Sep/Oct pdf

key
a magazine for travelers by travelers • September / October 2012
ghana
Driving
Ghana’s
Coastline
9 stops - 5 days one epic drive
+ 3 ADRENALINE ADVENTURES!
experience some of Ghana’s most exhilarating destinations
Akwaaba
Welcome to Ghana. As the Information Attaché of the
Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC, I am pleased to
invite you to share the unequaled opportunities that our
country offers and to experience all that makes Ghana
a wonderful place to live and visit. Explore our worldclass museums and attractions, including Independence
Square, The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Museum,
The Ghana National Theater, The National Museum
and much more. We hope that this guide will help you
to explore Accra whether it’s finding a place to shop,
something to do, a place to stay, or a place to eat. There
are plenty of options for all of these in Ghana. On behalf
of the people of Ghana, I am proud to welcome you to
explore this ever changing country and we wish you a
meaningful and memorable stay.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Mensah-Adu (Mrs.)
Ghana Embassy,Washington DC
BURKINO FASO
Paga
fa s t fa c t s a b o u t g h a n a
Gbele Game
Production
Reserve
Sirigu
Navrongo
Bolgatanga
Wa
Mole
National Park
Yendi
LANGUAGES
English (official), Akan,
Moshi-Dagomba,
Ewe & Ga.
Wenchi
Sunyani
CURRENCY
Cedi
ETHNIC GROUPS
Akan 44%, MoshiDagomba 16%, Ewe
Abidjan
13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%
Techiman
Digya
National Park
TO GO
GOVERNMENT
Multiparty Democracy
Bui National
Park
Lake Volta
AREA
238,537 sq. kilometers
RELIGIONS
Christian 63%, Muslim
16%, indigenous
beliefs 21%.
IVORY COAS T
Tamale
POPULATION
22,019,000
Ho
Kumasi
Atewa Forest
Aburi
Boin National
Park
Ankasa Game
Reserve
Amansuri
Lake
Nzulezu
Stilt Village
Kakum
National Park
Cape Coast
Elmina
Sekondi Takoradi
Shai Hills
Accra Tema
A tl an
ti c
Lome
Ada Foah
O ce an
Key Ghana • volume 5 / 2012
sep. & oct.
editor’s letter
contents
6
driving ghana’s
coast
9 stops - 5 days - One epic
drive.
26
4
g h a n a k e y. c o m
18
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
Discover Accra’s many
venues for music, film &
theater & art.
20
OUTDOOR PURSUITS
Indulge in Ghana’s
great outdoors
Published by
Key Ghana ltd
ghanakey.com
Publisher
Emmanuel Arthur
[email protected]
Creative Director
Laure Leplae-Arthur
[email protected]
24
This months music,
performing arts, fashion &
festivals.
map
cook local food, learn how to live like
locals. In the process, you may meet
the owner of a market stand or you
may greet someone on the street. This
is when you will realize that it is from
these little interactions that you will
learn the most about this rich culture.
We hope that you enjoy this issue
of Key Ghana, which is focused on
giving you advice, tips and stories
that will make your stay in Accra
more meaningful and memorable.
Now find Key Ghana Magazine at the
Ghana Embassy in the U.S., Kotoka
International Airport, The National
Theater of Ghana, The Alliance
Française, key hotels and key restaurants.
From fine dining to street
food in Accra
shopping index
16
As we experience the African
renaissance no where do we see it
more than in Accra; this is why
we felt that there was a need for a
creative and innovative magazine
for travelers in this ever changing
city. Our mission at Key Ghana is to
make your travel more meaningful
and more memorable by exploring
more authentic and enriching ways
of visiting this modern African city.
