Akwaaba
A word meaning “welcome”. It is an a twi word, spoken by the Ahan tribe of Ghana
Last year the Ghanaian president declared 2019 ‘the year of return’. This was to encourage more Africans living in the diaspora to come back home. I heeded the call and this has been one of the best decisions this year! My trip to Ghana was a cleansing palette for my emotional, spiritual and physical health.
I shared the beginnings of my trip last week here, and today I’m wrapping up my recap with my top activities to do when in Ghana. One of the main questions I was asked by my cocktails across my social media platforms, especially Instagram was – what are the top things to do when in Ghana? So I decided to put it in a post along with some visual aids … to give you the full effect! So here are 7 activities to do when in Ghana:
1. Tour Cape Coast and Elmina castles – Southern Ghana
This is my top recommendation! Nothing beats the educational and emotional journey that comes with touring these castles. I share my experience here. Learning about the slave trade in Ghana provides a sobering that few other events in your life will bring. These tours also offer spectacular beach front views … à la Oahu! No joke y’all, the Cape Coast beaches were some of my favorite.
2. Kakum national park – Southern Ghana
I have been labelled an adrenalin junkie by my coworkers and friends. Why? I’ve been known to pet crocodiles, ride the highest rollercoasters and now, have photoshoots when suspended over thirty feet of jungle in Ghana. Kakum national park is located in Southern Ghana. This park’s canopy walk definitely causes your adrenalin to rise as it did with my friend when she realized that there was no way down … there are no exits on the canopy walk. The only way to get off the path … is to complete the walk. If you are an adrenalin junkie, this canopy walk is about a 6/10 in terms of thrill. However, if you are risk averse, this experience may be about an 8/10.
3. Visit the galleries – Accra
I am obsessed with African art. I legit bring back masks, paintings, sculptures … really anything that can fit in my luggage back with me after trips. We stopped by MM African Art Arcade and dove back in time to 100 year old bronze masks made by the Ashanti and Fulani tribes. The curator Ahmed, is one the most amiable and knowledgeable men in the business. His ability to narrate the provenance of each piece transported us to another world within Accra: one that told not only the history of Ghana but that of Africa pre-colonialism.
4. Asabaako Festival – Western Ghana
Attend a music festival. Ghana is the country that gave the world highlife music people! So you have to experience the local tunes. Be it at a local watering hole like Republik or at a festival like Asa baako, enjoying the music that will be almost omnipresent throughout the trip is a must! We attended Asa baako, one dance – known as one of the top 10 must attend music festivals in Africa. We got flewed out people! We took a 30-40 minute plane ride to Takoradi then a 50 minute car ride to Busua to get to the festival. The festival does not disappoint in terms of experience. We attended the jungle party and bon fire nights and boy did we get our fill of not only food, shopping and laughter, but most of all we got to see more of the country as well as watch the sun rise from a new part of the world.
5. Cruise on the Akosombo Dam – Southeast Ghana
This was a treat that my friend Baba had up his sleeve. I, as many African children, have taken geography lessons where we learnt about the Volta region of Ghana and how the largest man made lake was tamed to generate electricity for the people of Ghana. I had to pinch myself because I was actually sailing on the Volta river! My textbook was coming to life! Ok – I’m nerding out but seriously y’all, you cannot beat the views! True to form I was ready for a mini shoot and the river was the perfect backdrop … can you blame me?!
6. Independence Square – Accra
Ghana was one of the first African countries to gain independence from the British. Their first president, Kwame Nkrumah, commissioned the build of this significant square in Accra. The emphasis being on the black star at the top, which was a guiding light to all African countries that were still fighting to be free from colonial rule. Today, this square holds just as much significance as a symbol of continued strength against adversity and a memorial to never again allow external forces to undermine Africa’s sovereignty.
7. Shai hills resource reserve – South east Ghana
If you need to escape Accra and go for a quick hike or explore some caves, then Shai Hills is the place for you! We decided to take a quick break from busy city life and slow down for a couple of hours. Shai Hills offered more than we hoped for! We fed some monkeys, saw zebra, ostriches and finally got to the hike. It was refreshing to see a whole new side to Ghana from atop a hill. Yoga, meditation, singing … all took place once we made it to the top of the hill. If you are looking for a serene location outside the city … this is it!
Ok y’all, these are my top 7 places to visit in Ghana. Have you been to any of these? Comment below if you have or if you plan to visit! Also tag me @Africancocktail or #Africancocktail if you find yourself on the continent!
