Ghana
A little bit of history...
Prior to colonial rule in Ghana, the Ashanti Empire had risen to become the dominant kingdom by the 18th century. They remained a powerful force during the colonial period by trading gold and slaves. In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived and exported slaves to plantations in the Americas. With wealth to be had from the lucrative slave trade, the Dutch, Danes and British were all lured to the land by the late 16th century. After slavery was abolished in the early 19th century, the British were the dominant colonial power of the Gold Coast colony and coca became the main export. Tensions between the British and Ashanti erupted in wars throughout the 19th century, which led to the destruction of the Ashanti capital, Kumasi, in 1874.
Ghana became the first West African country to gain independence when in 1957 Kwarme Nkrumah spearheaded the nation’s reclaimed identity. He subsequently became the country’s first prime minister and then president, denoting Ghana’s change to a republic within the Commonwealth. By 1966 he was ousted by a military coup and military rule dominated, albeit with brief periods of civilian rule, until 1992 when a new constitution was developed which paved the way for multiparty politics. Political parties had been banned since 1981 when Lt. Jerry Rawlings came into power but he conceded a return to constitutional rule and won the presidential elections in 1992 and 1996. The current government, led by John Kufuor, has sought promote human rights following abuses under the past military regime and to stabilise the economy.
Sights and Sounds...
Africa is a continent known for it's strong flavours, bright colours and friendly people, and Ghana is a prime example. The local cuisine is delicious, the cities are filled with bustling markets and welcoming people, and the land itself boast a natural beauty that is quite astounding. This is the perfect destination to get a taste of the lively African culture and promises any traveller a truly unforgettable experience.
The country's capital is the typical starting point for travellers, but beware, for this vibrant city can capture your heart and hold you in place for the entirety of your stay. What could compare to Accra's sprawling streets, it's relaxed yet lively atmosphere and the beautiful coastlines that lie on its southern border? At the heart of the city a traditional market thrives and hoards of travellers flock there every day. Makola Market is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs but more than that, it will give you a unique insight into this fascinating culture.
Outside the confines of the city lie many a deserving attraction, including national parks filled with native wildlife, breathtaking views of the plains and small fishing villages where ancient traditions still prosper. These unique attractions deserve your attention as much as the capital, so when the temptation to remain in the city rises make sure you quash it!
Best time to go...
With average temperatures around the high 20°Cs, Ghana is hot year round with seasonal rains which vary between the north and south regions. The south is generally cooler than the north and its rainy season runs from April to June and from September to October. The north experiences downpours from April to October, while December to March is scorching and winds blow in from the Sahara; it’s a time only for those who can tolerate intense heat.
Getting around...
With military run domestic flights that operate on a first-come-first-serve basis and limited train services, buses are the clear champions of long distance travel in Ghana. Intercity STC is the main bus company and offers inexpensive, regular services from Accra to major areas of interest such as Kumasi, Tamale and the Cape Coast. Its stations and terminals can be found in most of Ghana’s cities and it’s advisable to book tickets at least one day in advance. OSA and Kingdom Transport also run services between major cities.
Car rental is available in Accra but is a pricey option. The roads are generally good, though some are unpaved and potholes can be a problem. Police checkpoints are littered throughout and traffic accidents are a common occurrence. Only very experienced drivers should consider venturing out onto the open road. An enjoyable way to see a stretch of the country is aboard passenger boat, the Yapei Queen, which runs from Akosombo to Yeji, along Lake Volta, while stopping at villages along the way. However, this journey is not for the faint-hearted. Although it is advertised as a 24 hour trip in reality it can take up to 3 days and the boat is a simple passenger vessel and facilities are very basic.
Local travel within towns and cities takes the form of tro-tros (minibuses), mammy wagons (pick-up trucks) and taxis. Tro-tros are usually bursting to the seams with people but they can be a fun way to travel for short distances and cost very little. They don’t follow a set schedule and depart when full. For traveling between towns, shared taxis are a popular mode and drop passengers off at their desired location; a fare must be negotiated before the journey begins.
Highlight: Kakum National Park...
This beautiful stretch of African jungle covers over 140 sq miles and boasts an impressive array of indigenous wildlife. Over 300 hundred species of bird and 550 types of butterfly can be found here, not to mention a wide selection of endangered mammals and reptiles. Thousands of travellers visit the park every year seeking a glimpse of forest elephants, bongos, yellow backed duikers and diana monkeys, but what makes the park particularly special is the canopy walkway that winds through the treetops allowing visitors to see the jungle and its inhabitants from a whole new perspective.
The park also offers a unique cultural experience as travellers will have the chance to follow the ethno-botanical trail on which they will discover the traditional healing properties of the local plant life. Ingredients can be found here for many a medical treatment including those for leprosy, small pox, tumours, toothache and stomach-ache.
Another cultural treasure is the "bamboo orchestra", an elaborate dance through which local communities tell stories and myths.
Useful links
www.lonelyplanet.comLonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas
http://intercitystc.com/
Bus company Intercity STC.