We encourage travelers to celebrate
the things that are otherwise taken
for granted when traveling. Take the
time to discover local markets, and
small neighborhood businesses. We
suggest that you learn to buy and
dining index
8
Coming events
New day rising
22
Country Representative
& Accounts Executive
Nana Nketsia-Eshun
[email protected]
UK Representative
& Accounts Executive
Robert Arthur U.K
[email protected]
From neighborhood markets
to unique boutiques
Accomodations
index
A summary of the leading
Accra-area hotels and
holiday rentals
29
transportation
index
30
Adrenaline
adventures
See some of Ghana’s most
exhilarating places
This magazine is authorized by
Key Magazines
KeyMagazine.com
Have a story you would like to
contribute to our next issue?
Email us at: [email protected]
g h a n a k e y. c o m
5
driving Ghana’s coast
Ada Foah
accra
1
9 stops - 5 days - one epic drive
Amansuri
Wetlands
2
4
DAy 1:
Accra City Tour
Depart for a sightseeing
tour of Accra through
the administrative and
economic districts of the
city to experience the
energy of this 132-yearold city. Visit the W. E.
B. Dubois Center for
Pan African Culture,
Independence/Black
Star Square and Kwame
Nkrumah Memorial Park.
End at the Arts Centre
on High Street where
you will have an
opportunity to use your
bargaining skills as you
Beyin
Takoradi
Axim
Princess
Town
3
Dixcove
shop for local art.
Stay at one of the many
hotels in Accra.
DAy 2:
Accra to Elmina
(147 km, 2 hours 3
mins / Accra - Cape
Coast Rd )
After breakfast, depart
for a drive to the Central
Region to tour famous
forts, castles and slave
dungeons of Ghana.
Here the history of the
slave trade unfolds. Visit
the Cape Coast Castle
built by the Swedes in
1653, later taken over
by the British. This
castle also houses the
West African Historical
Museum established
by the Smithsonian
Institute in collaboration
Bosua
with the Ghanaian
Government in 1994.
Head further west to
the Elmina Castle (St.
George’s Castle) built
by the Portuguese in
1482. This is the first
European structure
built in Sub – Saharan
Africa. Capture a great
photo opportunity at the
colorful harbor, full of
boats preparing to go to
sea. Stay at the Coconut
Grove Beach Resort in
Elmina.
DAy 3:
Elmina - Bosua
(105 km, 1 hour 27
Cape
Coast
4
Overnight in Bosua.
DAy 5:
mins / Cape Coast Sekondi Rd to Takoradi,
Takoradi - Agona Rd to
Agona, left at junction
towards Bosua)
Depart for a drive along
the coast towards
Takoradi. On the way,
visit St. Sebastian in
Shama and Fort Orange
in Sekondi both built as
Dutch lodges in 1526 and
1640 respectively. In the
afternoon, drive through
Takoradi to experience
the bustling Market
Circle environment and
the harbor. Also, visit
the woodcarvers’ village
where one can find a vast
selection of quality wood
products. Drive to Bosua
to stay at one of the beach
resorts.
DAy 4:
Bosua - Beyin (and back)
(89.7 km, 1 hour 15 mins
/ Agona - Elubo Rd )
In the morning fuel up
with a big breakfast and
head west to Beyin.
Briefly visit Fort Apollonia,
built in 1770 by the
British, this is one of the
less-traveled forts. After
you visit, go to the Ghana
Wildlife Society office for
a guide and a canoe to the
Nzulezu Stilt Village. The
canoe ride takes about
an hour and meanders
along about 5kms of
pathways through lush
Amansuri Wetlands. The
village is built entirely on
stilts on Lake Amansuri.
It is constructed out of
wood and raffia with one
central walkway lined
with two dozen houses
on either side. Everything
takes place on the water
- cooking, schooling,
recreation, etc.
After heading back to
Beyin drive 45 minutes
back east to Axim where
you will find Fort San
Antonio, sub-Saharan
Africa’s second oldest
fort move on to Dixcove
to see Fort Metal Cross.
