ACCRA HANDICRAFT MARKET

Any visitor to Ghana will not leave empty handed. Perhaps nowhere else in the world are there so many artisans making such a wide variety of beautful handmade crafts. The skill of the Ghanaian craftsman is passed down from father to son (women rarely make crafts for sale), and has come down from time immemorial. The artistry depends on the price of the piece, which in turn depends on supply and demand. In many parts of Ghana where tourism is one of the main industry , there is a surfeit of carvers so it is a buyer's market. Bargains are easy to come by and haggling is the order of the day. However, when one considers the effort that goes into creating a piece, it is necessary to invoke your conscience in order to avoid feeling as though you might have cheated the seller.

The Centre for National Arts and Culture, popularly known as Arts Centre, is located next to the Kwame Nkrumah Musoleum, off the High Street in Accra. The center became very popular in the 80's for its leisure and entertainment programmes through its "Anansekrom", which used to be held there on weekends.
Today, the reason for most of the hundreds of people who visit the place everyday is different. They go there to buy or sell in the arts and craft market, located within the premises of the Centre for National Arts and Culture. It is the biggest market for handicraft products in the country.

All kinds of handicrafts imaginable may be found in this market. The items range from wood carvings, traditional musical instruments, cane and raffia products, leather ware, gold, silver and bronze jewelry, beads, clay products, antiques, paintings to ivory products, and many more. These items are brought to the markets from various parts of the country and also from other countries within the West African sub-region including, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal and Nigeria.
Visitors who where seen at the market say that the market is very popular in Europe and America because of the variety and quality of the handicrafts available. Some of them said the items that they purchase are sent home as gifts for their loved ones and relations while others explained that they buy and resell in America and Europe and as far as Asia.
The arts and craft market provides employment opportunities for many people. Skills have been developed in carving, painting, designing, metal works to service the market.

WELCOME TO GHANA'S NATURAL AND MAN MADE HERITAGE

It is believed that any preserved man made or natural heritage with a preserved history will always be appriciated and automatically becomes a thing of intrest.which could attract attention at any time.so what realy matters is how much and how well the people and the world at large are attracted to these beautiful sites.for example:

Cape Coast Castle

The castle served as the nerve centre of the infamous slave trade. The castle houses the dungeons and the 'room of no return'. It is a place to experience what really transpired when able-bodied men were transported away from their own land to a foreign land never to return. It served as the West African headquarters of the Committee of Merchants and later as the seat of the British governor.
Elmina Castle

The Portuguese constructed the castle in 1482 to protect the gold-rich lands discovered in 1471. The castle is located at the end of a narrow promontory bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Benya River or lagoon. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Portuguese enjoyed a trade boom in the 15th and 16th centuries and as a result imported slaves from Benin to Elmina in the early 16th century to work in the sector in exchange of gold, ivory, etc from the local people. The Dutch however, dislodged them from Elmina in 1637.
Fort Batenstein

Butre village was among the early historic settlements generated by the 17th century inter-European and inter-African conflicts, partly because it was close to the gold-rich hinterland. In 1598, the Dutch West Indian Company established a trade post at Butre. In 1656, the company built a fort on the hill at Butre and named it Batenstein. The fort was visited by 17th century authors, Jean Barbot in 1679 and William Bosman in 1701.
Fort Good Hope

The Dutch established a lodge at Senya Beraku in 1667, and entered into a long-standing relationship with the Agona State. The Dutch subsequently built a fort there, due to the potential trade in gold, ivory and slaves with the Akyem kingdom located in the hinterland. In 1705-06, the Dutch constructed a small triangular fort on a promontory located near a cove, with a good landing beach. The Dutch named it 'De Goede Hoop', meaning "Good Hope".
Fort Metal Cross

The chief of Greater Dixcove leased to the English a site located on the shore of a large and sheltered bay, later designated as Dick's Cove (Dixcove). The calm waters and sandy beach made the site an ideal place for canoes and small boat. The Royal African Company built the fort in 1698. One of the hollow bastions in the main section of the fort was employed as a slave prison. By 1750, the fort was equipped to carry up to 25 canons.
Fort Orange

