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HOW TO GET TO GHANA
Several international airlines, including Ghana International Airline, operate regular scheduled flights from Ghana to major cities in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
PASSPORT
Required by all.
VISAS
Visas are required by most non-residents except ECOWAS nationals. Ghana Missions and Embassies abroad will assist in issuing individual as well as group visas.
AIRLINE
Kotoko International Airport (KIA) situated in Accra, Ghana on the West Coast of Africa is the main entry point to the country. Its strategic location on the globe (on the Greenwich Meridian and close to the Equator) makes it accessible from any part of the world. Currently it is served by 25 airlines offering over 170 weekly passenger aircraft movements to more than 36 international destinations worldwide.
Duty Free Shops and other shops are located on the ground and first floors at the Departure Lounge, and is available to passengers departing on international flights and transit passengers. Duty-free shops operated by Weitnaeur/GTDC offer a wide variety of both local and foreign quality goods at competitive prices. Shops are open from first flight until last, seven days a week. Foreign exchange, credit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard), and travellers cheques are accepted.
Safety and Security: The safety and security of passengers has the highest priority. Please follow these guidelines: Passengers should adequately secure their baggage. Never leave baggage on trolleys unattended. Don’t look after or check-in baggage for someone else. Don’t carry anything onto an aircraft for someone else. Don’t gift-wrap presents as they may need to be unwrapped by Security or Customs. Please keep electronic goods to a minimum. In the interest of safety and security, hand baggage may be x-rayed or hand-searched. Passengers should not carry any liquid item in their hand baggage.
Departing Ghana: After check-in, passengers pass through Security (and passport control for all international destinations). In line with government regulations, airport security personnel carry out random searches of both passengers and their baggage. All hand baggage will be x-rayed. These x-ray machines are safe for all normal photographic and video film and computer disks. As a precaution, passengers should carry photographic film in their luggage and not in hold baggage. Special arrangements can be made for photographers to carry professional film (ISO800 & above) by prior arrangement with the airline or airport. A hand search for professional film will be accommodated. The archway metal detector, which all passengers pass through, is safe for pregnant women and passengers with pacemakers. Passengers whose checked baggage is short-landed should report to the Lost & Found desk.
Ghana Currency
Money: The official currency is the cedi (GHC), which is divided into 100 pesewas. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any forex bureaux as well as at some commercial banks; banks and foreign exchange facilities are available at the airport and in all major towns. It is advisable to keep an currency exchange receipts in order to be able to re-exchange when departing. Banking hours are usually from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and most large commercial banks have ATMs located outside, although only limited amounts of cedis can be drawn at a time. Travellers cheques are accepted at banks and forex bureaux in the capital Accra, but the rate of exchange may be lower than for cash transactions. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners and Visa, and cards can be used for payment at major hotels and shops, although this can be risky as credit card fraud is very common. The best currencies to bring are US dollars, British pounds or Euros as other currencies exchange at poor rates.
Currency
Cedi Notes are in denominations of GHC 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1
Coins are in denominations of 1 GHC and also 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p & 1 pesewas .
Currency exchange
The exchange rate system has been liberalised and foreign currency is freely available through authorised dealers including banks and Forex Bureaux. Cash is exchanged at a more preferential rate than travellers cheques.
Credit debit cards
Credit cards are accepted by major hotels, restaurants, banks and businesses. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Some banks may give cash advances against leading cards.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is limited to amounts which have previously been permitted to be taken out of the country and this must be noted in the passport/travel documents; it must also be declared. Unused local currency can be re-exchanged on proof of authorised exchange, and visitors are advised to retain all currency exchange receipts. The export of local currency is limited to $10,000. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration (on exchange control form T5 which must be retained to record transactions).
Note: The Cedi is pegged to the US Dollar at an adjustable rate.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri - 08:30-16:00 GMT
Sat - 09:00 - 14:00 GMT (Not all banks operate on Saturdays)
BUSINESS HOURS
8.00 - 12.00 noon
13.00 - 17.00 hours
Banks - 8.00a.m - 2.00 p.m
8.00 - 3.00 p.m. Fridays
Climate
Bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean and on the West by La Cote d"ivoire, the East by Togo and the North by Burkina Faso. Ghana is a tropical country. The South Western part is located within the warm wet forest zone similar to the Amazon. Accra, the capital, is located in the dry equatorial cones. Kumasi is in the wet savanna. It lies between 4° and 11 ° North at the equator and has a coastline of 540 km.