Beyin - Ada
(361 km, 5 hours
/ Accra - Cape Coast Rd
You’ve got a 5 hour trip
ahead of you, so wake up
early. Enjoy the beautiful
scenery as you head to
the most eastern part of
this coast. Ada, is a small
fishing village located
where the River Volta
meets the ocean. Famous
for its water, river, lagoon
and ocean, Ada can be
best experienced with a
boat tour to the estuary
and the islands. Join a
local paddle boat or try
deep-sea fishing either
with a local fishing boat
or on a modern high-tech
boat. If lucky you can
witness the fascinating
sight of huge Leatherback
turtles coming out of
the water and nesting in
the sand. All details can
be found at the Tourist
Information Center.
events - theater
sept - oct
coming events
6th annual
marathon
Don’t miss the unique architecture of the National
Theater of Ghana which houses the National
Symphony, Dance & Drama Company.
ALEWA:
The Rebirth of
Spoken Word
in Ghana
October 2
Sweetie’s Lounge
5:30 pm
See some of the best
spoken word artists
to have come out of
Ghana.
photo from “said_the_lorax’s” flickr photostream
Accra International Marathon
September 30
Prampran to Labadi Beach
Mark your calendar to run or walk at the Sixth Annual Accra International Marathon to keep Africa
Alive! Register for the Marathon, Half-Marathon or
10K and Team Relay. This year, the finish line will be
hosted on the beautiful grounds of the Labadi Beach
Hotel, a great place to cheer the arriving runners and
to share the fun. www.aimghana.com
theater
Ghana
Fashion and
Design Week
October 5-7
Mövenpick
Ambassador Hotel
This event will,
highlight Ghanaian
designers’ contributions to the industry
and will brand Ghana
as a global player in
culture and fashion.
September
Concert Party
Under colonial rule, the
first concert party practitioners brought their
comic variety shows to
audiences throughout what
was then the British Gold
Coast colony. As social and
political circumstances
shifted through the colonial
period and early years of
Ghanaian independence,
concert party actors
demonstrated a remarkable responsiveness to
changing social roles and
volatile political situations
u
as they continued to stage
this extremely popular form
of entertainment. Today the
Concert Party is a spirited
blend of comedy and social
commentary. A Ghanaian
theatrical program that
combines music, dance
and drama. Starting with a
live band performance, it
continues with comedy and
drama mixed with music
and dancing.
National Theater 2- 6:30
pm, GH¢5, free for kids
under 10 years
Funworld
A children’s program
performed by kids for kids
to unearth their endowed
creative talents. It includes
drama, poetry, music and
dance. National Theater
1-5:30 pm GH¢2.
z
October
Concert Party
(see September 16 for
details)
National Theater 2- 6:30
pm, GH¢5, free for kids
under 10 years
7
Funworld
(see September 30 for
details)
National Theater
1-5:30 pm GH¢2 everyone
pays
l
National Theater of Ghana South Liberia Rd Tel: 0244272884 / nationaltheatre.com.gh
8
g h a n a k e y. c o m
g h a n a k e y. c o m 9
events- music
events- music
; Women Music Workshop Alliance Française
This capacity building day
workshop will introduce
young women musicians
to the music industry and
pass on skills in areas
such as Disk Jockeying,
music
September
s National Symphony
Orchestra special
Kwame Nkrumah Birthday Concert
At the occasion of the
public holiday to celebrate
the birthday of the nation’s
founder, this is a unique
concert from the National
Symphonic Orchestra.
Guest Ghanaian artists will
join the NSO.
Venue to be announced
l High Vibes Festival
2012
High vibes music festival
was initiated in 2009 with
the support of the French
Embassy in Ghana to
promote an international
10
g h a n a k e y. c o m
music festival in this
vibrant city that focuses
on live music which
proves to be very popular.
After the first edition,
Pidgin Music and
Creative Storm joined
in order to consolidate
and build synergies
towards sustaining an
annual festival. This year
an even bigger festival
is anticipated with the
collaboration of Alliance
Française and its
innovative music program.
