Brong And Ahafo

Visitors will be welcome in many of our traditional villages, and enjoy visiting agricultural fairs and local festivals. Visits to cocoa farms and lumber factories can be arranged by the regional office of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

A selection of welcoming hotels and restaurants will be found in the main towns of the region.

Brong Ahafo is the great agricultural region of Ghana, and is often recognized as our breadbasket as, apart from its extensive forests reserve and cocoa plantations, it has a large acreage of food crops.

The villages of Brong Ahafo are of great interest to tourists throughout the year. Traditional farming methods are found side by side with more modern land management, while the friendliness and sense of hospitality of the people reflect the basic cultural attraction of Ghana. Of particular interest in many villages will be the traditional healers who use herbal medicines to cure a wide variety of ailments.

Largely unspoilt by industrial development, the region is one of the most attractive in Ghana. The people of the region have been farmers for generations, benefiting from their longer than average rainfall season, and the busy markets in the small towns and villages display the colourful results of their husbandry, as well as local pottery, weaving and other attractive and useful crafts and artefacts.

The main towns in the region are Sunyani, the regional capital, and Techiman, legendary birthplace of the Akan people. Close to
Techiman is the famous Catholic monastery of Tuobodom.

ATTRACTIONS & EXCURSIONS IN BRONG AHAFO REGION


Kintampo Falls
These beautiful falls are hidden away in the woods close to the Kumasi/Kintampo highway

The Centre of Ghana
The geographical centre of Ghana is a tourist spot pinpointed close by in Kintampo town.

Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
22km north of Nkoranza, and home to many families of Colobus and Mona monkeys, which are held sacred by the local people. Visitors taking the forest walks, along shaded trails, are rewarded with sightings of many birds, butterflies and indigenous flowers and trees.

Traditional cloth making at Boama
20km from Techiman, the village of Nsuta is famous for the production of Kyenkyen, a local cloth, produced from the bark of trees.

The Heritage of Brong Ahafo
The history and culture of Brong Ahafo comes alive if you visit the Hani archeological site 50km from Wenchi, inhabited by the Benghos about 1200 BC, and the Kwaku Fri shrine at Nwoase 6km from Wenchi. This shrine is only accessible to visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Lake Volta
Lake Volta flows along the eastern edge of Brong Ahafo and a visit to the port of Yeji makes a pleasant excursion. Local fishermen land their catch here and the boats from Akosombo stop off here.


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Did You Know?

Have you ever come across a fountain that is fitted with lighting scenery that ‘dances’ to music? Well the first of such facility can be found in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates but a similar one with more enhanced features has been created in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi.



The Rattray Park started by the Kojo Bonsu-led Kumasi metropolitan assembly is expected to be opened to the public next month.

The 42 thousand square meters recreational facility, the biggest in the country, can boast of 6 square meters multimedia controlled fountain, children playground, a golf cart, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, an open robust gym and a cafeteria.

Operations manager of the Rattray Park, Masawudu Mahama told Myjoyonline.com the facility can accommodate over one thousand people.





“One interesting thing about this place is the fountain...the movement of the water and the lighting scenery commensurate with the multimedia controlled sound system; that is why it is called the dancing fountain,” he noted.

The facility will afford residents of Kumasi and Ghanaians in general a perfect place to relax while enjoy the natural scenery.











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Your Safety At Heart

The Ghana Tourism Authority says it is seeking legal backing to enforce strict safety standards at tourist facilities across the country.

This follows the Bunso canopy accident on July 1 in which 20 Junior High School leavers sustained various degrees of injuries when they climbed the walkway in the Eastern Region.

The Eastern Regional Security council has since ordered closure of the facility as investigations into the disaster begins. Managers of the facility have however been given two weeks to fix all the defects on the walkway.

The tourism authority says it is not suspecting foul play after visiting the disaster scene.

However, Ben Ohene Ayeh, Public Relations Manager at the Ghana Tourism Authority told Joy News his outfit is seeking legal backing to begin a nationwide crackdown on substandard tourist facilities.

He is confident the Legislative Instrument which is being developed for parliamentary approval will have “our hands strengthened to go deep into the requirements that are needed before a tourist site is opened to the public.”

He said, “now we are going to licence them and all the requirements that are needed; from security, from environmental issues, from the safety of patrons, and all these would be lined up for operators of tourist sites before their licence to operate would be issued.”

Ben Ayeh described Wednesday’s incident as a “pure case of accident”. He said a “branch peeled off from the main trunk” which brought the about 38 meters high canopy to the ground.

Some of the victims who spoke to Joy News from hospital confirmed that they were allowed to access the facility by its managers after they had paid and were issued with tickets for the walkway. This contradicted earlier claims by the managers that the victims illegally climbed the walkway.