Northern Ghana has a range season from about April to October. The rest,
of the year is hot and dry, with temperatures up to about 38°C. In Southern Ghana the rains last from April to June and again from September to October. Generally temperatures are between 21 - 31°C. The rains are usually restricted to specific times each day during the rainy season; they are not continuous throughout the day.
Packing the Right Clothing
Since the climate is warm and tropical all year round be sure to pack light washable cotton clothing and casual wear. Do not forget your sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. There are no restrictions on what men and women may wear. Slacks and shorts for both sexes are permissible.
Electricity
If you are bringing along any electrical appliances, they should operate on or be adaptable to 220 / 240 volts. Electric outlets in Ghana accept either 3pronged, or sometimes 2-pronged. British or Continental European type plus or converters.
Traveller"s Cheques
All banks and Forex Bureaux accept Traveller"s Cheques although the rate of exchange may be slightly lower than for cash transaction.
Entertainment
Most cities and towns have facilities for night life such as cultural centres to theatres, cinema houses, discotheques, pubs, street cafes and casinos.
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EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Emergency (general) - 999
Fire - 192
Ambulance - 193
Hospital - Korle Bu - 021-665401, 021-673033-34
-Ridge - 021-228382
-37 Military hospital - 021-776111-5l
-SSNIT Hospital - 021-776787
-Tema General Hospital - 022-302094, 022-302695
-Accra Psychiatric Hospital - 021-228688
-Nyaho Clinic - 027775341
- Lister Hospital - +233 21 812 325, +233 21 812 326, +233 244 313 883
- Omni Health Services.
Greetings
Greeting is an important social function that marks an open heart and mind. It also expresses one's concern for the other. Refusing or failing to greet another person may indicate that you do not care for the other's welfare.
Do not forget that the smile is also a form of greeting. Please make an effort to pick up some of our simple vernacular greeting forms and win our hearts over.
Handshake
A handshake is a popular way of greeting in Ghana, especially among males. When you shake hands, please apply the same hand pressure as is offered.
When you are shaking hands with a number of people, start from the extreme right and proceed towards the left.
Use of the Left Hand
The left hand has limited functions in Ghana. In fact the use of the left hand for certain activities is considered an anathema. That is one reason why, when our men wear traditional cloth, we throw the fabric over the left hand. In particular avoid receiving or giving, gesticulating in speech, waving at a person or If you are naturally left handed, it is not your fault, and it is no offence. But you can avoid public embarrassment of complications by giving something (e.g. your guide book, camera, souvenir etc.) with the left hand.
Palace Etiquette
Our chiefs enjoy receiving foreigners and interacting with them. There are etiquettes that you need to observe. When you are invited to greet a chief or the king, for example, move up towards him and stop short a point from where he is seated, stop and bow. He may graciously invite you to come for a handshake.
On formal occasions, we do not speak directly to the king, or chief, for that matter communication at the royal court is a three-way affair through a spokesman (linguist) called "Okyeame" who replicates the conversation. The visitor faces the Okyeame and delivers his message to the chief. The chief gives his reply or response to the Okyeame who renders it to the visitor. It is that simple and interesting. This has been our practice from time immemorial.
N.B. Normally, visitors to our palaces have to make customary offerings of friendship to their royal hosts. This consists entirely of drinks: Aromatic Schnapps, Gin and or money, the amount and quantities depending on the size or enthusiasm of the group.
Hospitals
Modern private and public hospitals and clinics are available in all cities and big towns. Volunteers should contact travelers' medical insurance companies to cover any medical contingencies while away from their home countries.
Ghana Health Overview
Ghana has a reasonably good health service. All regional capitals and most districts have hospitals, polyclinics and clinics. Two (2) teaching hospitals in Accra and Kumasi have facilities for treating special cases. Additionally, a number of religious organizations and private medical practitioners operate hospitals and clinics all over the country. Herbal medicine and psychic healing are also generally practised, and there is a special government Herbal Medicine Hospital and Research Centre at Akwapim-Mampong.
VOLUNTEER IN GHANA WITH AFRICAN CALABASH VOLUNTEER WHILE YOU TAKE PART IN OUR TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS.
January
Bugum Festival
Although the Bugum Festival was also linked with Islam, it has become a major event on the traditional calendar too. It commemorates the flight of Naiyul-Lah Mohammed from Mecca into exile in Medina in AD658. The festival is celebrated in Dagbon, Gonja, Mamprusi and Nanumba. The events begin withprocessions from neighbouring villages. By nightfall, all the villagers converge at the Chief's palace withlighted torches. Following special invocations by the Chief, the ceremony illuminate the streets. Festive drumming and dancing continue until the early hours of the morning.