The Sekondi coast was at the centre of European trade competition in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were hostile to each other and struggled to build forts there. They formed alliances with the local people in other to gather support for their cause. The Dutch started the construction of a lodge, in about 1670 and by 1704 the lodge had become a small fort called "Oranje".
Fort St. Jago

In 1503, a missionary converted and baptized the paramount chief of the Efutu Kingdom who then offered the missionary, a hill opposite St. Jorge castle to build a church. The site was dedicated to the Portuguese saint, Jago. In 1637, the Dutch used the hill as a gun-position to attack and cease Elmina Castle from the Portuguese. In 1660, they built a permanent fort there. The stone fort, named Coenraadsburg, is unique and its military fortifications were based on the design of baroque military architecture. It comprised two giant, strong landward bastions on the northeast and northwest sides, and two smaller seaward bastions on the southwest and southeast sides. Curtain walling linked the bastions.
Fort William

From the middle of the 17th century, European companies struggle with each other in an attempt to establish and maintain a trading post at Anomabu. The Dutch built a lodge in 1640 but it changed hands, to Swedes, then to the Danes, back to the Dutch and finally to the English. In 1674, the English built a fort and called it Charles, after the reigning monarch King Charles II. However, it was abandoned in order to concentrate on Fort Carolusburg at Cape Coast. The English demolished Fort Charles in 1731 to prevent its capture and use, but the French stithly built a fort later at where Fort Charles once stood.

A visit to the Kakum National Park in Cape Coast

Kakum National Park is one of the best known national parks in Ghana; it is in the southern part of Ghana, in what is known as the Central Region. The Park was first established in 1990 from an area of 350 square kilometers to the north of Cape Coast and Elmina near the small town of Abrafo. The entire area is covered with tropical rainforest.

In the Park gamekeepers were specially trained to make accessible to the visiting tourists some important tropical plants on the grounds and their relevant medicinal significance. Besides the impressive plant world, which partly also comprises rare species, the Kakum National Park presents rare animals, including the very rare and endangered Mona-meerkat, as well as pygmy elephants, forest buffalo, zibetkatzen, and a highly developed bird world. Still, the observation of animals in this forest is extremely difficult because of the dense rainforest. In the course of the development of tourism, authorities and park managers plan in the future to add water holes or clearings, to make better observation possible.

Kakum National Park has a unique tourist attraction: the only round tour over a hanging bridge in the forest canopy level in all of Africa. Beside Kakum there are only four other round tours of this type. From the so-called Canopy Walkway, at up to 40 meters height, the visitor can approach the plants and animals in their living space which would otherwise be inaccessible for people. The Canopy Walkway passes over 7 bridges and runs over a length of 330 meters.The Walkway is definitely unique,however ,if you are going there for wildlife spotting think again as this is a rarity, most of the animals have long since migrated to other more remote parts of the park,this quote coming from one of the parks rangers

Kakum National Park is both incredibly biologically diverse, and sacred to local people. Forest elephant, bongo, antelope, and duiker live in the forest, as do seven species of primates, and many other animals. Kakum is most famous for its unforgettable 333m-long tree-top canopy walkway, which is suspended 27m off the ground. There are wooden platforms built around trees for rainforest canopy observation. Early morning canopy walks offer the best chances for wildlife observation, but the forest view in itself is astounding. It is the only such walkway in Africa.

At Kakum you can also take forest nature walks, listen to the dawn bird chorus, take interpretive hikes to learn more about the medicinal and other uses of plants, and visit the award-winning visitors' centre. There are also forest camp sites available. At nearby Jukwa you can visit a traditional craft village.

The 357 sq. km rainforest park is home to 269 species of birds, butterflies, and other insects. Large mixed bird flocks are most often seen (and heard) January through March near Abrafo. On the Antwikwaa road, hawks, kingfishers, bee-eaters and starlings, among others, can be found. Kruwa has fruit trees that in season draw many greenbuls, barbets, tinkerbirds, hornbills, and other birds. Aboabo, a two-hour drive to the park's northwest corner, offers some opportunity to witness flycatchers and eagles.