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The Ghana Tourism Authority says it is seeking legal backing to enforce strict safety standards at tourist facilities across the country.
This follows the Bunso canopy accident on July 1 in which 20 Junior High School leavers sustained various degrees of injuries when they climbed the walkway in the Eastern Region.
The Eastern Regional Security council has since ordered closure of the facility as investigations into the disaster begins. Managers of the facility have however been given two weeks to fix all the defects on the walkway.
The tourism authority says it is not suspecting foul play after visiting the disaster scene.
However, Ben Ohene Ayeh, Public Relations Manager at the Ghana Tourism Authority told Joy News his outfit is seeking legal backing to begin a nationwide crackdown on substandard tourist facilities.
He is confident the Legislative Instrument which is being developed for parliamentary approval will have “our hands strengthened to go deep into the requirements that are needed before a tourist site is opened to the public.”
He said, “now we are going to licence them and all the requirements that are needed; from security, from environmental issues, from the safety of patrons, and all these would be lined up for operators of tourist sites before their licence to operate would be issued.”
Ben Ayeh described Wednesday’s incident as a “pure case of accident”. He said a “branch peeled off from the main trunk” which brought the about 38 meters high canopy to the ground.
Some of the victims who spoke to Joy News from hospital confirmed that they were allowed to access the facility by its managers after they had paid and were issued with tickets for the walkway. This contradicted earlier claims by the managers that the victims illegally climbed the walkway.
- See more at: http://myjoyonline.com/news/2015/July-3rd/tourism-authority-develops-li-to-enforce-strict-safety-at-tourist-sites.php#sthash.KRI0kEu3.dpuf

How Well Do You Know The Ashanti Region?

A Kente Weaver The Ashanti Region of Ghana is a kingdom of gold, history and  culture.  Occupying a central portion of modern Ghana, the region is the hub of the ancient kingdom of the Asante, and still the heartland for all Asante, wherever they may now be. The Golden Stool A visit to Ashanti must include Kumasi, the ancient capital of the region founded in 1695 by the Asantehene, Osei Tutu, where palaces, museums, forts and churches reveal the distinct cultural and historic backdrop for the festivals and ceremonies that are still important today. The Palace of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the festivals of Akwasidae, the Kumasi Fort and the Military Museum, and the Centre for National Culture are all essential tourist highspots. Kumasi also boasts of the largest open air market in West Africa at Kejetia, and the city is ringed by villages famous for their artisans and handicrafts. Tourists should always remember that bargaining is part of the tradition of trading in Ghana. Funerals are spectacular events in Ashanti (usually held on Saturdays), amidst displays of drumming, dancing and pageantry, often with thousands of mourners in traditional red and black.

Hip Africa

ANOTHER GHANAIAN AT IT AGAIN!

Hip Africa is set to take off as the go-to brand for high-end travel in Africa, which transcends the old safari narrative, offering up the continent as a viable place for city breaks, great restaurants, arts and culture, and a swathe of boutique and luxury hotels.

Hip Africa speaks to a sophisticated audience from Europe to the US, Asia, and most importantly across Africa itself - both business and leisure travelers.

Hip Africa showcases a carefully selected list of hotels and 'hip spots' - including restaurants, art galleries, museums, shopping spots and escapes - with high-quality photography and editorially independent reviews.

It is London based, however, its content is provided by a team of journalists, photographers, and movers and shakers on the ground across Africa, keeping readers in the know and up to date. "We aim to inform our readers and give them the practical tools for visiting and moving around what is arguably the most exciting continent in the world," says Ruby Audi, the Ghanaian/British founder.



Hip Africa will soon be unveiling a number of new cities, on every corner of the continent, and will eventually cover over 30 destinations in 20 countries.
click here to read more

Elmina ( Gold Shores EDINA)

Elmina

Elmina is a town and the capital of Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abirem Municipal in the Central region In Ghana. I choose to name it the Gold shore, as it is said that Gold were found along the coast of Elmina. The first place for the Europeans to settle not just in Ghana but in West Africa.

ABOUT ELMINA

before the coming of the Europeans, the town was called , "Amonansah" which means the perpetual drink.
The town grew around São Jorge da Mina Castle, built by the Portuguese Diogo de Azambuja in 1482 on the site of a town or village called "Amankwakurom" or "Amankwa". It was Portugal's West African headquarters for trade and exploitation of African wealth. The original Portuguese interest was gold but this later expanded to include tens of thousands of slaves channeled through the trading post of Elmina.
Elmina is also home to Fort Coenraadsburg on St. Jago Hill, built by the Portuguese in 1555 under the name Forte de Santiago, it was used for commerce. In 1637 it was conquered and remained by the Dutch, after the conquest of Elmina's main castle. Today, Elmina's main economic industry is fishing and tourism.
The British attacked the town in 1782 butremained in Dutch custody until 1872 when the Dutch Gold coast was sold to the British.