Edina Buronya Festival
This is the native version of Christmas which is exclusively celebrated by the people of Elmina (Edina) on the first Thursday of the New Year. The festival was influenced by the Portuguese settlers who celebrated a similar event every January. For the people of Edina, it is a period of purification, sacrifices to the gods, remembrance of the dead, and the welcoming of a new year. Families pour libations and invite friends to participate in dining, and merry-making, throughout the town
Rice Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akpafu, in the Volta Region.
Kpini-Kyiu & Tenghana Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Wa & Tongu, in the Upper East Region.
Danso Abaim & Ntoa Fukokuese Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Techimentia & Nkoranza, in the Brong Ahafo Region.
Apafram Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akwamu, in the Eastern Region
February
Papa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kumawu, in the Ashanti Region
Dzawuwu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dabala, in the Volta Region. It is an Annual traditional and thanksgiving festival of the Agave people.
March
Damba Festival
Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed, the festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than Islamic tone. The two-day festival is full of pageantry and showmanship and is celebrated in the towns of Dagbon, Gonjaland, Mamprusiland and Nanumbaland.
Ngmayem Festival
This is the annual traditional harvest and thanksgiving festival of the Krobo people. It is celebrated in March-April by the people of Manya and Yilo Krobo in the towns of Krobo Odumase and Somanya, in the Eastern Region.
Asikloe Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Anfoega, in the Volta Region.
Volo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akuse, In the Volta Region to commemorate the end of the exodus of the Volo people from Togo, forced to flee the tyranny of an impious ruler.
Lekoyi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Likpe, in the Volta Region.
Kotokyikyi & Ogyapa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.
Kurubie Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.
Lalue Kpledo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region.
Gologo Festival
This festival is celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong-Zug just before the planting of grain. During the three-day festival, sacrifices are offered to the gods for plentiful rain and good harvest.
April
Bugum, Serpeemi & Wodomi Festivals
Occasions for the people of Krobo, in the Eastern Region to assemble.
Dipo
A puberty festival by the people of Krobo (Somanya & Odumase), in the Eastern Region when girls at adolescent age are initiated into womanhood with a parade. The attire of the girls is close to nudity.
May
Aboakyir (Deer Hunt) Festival
"Aboakyir" literally, means "game hunting". This popular festival is celebrated on the first Saturday of May by the chiefs and people of Winneba. The festival begins with a competitive hunt between 2 traditional warrior groups in a nearby game reserve, where each tries to catch an antelope live. It is an adventurous event to test the strength, bravery, determination and intuition of the 2 rival groups. The winner presents the catch to the Paramount Chief who sits in state with the sub-chiefs and subjects. The antelope is sacrificed as an invocation for good harvest and a bountiful fishing season. A durbar and procession of the chiefs and warrior groups in their colouful regalia is the highlight of the celebrations. Brass bands, dancing, performances of folklore and parties make this an unforgettable event.
Formerly involved capturing a leopard barehanded, the toll on human life eventually became so prohibitive that the divinity to whom the leopard was sacrificed was beseeched to accept a less dangerous substitute, and the leopard was replaced by an antelope.
Beng Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sonyo Kipo, in the Northern Region to honour the great fetish of the Gonja people.
Osudoku Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Asutsuare, in the Eastern Region to mark the beginning of the year.
Donkyi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.
Don Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region.
June
Asafua Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in purification of the divinity of Asafua.
Ahumkan Festival
A celebration in which the local population of Akim-Kibi, in the Eastern Region to reaffirm their loyalty to their chieftains.
Gyenprem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Fafo, in the Volta Region and marked by a durbar of thanksgiving for an abundant harvest and a year of peace.
Ahobaa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyan-Kakraba-Saltpond, in the Central Region for obtaining the benediction of the ancestors.
Kete Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in honour of the Kete-Kyen fetish.
Ebisa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in honour of the fetish of the same name.
Kli-Adzim Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region in honour of the local divinity.
Ahoba Kuma Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.
Apiba Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.
Nkyidwo (Monday Night)
A very important festival celebrated annually by the people of Essumeja, in the Ashanti Region to commemorate their birth or how their ancestors emerged one Monday night from a hole in the ground followed by a dog and lion amid drumming, dancing and other activities. The gods are invoked for blessing, protection and prosperity of the people.