High vibes 2012 will have
two exciting components.
An “IN” program at
Alliance Française
and an “OUT” program
presented across the city
of Accra.
sound engineering, event
producing and media
promotion. The workshop
will be led by DJ Rita, the
renowned music producer
for the BBC, Pauline
Oduro and other experienced women musicians
sharing their knowledge
and experiences
Alliance Française 8pm
; The evening concert
The evening concert will
feature Latonya (USA)
and Ary Morais (Cape
Verde), the acclaimed
exponent of sensual Cape
Verdean music.
Alliance Française
z Concert at Alliance
Française
Concert - dinner with Aly
Keita (Malian) and Eli
Vava (Ghana). Eli Vava is
one of Ghana’s leading
female singers. She will
travel to Ouagadougou,
Burkina Faso as part of an
artistic exchange. There,
she will collaborate with
Aly Keita, Mali’s spectacular exponent of the African
writer and highly lyrical
singer. Alliance Française
National Symphony
Orchestra Concert with
guest director Stephen
Ellery
Guest British conductor
Stephen Ellery will lead
the NSO in a concert that
will feature both classical
music and popular music
from the movies. The
program will include:
Glinka Russlan and Ludmilla Overture, Malcolm
Arnold Little Suite No1,
Interval, James Bond
Star Wars, Pirates of the
Caribbean
National Theatre 7:30pm
Rates: VIP: GH¢70
Adult: GH¢30
Student: GH¢10
For more call Russell on
024-468-7915
a
Xylophone. Together they
will create a unique fusion
and return to perform in
Ghana with other Malien
and Burkinabe musicians.
Alliance Française
October
4 Concert at Alliance
Française
Concert with Nii Noi
Nortey (Ghana), Gilead Dobrecky (Israeli)
percussionist, Australian
musician (to be announced) and a korah
player Kaskora followed
by Cleveland Atkins the
winner of the London Jazz
Awards for best vocalist in
2010 and voted wire/
guardian Jazz Awards
best vocalist for three
consecutive year.
During the day there will
be a workshop at the British Council with the
Australian didgeridoo artist, Nii Noi and Gilead.
Alliance Française
5 The evening concert
This unique Blues concert
will feature Pep (France)
and the talented artist Sir
Young (Ghana) followed
by Victor Démé (Burkina
Faso), the acclaimed song
Alliance Française Liberation Link, Airport Area Tel: 0302 77 31 34 / afaccra.com
National Theater of Ghana South Liberia Rd Tel: 0244272884 / nationaltheatre.com.gh
g h a n a k e y. c o m 1 1
events - the arts
events - festivals
festivals
Festivals are very important in many ways,
historically, religiously, socially, economically &
culturally. This is a great opportunity to witness
Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Ghana Fashion and Design Week
The arts
A melting pot of traditional and contemporary,
local and international talents make for an
interesting mix of art in Accra.
October
September
6-z Art Exhibition
Angela Danquah and
Mariatu Ashun will be
exhibiting their paintings
with “The Art in Us’ as a
theme. Opening on the
Sept. 6. Hosted by Mr.
Chris Dowuona-Hammond,
technical assistance advisor, USAID, at the Poolside
of the Hotel from 6:30pm
Novotel Hotel Accra
2
ALEWA: the Rebirth of Spoken Word in
Ghana
See some of the best
spoken word artists to
have come out of Ghana
including DK Osei Yaw,
Rhymesonny, Mutombo da
poet, Yom, Chief Moomen,
Kwame Write, O’Zionn,
Selikem, Monalisa and
the new queen of the art
Poetra Ama Asantewaa
and many more.
Mariska Taylor-Darko is the
guest poet of the day.
Our author of the month,
Alba K. Sunprim, wrote
“The Imported Ghanaian” will review her latest
book “A Place Of Beautiful
Nonsense.”
