforms linked by narrow suspension bridges 30 meters above the forest floor, giving a bird’s-eye view of the forest. The Domama Rock Shrine is a natural rock formation near the village of Domama, northwest of the Kakum National Park. Its visit is usually combined with a canoe trip on the Pra River. The twin cities of Sekondi-Takoradi do not have much in the way of tourist sights, but Takoradi is a major transport hub. Most travelers spend at least one night here. The long, sandy beach of Busua, about 30 kilometers west of Takoradi, is one of the finest in Ghana. The sea is very shallow, making it especially attractive. Near the border with Cote d’Ivoire lies the Ankasa Nature Reserve. This reserve consists of a wet rainforest, offers wildlife viewing, and is particularly rich in birdlife. Eastern Region Akosombo, 104 kilometers northeast of Accra, is the town at Akosombo Dam, which holds back Lake Volta. Lake Volta is the largest artificial lake in the world, created in 1966 with the completion of the Dam. [email protected] • www.villagevolunteers.org Page 1 of 3 Situated 12 kilometers south of Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, Mount Adaklu offers spectacular views from its top. At Tafi-Atome, about 25 kilometers north of Ho, the villagers have created a sanctuary around the village to protect the sacred Mona monkeys, living in the surrounding forest. On the eastern border to Togo lies Mount Afadjato, Ghana’s highest mountain (885 meters). After a challenging two-hour climb to the summit, one can have a great view of Lake Volta and the countryside below. Central Region Kumasi, with a population of 1 million, was once the capital of the rich and powerful Ashanti Kingdom. It is still a major cultural and economic center, and includes the largest market in Ghana (and possibly in West Africa). The Kejetia Market offers a huge variety of items. The Manhyia Palace in Kumasi was built by the British in 1925 and represents the life and times of a modern Ashanti ruler. It was used by the Ashanti kings until 1974. The Okomfo Anokye Sword can be seen in a small museum at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. It represents the unity and strength of the Ashanti people and has been in the ground for three centuries. According to legend, it marks the spot where the Golden Stool descended from the sky to indicate where the Ashanti people should settle. It is believed that if anyone ever pulls it out, the kingdom will collapse. The Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, 16 kilometers northwest of Kumasi, is a designated Ramsar site. It protects an area of forest around the Owabi reservoir and is an important refuge for birds and mammals. Lake Bosumtwi is a tranquil spot 38 kilometers southeast of Kumasi. It is a popular weekend destination for Kumasi residents, who like to swim, fish, and take boat trips. The Bobiri Forest Reserve protects an area of unlogged forest about 35 kilometers east of Kumasi. Visitors are fascinated by the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, home to more than 300 species of butterflies as well as an arboretum. Northern Region Tamale is the capital of the Northern Region. It is a hot, busy, and incredibly dusty place. It is a major transport hub and a good place to see the Dagomba Fire Festival. Larabanga is known for its picturesque whitewashed mud-and-pole mosque, the oldest of its kind in Ghana. It is said to have been founded in the 15th century. This town is also the starting point to see the Mole National Park. It is Ghana’s largest national park and the best for seeing wildlife. It consists mostly of flat savanna, with gallery forests along the rivers and streams. The Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary is situated southwest of Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region. It is part of an ecotourism project and protects a riverine habitat along the Black Volta River, which is home to a population of hippos as well as many species of birds. [email protected] • www.villagevolunteers.org Page 2 of 3 Bolgatanga is the fast-growing capital of the Upper East Region and the major town between Tamale and the border with Burkina Faso. Its fascinating market is known in Ghana as a centre for crafts, including textiles, leatherwork, and baskets. A worthwhile trip from Bolgatanga is to the Tongo Hills, southeast of the city. They are known for their balancing rock formations, panoramic views, and the whistling sounds the rocks make during the harmattan season, from December to March. The Red Volta River Valley between Bolgatanga and Bakwu is a fascinating area to explore. Activities include hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and it is full of opportunities for learning about the distinctive local culture and architecture. Paga is the town on the border to Burkina Faso. It is known for its crocodile ponds, which are part of an ecotourism project. [email protected] • www.villagevolunteers.org Page 3 of 3 .