July
Bakatue Festival
Literally translated to mean "opening up of the Benya Lagoon into the sea", Bakatue symbolizes the
beginning of a fishing season, which is the main livelihood of the people of Elmina. It is celebrated annually in Elmina on the first Tuesday in July and originated centuries ago, long before the arrival of the Europeans. The splendid ceremonies include a durbar of chiefs, a colouful regatta of canoes on the Benya Lagoon and processions. A solemn "net casting" ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new fishing season, and the catch is offered to the deities of the traditional area. You are invited to take part in the regatta and merry-making.
Bombei Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.
Ekyen Kofie Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.
Kuntum Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim, in the Central Region.
Wodomi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Manya Krobo, in the Eastern Region.
August
Asafotu-Fiam Festival
"Asafotufiam" is an annual warrior's festival celebrated by the people of Ada, in the Greater Accra Region from the last Thursday of July to the first weekend of August. It commemorates the victories of the warriors in battle and those who fell on the battlefield. To re-enact these historic events, the "warrior" dresses in traditional battle dress and stage a mock battle. This is also a time when the young men are introduced to warfare. The festival also ushers in the harvest cycle, for this special customs and ceremonies are performed. These include purification ceremonies. The celebration reaches its climax in a durbar of chiefs, a colouful procession of the Chiefs in palanquins with their retinue. They are accompanied by traditional military groups called "Asafo Companies" amidst drumming, singing and dancing through the streets and on to the durbar grounds. At the durbar, greetings are exchanged between the chiefs, libations are poured and declarations of allegiance made.
Odambea Festival
"Odambea" is celebrated on the last Saturday of August by the "Nkusukum" chiefs and people of the Saltpond Traditional Area. This event commemorates the migration of the "Nkusukum" people centuries ago from Techiman (500km away) to their present settlement. "Odambea" means "fortified link", a name resulting from the role played by the "Nkusukum" people in keeping the migrant groups in touch with each other following their exodus from Techiman. A special feature of the festival is the re-enactment of the ancient life styles of the people, which will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn more about how they migrated.
Ahoba Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.
Edim Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.
Equadoto Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Ayeldu-Cape-Coast, in the Central Region in honour of their ancestors.
Homowo Festival
This is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of the Ga Traditional Area, in the Greater Accra Region. It originated from a period of great famine which was eventually followed by a bumper harvest in grain and fish. Thus, the word "Homowo", literally means "hooting at hunger". The main highlight of this month-long festival is the special dish prepared from ground corn, steamed and mixed with palm oil and eaten with palmnut soup. Prayers for a peaceful and prosperous year are offered. Each Ga chief is followed by a retinue with drumming, dancing and singing through his area where he sprinkles some of the special dish called "kpokpoi" and pours libation. It is merry-making for Gas, and visitors in particular are invited home to join in the feasting.
Apatwa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dixcove, in the Western Region (Lasts almost a month).
Awubia Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Awutu, in the Central Region in memory of their dead.
Kundum Festival
Kundum is celebrated from August to November by the Western Region's coastal tribes, the Ahantas and Nzemas. Beginning in August, the festival moves west from Takoradi to town after town at weekly intervals. Rituals include purification of the stools and prayers to the ancestors for a good harvest. Traditional drumming and dancing feature prominently.
Afenorto (Staying At Home)
This festival is celebrated annually by the people of Mepe, in the Volta Region to take stock of their lives, strengthen family and friendship bonds and pay homage to their ancestors through pouring of libation and funeral obsequies. It is also the period during which the people take stock of their lives and plan for the future; when young men meet their future spouses and pay homage to their ancestors through libations and undertake development projects.
September
Fetu Afahye Festival
It is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of September by communities in the Cape Coast Traditional Area (Fetu). It is characterized by a durbar of chiefs and processions of "Asafo Companies" (traditional warrior groups) and numerous social organisations. Every member of the group is adorned in rich and colourful clothes, thus creating the grandeur of this festival which literally means "adorning of new clothes". A procession of the "7 Asafo Companies" in their unique costumes depicts a fusion of the "Fante" and European cultures, (typically, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish and British), which have been sustained over many centuries. Customary rites include the slaughter of a cow to the 77 Deities in the area to obtain their blessings.
Nkronu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Shama/Beposo, in the Western Region. A very colourful festival and it involves purification of stools, prayer to ancestors for good harvest and long life.
