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Discover
Ghana and get to know its
people
 There
is a place on the western coast of the
African. continent; its sandy shores
washed clean by the Atlantic Ocean, its
land rich in gold, diamonds cocoa,
manganese and bauxite; inhabited by the
friendliest, most open hearted people
you'll find any where on earth. Its
tropical rain-forest, blends with river
valleys and dry Savannah plains, to create
250,000 square km of paradise for the
lovers and watchers of nature's wonders.
It's no accident that Ghana was once known
as the 'Gold Coast,' a name bestowed on it
by Portuguese traders who landed there in
1472.
The
legendary gold deposits of Ashante remain
the world's richest and
largest.
A
desire to control this great wealth saw a
fierce struggle by European nations for
the heart and soul of this land. This
period shaped unique traditions, unknown
in any other part of Africa. Ghana, for
years, has enjoyed a peaceful political
environment, with one of Africa's most
pragmatic governments. It moves into the
new millennium inspired by the legacy of
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the nation's founder
and foremost leader of Pan Africanism. His
remains are in a mausoleum not far from
the sun baked beaches of Accra, Ghana's
capital.
The
country's tourist offerings are awesome.
First and foremost, the people - over 70
per cent of whom have functional skills in
English, official language of government
and commerce. Ghanaians have a very
special way of delivering a most assuring
and comforting welcome. "Akwaaba", the
traditional greeting, is very polite and
courteous. Friendly smiles and an open
invitation await you each step of the way,
as you travel the length and breadth of
this splendid land. A high premium is
placed on security of life and property,
thereby giving Ghana one of the world's
lowest crime rates. Over 90 ethnic groups,
each having a distinctive festival, means
you could attend a cultural extravaganza
virtually every week. A deep spiritual
connectedness lies behind the color, pomp
and  pageantry
of August's Homowo festival by the Gas,
September's Fetu Afahye by the Fantes,
Aboakyir Festival by the Efutus,
Hogbetsotso by the Anlos, Odwira by the
Akwapims, and Dambai by the Dagombas.
Elmina
and Cape Coast castles:
Scattered
along Ghana's Atlantic Coast are 26
historic stone and concrete structures,
built over 400 years ago by the Europeans
. Originally intended as trading posts,
they ended up as slave dungeons for
millions of Africans, captured and forced
into slavery. Many dungeons have been
restored to their original form, as
testimonials to the drama and tragedy of
human encounter. The slave castles of
Elmina (above) and Cape Coast, are two
recently designated as World Heritage
monuments. Together with the Dubois
Memorial Center for Pan African Culture in
Accra, they crystallize the African
experience of slavery, partition,
colonialism, racism and the struggle for
independence, emancipation and human
rights.
Home
Away From Home:
Over
600 hotels provide courteous service that
reflects the near legendary hospitality
and traditions of Ghanaians. Government
incentives have fueled a boom in privately
owned tourist infrastructure. About 40 per
cent of the country's hotel capacity is in
Accra, which also has most of the 3 to 5
star hotels. The Labadi Beach Hotel,
Golden Tulip, Novotel and Wangara are
popular choices. Shangri La in Accra,
Sanaa Lodge and the Savoy, all in Cape
Coast, are known for their superior guest
service. Most hotels are located within
sights of picturesque beachheads and
landscapes, or flush in the center of the
host city's business and commercial
distinct. Novotel, an outstanding five
star hotel of sheer luxury, is minutes
away from the Accra International
Conference Center, National Theater, Ghana
Stock Exchange, Bank of Ghana, Government
Ministries Complex and the historic
'Makola Market,' which offers a
distinctively African experience in the
art of trade by higgling and
haggling.
Sunshine,
Beaches and Greenery:
Close
to 600 km of unspoiled sun drenched
beaches, shaded by tall coconut trees,
await the traveler who desires to soak in
the sun of tropical Africa. Ghana is a
beach lover's paradise, with 12 hours of
bright sunshine all year round. Sports
fishing from indigenous canoes, or
visiting historic castles along the coast
by boat, (especially on clear moonlit
nights) is a trip into
wonderland.
Few
places in the world can compare with the
beauty of Ghana's natural environment. The
Mole Game Reserve in Northern Ghana
provides a thrilling encounter with rare,
exotic birds, bush cows, reptiles,
baboons, hippopotamus, elephants,
antelopes and the lion, king of the
jungle, The Kakum National Park has
Africa's only canopy walkway, (fourth
highest in the world) that enables the
more adventurous to enjoy the panoramic
view of indigenous flora and fauna as they
literally walk among tree tops reaching
heights of over 40 meters. Then there's
the Aburi Botanical Gardens, tucked away
in the cool mountains of Akuapem, near
Accra. Built over 100 years ago, Aburi's
well-kept plant reserve provides a
soothing venue for research and
relaxation. A visit to Boti Waterfalls,
framed by a rainbow after each rainfall,
and the Wli and Kintampo, provides a
sobering appreciation nature's
wonders.
Seventeen
million people, whose home is this land of
legends and traditions, live by a
remarkable cultural code of conduct.
Alongside growing modernization and a
sensible governmental approach to
development, many ancient African
traditions and crafts flourish. To find
this land is to find natural beauty,
century old trades, like goldsmithing,
advanced indigenous political systems,
colorful festivals, and a fusion of
vibrant music and dance, drawn from over
90 ethnic groups. Ghana is a melting pot,
where many African ethnic cultures have
mixed with numerous European influences,
to produce a fascinating assortment of the
best traditions of hospitality and
architectural legacy.
A
Taste of West
Africa:
Restaurant dining provides a comforting
serving of typical American, Continental
or oriental cuisine for the discriminating
traveler and equally delicious assortment
of local courses for the bold and
adventurous. The Golden Tulip Hotel is
especially famous for its variety of foods
especially made for special occasions; New
Year's Day Brunch, Mothers and Valentine
Days Dinner - and believe it or not,
Balkan Festival Dinner, when Hungarian and
Rumanian delicacies are served.
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