I love to travel the world, meaning I often get asked, what's my favourite country, and in all honesty, I didn't know the answer until last year. In this order: Ghana, Mexico and Cyprus. I spent my Christmas holiday in my tropical homeland of Ghana. With a population of 29 million and 1 million living in Accra, its no wonder the tourism industry is booming. Rich in culture and heritage, there is simply no place like home. 

Food Street Art & Lifestyle

As soon as you step on the streets of Accra, your immersed in the hustle and bustle of the city. With food vendors on every corner, its no wonder Ghanian women are known internationally for being entrepreneurs. Ghana is a patriotic country in love with the national flag and culture. People are laid back, relaxed and incredibly welcoming. The street is filled with bright colours and street art which simply leave you inspired. I headed straight to the business district of Makola market, where I was greeted with the vibrant colour of food, street speakers, a collection of stalls, of everything you could possibly want. Makola market was constructed in 1924 and stood in the heart of urban Ghanaian life.  The market is predominantly made up of female traders selling fresh goods, jewellery, hair, shoes you name it. I would highly recommend as a must visit location if you want an authentic Ghanaian experience. 

 

 

 

Kwame Nkrumah 

Ghana is a country rich in colonial history and does not shy away from sharing its story. The first stop was exploring the old district of Accra, Jamestown. Jamestown is renowned for sports, especially boxing. Any new dance to come out of Ghana is most likely from Jamestown. Distinguished by the red and white lighthouse built in 1871, it gives a birds-eye view of the city. Within close approximation, Jamestown leads to the Kwame Nkrumah memorial park. You cannot visit Ghana, without falling in love with the history of Kwame Nkrumah, who emancipated the country from British rule in 1957. Revered around the world for his innovative and beyond his time thinking. It's only befitting such a beautiful park should be dedicated to him. The mausoleum is surrounded by water and statue men blowing trumpets. The structure is carved out of Italian marble. The landscape of Ghana means each historical sight easily flows into each other. Independence Square which houses the Independence Arch and the Black Square monument is the second largest square after Tiananmen Square in Beijing China. All major national public gatherings are held in the square. 

  

Cape Coast 

On the final leg of the trip, I headed to Cape Coast specifically Assin Manso and Fort Williams. Cape Coast was the base of operations for the slave trade market, seeped in a deep painful history, most of the ruins still stand to this day. Donkor Nsuo (The Slave River) was the final stop before slaves were transported onto ships. It was where they took their last baths before taking the treacherous journey, which most did not survive. This key area was the final corner of the triangular trade for which Africans were forcibly removed from their natural habitat and set to work as slaves in America and the UK. Not far from Assin Manso is Fort William. Built by the British during the colonial period, which changed through many European hands. It was the centre for British trading until slavery was outlawed in 1807. Remnants of the structure remain an eerie vibe throughout the space, especially in the night. 

 

Ghana is a beautiful country, with a growing tourism industry to match. The people are easy going and incredibly welcoming. If you're looking for a unique experience in Africa, I would highly recommend a visit. 

All images are copyright of Copper Dust

 

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