 

Tour Attraction and Festivals

the castle of St. George d’Elmina and Fort Coenraadsburg on St. Jago Hill.Apart from these there are monuments like the Asafo houses, traditional shrines, and remnants from the Dutch period (cemetery, Government Garden), and 19th and early 20th century merchants’ houses. popular festivals of Bakatue, Edina Bronya and the Pan-African Festival (Panafest).  also the town can boast of popular festivals of Bakatue, Edina Bronya and the Pan-African Festival (Panafest).

                                                                      Edina Bronya

bakatue Festival

The Bakatue Festival celebrates the “opening” of Benya River, and is thus closely connected to the main economic activity of fishing. Edina Bronya is also called the Elmina Christmas. Bronya is actually a Libation Day during which ancestors are remembered.

bakatue Festival 2015

Bakatue

This is a festival celebrated to commemorate the founding of the town. It is celebrated either on the last Tuesday of June or the first Tuesday of July. The day is consecrated to the tutelary deity of Elmina called Benya.  The celebration is synchronised with the last battle with the Fantis on the 26th of May 1868 and the harvest and admission of new crops into the market.


 Elmina , got some fine hotel and beaches which you will like to stay a night and have the time to know the town.

This is a place you will like to be on a weekend a with your family.
the gold Shore (EDINA)


Click here to read more about Elmina

Accra

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana, with an estimated urban population of 2.27 million as of 2012. It is also the capital of the Greater Accra Region and of the Accra Metropolitan District, with which it is coterminous.Accra is furthermore the anchor of a larger metropolitan area, the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA),which is inhabited by about 4 million people, making it the second largest metropolitan conglomeration in Ghana by population, and the eleventh-largest metropolitan area in Africa.
Accra stretches along the Ghanaian Atlantic coast and extends north into Ghana's interior. Originally built around a port, it served as the capital of the British Gold Coast between 1877 and 1957. Once merely a 19th-century suburb of Victoriaborg, Accra has since transitioned into a modern metropolis; the city's architecture reflects this history, ranging from 19th-century architecture buildings to modern skyscrapers and apartment blocks.
Accra serves as the Greater Accra region's economic and administrative hub. It is furthermore a centre of a wide range of nightclubs, restaurants and hotels.Since the early 1990s, a number of new buildings have been built, including the multi-storey French-owned Novotel hotel. The city's National Theater was built with Chinese assistance. In 2010, the Globalization and World Cities Research Network designated Accra a Gamma-minus-level world city, indicating a growing level of international influence and connectedness.

The GateWay to Africa

The central business district of Accra contains the city's main banks and department stores, and an area known as the Ministries, where Ghana's government administration is concentrated. Economic activities in Accra include the financial and agricultural sectors, Atlantic fishing, and the manufacture of processed food, lumber, plywood, textiles, clothing and chemicals.

The new View of Kwame Nkrumah Circle

Photo Credit: Citifmonline.com, new view Nkrumah Circle

Old view Kwame Nkrumah Circle

places you will like to visit when in Accra

Accra is the Greater Accra region's tourist hub, sporting a wide variety of hotels, monuments, museums and nightclubs. The city has three five-star hotels: the Labadi Beach Hotel, the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel and the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel. The Golden Tulip Hotel and Novotel Accra, located in Accra's central business district, are both ranked four stars. There are numerous three-star hotels, including the Hotel Wangara, Hotel Shangri-La and Erata Hotel, as well as many budget hotels. The Accra International Conference Centre and other meeting facilities provide venues for conference tourism.
The Du Bois Centre houses a research library and gallery of manuscripts, as well as the graves of its namesake, the scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, and his wife Shirley Graham Du Bois. The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is the resting place of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who oversaw the Gold Coast's independence from Britain and was a leading exponent of Pan-Africanism.

The National Theatre in Accra, home of the National Symphony Orchestra Ghana.

Intersection and Junction in East Ridge, Accra.

Accra furthermore hosts the National Museum, National Theatre, with its distinctive modern Chinese architecture.
The city's foremost historical site is the Jamestown area, which contains the Ussher Fort and James Fort, and Osu Castle (also known as Christiansborg), built by Danish settlers in the 17th century.
Other sites of note include The Flagstaff House (the office of the Government of Ghana and the President of Ghana), the Parliament House of Ghana.