Kakum is about 30 kilometres north of Cape Coast and makes an excellent day-trip from Cape Coast or Elmina. The less visited Kruwa Camp at the southeast corner can also be apporached from the Kumasi road.

Learn to Make African Batik and Create Something You Get to Bring Home! In only a couple hours you can make your own batik cloth to bring home and turn into a skirt, dress, bag, purse or whatever you want! Discover the art of making African batik, be creative and take something home with you. Two of Cape Coast’s most talented batikers will guide you through the process of making African batik. You choose the patterns and the colors—they assist you in making a beautiful cloth to bring home. The batik workshop is taught by Global Mamas batikers Elizabeth and Emma, otherwise known as Eli-Emma. During this lively four-hour class, Eli-Emma demonstrate traditional Ghanaian batik techniques using wax and dye to create colorful patterns. Students design and stamp their own cloth to take home. The batiking studio, recently acquired with the assistance of WIP, sits on a beautiful beach front plot just west of the Cape Coast Castle. The beautiful colors and cloths that adorn the people and places you visit in West Africa are a significant part of the culture. Your experience of Africa should include the discovery of this cloth. Come and find out how it is made and learn the technique hands-on!

A place to Visit in Accra

The National Museum in Accra is the largest and oldest of the six museums under the administration of of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. The museum building was opened on 5th March, 1957 as part of Ghana’s independent celebration. The official opening was performed by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, the Late Princess Marina

Objects of archeology, ethnography as well as fine art find place in the National Museum building. Objects at the archeology section range from the stone age period to the recent historical past. Those on permanent exhibition at the ethnography gallery include chief’s regalia, indigenous Ghanian musical instruments, gold-weights, beads, traditional textiles, stools and pottery. There are also objects from other African countries acquired through exchange. Examples are Senfu masks from La Cote D’ Ivoire, Zulu wooden figures and bead-ware from Southern Africa. In addition there are also ancient Ife bronze heads from Nigeria and Bushongo carvings from the Congo. Exhibits at the small but impressive art gallery consist mainly of contemporary Ghanian paintings executed in oil, pasted, acrylic, watercolour and collages

Stool

Apart from these there are sculpture pieces in different media Temporary exhibitions are held not only by the National Museum but also by individuals and foreign embassies. Guided tours are provided and films on some aspects of Ghanian culture are shown by the staff of the Education Section

It is more than our wish that every guest, while enjoying his or her visit to the National Museum, adds some more knowledge to what he or she might have already about Ghana’s material cultural heritage

Major Festivals in Ghana

LIST OF SOME MAJOR FESTIVALS IN GHANA



January

Bugum Festival
Although the Bugum Festival was also linked with Islam, it has become a major event on the traditional calendar too. It commemorates the flight of Naiyul-Lah Mohammed from Mecca into exile in Medina in AD658. The festival is celebrated in Dagbon, Gonja, Mamprusi and Nanumba. The events begin withprocessions from neighbouring villages. By nightfall, all the villagers converge at the Chief's palace withlighted torches. Following special invocations by the Chief, the ceremony illuminate the streets. Festive drumming and dancing continue until the early hours of the morning.

Edina Buronya Festival
This is the native version of Christmas which is exclusively celebrated by the people of Elmina (Edina) on the first Thursday of the New Year. The festival was influenced by the Portuguese settlers who celebrated a similar event every January. For the people of Edina, it is a period of purification, sacrifices to the gods, remembrance of the dead, and the welcoming of a new year. Families pour libations and invite friends to participate in dining, and merry-making, throughout the town.

Rice Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akpafu, in the Volta Region.

Kpini-Kyiu & Tenghana Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Wa & Tongu, in the Upper East Region.

Danso Abaim & Ntoa Fukokuese Festivals
Is celebrated by the people of Techimentia & Nkoranza, in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Apafram Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akwamu, in the Eastern Region.



February

Papa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kumawu, in the Ashanti Region

Dzawuwu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dabala, in the Volta Region. It is an Annual traditional and thanksgiving festival of the Agave people.



March

Damba Festival
Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed, the festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than Islamic tone. The two-day festival is full of pageantry and showmanship and is celebrated in the towns of Dagbon, Gonjaland, Mamprusiland and Nanumbaland.

