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Ghana Gold

  • January 15, 2025
  • By 50 Shades
  • 2 Comments
Ghana Gold

One of my dream overseas travel destinations for some time now has been the continent of Africa. The fact that I chose to travel to Ghana on the west coast of Africa was as a result of watching a travel show on SBS TV. For me it appeared to offer a variety of desirable travel experiences, including: an intriging history; a tropical coastal charm; verdant rainforest and savannah land; a bustling capital city; a cool change in the mountains and an extensive river system.

Ghana-Gold
Volta River in Ada

Ghana

Ghana, formerly called the Gold Coast, is a West African country sandwiched between Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Togo. It is renowned as being a rich country because of its abundance of natural resources. It is in fact Africa’s largest producer of gold and other natural resources including oil, iron and diamonds, and it is a major producer of cocoa.

Back in the 1600s traders from Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and Britain came to the Gold Coast to search for gold. Then the British took control of the country in 1901 and declared the Gold Coast a colony of the British Empire.

Ghana Gold
Elmina Castle Trading Post

In 1957, Ghana gained independence from Britain and became the first African country to become independent.

In the savannah regions of Ghana elephants, leopards, wild buffalo, and antelope which were once plentiful, are now found mostly in nature reserves. Elephants, crocodiles, warthogs, and hippos can now be seen around the watering holes in the Mole National Park in Northern Ghana.

Ghana Gold
Elephants in the wild in Northern Ghana

Ghanian food, I found to be very spicy and flavoursome. Meals consist of a lot of spicy soups and stews made with tomatoes, onions, pepper, ginger and a variety of indigenous spices. I enjoyed their jolloff rice, fried chicken, banku and grilled tilapia fish, beans with fried plantain (kelewele) and boiled yam served with a chicken stew. Most meals are served with Ghanaian hot black pepper sauce called shito, which was a little too hot for my taste.

Ghana Gold
Chicken Stew & Boiled Yam

Highlights of Ghana

My 10 day travel itinerary was as follows:

Day 1 – 4. Accra
Day 5. Aburi
Day 6. Kakum National Park and Cape Coast
Day 7. Shai Hills, Lake Volta and Okosombo
Day 7. Ada Foah, Volta River and Vume
Day 8. Accra & Laboma Beach
Day 9. Dodowa
Day 10. Labadi Beach

Ghana Gold
Volta Lake in Okosombo

My choice of tour company was with The Get Out Ghana Tours on a private excursion with the owner – a local man called Ken. The customised tour was the perfect blend of history, education, culture, nature, interesting sites and adventure activities. Transportation by private vehicle was very comfortable and the accommodation and meals included in the tour package were top notch.

Accra

Accra is the bustling capital city of Ghana and is a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colours, cacophony of sounds, roadside hawkers, maze of pot-holed streets and imposing heat and humidity. With just over 284,000 people, it is the largest city in Ghana located on the southern coast at the Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ghana Gold
Labadi Beach in Accra

The city has a mix of modern sky-scraper buildings, upmarket hotels, shopping malls, 19th-century colonial architecture, and then dusty shanty towns. With its coastal location there are several beaches that although, are a little polluted in some places, are worth checking out. There is certainly plenty to see in this thriving city.

Ghana Gold
Views of Accra from Aburi Mountain

Street vendors/hawkers weave their way through the congested traffic along the roads with baskets balanced on their heads selling all types of food and wares, from plantain chips, to cold drinks, to books and kitchen utensils. I even saw car parts being sold!

Ghana Gold
Street Vendors in Accra

Tro-tros, the iconic form of transport in Ghana, are crammed with people like sardines in a tin, despite their total lack of safety. These old mini-buses, are often nothing more than a bare carcass with various car parts taped on and are the cheapest method of travelling around in the city.

Things to Do in Accra

During my stay in Accra there was plenty to do and see to comfortably fill in four to five days.

Accra Polo Club – indulge in a delicious meal and cocktail at the very posh Polo Club alongside the polo field.


Accra Mall – check out some of the stores at this modern fully air conditioning mall or dine at one of the nine restaurants here.

Ghana Gold


Lakeside Marina Park – chill out lakeside at this recreational park with boats for hire, mini golf, a large swimming pool, waterslides and a children’s playground.

Ghana Gold


Madina Markets – one of the biggest and busiest markets in Accra with market stalls and vendors lining both sides of the main road and even lining the pedestrian bridges across the road. This is the place to shop for food, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, electronics, building materials, and much more.

Ghana Gold


Accra Arts Centre – here you can shop for authentic Ghanaian arts and crafts, from sculptures to textiles, at this vibrant marketplace.