Sweetie’s Lounge
5:30 pm
5-7 Ghana Fashion
and Design Week
The first Ethical Fashion
platform in Ghana under
its umbrella themed ETHIKHA™. A three-day
international fashion and
educative seminar event
scheduled to take place
only in Accra. The event
aims to empower Ghanaian designers, highlighting
their contributions to the
industry and branding
Ghana as a global player in
culture and fashion.
Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel
Novotel Hotel Barnes Rd, City Center Tel: 0302 667546 / novotel.com
Sweetie’s Lounge off Spintex Rd, near Lister Hospital / poetryfoundationghana.org
Mövenpick Hotel Independence Ave, Ridge Tel: 0302611000 / moevenpick.com
12
g h a n a k e y. c o m
means eradicating dirt
from the people. Before the
actual festival celebration,
the Omanhen is confined
for a week, during which he
goes into a long period of
meditation seeking wisdom.
As the tradition demands,
before the festival, a ban
is imposed on drumming
and fishing. On the last
Monday in August, a vigil
takes place at the “Fosu”
Lagoon. During this night,
citizens convene in large
numbers to witness a
display of priests and
priestesses until day break.
A “Bakatue” (Opening up
the river) event is heralded
by an exceptionally large
crowd amidst the firing of
musketry. The Omanhen
then casts his net three
times into the lagoon, amid
cheers to lift the ban on
fishing. Durbar of chiefs
is held on that Saturday.
They parade through
the principal streets of
Cape Coast to the Victoria
square. On Sunday, church
service is held. To thank
God for having helped the
people throughout all their
endearvours.
Odwira
(Harvest/Thanksgiving)
was a devastating outbreak From the last Thursday of
of a disease in Cape Coast July until the first weekend
in August
and it is believed that
Celebrated in most
with the help of the gods,
Akwapim towns during
the people were able to
September and October.
eradicate the epidemic
Odwira is an Akan word
hence the name “FETU”
which means purification.
from “Efin Tu” which
Fetu Afahye Festival in Cape Coast
September
Fetu Afahye
Starts on the 1st Saturday
of September
Cape Coast
As the story is told, there
g h a n a k e y. c o m 1 3
events - festivals
Worawora in the Volta
Region of Ghana.
October
The festival is therefore
a period of purification
and cleansing. Before the
celebration of the actual
festival a period of forty
days is declared as a
period for meditation and
rest. This period is known
as”Adaabutuw”. First day,
which is mostly Mondays
is set aside for clearing
the path leading to the
royal mausoleum. On the
second day, it is a taboo
for any Akuapem citizen
to eat any new yam. On
the third day relatives
especially those who died
during the past year are
remembered. Forth day is
declared as the feasting
day. On Friday, the festival
is crowned with a grand
durbar of chiefs.
Akwantutenten
September/October
14
g h a n a k e y. c o m
Worawora, Volta Region
History has it that, the
people of Worawora
migrated from Kuntenase
near Lake Bosomtwe in
the Ashanti Region to
their present settlement
in 1774. The long trip
made by the people
from Ashanti Region
to the Volta Region
brought about the name
of the festival called ,
the “LONG JOURNEY”.
The festival most of
the time witness the
participation of the Asante
King (Asantehene). In
2001,Otumfuo Osei
Tutu II took part in the
celebration of the festival.
The festival is mostly
held in September/
October. Aside the festival
is noted for bringing
together the people
of Asante and that of
Kobine Festival
October
Lawra, Upper West
Region
This 4 day festival serves
as both a harvest celebration and as a homecoming for people who have
left Lawra. The first day
serves as a day of rest for
those who have traveled
from far away. The second
and third days are the
official festival days. The
festival begins with the
procession of the traditional chiefs. Each festival
participant is clothed
with their most beautiful
smocks while walking
under huge parasols.
