The Western Region of Ghana, adjoining the border with Côte d'Ivoire,
presents a striking contrast between ancient and modern. Although
one of the first areas to welcome early European traders and so
now distinguished by the large number of castles and forts, the
region also boasts some of the oldest mines in the country and a
modern harbour and commercial centre at Takoradi. The region includes
also some of the most fertile land in Ghana, and the roads are lined
with rubber and cocoa plantations and farms.
For tourists, the forts and castles are a magnet, as they reflect
the diversity of building styles that were employed by colonial
traders. Of particular interest must be Fort Appolonia at Beyin,
and Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove. Many of the castles overlook some
of the best beaches in Ghana.
The Festival of 'Kundum' is celebrated from August to
November by the Region's coastal people, and moves from town to town every week.
Traditional drumming and dancing feature prominently.
Tarkwa is
centre of the region's mining industry
The Western Region is the
gateway to Ghana from Côte d'Ivoire, but is also a gateway into some of the most
unspoilt attractions of West Africa. To discover the Western Region is to discover
an area that reveals many of the diverse attractions of Ghana.
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Attractions
& Excursions in the Western Region
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The Castles of the Western Region
The Western Region is another region with a rich heritage demonstrated
by the number of castles still open to visitors. The best examples
in the region are:
- Fort St Appolonia at Beyin
- Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove (1693)
- Fort Batensteyn (1656) at Butre
- Fort Groot Friederichsburg at Princesstown
- Fort S. Antonio at Axim (1515)
- Fort Dorothea (ruins) at Akwida
- Fort Sebastian at Shama
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The village on Stilts of Nzulezo
An amazing village where life goes on in the centre of Lake
Tadane, just 90km west of Takoradi. The houses are built on stilts,
and traditional village life adapts to the watery conditions.
The excursion from Beyin involves a walk through the reeds at
the lake's edge, and a trip in a dugout canoe to the village.
The village welcomes visitors everyday except Thursday, which
is a sacred day.
Akatekyi Crocodile Pond
30km west of Takoradi, the local fetish priest entices the crocodiles
from water with a live chicken. Bring a bottle of Schnapps for
the libation. Visitors welcome every day except Wednesday, a sacred
day.
The Beaches of the Western Region
Western Region is famous for some of the best beaches in Ghana.
Just the right spot to relax after a tour. Some of the most popular
are:
- Busua Pleasure Beach - only 5km from Fort Metal Cross
- Sports Club Beach - behind the Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi
- Ajua Beach - just 200 metres from Dadowa Lagoon
- Princesstown Beach - off Takoradi/ Elubo Highway
- Miamia Beach - a secluded beach with rocky coves, perfect
for picnics
Dr Nkrumah's Grave
The original grave of Dr Nkrumah, first President of Ghana and
now buried in the Mausoleum in Accra, can be found at Nkroful,
83km west of Takoradi.
The mines of Ghana
The Western Region has several mines that may be visited, by
prior arrangement. The main sites are:
- Nsuta Manganese Mine - 20km Southeast of Tarkwa
- Prestea Gold mines - 40km north of Tarkwa
- Tarkwa Goldmines - founded in the 1800's just 92km Northwest
of Takoradi
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