Ngmayem Festival
This is the annual traditional harvest and thanksgiving festival of the Krobo people. It is celebrated in March-April by the people of Manya and Yilo Krobo in the towns of Krobo Odumase and Somanya, in the Eastern Region.

Asikloe Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Anfoega, in the Volta Region.

Volo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Akuse, In the Volta Region to commemorate the end of the exodus of the Volo people from Togo, forced to flee the tyranny of an impious ruler.

Lekoyi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Likpe, in the Volta Region.

Kotokyikyi & Ogyapa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.

Kurubie Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Lalue Kpledo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region.

Gologo Festival
This festival is celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong-Zug just before the planting of grain. During the three-day festival, sacrifices are offered to the gods for plentiful rain and good harvest.



April

Bugum, Serpeemi & Wodomi Festivals
Occasions for the people of Krobo, in the Eastern Region to assemble.

Dipo
A puberty festival by the people of Krobo (Somanya & Odumase), in the Eastern Region when girls at adolescent age are initiated into womanhood with a parade. The attire of the girls is close to nudity.



May

Aboakyir (Deer Hunt) Festival
"Aboakyir" literally, means "game hunting". This popular festival is celebrated on the first Saturday of May by the chiefs and people of Winneba. The festival begins with a competitive hunt between 2 traditional warrior groups in a nearby game reserve, where each tries to catch an antelope live. It is an adventurous event to test the strength, bravery, determination and intuition of the 2 rival groups. The winner presents the catch to the Paramount Chief who sits in state with the sub-chiefs and subjects. The antelope is sacrificed as an invocation for good harvest and a bountiful fishing season. A durbar and procession of the chiefs and warrior groups in their colouful regalia is the highlight of the celebrations. Brass bands, dancing, performances of folklore and parties make this an unforgettable event.

Formerly involved capturing a leopard barehanded, the toll on human life eventually became so prohibitive that the divinity to whom the leopard was sacrificed was beseeched to accept a less dangerous substitute, and the leopard was replaced by an antelope.

Beng Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sonyo Kipo, in the Northern Region to honour the great fetish of the Gonja people.

Osudoku Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Asutsuare, in the Eastern Region to mark the beginning of the year.

Donkyi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Namase, in the Brong Ahafo Region.

Don Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region.



June

Asafua Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in purification of the divinity of Asafua.

Ahumkan Festival
A celebration in which the local population of Akim-Kibi, in the Eastern Region to reaffirm their loyalty to their chieftains.

Gyenprem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Fafo, in the Volta Region and marked by a durbar of thanksgiving for an abundant harvest and a year of peace.

Ahobaa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyan-Kakraba-Saltpond, in the Central Region for obtaining the benediction of the ancestors.

Kete Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in honour of the Kete-Kyen fetish.

Ebisa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Central Region in honour of the fetish of the same name.

Kli-Adzim Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region in honour of the local divinity.

Ahoba Kuma Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.

Apiba Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Senya Beraku, in the Central Region.

Nkyidwo (Monday Night)
A very important festival celebrated annually by the people of Essumeja, in the Ashanti Region to commemorate their birth or how their ancestors emerged one Monday night from a hole in the ground followed by a dog and lion amid drumming, dancing and other activities. The gods are invoked for blessing, protection and prosperity of the people.



July

Bakatue Festival
Literally translated to mean "opening up of the Benya Lagoon into the sea", Bakatue symbolizes the
beginning of a fishing season, which is the main livelihood of the people of Elmina. It is celebrated annually in Elmina on the first Tuesday in July and originated centuries ago, long before the arrival of the Europeans. The splendid ceremonies include a durbar of chiefs, a colouful regatta of canoes on the Benya Lagoon and processions. A solemn "net casting" ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new fishing season, and the catch is offered to the deities of the traditional area. You are invited to take part in the regatta and merry-making.

Bombei Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.

Ekyen Kofie Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.

Kuntum Festival (Yam Festival)
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim, in the Central Region.

Wodomi Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Manya Krobo, in the Eastern Region.