Sometutuza Festival
Annual colourful festival of the "SOME" people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region to commemorate the exodus from their original Home (Keta) and subsequent settlement at Agbozume. Activities of the festival include a display (exhibition) of different types of "Ewe Kente" cloth, traditional and woven textile.
Akwambo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the Central Region.
Ayerye Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the Central Region.
Akyempem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agona, in the Ashanti Region.
Odwira Festival This festival is celebrated in most Akwapim towns during the months of September and October, with the most colourful festivities taking place at Akropong, Amanokrom and Aburi, in the Eastern Region. During "Odwira", the Chiefs sit in state and receive homage from the people.
The ceremonies include purification of the stools and performance of traditional rites. Libations are poured to the gods for prosperity and the general well-being of the people during the ensuing year. Drumming and dancing accompany the celebration.
Kobine Festival
This post-harvest festival gives thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is normally celebrated in the month of September by the Dagaaba people in the Upper West Region. The 3-day festival culminates in feasting and dancing.
October
Ohumkyire Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kibi, in the Eastern Region
November
Fao Festival
a harvest festival by the inhabitants in honour of their gods ? Paga, Upper East Region
Agumatsa Waterfalls Festival
This festival is celebrated in November by the people of the Wli Traditional Area, in the Volta Region. They give thanks to God for giving them the Wli Waterfalls, since its waters are used for practically all domestic purposes. There is dancing during the durbar, which usually starts at mid-day and officially ends around 5:00pm.
Hogbetsotso Festival
The "Anlo Ewes", an ethnic group on the eastern cost (Volta Region) of Ghana, are believed to have settled in Notsie in Togo when they first migrated from Southern Sudan. Legend has it that they escaped from the tyrannical ruler of Notsie, Ago-Koli, by walking backwards. In order to commemorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created this annual "Festival of the Exodus". There are many ceremonies associated with the festival, including a peace-making period where all outstanding problems are supposed to be resolved. This is a purification ceremony of the traditional stool and a period of general cleaning when the villages are swept and rubbish burnt. This cleaning ceremony begins at the Volta Estuary and goes on for days until it finally reaches the Mono River in the Republic of Benin. An essential aspect of the festival is a durbar of chiefs and the people. Chiefs dress in very colouful regalia and sit in state to receive homage from their subjects. Dancing, singing and general merry-making go on throughout the festival. The main durbar always take place on the first Saturday of November in Anloga, in the Volta Region.
Kwafie Festival
The people of Dormaa Ahenkro, Berekum and Nsuatre, in the Brong Ahafo Region celebrate the "Kwafie Festival" between November and December. This events is celebrated in remembrance of the ancestors and it is also meant as purification. Among the many activities, the most interesting is the burning of a large bonfire in the courtyard. The Dormaas are reputed to have brought fire to Ghana and this legend is symbolically remembered through this bonfire. A durbar is also held during which homage is paid to the Paramount Chief by his sub-chiefs and subjects. It is a period when all descendants of the original Dormaas (who broke away from the Akwamus and migrated here) come home to a grand reunion. Like Apoo, this festival fosters a spirit of unity among the people. Highlights of the activities include a pageant of the royal courts with drumming, dancing and a display of the paraphernalia of the Chiefs.
Apoo Festival
"Apoo" is celebrated in Techiman and Wenchi, in the Brong Ahafo Region in November. It is a festival for the purification of the people to rid them of social evil. The festival lasts one week and includes a variety of recreational cultural activity. It ends on the sixth day with the "Apoo" procession, when insinuations are cast about the evil doings of some of the citizens. Even the Chief is not spared. This period is a time for family reunions and unity among the people. You are welcome to join the festivities.
Sasabobirim Festival
A week long annual festival of the people of Awuah Domase, in the Brong Ahafo Region. It is celebrated in remembrance of their brave chief who joined Yaa Asantewaa to fight the Europeans in the early part of the 20th century.
Ohumkyire Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kibi, in the Eastern Region
December
Fiok Festival
The annual "Fiok Festival" is celebrated by the Builsas of Sandema in December. This is a war festival which re-enacts the ancient heroic exploits of the Builsas. Amid drumming and dancing, the gods are invoked for protection and for a bountiful harvest.
*Most villages and towns in the Volta and Eastern Regions use Easter to celebrate festivals.
