Explore Ghana

Ghana previously known as the Gold Coast is situated on the west coast of Africa. It has a population of 18 million and English as the official language. The currency is the cedi.

Temperatures range between 69 and 86 F in the southern part of the country to between 70 and 100 F in the north. The wet season is from April to July and the dry season from October to February.

Power outlets supply 220/240 Volts at 50/60Hz.

Some Interesting Places in Ghana

Notable amongst our parks are the MOLE NATIONAL PARK in northern Ghana and the KAKUM NATIONAL PARK 90 miles west of Accra. ABURI BOTANICAL GARDENS 30 miles north of Accra is a good place for a picnic. You may take a cruise on the VOLTA LAKE and be treated to live band music.

The coastline has many forts and castles remniscent of the colonial past. Notable amongst these is the ELMINA CASTLE 100 miles west of Accra. For information on tour packages contact the reception.

... and Accra

Car rentals and taxis are the most reliable way of getting around - always agree on a rate or fare before setting off.

Art and Craft

At the CENTRE FOR NATIONAL CULTURE located on the High Street vendors sell artifacts and clothing from all over Ghana. You'll find Kente, adinkra and other locally made fabrics, clay, wood, brass, leather, straw smocks, pottery, wood carvings, brass and iron sculpture.

ARTISTS ALLIANCE: This art gallery located at Nungua is about two kilometers east of the Ramada Resort Accra on the main Accra - Tema road. It exibits and sells painting and artifacts by Professor Ablade Glover and many of the top artists in the country. Also on sale are souvenirs.

From the resort to the gallery look out for the CUSTOM MADE COFFINS carved in various forms. A truck driver will probably be buried in a coffin shaped like a truck whereas a farmer will be buried in, say, a coffin in the form of a pepper corn.

Ecology

SHAI HILLS WILDLIFE SACTUARY about 30 km off the Accra-Akosombo road is home to most of the wildlife found in the savana areas of Ghana - the altelope, the bushbuck, primates and reptiles. With its vast variety of resident and migrant birds keen bird watchers have a lot in store for them. The safari is normally on foot and the best time to see the animals is early in the morning. There are fees for admission, a guide and for taking photographs.

Driving towards Tema about 10 km from the New Coco Beach Resort is the SAKOMO LAGOON WETLANDS a nature reserve for migrating birds.

Markets and Fairs

To have a feel of traditional Ghanaian commerce visit the MAKOLA MARKET. The market flows with crowds of people, goods and lots of color. If you want to buy something, bargain.

GHANA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR located at Labadi has a programme of exhibitions and trade fairs running throughout the year. Check from the fair grounds for any ongoing activities.

Museums and Monuments

The NATIONAL MUSEUM located on Barnes Road houses a rich collection of historical artifacts, regalia and photographs dating from ancient Ghana.

The KWAME NKRUMAH MAUSOLEUM AND MUSEUM located on High Street is the final resting place of Ghana's first president. It also houses a small collection of photographes, papers and personal effects of the late president.

CHRISTIANBORG CASTLE built in the seventeenth century is situated in one of the old suburbs of Accra. It serves as the president's office and is strictly off limits. It can be seen from INDEPENDENCE SQUARE where national celebrations and parades are held.

When the capital of the Gold Coast was moved from Cape Coast to Accra in 1844 commercial activity centered around JAMES TOWN. Today this suburb of Accra still bustles with commercial activity echoing its colonial past. High Street, the financial district of Accra is close by. USSHER FORT and JAMES FORT both built by the Dutch in the eighteenth century are located in this area. Today they serve as prisons. Next to James fort is the old light house and harbour which is now used by the local fishermen with their dug-out canoes.

Theatre and the Arts

The NATIONAL THEATRE opposite the Children's Park in downtown Accra hosts events which include exhibitions, plays and musical concerts. It has its own resident theatre group Abibigroma. The SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS of the University of Ghana runs plays and dances by the students and the resident performing group Abibigro. ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE on Liberation Link, Airport Residential Area has a programme of art exhibitions and plays each month. On wednesdays at 8:00pm there is live band music featuring musicians from Ghana and Francophone West Africa.

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