August

Asafotu-Fiam Festival
"Asafotufiam" is an annual warrior's festival celebrated by the people of Ada, in the Greater Accra Region from the last Thursday of July to the first weekend of August. It commemorates the victories of the warriors in battle and those who fell on the battlefield. To re-enact these historic events, the "warrior" dresses in traditional battle dress and stage a mock battle. This is also a time when the young men are introduced to warfare. The festival also ushers in the harvest cycle, for this special customs and ceremonies are performed. These include purification ceremonies. The celebration reaches its climax in a durbar of chiefs, a colouful procession of the Chiefs in palanquins with their retinue. They are accompanied by traditional military groups called "Asafo Companies" amidst drumming, singing and dancing through the streets and on to the durbar grounds. At the durbar, greetings are exchanged between the chiefs, libations are poured and declarations of allegiance made.

Odambea Festival
"Odambea" is celebrated on the last Saturday of August by the "Nkusukum" chiefs and people of the Saltpond Traditional Area. This event commemorates the migration of the "Nkusukum" people centuries ago from Techiman (500km away) to their present settlement. "Odambea" means "fortified link", a name resulting from the role played by the "Nkusukum" people in keeping the migrant groups in touch with each other following their exodus from Techiman. A special feature of the festival is the re-enactment of the ancient life styles of the people, which will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn more about how they migrated.

Ahoba Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Abura, in the Central Region.

Edim Kese Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Sekondi, in the Western Region.

Equadoto Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Ayeldu-Cape-Coast, in the Central Region in honour of their ancestors.

Homowo Festival
This is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of the Ga Traditional Area, in the Greater Accra Region. It originated from a period of great famine which was eventually followed by a bumper harvest in grain and fish. Thus, the word "Homowo", literally means "hooting at hunger". The main highlight of this month-long festival is the special dish prepared from ground corn, steamed and mixed with palm oil and eaten with palmnut soup. Prayers for a peaceful and prosperous year are offered. Each Ga chief is followed by a retinue with drumming, dancing and singing through his area where he sprinkles some of the special dish called "kpokpoi" and pours libation. It is merry-making for Gas, and visitors in particular are invited home to join in the feasting.

Apatwa Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Dixcove, in the Western Region (Lasts almost a month).

Awubia Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Awutu, in the Central Region in memory of their dead.

Kundum Festival
Kundum is celebrated from August to November by the Western Region's coastal tribes, the Ahantas and Nzemas. Beginning in August, the festival moves west from Takoradi to town after town at weekly intervals. Rituals include purification of the stools and prayers to the ancestors for a good harvest. Traditional drumming and dancing feature prominently.

Afenorto (Staying At Home)
This festival is celebrated annually by the people of Mepe, in the Volta Region to take stock of their lives, strengthen family and friendship bonds and pay homage to their ancestors through pouring of libation and funeral obsequies. It is also the period during which the people take stock of their lives and plan for the future; when young men meet their future spouses and pay homage to their ancestors through libations and undertake development projects.



September

Fetu Afahye Festival
It is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of September by communities in the Cape Coast Traditional Area (Fetu). It is characterized by a durbar of chiefs and processions of "Asafo Companies" (traditional warrior groups) and numerous social organisations. Every member of the group is adorned in rich and colourful clothes, thus creating the grandeur of this festival which literally means "adorning of new clothes". A procession of the "7 Asafo Companies" in their unique costumes depicts a fusion of the "Fante" and European cultures, (typically, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish and British), which have been sustained over many centuries. Customary rites include the slaughter of a cow to the 77 Deities in the area to obtain their blessings.

Nkronu Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Shama/Beposo, in the Western Region. A very colourful festival and it involves purification of stools, prayer to ancestors for good harvest and long life.

Sometutuza Festival
Annual colourful festival of the "SOME" people of Agbozume, in the Eastern Region to commemorate the exodus from their original Home (Keta) and subsequent settlement at Agbozume. Activities of the festival include a display (exhibition) of different types of "Ewe Kente" cloth, traditional and woven textile.

Akwambo Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the Central Region.

Ayerye Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Enyam-Maim-Cape Coast, in the Central Region.

Akyempem Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Agona, in the Ashanti Region.
Odwira Festival This festival is celebrated in most Akwapim towns during the months of September and October, with the most colourful festivities taking place at Akropong, Amanokrom and Aburi, in the Eastern Region. During "Odwira", the Chiefs sit in state and receive homage from the people.