*Adae and Akwasidae Festivals
The pomp and pageantry of the Ashanti kingdom is most vividly brought to life during beautiful Adae festivals which are held at the palace once every 6 weeks. These are occasions when the King, riding in a palanquin and adorned with all his gold ornaments, comes out to receive the homage of his sub-chiefs and people. It is a spectacular sight to watch the colouful canopies and umbrellas, the skillful drummers, dancers, horn-blowers and praise-singers at these regular festivals, held in honour of their ancestral spirits. Time your visit to coincide with an Akwasidae festival, (Sunday Adae). You can determine the Akwasidae date by counting 6 weeks down the calendar from one Adae. For example, in 1991 the dates are January 6, February 17, March 31, May 12, June 23, August 4, September 15 October 27, December 8.
Volunteer Vacation in Ghana-tourism
Tourist sites abound in Ghana.African Calabash Volunteer Organizes trips for students and volunteers to these tourist attraction sites periodically. Ghana is an ideal country for volunteers who want to have an awesome volunteer vacation experience.
Tafi Monkey Sanctuary (a sacred grove) is a traditional conservation area backed by statutory enforcement in co-operation with local communities. It is located in the Volta Region of Ghana. Tafi Atome is the home of Mona and Patas monkeys. These monkeys are found in a remnant patch of forests, which has survived fire and human disturbance around the village. These monkeys are regarded as gods and as such the natives do not kill them. They are protected by tradition.
Similar sacred groves and burial grounds protected by local people are widespread in the region. These can further be developed for small-scale tourism in the local communities to enhance rural development.
The Digya National Park was gazatted in 1971 and covers an area of 3,478 km2 of undulating terrain with sandstone inselbergs. It is situated on the western shores of the Volta Lake. Guinea savanna woodland predominates with gallery forest along the major lines. The Park supports at least six primate species including black and white colobus, elephants and a variety of antelope
The Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve constitute a twin conservation area. It is found in the transitional zone between moist-evergreen and moist semi-deciduous forest types. It covers a total area of 305.62km² of the original National Park, which was later divided into. 277.92km² Bia Resource Reserve and the other 77.7km² represent the National Park.. It is the only the Biosphere Reserve in the country.
Sixty-two species of mammals have been recorded. These include 10 primates amongst which are the Black and White Colobus, the Oilve Colobus, Red Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. The forest elephant and the highly threatened bongo are present. Over 160 species of birds have been recorded; they include the internationally endangered white-breasted guinea fowl
Not least among Ghana’s Natural attractions are the suberb palm-lined beaches that line its 500km Atlantic Coastline. One of the most beautiful is Ada Foah, on the Volta Estuary, an important nesting site for endangered marine turtles. The beaches flanking Elmina and Cape Coast are ideal for those who wish to combine their sunbathing with some historical sightseeing, while their less developed counterparts further west around Busua, Axim and Beyin offe the opportunity to truly get away from it all in idyllic surrounds. And for those with limited time, there is always La or Coco Beach, lively sun-drenched expanses of white sand situated on the outskirts of the city of Accra.
The historic towns in the Central region that deserve a visit include Winneba, traditionally known as 'Simpa' Winneba; Kromantsej Abanze, the site of Fort Amsterdam; the Cape Coast Castle,which was visited by the First family of the United states during their first visit to Ghana.Duakwa and Mensa Krom, home of some of the Region's best woodcarvers; Ajumako where the carvers specialise in royal regalia, stools, linguistic staffs and clan totems.
Kakum and the Assin Attandanso reserves constitute a twin National Park and Resource Reserve. It was gazetted in 1991 and covers an area of about 350 km2 of the moist evergreen forest zone. The emergent trees are exceptionally high with some reaching 65 meters. The reserve has a varied wildlife with some 40 species of larger mammals, including elerpahnats, bongo, red riverhog, seven primates and four squirrels. Bird life is also varied. About 200 species are known to occur in the reserve and include 5 hornbil species, frazer-eagle owl, African grey and Senegal parrots. To date, over 400 species butterflies have been recorded. The Kakum National Park is about the most developed and subscribed eco-tourism site among the wildlife conservation areas.
Nini Suhien National Park and Ankasa Resources Reserve are twin Wildlife Protected Areas that are located in the wet evergreen forest area of the Western Region of Ghana. These areas are so rich in biodiversity that about 300 species of plants have been recorded in a single hectare. The areas are largely unexplored but 43 mammal species including the bongo, forest elephant, 10 primate species including the endangered Dina monkey and the West African chimpanzee have been recorded. Bird fauna is also rich. The reserves offer very good example of the west evergreen forest to the prospective tourist
The Mole National Park was established in 1958 and re-designated a National Park in 1971. It covers an area of 4,840 km2of undulating terrain with steep scarps. The vegetation is pristine Guinea savanna with gallery forests along the rivers and streams. The Park has over 90 mammal species notably elephants, buffalo, roan, kob, hartebeest, waterbuck and 4 primate species. Lion, leopard and hyena also occur and over 300 bird species have been recorded.
