Ghana

Ghana

Ghana is on a lot more people’s travel radar after its successful 2019 ‘Year of Return’ Campaign, commemorating four hundred years of when some of the first Africans were captured and sent to the Americas as enslaved people. For sure, a trip to El Mina and Cape Coast castles are moving, sobering, and powerful experiences, and I highly recommend them. The Akan people were heavily involved in the Transatlantic Slave Trade and confronting this painful history was an important part of my first visit to Ghana two decades ago as a study abroad student. For nature lovers, there are waterfalls, forest canopy walks over suspension bridges, and beaches to explore. I still want to visit the Volta region and its mountains, waterfalls, caves, and animal sanctuaries. City lovers will enjoy the bustling capital city, Accra, and its nightlife, restaurants, markets, and shopping malls. Don’t sleep—it’s best to wear your finest clothes to the nightclubs. History lovers and pan-Africanists should check out the W.E.B Dubois Center for Pan-African Culture and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Dubois, one of America’s greatest thinkers, settled in Ghana and Nkrumah was Ghana’s first president and a prominent pan-Africanist. Kumasi and the surrounding areas offer a glimpse into Ghanaian royal history, traditional cloth making, and culture. Meeting chiefs and experiencing a bit of royal tradition, as well as seeing kente and Adinkra cloth being made are highlights. Don’t leave Ghana without having clothing made and haggling in the markets. Ashanti stools, beautiful fans, and wood sculptures are some of many treasures to be found. And tell the vendors ‘wo no sisi me’ (don’t cheat me). Saying this elicited huge smiles, big laughs, and assurances that we were brothers and sisters and they would never do such a thing. And you know what, it actually felt that way! Enjoy your trip!!

Stuff to know

• Population: 29.3 million (Jul 2020 est)

• Attractions: Nightlife of Accra, LabadiBeach, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park,slave castles of Cape Coast, cultural highlights of Kumasi (markets, Kentecloth), natural beauty and waterfall of the Volta Region.

• National Dish: Unofficially, meat and pap is the national dish. Pap—which ismade from ground maize—is the Dutch name for porridge.

• Language: English is the official language. Numerous traditional languages,including Twi, Ewe, Fante, Ga, and Dagomba.

• Sports: Football (soccer)! The national team, the Black Stars, have won theAfricanCup of Nations four times.