The ceremonies include purification of the stools and performance of traditional rites. Libations are poured to the gods for prosperity and the general well-being of the people during the ensuing year. Drumming and dancing accompany the celebration.

Kobine Festival
This post-harvest festival gives thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is normally celebrated in the month of September by the Dagaaba people in the Upper West Region. The 3-day festival culminates in feasting and dancing.



October

Ohumkyire Festival
Is celebrated by the people of Kibi, in the Eastern Region.



November

Fao Festival
a harvest festival by the inhabitants in honour of their gods ? Paga, Upper East Region

Agumatsa Waterfalls Festival
This festival is celebrated in November by the people of the Wli Traditional Area, in the Volta Region. They give thanks to God for giving them the Wli Waterfalls, since its waters are used for practically all domestic purposes. There is dancing during the durbar, which usually starts at mid-day and officially ends around 5:00pm.

Hogbetsotso Festival
The "Anlo Ewes", an ethnic group on the eastern cost (Volta Region) of Ghana, are believed to have settled in Notsie in Togo when they first migrated from Southern Sudan. Legend has it that they escaped from the tyrannical ruler of Notsie, Ago-Koli, by walking backwards. In order to commemorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created this annual "Festival of the Exodus". There are many ceremonies associated with the festival, including a peace-making period where all outstanding problems are supposed to be resolved. This is a purification ceremony of the traditional stool and a period of general cleaning when the villages are swept and rubbish burnt. This cleaning ceremony begins at the Volta Estuary and goes on for days until it finally reaches the Mono River in the Republic of Benin. An essential aspect of the festival is a durbar of chiefs and the people. Chiefs dress in very colouful regalia and sit in state to receive homage from their subjects. Dancing, singing and general merry-making go on throughout the festival. The main durbar always take place on the first Saturday of November in Anloga, in the Volta Region.

Kwafie Festival
The people of Dormaa Ahenkro, Berekum and Nsuatre, in the Brong Ahafo Region celebrate the "Kwafie Festival" between November and December. This events is celebrated in remembrance of the ancestors and it is also meant as purification. Among the many activities, the most interesting is the burning of a large bonfire in the courtyard. The Dormaas are reputed to have brought fire to Ghana and this legend is symbolically remembered through this bonfire. A durbar is also held during which homage is paid to the Paramount Chief by his sub-chiefs and subjects. It is a period when all descendants of the original Dormaas (who broke away from the Akwamus and migrated here) come home to a grand reunion. Like Apoo, this festival fosters a spirit of unity among the people. Highlights of the activities include a pageant of the royal courts with drumming, dancing and a display of the paraphernalia of the Chiefs.

Apoo Festival
"Apoo" is celebrated in Techiman and Wenchi, in the Brong Ahafo Region in November. It is a festival for the purification of the people to rid them of social evil. The festival lasts one week and includes a variety of recreational cultural activity. It ends on the sixth day with the "Apoo" procession, when insinuations are cast about the evil doings of some of the citizens. Even the Chief is not spared. This period is a time for family reunions and unity among the people. You are welcome to join the festivities.

Sasabobirim Festival
A week long annual festival of the people of Awuah Domase, in the Brong Ahafo Region. It is celebrated in remembrance of their brave chief who joined Yaa Asantewaa to fight the Europeans in the early part of the 20th century.



December

Eiok Festival
The annual "Fiok Festival" is celebrated by the Builsas of Sandema in December. This is a war festival which re-enacts the ancient heroic exploits of the Builsas. Amid drumming and dancing, the gods are invoked for protection and for a bountiful harvest.

*Most villages and towns in the Volta and Eastern Regions use Easter to celebrate festivals.

*Adae and Akwasidae Festivals
The pomp and pageantry of the Ashanti kingdom is most vividly brought to life during beautiful Adae festivals which are held at the palace once every 6 weeks. These are occasions when the King, riding in a palanquin and adorned with all his gold ornaments, comes out to receive the homage of his sub-chiefs and people. It is a spectacular sight to watch the colouful canopies and umbrellas, the skillful drummers, dancers, horn-blowers and praise-singers at these regular festivals, held in honour of their ancestral spirits. Time your visit to coincide with an Akwasidae festival, (Sunday Adae). You can determine the Akwasidae date by counting 6 weeks down the calendar from one Adae.

