Welcome to the Western Region of Ghana, a land of vibrant culture, captivating landscapes, and rich history. Join us on a virtual tour as we explore the wonders that await in this captivating region.
Virtual Visit Of The Western Region
Our journey begins in the regional capital, Sekondi-Takoradi, a bustling city known for its vibrant markets and bustling harbor. Take a stroll along the picturesque Sekondi-Takoradi Twin City Boulevard, lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the bustling Market Circle, where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of local produce, crafts, and vibrant street life.
Heading westward, we reach the picturesque coastal town of Axim, known for its pristine beaches and historical significance. Visit the Fort St. Antonio, a remnant of the colonial era that offers a glimpse into Ghana’s complex history. Relax on the golden sands of Axim Beach, where you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in fresh seafood from local beachfront restaurants.
Continuing our journey, we arrive at the charming fishing village of Nzulezo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nzulezo is famous for its stilt village, built entirely on stilts above Lake Tadane. Explore this unique community, interact with friendly locals, and learn about their traditional way of life. Take a canoe ride through the tranquil lake, marveling at the lush mangrove forests and diverse birdlife.
Our next destination is the stunning Ankasa Conservation Area, a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Trek through the dense rainforests, where you’ll encounter rare and exotic plant species, colorful butterflies, and the calls of various bird species. Keep an eye out for the elusive forest elephants and spot playful primates swinging through the treetops. The area also offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and birdwatching, providing an unforgettable experience in Ghana’s natural beauty.
As we conclude our journey through the Western Region, we must not forget to mention the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. Attend a traditional festival, such as the Kundum Festival celebrated by the Ahanta and Nzema people, or the Fetu Afahye Festival in Cape Coast, known for its vibrant parades and colorful displays of traditional attire. Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms of highlife and traditional music, and savor the flavors of local cuisine, including fresh seafood, fufu, and banku.
The Western Region of Ghana is a treasure trove of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of Ghana’s rich heritage, this region will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
Tours and Sight Seeing In The Western Region
Nzulezo-Stilt Village Tour
Near the coast at the far western side of Ghana, near the border with Cote d’Ivoire, is a village that is unique in all of Ghana. Nzulezu is a village that has been built on stilts above a lagoon. It is essentially one long pier, called Main Street by the locals, with buildings constructed on both sides. One side of the ‘street’ are living quarters while the other side of the street has businesess, the school, a community center and other commercial ventures.
The village of Nzulezu is about a 7 hour drive west of Accra. Some people love it. Some people feel that the travel time is not worth the experience. If you are staying at one of the beaches in the Western Region, such as Busua or Axim, the visit to Nzulezu can easily be done as a day trip.
A Day Experience at Nzulezu
Fort Metal Cross
Fort Metal Cross, originally Fort Dixcove, is a military structure located on a promontory at the fishing community of Infuma in Dixcove, in the Western Region of Ghana
Brandenburg-Prussia started building Fort Groß Friedrichsburg about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) west of Dixcove in 1683, (now Princes Town) in the colony of Brandenburger Gold Coast but it was not completed until the 1690s.
The Fort was included as one of the Forts and Castles of Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions that became a World Heritage Site in 1979. The fort has been both a Police Station and a Postal station. It has been leased to a private institution
Fort San Sebastian
Fort San Sebastian (Portuguese: Forte São Sebastião de Xama) located in Shama, Ghana is the third oldest fortification in Ghana
History
It was built by the Portuguese from 1520 to 1526 as a trading post in and captured by the Dutch West India Company in 1642. The original purpose of the fort was to serve as a deterrent to English sailors interfering in Shama trade.[1] The first black European university professor, Anton Wilhelm Amo, lies interred in the fort’s graveyard. The fort was ceded with the entire Dutch Gold Coast to Britain in 1872.
During the time of the African Slave Trade, kidnapped Africans were imprisoned here while awaiting transport to North America.
Fort Batenstein
Fort Batenstein was a fort and trading post established by the Dutch on the Gold Coast in 1656. It was situated near Butre. The fort was ceded with the entire Dutch Gold Coast to Britain in 1872. At this fort, the Treaty of Butre was signed on 27 August 1656 between the Dutch and the Ahanta.
Fort Santo Antonio
Fort Saint Anthony was a fort built by the Portuguese in 1515 near the town of Axim, in what is now Ghana. In 1642, the Dutch captured the fort and subsequently made it part of the Dutch Gold Coast. The Dutch expanded the fort considerably before they turned it over, with the rest of their colony, to the British in 1872. The fort is now the property of the Ghanaian state and is open to the public. As the westernmost fort of the Dutch possessions, Fort Saint Anthony was the first fort encountered by Dutch traders, and the place where provisions and fresh water were taken in. Fort Saint Anthony remained an important fort in the Dutch possessions, with its commandant serving as senior commissioner in the Colonial Council in Elmina, together with the commandant of Fort Nassau at Moree, the commandant of Fort Crèvecoeur at Accra, and the commandant of the factory at Ouidah, on the Dutch Slave Coast. In contrast to many other Dutch possessions on the Gold Coast, Fort Saint Anthony was never abandoned during the 19th century, and remained occupied until 1872
Busua Beach
Every day of the week apart from Thursdays is a day to welcome guests in this village. This is because Thursdays are regarded as sacred days in the village. If you’re going to spend some time in this village then it is better for you to learn to adapt to practically living on water. Even their houses are built on stilts. When you get there, you will get to learn about the interesting culture of the people and see the way do live and do things.
Ankasa Conservation Area
This area alone contains two different wildlife reserves, the Nini-Suhien National Park and the Ankasa Resource Reserve. Between these two reserves, you will find many animals that will keep you entertained for every single second you spend there. You will find buffaloes and antelopes and baboons and many more. The fact that the region is one that gets a lot of rainfall also proves that there will be many different species of rare trees in different sizes to feast your eyes on.
Other Things To Know About The Western Region
- The Western Region has the highest rainfall in Ghana, with lush green hills, and fertile soils. There are numerous small and large-scale gold mines along with offshore oil platforms that dominate the Western Region economy.
- The culture is dominated by the Akans; the main languages are Akan, French, and English.
- The largest rivers are the Ankobra River, the Bia River, and the Pra River in the east, with the Tano River partly forming the western national border. The area is known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site and village of Nzulezo, built entirely on stilts and platforms over water, and the Ankasa Protected Area. There is a series of imposing Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Brandenburgian forts along the coast, built from 1512 on.
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