In recent years, the Republic of Ghana has become attractive to tourists, including Russian ones. Wild savannah, dunes, fabulous lagoons and exotic fauna greet those who find themselves in this part of Africa. The path from the Russian capital to Ghana is not a short one, you need to be patient. Since there is no direct flight to the main airport of this African country, tourists will have to transfer to one of the European cities.
On the world map
The country of Ghana is located in the western part of the continent of Africa. Its southern shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean Gulf of Guinea. Ghana borders Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso is a neighbor to the north, and Togo to the east. The zero meridian passes through the territory of the state, the republic lives at the same time with Great Britain. The country does not need to switch to daylight saving time, since the proximity to the equator guarantees at least twelve hours of daylight per day.
From the history of the state
Archaeological excavations show that civilization appeared here as early as the Bronze Age. City-states emerged in the thirteenth century, the greatest of which was Begho. In the Middle Ages, an association of tribes called Ashanti was formed on this territory. This land has long attracted Swedes and Germans. In the 16th century, the Portuguese built several fortresses here. The British were able to oust competitors, having enlisted the support of local tribes. But England's non-recognition of the local federation led to centuries of struggle between the local tribes and the colonists, which limited their further advance deep into Africa.
As a state, Ghana gained independence in 1957. At first, she used the model of state structure as in the Soviet Union. But soon the country began democratic transformations, the presidential republic became the form of government in Ghana.
The national flag consists of stripes of three colors. The lower yellow symbolizes the richness of mineral resources, the middle green indicates the abundance of vegetation, the upper red symbolizes the blood shed by the fighters for independence. In addition, in the center of the cloth is a black five-pointed star - a symbol of freedom and unity of the peoples of Africa.
The country occupies a leading position in gold mining, but here it is not considered an indicator of wealth. During ceremonies, tribal leaders wear a large amount of jewelry, thereby emphasizing their power.
Capital Accra
The largest settlement in Ghana is the capital - the city of Accra. On the map of the country, the city is located in its southern part, near the coast. It is not only a port, but also a cultural and administrative center. It arose in the vicinity of two fortresses, once erected by the British and Danes. In 1877, Accra became the main city of the British colony. It retained the status of the capital even after gaining independence, and besides that it got the opportunity for further development. Today it is a city with one of the highest living standards in Africa. Numerous mansions and government buildings add luxury. The central square of the capital of Ghana resembles the main square of Moscow.
Castles, fortresses, mosques
Hundreds of fortresses erected by Europeans at different times have survived on the Atlantic coast. First of all, tourists should visit Elmina. The ancient Portuguese castle was built by Christopher Columbus himself and his associates. Even after several reconstructions, the building is included in the list of heritage of mankind, approved by UNESCO. At various times, it served as a defense, was a prison, a hospital and even a recreation center.
The Portuguese fortress Axim rises on the edge of a cliff. Osu Castle was erected by the Danes in 1657, today it serves as the residence of the head of state. But the Cape Coast fort in the city of the same name is considered by the people of Ghana to be a particularly scary place. In its dungeons, the inhabitants of the continent were waiting for their fate for many months, who were then sold to America and Europe. The exposition presents slave cards, ancient weapons, clothing, household utensils, art and jewelry. The building serves as a reminder of injustice and cruelty.
The mosque in Larabanga looks completely unusual for foreigners. Anyone who visits Ghana wants to see this structure, created from wood and clay seven centuries ago. Today, the local landmark is under the threat of destruction, due to the influence of natural factors: the sun, precipitation and wind. Not far from the village of the same name is the Mystic Stone. According to an ancient legend, during the construction of the road, it was moved several times, but each time it returned to its original place. Tourists are forbidden to touch the stone so that its unusual power is not lost.
Pristine nature
The main asset of Ghana is the rich flora of the equatorial jungle. The government of the country has taken care of the creation of several reserves on its territory, where dozens of rare and endangered species of plants and animals are collected.
Kasum National Park covers an area of 360 square kilometers. Elephants, antelopes, monkeys roam freely on its territory. Here are collected 250 species of birds. Suspension bridges, from which they admire magnificent views, are especially admired by tourists.
Mole National Park in the north-west of the country is considered another popular tourist destination. Its landscape consists of savannas and pastures, as well as rivers that dry up in season. There are many buffaloes, leopards, lions and wild boars, as well as many amphibians and reptiles.
The Aburi Botanical Garden is located three dozen kilometers from the capital; it opened in 1890. The area of the most beautiful corner of the country is 64 hectares. Birds fly between trees and bushes and butterflies are full of colors. The park has its own greenhouse and a gardening school for growing medicinal plants.
National character
The very way of life of the aborigines is extremely interesting for tourists. It is not for nothing that foreigners' trips to remote villages and small villages have become a new direction of tourism. There, they can observe the life of the indigenous population, the rituals of shamans and even voodoo ceremonies. The pagan tribe in Tamale professes magic and the religion of spirits. Their village consists of small clay huts. The southern village of Mognori is no less popular. Here tourists can join the fun dancing of Aboriginal people in local tribal costumes to the beat of drums. You can even attend a funeral, during which it is not customary to grieve, but all those present are having fun and rejoicing.
On the border with Togo, there is a village of sorcerers. More than a hundred witches who moved from other places gathered in one place. They built houses of clay, run their own household and do not keep in touch with civilization. Relatives accused each of them of engaging in black magic and expelled.
In the city of Kumasi in 1951, a museum appeared, telling about the centuries-old history of the country of Ghana. There are trade pavilions next to the exposition, which no tourist leaves empty-handed.
Features of tourism
Another exotic feature of Ghana is its national cuisine. Dominated by fish and meat dishes, as well as an abundance of vegetables and herbs. The proximity to the ocean makes it possible to replenish the diet with seafood. For dessert, the locals serve fruit, especially bananas fried with ginger and pepper. Cocoa is considered a favorite drink, because the fruits of the chocolate tree make up the bulk of the country's exports.
The national beauty of this part of the African continent is mesmerizing, so the development of the tourism industry in Ghana is gaining unprecedented momentum and ranks third in the country after gold mining and the export of cocoa beans. The hot tropical climate allows to receive tourists 365 days a year. In March, which is the warmest month, the thermometer rises to 32 degrees, and in cool August the temperature is 23 degrees. The heat is slightly reduced by wind and heavy rainfall.
In addition to visiting local attractions and main cities of Ghana on the guided tour, a trip to the Kintampo waterfall, 70 meters high and flowing into the Volta River, is added. Tourists can drop by the largest Kaneshi Market in the capital city of Accra to fully experience the scent of local fruits and spices. And also visit the picturesque cocoa plantations around Lake Volta.
There are many interesting and unique places in Ghana, but the main thing that immediately catches the eye of visitors is the friendly looks of the locals and the smiles on their faces.
