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. Shai Hills Game Reserve is a small wildlife sanctuary - home for monkey, royal antelope, oribus and wildcats.
. Homowo Festival celebrated mid August - September by the people of Labadi, Teshie, Nungua.
Background: the Ga people migrated from somewhere around Israel and settled at Bonne in what is now Nigeria. After a short sojourn there, famine broke out, forcing the people to move further westward until they settled in their present home. Homowo is a festival that commemorates the migration of the east, and the famine, poverty and misery they encountered on the way to their present home. In the mist of abundance, Homowo is celebrated to hoot at hunger by "kpekpele" (the traditional meal) to mark the peak of the celebration. The pouring of libation by the chief priest is meant to appease the gods of the land and attain blessing from the ancestors. The wulomei priests and women, while possessed dance the "kpele" a traditional dance, while the twins "Oko ke Ate / Akwele ke Akwoko" lead a procession through the streets of Accra.
This tour takes you to the principal streets of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum named after the late Osagyfo Doctor Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana after the British colonial rule. After that, proceed to the Centre for National Culture and Artists Alliance Gallery where a large variety of African handicrafts are displayed and sold. You can buy all the artwork of your choice. Have lunch at Osikan Restaurant and continue tour to the National Musuem with its collection ranging from prehistoric archeological discoveries to colonial antiquities and exhibits of contemporary African arts.
A drive through National Theatre, the Conference Centre, the Independent Square site and the Osu Castle being the home of the President of Ghana will add value to the tour.
Try and visit the Dubois Centre for the Pan African Culture and the University of Ghana at Legon would not be left out. |
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. Koforidua, 85 km from Accra, is the capital of this region, which offers a richly varied landscape of the tropical forest, rivers and great lake. The area is accessible by road and railway.
. Boti Falls has the unique characteristic of being framed by a magnificent rainbow after each rainfall.
. Tour the impressive Akosombo Dam, the pride of Ghana and major source of hydroelectric energy for the nation.
. Dipo , celebrated by Yilo Krobo, starts at the end of February and ends by April or May. For a Krobo girl, dipo means a kind of dedication and initiation into adult life. By initiation the girl has matured and ready to begin a sexual relationship with any man without incurring ritual abomination. The initiates wear a simple string made from pineapple fibre around the wrist instead of the usual strings of beads. An exceptionally large and shining red loin clothe, almost reaching the ground in the front and each girl wears back. Women brewing "ngam da" (a non-alcoholic beverage) dance around the fireside. Girls marching one after another dressed in loin are forbidden to talk to anyone on the way to bathe in the stream. After weeks of confinement, initiates are richly dressed with rich and gorgeous clothes, slim handkerchiefs, beads, jewels and red parrot feathers. Initiates display their dancing and ability. Their colorful clothes, beads, and bracelets look glorious. This you most see, an experience of a lifetime.
. The Odwira Festival celebrated by the Akropong and other Kyirepong communities in the eastern region of Ghana. This weeklong mid September festival is mainly a dramatization of Akuapim sacred traditions, myths and ancient legends handed over by the ancestors of the state. Some of the activities may be ceremonial and conducted by customary attendance. The celebration is for a whole week and is a special occasion when everyone tries to return home generally to associate with friends and families. The purification of the land by the chief priest and pouring of libation to ancestors for successes in the coming year start the festival. Tubes of new yam parade through the street of the capital, kropong, to signify the lifting of the ban on the eating of new yam. On the day of the feast, food and drinks are provided in all homes and citizens and strangers alike are free to go to the chief house to partake in the feast. During the procession of the dead, everyone is expected to remain indoors. There is a great hush, broken later by the muffled sounds of drums, accompanied by weird songs and whistling. Next is the firing of musketry. Thereafter is a colourful durbar on the Saturday of the festival, when the sub chief and subjects pay homage to the paramount chief. The long procession of chiefs presents a spectacle of gold and colour. Dignity and traditional feature prominently.
This region is referred to as the "Kingdom of God" a land know for its ancient royalty and one of the single richest mines in the world. Kumasi, its capital, is referred to as the "Garden City" because of its tree-lined roads and flower garden. It lies 270km northwest of Accra and is accessible by air, road and rail.
. The Royal Mausoleum - here lays the remains of old Ashanti kings.
. The Armed Forces and Prempeh II Museums commemorate past Ashanti wars.
. The Kumasi Culture Centre.
. Observe skilled woodcarver at Craft Village of Ahwiaa
. Visit Ntoso, home of Adinkra cloth
. Bonwire village, know for the world famous kente cloth.
. Lake Bosomtwi is a spectacular site created by a falling meteorite centuries ago.