Osikan Ocean Rock Retreat Centre – Enjoy the stunning ocean views from the bar and restaurant at this resort that is located on a rocky cliff that juts out into the sea.


Jamestown – the oldest part of Accra, is a little dilapitated and rundown but is definitely worth a stroll around. There are vibrant fish markets, a red and white striped lighthouse, an old fortress, colourful wall murals and an interesting shrine with golden sculptures in the middle of the road.


Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – dedicated to the first independent Ghanian president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. It is set on the old British polo fields and features a fountain, a statue of Nkrumah, a mausoleum, a museum, and gardens.

Ghana Gold


Independence Arch aka Blackstar Gate/Monument and Independence Square – this must see imposing arch is located adjacent to Independence Square. The arch is crowned by a large black star, Ghana’s national symbol, and is the perfect spot to take a photo.


Nightlife precinct – Osu nightclubs and casinos. The pulsing Osu Night Market illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles.


Labadi and Laboma Beach – prop yourself on a sunbed or at a table under a beach umbrella and enjoy food and drinks whilst taking in the beach vibes. I enjoyed a horse ride along the sand and afterwards a trio of musicians seranading me with a few songs. Don’t forget to get a photo with the La Pleasure Beach sign.

Day Trips from Accra

Dodowa & Dodowa Waterfall – around 39 kilometres from Accra is the lush greenery of Dodowa Forest and the laid back township of Dodowa. After a quick stop at the local markets to buy some water, fruit and ground nuts, we hiked through a local rural village into the forest where we eventually reached the Dodowa Waterfall. Here we spent the afternoon swimming in the rock pool under the falls. It was a gorgeous cool change from the heat in the city.

Ghana-Gold
Dodowall Falls

Aburi & Oboadaka Falls – On one of my days in Accra the tour guide drove us up to the Akwapim-Togo Range overlooking the sprawling city of Accra, where we visited the Aburi Botanical Gardens. The palm walk comprising of an avenue of elegant tall palm trees, is around 274 metres long. Amongst the extensive gardens there is a bush house, a pergola, a rock garden and an ancient ficus tree.

Ghana Gold
Aburi Gardens

We were to go on a quad bike ride on this day through the countryside, however the quad bike guy never showed up and it had started to rain. So we decided we would go enjoy some lunch first and see what happened after this.

The Oboadaka Falls are nestled in the lush green valleys of the Akwapim Mountains, just a 15-minute drive from Aburi. This hidden gem is accessible via a cobblestoned roadway and path that takes you down to the cascade of water, surrounding rock pool and lush forest. It is the perfect spot for a swim, a picnic or just a relaxing spot in the coolness.

Ghana Gold
Oboadaka Waterfalls in Aburi

Kakum National Park – At around a four hour drive out of Accra is Ghana’s first national park called Kakum National Park. This 357km² park of dense coastal forest is home to Ghana’s highest rainforest canopy walkway. 

Ghana Gold
Entrance to Kakum National Park

There are over 650 butterfly species in the park and is also home to leopards, hornbills, Diana monkeys, flying squirrels, and scarlet-tailed African gray parrots.

Our guide took us on a tour and hike through the rainforest, pointing out some of the unique plant species and giant trees. We then arrived at the entrance to the rainforest canopy walkway that connects six enormous trees and is in seven sections. At a height of 40 metres above the forest floor, the canopy walk is definitely a heart-racing and invigorating experience.

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Canopy Walkway in Kakum National Park

Cape Coast and Elmina – Not far from Kakum National Park is the region called the Cape Coast. It was the former European colonial capital of Ghana. The town is majorly focused on fishing and tourism with many people coming to visit the Cape Coast Castle. The beaches along this stretch of coastline are also very scenic with palm-fringed shores and golden sand.

Ghana Gold
Fishing Boats on the Cape Coast

On arrival at the Cape Coast Castle, I was immediately pounced on by hawkers selling large enscripted sea shells, artworks, jewellery and other souvenirs. I assured them I would purchase something from them on return from my tour of the castle.

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The courtyard inside Elmina Castle

Cape Coast and Elmina castles both were former trading posts for slaves, gold and ivory. In the 1600s, Ghana was a major participant in the transatlantic slave trade. The historic castle at Cape Coast was the departure point for enslaved Africans from across the continent. From here, African men and women from countries across West Africa were sent in boats in perilous conditions to a destination unknown to be sold as slaves. To experience the slave dungeons where they were held, and learn about their plights was a highly emotional and spiritual experience.

Ghana Gold
Cape Coast Castle Canons

Eastern Region

On our tour from Accra we travelled not too far from the city to the Shai Hills Resource Reserve. The protected area was home to the Shai people before they were ejected by the British in 1892.  It was made a Game Production Reserve in 1971. 