Boaben-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is a community based Sanctuary located at Boaben and Fiema a twin community in the Nkoranza district of Brong Ahafo Region. The sanctuary protects the headwaters of the streams that are consumed in the locality. it has a good number of the Black and White Colobus, Mona, spot nosed monkeys and a variety of birds. The monkeys in the reserve are regarded as the children of the gods of the community; therefore they are neither hunted nor killed. A system of traditional taboos and their community enforcement protected the monkeys for generations.
Recent affluence and behalf patterns, coupled with weakening of traditional enforcement of the sanctions associated with the taboo systems however threatened the continued survival of the monkeys. The situation created the need to offer statutory legal instruments to strengthen the traditional protection of the animals. Consequently, the local people were assisted to constitute the reserve under district Assembly byelaws which they are being assisted by the Wildlife Department to enforce. It is the first protected area where local indigenous protection system has been given statutory back-up enforcement of traditional/indigenous protection of wildlife in the country. The reserve is quite accessible by road and has a modest resthouse facility.
Wli Natural Reserve is 20km from Hohoe . This waterfall is becoming very popular in the West African sub-region. It is perennial as water cascades throughout the year. It is located at the edge of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, which has hundreds of fruit bats and a few monkeys and antelopes. The water falls from a height of about 1,600 feet
The Aburi Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and fascinating places in Ghana. Opened in March, 1890. Many visitor’s introduction to the Eastern region is the botanical gardens. The site have always been a favourite excursion from Accra. Also worth a visit is the forest of Atewa-Atwirebu, hundreds of birds and butterflies
Aburi Botanic Garden is a must experience for every Ghanaian as well as visitors to Ghana.
The Lotor river at Xavi is nestled by coastla savannah fringing the wetlands of the Avu Lagoon. here, a great diversity of birds can be viewed whilst padding a canoe across the river.
Discover the beauty of Bunso Arboretum. This is a 6.5 hectare protected forest reserve, which is home to over 110 species of birds, butterflies, different kinds or herbs and indigenous trees.
Liate Wote, home of the serene Tagbo Falls and Mt Afadjato, the highest mountain in Ghana (2950 ft above sea level) is a peaceful village nestled at the foot fo the range of mountains that make up the Ghana-Togo border
Bui National Park is the third largest Wildlife Protected Area in the country. It covers 1,821km² and is bisected by the Black Volta. It is located in a typical woodland savanna zone in the Brong Ahafo and Northern Region of Ghana. It has spectacular gallery forests along rivers courses. The reserve is particularly notable for its resident Hippo population in the Black Volta. Primates like the endangered black and white colobus monkey and a variety of antelopes and birds are also present.
Owabi can best be described as a secondary forest surrounding a large water reservoir. It is a tranquil site with a great variety of birdlife and fascinating forest walks. It an ideal place for winter migratory birds and hundreds of Mona Monkeys.
The Keta Lagoon Complex, which has management area of 1200km² and lagoon area of 300km², has been established as a wetland protected area (Ramsar site) with multiple-use management and significant local participation. Apart from the conservation objective of protecting thousand of migratory birds, the mangrove forest and breeding grounds of sea turtle, it has tourism potential.
The Keta Lagoon with its brackish waters is the largest lagoon in Ghana. Its tiny islands provide sites of special attraction for Ornithologists, bird watchers and tourists in general. The site is however yet to be developed to receive tourists. It is our hope that the information that we have provided above gives enough insight into the Ghanaian wildlife resources.
Kyabobo National Park, a newly created Park in the Atwode traditional area, is located in the Nkwanta district of the Northern Volta Region. This park which covers an area of 359.8 km² is found in the Dry semi-deciduous forest zone and has both forest and savanna species of plants and animals. Its forests contain the nationally endangered endemic tree Talbotiella gendtii.
Animals common to the Park include, Buffalo, Kob, Warthog, Aardvark and Baboon. Threatened species of animals, which with adequate protection may recover, include Lion, Elephant, Bongo, Reedbuck and Hartebeest, which may recolonise the Park from the adjacent Fazao National Park in Togo. Tourist infrastructures are vigorously being developed in Fazaso. Kyabobo will be an attraction from Fazao.