The procession is led to
the festival ground by a
group of men portraying
elephant “hunters”. The
“hunters” are dressed in
traditional hunting atire,
including bows and arrows. These hunters are
accompanied by a large
group of musicians and
drummers from the Lawra
Chief’s palace.
KING PEGGY: How a Secretary from
Washington D.C. Became an African King.
Peggielene Bartels, a
secretary working in
Washington, D.C., knew
she was related to African
royalty, but never thought
much of it. One day, a
cousin called with news
that her uncle, the king of
Otuam, Ghana, had died
and that the villagers had
chosen her to be their
next king. She describes
her unique experience in
her book, “King Peggy”:
a wondrous tale of how
a woman rose to great
heights in circumstances
one would never dream
of. Learn how King Peggy
is working to shape the
future of African women,
and how she truly believes
that the future of Africa
lies in their hands by going
to www.kingpeggy.com
MAKOLA MARKET • TEL: 0244 601181
g h a n a k e y. c o m
15
AD
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Ab
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AC
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Center
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Mantse Kwao St
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Old Winneba Rd
Tuesday
Market
JAMESTOWN
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& Afia Gallery
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Larterbiokorsh i e
Dr Nanka Bruce
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Elmina
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Cape Coast
Beacham
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Shai Hills
Accra Tema
Kakum
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O bl o R
Aburi
Nzulezu
Stilt Village
e
ac
Kaneshie
Market
Kumasi
Ankasa Game
Reserve
R i ng
Ou t
St
Boin National
Park
l
Pa
g
Orle R
d
St
Giffar
d
KANDA
ESTATE
S
p
Otublohurm Rd
D an s
gh
MAAMOBI
Fourth Circu
lar Rd
Amatsewe
Bo
i
RD
Digya
National Park
KOTOKA
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT
AD
Yendi
Wenchi
Techiman
6
Rd
Ag
bo
n
o
Lo
t
ia S
Rd
Alliance
Française
RO
AD
Rd
NORTH
INDUSTRIAL
AREA
Koley St
WI
NN
EB
A
St
ACCRA
NEW TOWN
Otu
Oshipi St
St
Dr Bus
Blue Lagoon
cen
re s
nC
rso
rm
hu
blo
ber
Re
NORTH KANESHIE
Bui National
Park
HI
MO
TA
AIRPORT
AREA
KOTOBABI
Hi
gh
RO
Korlego
n St
Tamale
Sunyani
o
AM
AW
Mukose St
Sirigu
Wa
n Rd
agoo
Blu e L
Al
aj
NS
ABEKA
Bolgatanga
Mole
National Park
Accra Polo
Grounds
RD
t
Paga
O
AIRPORT
HILLS
LIBER
ATION
TESANO
ROMAN
RIDGE
DE
no S
Gon
d
IN
bi
uo
ka
R
BURKINO FASO
t
man S
s a ku
e
Spin
Accra
Mall
8
AY
ORW
OT Abe
bi
HM
Nima Rd
A
RU M
d
a R
am
Fad
Navrongo
Rd
APENKWA
Ob
Gbele Game
Production
Reserve
5
6
LAPAZ
4th Cresce n t
K
EN
AM
KW
AKWETEMAN
tex
Spin
d
tex R
2
Achimota
Abeka-Lopaz
Interchange
AY
ORW
M OT
A
Wild Gecko
W AY
MO TOR
KRUMAH
KWAME N
1 hotels
1 Nightclubs
1 hotels
1 Nightclubs
EM A
A-T
CCR
Tetteh
Quashie
Interchange
cent
Cres
fio
ma
A da
Achimoto Forest Reserve
(New Accra Zoo)
ACHIMOTA
EAST
LEGON
LIBERATION RD
AM
AW
NS
Accra
SOUTH
LEGON
Legon East Rd
Noguchi Memorial
Institute of Medical Research
1000 ft
500 m
4
arts & entertainment
from 11pm till 6am
music
Aphrodisiac
2
35 Osu Badu
Street, Dzorwulu
Tel: 0302 766 738
DJs serve a mix
of hip hop and
R&B, hip life,
garage and techno.
