Ghana tours & travel

 

Capital city	Accra
Population	27 Million
Language	English
Currency	Cedi (GHS)
Time zone	(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time : Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Electricity	Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
Dialling code	+233

 

Ghana’s population is comprised of hundreds of ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Ashanti tribe, and their culture reflects this diversity. Although most of the population is Christian and a significant minority is Muslim, many still practice their animist traditions in conjunction with Abrahamic beliefs. Ghanaian’s have a unique take on family that is unlike that of most African countires. They inherit their familial identify from their mother, and matriarchs tend to have a privileged status within the family. 

Ghana enjoys the spectacular landscape of a coastal nation. It borders on the Gulf of Guinea in the south and the countries of Togo, Burkina Faso, Benin and Ivory Coast. Just a few degrees off the equator, the climate is warm and tropical, tempered by the ocean breeze. Most of the country is covered in savannah and shrublands, where waterbuck, hogs, lions and leopards roam. Much of the wildlife inhabit the areas near Ghana’s complex of rivers which stream out to sea. Unfortunately, wildlife in Ghana has been depleted due to overhunting and human development. 

You won’t find much in the way of token souvenirs in Ghana, but the destination has it shopping opportunities for the open-minded. Forget about mugs, key chains and t-shirts, Ghanaian market stalls are instead stocked with colourful dresses, handmade accessories and tribal items. Ghana is famous for producing kente cloth, a bright and decorative fabric made from complex weaving of multi-coloured thread. Make the most out of your Ghana tour and get your hands on authentic items like fertility dolls and traditional wood-carvings. 

Akwasidae Festival

 

Belonging to the dominant Ashanti tribe of Ghana, this festival is celebrated by everyone from the peasants to the king. The festival occurs every six weeks and is a time for honouring ancestral spirits and deities. Festivities involve customary drumming, singing and dancing, offerings to the gods and plentiful feasting.

 

Independence Day

 

Ghana proudly celebrates its liberation from Colonial rule with military parades and commemorations. Ghana suffered under Dutch and British rule for nearly 500 years, during which time it was exploited by the slave trade. 

One of the best ways to make the most of your Ghana travel is to get a good helping of the local food. Ghanian cuisine is comprised of staples such as the exotic plantain, yam and cassava roots, rice and beans. The varied dishes of the country include soups and stews made with meat, vegetables and plenty of piquant spices. Fish is a major source of protein and is cooked in stews or dried, salted and served as a side. Etor is a classic dish and is made from mashed yam or plantain with palm oil, garnished with peanuts and eggs. Other dishes include the decadent okra and crab stew and the spicy grilled kebabs. 

• Changes: A Love Story by Ama Ata Aidoo
• Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey
• Children of the Street by Kwei Quartey
• Search Sweet Country by Kojo Laing
• The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali and Songhay by P. and F. McKissack