Ghana pulsates with life. From the bustle of downtown Accra to the
atmospheric adobe villages of the north, from the ancient Kingdom of
Asante to the mediaeval mosques of Larabnga and Bole, it is a country
whose immense cultural diversity both thrills and fascinates visitors,
drawing them into a daily rhythm that is uniquely and unmistakenly
African. A common feature of all Ghanaian cultures is a love of
festivals. Barely a week goes without one or other town or village
holding its major annual celebration, while everyday personal events
such as funerals, name-giving ceremonies and weddings tend also to be
imbued with something of a carnival atmosphere.
The normal
starting point for exploring Ghana is the historical capital Accra, one
of the safest and most navigable of African cities, and brimming with
interest. Accra�s atmospheric older quarters Usshertown and Jamestown
are characterized by an architectural cocktail spanning several
centuries, spiced with striking landmarks such as the 17th century Osu
Castle and Jamestown Lighthouse, the more modern Independence Arch and
Nkrumah Mausoleum, and the lively fishing market. Modem Accra is
epitomized by Cantonments Road, more widely known as Oxford District,
Accra's hip downtown with bustling shops, handicracfts, fabrics,
hotels, restaurants, etc..
Ghana�s second city Kumasi, is the
traditional capital for the Asante people, heirs to a centuries-old
kingdom that once sprawled from its core in central Ghana into what are
nor Cote d�Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso. Better known to outsiders as
Ashanti, Asante was the last and most enduring of a succession of
centralized states that controlled the goldmines of Obuasi, though its
wealth and influence was also linked to the ample supply of captives it
provided to coastal slave traders. Traditional Ashanti landmarks
include a beautiful 300-year old fetish shrine at Besease, the royal
kente weaving village of Bonwire, and Manhyia Palace, where the Asante
King sits in session every sixth Sunday, heralded by a procession of
dignitaries and a fanfare of exuberant drumming and horn blowing that
capture the pageantry of Asante�s past.
There is also the
coastal Fante Kingdom, Asante�s southern counterpart and traditional
rival, centered on Mankerssim and incorporating the ports of Cape
Coast, Elmina, Anomabu Saltpond and Winneba, where local fishermen
still ply their trade in colourful pirogues, and life is ruled by the
whimsical winds and tides of the ancient Atlantic. The north of Ghana,
by contrast, has strong cultural links to the sandy Sahel, clearly
visible in the local style of dress, a strong Islamic influence dating
back to mediaeval times, and the captivating mud architecture of
villages such as Paga, Sirigu and Larabanga.
FestivalsA
popular feature of Ghana is the great festivals held around the
country, for the most joyous affairs when locals dress up in their
finest traditional attire and tourists are welcome to join in. Some of
the more important of perhaps 100 local festivals have become special
tourism events.
View List of Festivals >>Drumming and Dancing Learn
Authentic African Drumming and Dancing Come and experience African
drumming and dancing at its finest; a classroom on the beach with
Ghana�s only female master drummer.
Cape Coast hosts an array of
talented musicians, and you can take a class with one of the best!
Learn some West African songs, their history and their dances. Africa
is well-known for their music, and the dancing that accompanies it. You
can participate in these wonderful arts that have been performed for
centuries. Learn how villages use �talking drums� to communicate within
the village and between different villages�a technique that is still in
use today. Learn a traditional song and dance that is performed at
funerals and weddings.
To arranage a wokshop for your group, please call
024-530-467 (in-country) or
1-773-412-7953 (in the US)
or Email
[email protected]Other Cultural Attractions
Nzulezo Village The fascinating stilted village of Nzulezo, founded some 500 years ago above
the
jungle-bound Lake Amansuri, centerpiece of a community-based wetland
reserve that supports a dazzling assemblage of rare brids.
Larabanga MosqueThe haunting crvaceuos adobe architecture of northern Ghana, exemp- lified by
the medieval Larabanga Mosque nears the entrance of Mole National Park, and
the century-old Wa-a�sPalace in the remote town of Wa.
Posuban ShrinesThe
Posuban shrines of Elmina, Anomabu and Mankessim, outsized and
mildly surreal military storehouse whose fusion of indigenous and
exotic iconography attests to five centuries of interaction with
European traders and settlers.
Abosomfie "Fetish Shrines"The
ten ancient Abosomfie �fetish shrines� that dot the lush countryside of
Asante, many of which remain in active use, and which were collectively
proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial CentreThis
center was built in memory of the famous African-american scholar -
born civil rights leader, who spent his last years in Accra. this is
the place for Pan African Culture
Centre for National Culture "Arts Centre" The
Centre's arts and crafts bazaar and traditional textile market is the
best place in Accra to find tradional handicrafts from all over Ghana
National Museum 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