By AccraEvents.GH
Are you looking for a new and exciting worldly adventure to embark on? This is your sign to book yourself a one-way ticket to Ghana. This article brushes over key facts about Ghana and why you should visit this beautiful, peaceful nation.
Often referred to as the "Gateway to Africa" or "Africa for Beginners", Ghana is a small but captivating and culturally rich destination that should be on every traveler's bucketlist. Suffused with the most incredible energy, Ghana is one of Africa's biggest attractions, with welcoming beaches, gorgeous hinterland, diverse wildlife and vibrant cities. Located on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, this former British colony offers a unique blend of history, culture, wildlife, natural beauty, and hospitality to its 30 million natives and beyond. From its bustling cities to its serene coastlines, and lush forests, Ghana has something to offer everyone. In this article, we'll brush over a brief history of the country and explore why you should visit this vibrant and welcoming gem.
Ghana (formerly the Gold Coast) has served as a leader and example to over 30 other African countries since its days as the first subsaharan African country to achieve Independence (March 6, 1957). However, Ghana's rich past and a vibrant present extend beyond our struggle for independence. Our unique nation inherited its name from the great medieval trading empire till 13th century but is believed to have been inhabited dating back to 10,000 BCE - even before the Bantu Migration took place. No wonder Ghana holds such a deep historical and cultural significance and a fascinating repository of cultural heritage.
Ghana's location on the West African Coast has made it a key player in global trade and exploration. Direct sea trade with with the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and other Europeans from the 15th century, had a huge impact on the area’s inhabitants, many of whom now speak English. The country is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the colorful Homowo and the Ashanti's Adae Kese, which celebrate cultural heritage, past events and rich traditions. Its welcoming people, lively music genres like Highlife and Hiplife, and its reputation as a soccer powerhouse further contribute to Ghana's unique allure on the global stage. Here are all the reasons to visit this thriving nation.
1. RICH HISTORY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Ghana is its rich cultural heritage. The above summary of the country's history does not depict even a fraction of our story. Because of our complex historical background and numerous influences, Ghana is home to a number of ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and customs. Immerse yourself in Ghana's cultural tapestry by visiting the Ashanti Empire's capital, Kumasi, exploring the vibrant markets of Accra, or attending traditional festivals like the colorful Aboakyir Festival in Winneba and many more.
2. UNFORGETTABLE MONUMENTS AND LANDMARKS
Events in Ghana's history like the struggle for independence and the trans-atlantic slave trade spawned the creation of numerous noteworthy landmarks and monuments, some of which have been maintained to this day. For instance, the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were once used as slave dungeons and still offer sobering insights into the past. Visiting these sites is a powerful and educational experience, allowing you to observe the fuller image of Ghana. In addition to its slave trade history, Ghana is home to many other historical and archaeological sites like the Larabanga Mosque - one of the oldest mosques in West Africa, and Lake Bosumtwi - a lake believed to be the result of meteoritic action about 1 million years ago, when a crater formed by the impact of an asteroid gradually filled with rainwater. However locals believe the lake came about in a spiritual tale between a hunter and an antelope.
3. STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY AND NOTABLE WILDLIFE
Ghana's natural beauty is breathtaking, offering diverse landscapes that cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. The country boasts lush rainforests, serene beaches, rolling hills, active savannahs, national parks, refreshing lakes and many more. It is truly a must-visit for nature lovers. This diversity of landscapes and ecosystems contributes to the variety of wildlife throughout the country from Zebras to Monkeys and Giraffes.
4. EXCITING PARTIES, FESTIVALS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Ghana's lively cities offer a dynamic mix of modernity and tradition. Accra, the capital city, in now globally recognized for its party scene and is presently a December tourist destination. In 2021, Ghana was visited by 915,000 toursists. However, the capital doesnt just boast a vibrant nightlife, it also has upscale and urban dining options to suit all tastes, an active sports scene, and a thriving arts scene. Kumasi, the second largest city, is known for its bustling markets, Royal culture and Museums that showcase the rich Ashanti royal history. Tamale in the north offers a glimpse into Northern Ghana's unique culture which differs vastly from the culture in the regions down south.
5. DELECTABLE CUISINE & REFRESHING BEVERAGES
Ghanaian cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors and ingredients. You can savor dishes like jollof rice, banku and tilapia, fufu and light soup, and waakye . Street food stalls offer an array of affordable, tasty snacks, including kelewele (spicy fried plantains) and kebabs. Be sure to quench your thirst with Ghana's refreshing local beverages like asaana, sobolo, lamougine, palm wine and freshly squeezed fruit juices from the naturally sweet organic fruits.
6. ART SCENE
Ghana is a melting pot of influences from the Portuguese, French, Dutch, British, Christian missionaries, Islam, bantu's, Ashantis and more. This doesn't just manifest in our food, history and languages but also in our artistic cultural expression. Our numerous influences are evident in our music, dance, sculpture, artwork, theater, murals, artifacts, fashion, and architecture. Observe our unique artistic expression through our eyes and with our perspective.
7. WARM CLIMATE AND PEOPLE
Ghanaians are known for their warmth and effortless hospitality. A visit to Ghana means you'll be welcomed with open arms by the locals, who are eager to share their lifestyle and traditions for this is an instinctive part of our culture. We are taught to be hospitable and welcoming from a young age. Don't be surprised if you're invited to join in a traditional dance or share a meal with a local family – it's all part of the Ghanaian experience. However be warned because this hospitality does not extend into our customer service. Ghanaians tend to be fantastic at hosting others until they are expected to.
8. PROMISING INVESTMENTS
Are you an insightful entrepreneur with a nose for business? Well, visiting Ghana also opens unique avenues for business. Ghana's burgeoning economy presents fertile ground for investment, whether in real estate, agriculture, or emerging industries. Entrepreneurs can explore partnerships and ventures that have the potential to yield drastic returns because they will be getting in on the ground floor of the hidden potential. Ghana's strategic location on the Atlantic coast coupled with its mineral wealth past interactions with other cultures contributed to some significant events in its history.
9. CHARITABLE CAUSES
Thoughtful, selfless and kindred souls who derives peace from helping the less fortunate will also enjoy a lot of opportunities to fulfill their calling and make meaningful contributions to local communities when visiting Ghana. Ghana also provides a platform for those with a philanthropic spirits to engage in impactful charitable initiatives from supporting local schools, building needed healthcare facilities, and other community development projects can make a lasting difference. AccraEvents.GH also hosts effective monthly charitable initiatives. By combining exploration with charity, visitors can leave a positive imprint on Ghana's future while embracing the warmth of its present culture.
10. SAFE UNIQUE OPTION WITH LOTS TO DO
Ghana is undoubtedly one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa, and has truly earned its nickname "the Gateway to Africa". The country has a number of activities, sites and cultural options to offer its many visitors. With information at our fingertips nowadays, its easy to find the reality of alluring holiday destinations littered throughout the blessed nation. Many people like to be recognized as "world" travelers, but that title is incomplete without a visit to Africa, the second largest continent in the world. This is undoubtedly because of the miseducation, biased press and negative propaganda that has been circulated about this naturally endowed continent that powers the western world with its resources.
As you have seen, Ghana is a country that captivates the hearts of travelers with its rich culture, historical significance, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history lover, a foodie, or simply looking to experience the warmth of the Ghanaian people, Ghana has something to offer everyone. Visiting Ghana is not just a trip; it's an unforgettable journey into the heart of West Africa, where you can discover the treasures of a life-changing nation. Check back in 2 weeks for our next article and browse through our website for more updates. Till then, "Life is for the Living, so Live It Up!"
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