Ladies night on
Thursdays. Fridays
DJ Flava Nite open
+233 jazz bar &
grill
3
75 Ring Rd North
Ridge
Tel: 0244 276 027
Ghana’s premiere
Jazz and Live
Music Club.
Open until 4 am on
week-ends
Byewell
Okodan Rd
off of Oxford St,
Osu
Tel: 0302767793
Thursdays a live
band performs
high life music.
6pm -1 am.
Residential.
Tel: 0302 761082
Live Entertainment
every Friday &
Saturday from
8:30 PM.
Champs
sports bar
Jokers
Citizen Kofi
+233 Jazz Bar & Grill
Becoming the best hide out
pub in Accra. This bar hosts the
creme de la creme of Ghana’s
best artists and celebrities.
18
g h a n a k e y. c o m
5
Ring Rd Central
Accra the Paloma
Hotel complex
Tel: 024 4386765
Sports bar
frequented by
ex-pats and locals
alike. Serves
Mexican food,
burgers, steaks.
Fri. karaoke night
Sat. live-music
1
Off Oxford St.,Osu
Tel: 0302 787811
citizenkofi.com
One of the
swankiest
places in Accra.
Ground-floor bar,
a nightclub with
a VIP section, a
theatre and sports
bar and a fifthfloor Sky Bar with
stunning views
over Osu.
Jazztone
6
No.3 Third
Ringway Airport
4
Labadi Road, La
Tel: 024 4370752
Not very far from
La Beach, this is
a very popular
place to play pool,
tourists & locals
meet here to have
a drink and a
game.
Next Door Beach
Resort
Tel: 024 4318697
Beach Road,
Teshie (opposite
the Military
Academy)
Live music on
weekends,
Sunday afternoons catch
some traditional
song and dance
performances.
The one2one Bar
Located in the
Mövenpick Hotel
A chic cocktail bar
where you can
escape, socialize
and launch your
arts & entertainment
evening in style to
the sound of African
lounge music or live
performances.
Osekan Beach Resort,
High St, Central,
near Tudu
Tel: 0302 688800
Osekan is the place
to go when all you
want is a relaxing
evening by the sea.
For a small entrance
fee, dance to a
live band playing
Ghanaian music,
sip cold mini star
or club beer. Or
watch the crabs
scampering on the
sharp rocks as the
powerful waves
break repeatedly
over them.
film
Silverbird Cinema
First Floor, Shop
39, Accra Mall,
Tetteh Quashie
Interchange
Tel: 021 823270-4
silverbirdghana.com
Ghana Film Theatre &
Executive Film House
12th Rd Kanda
Opposite the French
Embassy,
Tel: 302-763458
Recent Ghanaian
and foreign films.
a distance looks
like a gigantic
ship or a seagull
spreading its
wings. The
theater houses
Goethe-Institut
three groups:
30 Kakramadu Rd
The National
(next to NAFTI )
Symphony
Cantonments
Orchestra, The
Tel: 0302 779 769
National Dance
www.goethe.de
Regularly show films Company and
The National
on Thursdays.
Drama Company.
All of which
perform here
theater
regularly.
Alliance Française
Accra
Liberation Link Airport Residential
Tel: 0302 773 134
afaccra.com
Offers diverse
performances and
productions that
reflect the diversity
and the quality of
France and Africa.
Nubuke
foundation
7 Adamafio Close
East Legon
Tel: 028 910 21 63
nubukefoundation.org
Enjoy programs
ranging from
drama and music
to art exhibitions,
poetry, and films.
art
Dei Centre
No. 7A 9th St
Tesano
Tel: 030 701 3133
deicentreghana.org
National Museum
of Ghana Accra
Barnes Rd.