Recreation

Ghana has sought to develop a tourist trade. Attractions include casinos, fine beaches, game reserves, and old British, Dutch, and Portuguese trading forts and castles. Indigenous dance forms and folk music thrive in rural areas, and there are many cultural festivals. The National Cultural Center is in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, an area rich in traditional Ghanaian crafts. There is an Arts Center in Accra, as well as the National Museum, the Alwri Botanical Gardens, and the burial place of W.E.B. Du Bois..

Next Door Beach Resort
Owned and operated by 'Slo' and Gabriella since 1997, Next Door Beach Resort has established itself as one of the most lively and popular entertainment spots in Ghana.Located in Teshie, Accra on Beach Road (opposite the Military Academy), Next Door Beach Resort is the ideal place to eat, drink and relax. You can dance the hours away or just sit back and listen to the music and watch the waves roll in.

La Pleasure Beach
A three kilometre sea frontage at Labadi, 8 kilometres east of Accra on the Accra Tema Beach Road. It serves as Accra's main public beach with only shower and changing room facilities and catering services.

Ada Foah Beach
This coastal town, 100 kilometres east of Accra, on the Lome Road has this beach with facilities for yatching, skiing, fishing, etc.


The Elmina Beach Resort is a three star hotel resort serving both domestic and foreign vacationers. Located in the heart of the historic Central Region of Ghana, the Elmina Beach Resort represents the ultimate locale for businessmen, tourists and eco-adventurers alike. We are only minutes away from Cape Coast and the fishing community of Elmina where the Portuguese first made contact with West Africa and constructed Fort São Jorge.


Busua Beach
The Busua Beach Resort is a Nature Lover's dream come true. Located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Region of Ghana, the Busua Resort is about halfway between Abidjan, the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, and Accra, the capital of Ghana. Busua is in the very heart of the region's attractions, both natural and manmade. We invite you to visit our luxury 3 star resort, pull up a beach chair and relax by the sea.


Kokrobite Beach
Kokrobite near 30 kilometres west of Accra. A sprawling beach with a dramatic backdrop of hills. It is a favourite of tourists because of its serene atmosphere and its almost secluded nature.


Manet Paradise on the Volta River
Located at Ada-Foah, which is a few miles drive from Accra. Many tourists who visit Ghana endeavour to go to this pleasurable tourist site before returning to their destinations. The Manet paradise –“a real paradise personified” has many distinct features, which compel first-time visitors make a second visit.
There is a serene and natural environment, cool water of the paradise, which is located at the estuary of the River Volta. Manet Paradise has currently 45 spacious air-conditioned rooms including suites. The rates for rooms and other services are reasonably priced.... The “Paradise” serves sumptuous local and continental dishes.

Tills No1 Beach Hotel
Located in Gomoa - Fetteh off the Main Acccra - Winneba road in Central Region Of Ghana. It's about 40 - 45 minutes drive from Accra.
Tills No1 Beach Hotel is a Two(2) Star Beach Resort with 16 Rooms made up of, a) Seven (7) Executive class self contained double rooms with satellite TV's, air conditioners, fans, hot and cold shower all close to the sea. b)Eight (8)Regular self contained double rooms with satellite TV's, air conditioners, fans and cold shower all very close to the sea. c)One(1) family room with all facilities as in Executive class.

BOJO BEACH located at Bortianor, Accra on the Kokrobite road.
The Bojo White Sand Beach is the latest addition to the beach party situation arising along Ghana’s 540Km pristine beach line. Situated next to the Densu delta Ramsar site and along the Atlantic Ocean, in its uniqueness and lovely blend of Caribbean and Ghanaian cultural architecture is the inviting Bojo beach.The beauty and uniqueness of Bojo beach stem from strategic location, concept, architecture and the serene environment. The facilities available for the beach goers come on a tall list that will keep you coming back at the least opportunity to have more of the excitement.