Ghana Gold
Shai Hills Museum

We wandered through the reserve with a young German guide who explained about the wildlife in the reserve. These include guinea fowls, antelopes, baboons and francolins, green monkeys, antelopes, small mammals, reptiles, bats in caves and over 172 bird species. We viewed zebras and ostriches that are kept in enclosures within the reserve and walked amongst several baboons that were out for a stroll.

Ghana Gold
Baboon in Shai Hills Nature Reserve

After we left Shai Hills we drove to Okosombo located on Lake Volta. The Volta River was dammed in the 1960s which created Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. The primary purpose of the Akosombo Dam was to generate hydro-electricity for the aluminium industry, but it also provides electricty for the entire country.

Ghana Gold
Adomi Bridge over Lake Volta

We drove to a large hotel resort called the Royal Senchi situated right on the shores of the lake and went on a boat cruise to enjoy the serenity of the lake. We also got to observe the impressive Adomi Bridge, which looks very similar to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Afterwards we wandered around the gorgeous extensive grounds of the resort featuring an 18-hole golf course.

Ghana Gold
Lake Volta

Absorbing spectacular lakeside views, we lunched at a nearby resort further towards the town of Okosombo. I couldn’t get over the clear and clean, deep green water of the lake.

Ghana Gold
Lakeside views at lunch

After a long day we retreated to our accommodation at the Royal Riverside Lodge that was idyllically located right on the Volta River in Ada. With an open bar in a grassed roof cabana and riverside lounges, it was a befitting end to another fantastic day in Ghana.

Ghana Gold
Views from my hotel in Ada

Volta Region

The most easterly region in Ghana that borders the country of Togo, Volta Region is also where the Volta River goes out to the sea. Its landscape features rolling hills and valleys, rocky outcrops, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls, and is one of Ghana’s most attractive regions.

Ghana Gold
Volta River

We set off to the pottery village of Vume to try our hand at forming clay into objects and then had a turn of spinning the pottery turntable to form a clay pot. It was a lot harder than it looked! Vume is in fact renowned as the pottery village of Ghana and has been making clay pots from local clay for 300 years.

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Pottery in Vume, Volta

The beaches of the Volta estuary are also among the best in Ghana and where you will find some exclusive beach resorts and holiday homes of the rich and famous.

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Peace Island Resort in Ada

We jumped aboard a rickety old timber riverboat and chugged along the river enjoying the view until we came to the Ada Island Zoo. Here we got to meet some crocodiles that live in the river, a couple of small monkeys in a cage and two huge python snakes. I declined on the invitation to hold a python but was brave enough to hold a baby crocodile!

Ghana Gold
Volta river boats in Ada

The riverboat took us back past a couple of large resorts, one called Treasure Island that boasts a huge blue marlin statue, and very much an exclusive island holiday resort. We headed out to the river estuary where the gentle ocean waves from the Atlantic Ocean rocked the boat from side to side.

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Treasure Island in Ada

Once we returned to shore our jetski was waiting for us to take turns and have a thrilling 10 minute ride on the wide river. It was invigorating!

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Jetskiing on the Volta River

The day in Ada started and ended at our riverside hotel where I got a last glimpse of the sunset on the river. It was almost time to head back to the city of Accra. I vowed right then that I wanted to return to this region and spend some time on the river.

Labadi Beach

My very last day and night was spent luxuriating at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel located right on the beach in Accra. The resort style hotel is situated on 30 acres of manicured lawns and gardens, with a huge swimming pool, beachside resaurant and bar, a casino and a day spa.

Ghana Gold
La Palm Resort on Labadi Beach, Accra

Labadi Beach is Accra’s most popular beach and is buzzing with life, loud music, bars offering cocktails, sun lounges, beach horse riding and swimming in the sea. The shore is also lined with vendors offering Ghanaian culinary delights such as grilled tilapia, kebabs, fried yams, and refreshing coconut juice. 

Ghana Gold
Horseriding on Labadi Beach

My time in Ghana was a once in a lifetime type of travel experience. It was unlike anywhere else that I have been to in the world. It was uniquely different, a cultural explosion, a lesson in the atrocities of slavery, immense natural attributes and colourful vibrant people. Memories of this enchanting country will forever live in my mind.










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By 50 Shades, January 15, 2025 Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.
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50 Shades

Kathy was a 50 something year old when she started up this blog 6 years ago, but has since turned over another decade and is now in her early 60s. She is married with two adult children and lives on the Tweed Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Kathy enjoys living life to the fullest and loves to keep fit and active by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Some of her interests include reading, photography, travelling, cooking and blogging! Kathy works part-time as a freelance writer but her real passion is travelling and photographing brilliant destinations both within Australia and overseas and writing about it.

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