Agumatsa can boast of spectacular geographical features in the district. A forty-five minutes nature walk through cool shades of trees will finally get you to Ghana highest waterfalls (800m). The magnificent view of the falls is enhanced not only by the towering face of the gorge but most extraordinarily by the several thousands of yellow coloured bats clinging to its sides.
Gbele Game reserve lies partly in the areas of Wa (regional capital), Nadowli and Tumu (district capital). Gbelle Game Reserve, located 17km south of Tumu, is an important sanctuary for endangered species of wildlife, as well as hippos, elephants and bucks. Birdwatchers consider this an important habitat for indigenous and migratory birds. Vegetation is that of open savannah woodland.Gbele is proud to be associated with faunas such as Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Savannah Duikers, Babo.
Ghana is a nature lover’s delight. It’s sunny equatorial climate and fertile well-watered soils sustain an enchanting selection of wildlife, ranging from elephants to monkeys and marine turtles to crocodiles, as well as hundreds of colorful bird and butterfly species.
RECREATIONAL TOURISM
Next Door Beach Resort
Owned and operated by 'Slo' and Gabriella since 1997, Next Door Beach Resort has established itself as one of the most lively and popular entertainment spots in Ghana.Located in Teshie, Accra on Beach Road (opposite the Military Academy), Next Door Beach Resort is the ideal place to eat, drink and relax. You can dance the hours away or just sit back and listen to the music and watch the waves roll in.
La Pleasure Beach
A three kilometre sea frontage at Labadi, 8 kilometres east of Accra on the Accra Tema Beach Road. It serves as Accra's main public beach with only shower and changing room facilities and catering services.
Ada Foah Beach
This coastal town, 100 kilometres east of Accra, on the Lome Road has this beach with facilities for yatching, skiing, fishing, etc.
The Elmina Beach Resort is a three star hotel resort serving both domestic and foreign vacationers. Located in the heart of the historic Central Region of Ghana, the Elmina Beach Resort represents the ultimate locale for businessmen, tourists and eco-adventurers alike. We are only minutes away from Cape Coast and the fishing community of Elmina where the Portuguese first made contact with West Africa and constructed Fort São Jorge.
Busua Beach
The Busua Beach Resort is a Nature Lover's dream come true. Located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Region of Ghana, the Busua Resort is about halfway between Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, and Accra, the capital of Ghana. Busua is in the very heart of the region's attractions, both natural and manmade. We invite you to visit our luxury 3 star resort, pull up a beach chair and relax by the sea.
Kokrobite Beach
Kokrobite near 30 kilometres west of Accra. A sprawling beach with a dramatic backdrop of hills. It is a favourite of tourists because of its serene atmosphere and its almost secluded nature.
Manet Paradise on the Volta River
Located at Ada-Foah, which is a few miles drive from Accra. Many tourists who visit Ghana endeavour to go to this pleasurable tourist site before returning to their destinations. The Manet paradise –“a real paradise personified” has many distinct features, which compel first-time visitors make a second visit.
There is a serene and natural environment, cool water of the paradise, which is located at the estuary of the River Volta. Manet Paradise has currently 45 spacious air-conditioned rooms including suites. The rates for rooms and other services are reasonably priced. The “Paradise” serves sumptuous local and continental dishes.
Tills No1 Beach Hotel
Located in Gomoa - Fetteh off the Main Acccra - Winneba road in Central Region Of Ghana. It's about 40 - 45 minutes drive from Accra.
Tills No1 Beach Hotel is a Two(2) Star Beach Resort with 16 Rooms made up of, a) Seven (7) Executive class self contained double rooms with satellite TV's, air conditioners, fans, hot and cold shower all close to the sea. b)Eight (8)Regular self contained double rooms with satellite TV's, air conditioners, fans and cold shower all very close to the sea. c)One(1) family room with all facilities as in Executive class.
BOJO BEACH located at Bortianor, Accra on the Kokrobite road.
The Bojo White Sand Beach is the latest addition to the beach party situation arising along Ghana’s 540Km pristine beach line. Situated next to the Densu delta Ramsar site and along the Atlantic Ocean, in its uniqueness and lovely blend of Caribbean and Ghanaian cultural architecture is the inviting Bojo beach.The beauty and uniqueness of Bojo beach stem from strategic location, concept, architecture and the serene environment. The facilities available for the beach goers come on a tall list that will keep you coming back at the least opportunity to have more of the excitement.
Volunteer in Ghana with African calabash volunteer to participate in our periodic visits to these sites.
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