. Akwasidaye Festival is celebrated seven times a year in every Palace. The main event takes place at Manhya Palace on a date decided by the Ashantehene (King of Ashanti) and the elders of the kingdom. The purpose of this festival is for all kings to meet for discussion, mend all differences, and make plans for future progress. During the main day of the festival, kings ride in their palanquin, while dancing, drumming, and singing takes place on the street of Kumasi leading to the Manhyia Palace (the official residence of Ashantihene), where the kings meet. When all the kings are seated at their seats, libation is poured to thank the gods, ask for forgiveness and prosperity. After that, the chief linguist addresses the occasion. Also a day of merrymaking and family reunion, many people in big cities travel home to see their beloved families and honour their ancestor.
It is a region famous for its region famous for its ancient's fort and castles and beautiful coconut palm shaded beaches. For those of the African Diaspora, it is a region with an historical and spiritual significance.
. Visit Brenu Beach for a totally natural and setting.
. The people of Winneba, about 66km from Accra, celebrate Aboakyere Festival , a game-hunting festival, in May. The hunting groups sets out bring home a live antelope and the first group to arrive with a catch and present it to the chiefs and elders who have gathered at the starting point is the champion. This festival, celebrated with drumming and dancing, is an once-in-a-lifetime experience.
. The people of Cape Coast celebrate Fetu Afahye Festival.
This is a region of geographical interest and contrasing landscapes from the kate lagoon basin, lying below sea level to Mt Afadjato. The capital, Ho, alarge and prosperous agricultural producing center for Cocoa, Tobacco and Teak, is 85 km from Accra.
. The Volta Lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, offering challenging opportunities for fresh water fishing, cruising by picturesque islands and farming villages.
. The lower estuary offer Ada Beach Resort with its coconut palm shaded sandy beaches. It is an area hugely popular for water sports.
. Kate Lagoon, the largest in Ghana, is a special attraction for Birdwatchers.
. Tafi Monkey Village has hundreds of species of Monkey, including the almost extinct Mona monkey.
. Discover the ancestral caves of Likpe and its ancient grottos, originally used by worshipping ancestors.
. Visit the magnificent Wli Waterfalls, one of the highest falls in Ghana.
640 km from Accra, Tamale the capital, is the largest city of Ghana with varied mix of cultures and religions. It is accessible by road from Accra and other areas of the country by regular air service.
. Mole National Park is Ghana's largest game reserve. Wildwide enthusiasts can observe the rich population of elephants, lions, leopards, antelopes, duikers, hartebeest, monkeys and birds.
. Visit the Northern styled "kraals" traditional habitations, totally different from those of Southern Ghana.
. Visit Larabanga Mosque, a well-preserved building erected during the time of the Saharan trade in the 13th century. A fine example of Sudanese architecture.
Situated on southwestern Ghana lies the twin - city capital, Sekondi-Takoradi, at a distance of 218 km from Accra. The region is accessible by road and railways. It is a central point from which Ghana's principal export of bauxite, cocoa, coffee, timber and manganese is shipped: to the worlds market. There are also beautiful beaches, historic forts, and villages on stilts. These attractions create a unique and interesting charm to the western region
. Tarkwa Gold mines
. Busua Pleasure Beach
. Fort San Sebastian, Fort Groot Friedrichsburg, Fort Saint Athony, Fort Apollonia
. Visit Nkroful, the birthplace of the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
. Kundum festival celebrated in Axim.
This region has a rainfall and rich soil, hence its designated name, "bread basket of Ghana". Its capital, Sunyani, and is accessible by road or air.
. Kintampo Waterfall is the only waterfall that disappears mysteriously and resurfaces unexpectedly 200 meters away from its original site.
. Animal lovers will appreciate the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary to study the enchanting colobus monkeys. The villagers here have managed to live harmoniously with the monkey by giving them access to the village.
The capital city is Bolgatanga, about 810 km north of Accra, accessible by road. It is a region with a mixture of rich indigenous architure, cultural and mystique.
. Visit Bolga handicraft market for rich variety of leather goods, straw hats and baskets.
. The Oracle of Tongo draws pilgrims from every corner of Ghana for advice and predictions.
. Paga Crocodile Pond, originally a sacred santuary for crocodile.
The capital, Wa, lies 895 km from Accra and is situated within vast savanna grassland.
. Wa Naa's (sovereign) palace is an interested blend of ancient Sudanese and Moorish architure. An appointment can be made to meet the Chief.
. Explore Gbelle Game reserve, a santuary for endangered species of wildlife such as hippos, water buds, elephants and birds.
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