Tel: 021-221633
Afia gallery
No. 2 Liberia Rd
Ext, Osu
Tel: 0302 681465
afiavillage.com
Artists Alliance
Gallery
Omanye House.
Beach Rd, La
before LaPalm
Tel: 0245251404
Hershel Gallery
Mankrato St
East Cantonments
herschelgallery.com
The National
National Theatre of
Ghana
South Liberia Road
Tel: 0244272884
nationaltheatre.com.gh
This elegant and
imposing theater
has shape that from Artists Alliance Gallery
g h a n a k e y. c o m
19
outdoor pursuits
Wildlife
Mole National Park
Mole is about a 1 hour
drive from Tamale. Tamale
is about 600 km from
Accra (a 13 hour bus ride
– or a 1hour 20min plane
ride for $130)
The largest of its kind
in Ghana. Its Savannah
Woodland and forested
areas cover a staggering
space which measures
just less than 5000 square
kilometers. You can
expect to see buffalo,
antelope, elephants,
warthogs, hyenas and if
you’re very lucky, leopard.
Lions have recently been
re-introduced to the park
as well. There are also
more than 250 species of
birds to enjoy. There’s a
simple motel with pool in
the park.
Kakum National Park
Kakum is about 60 miles
west of Accra. By road
the journey takes about
3 hours
A dense tropical rain
forest in southern Ghana.
The forest is home to
over 40 species of larger
mammals. The bird life
is fantastic with over
250 species living in the
forest. The highlight, is
20
g h a n a k e y. c o m
shores with streams,
rivers, fresh water lake,
lagoons and the sea as
environmental features.
It is the largest intact
swamp forest in Ghana
and home to several
species of plants and
animals. Ninety-three of
these species made up
of reptiles, mammals and
birds are of global and
national conservation
interest.
Beaches
Double-toothed Barbet (photo from http://ibc.lynxeds.com)
a stroll on the Canopy
Walkway that is built 40
meters above ground,
crosses several bridges
and is over 330 m in
length.
Owabi Forest Reserve and
Bird Sanctuary
15km from Kumasi
Winter home to a variety
of migratory birds as well
as tropical birds who
live there year round.
Also home to hundreds
of the endangered
Mona Monkeys. Further
to the northeast is
the Bomfobiri Wildlife
Sanctuary, containing the
spectacular Bomfobiri
Falls. The salt marshes of
the Songow Lagoon are
also worth seeing.
Lake Volta
At Akosombo Dam, board
the Yapei Queen ferry
and cruise up massive
Lake Volta on a 24-hour
trip past wooded hills
and farming villages and
into Ghana’s arid north,
docking at Yeji.
Relax on the beaches of
the Atlantic coast. Labadi
Pleasure beach, Kokrobite
beach, Coco Beach,
Dixcove, Busua and Ada
all offer tropical palms,
spectacular Atlantic
breakers and swimming
(but beware of the strong
currents and tides).
Beach Soccer
First Weekend of each month
Maranatha Beach Camp
Ada, Greater Accra Region
Tel: 024-3528248
There is a seaside beach
soccer tournament,
near the estuary where
teams from different
communities in the district
compete against each
other. Before the start of
the tournament the beach
is cleaned which is the
underlying intention of the
whole event.
YACHTING
the Ohemaa LXI
An exclusive retreat
which allows you to
experience Ghana’s
natural beauty from the
waters of Lake Volta.
Combine modern luxury
with the richness of
traditional Ghanaian
culture. Steeped
in stateliness and
personalized service,
the Ohemaa can
accommodate up to
20 guests for anything
from exclusive business
meetings to family
holidays to romantic
getaways.
Tel: 233 24 081 8185
[email protected]
Amansuri wetland
90 km west of Takoradi
A complex of peat, swamp
and mangrove forests,
flood plains, and sandy
Amansuri wetland (photo from www.ghanawestcoast.com)
tours
M&J Travel and Tours
For custom safaris visit
Safari Holidays at:
ghana-holiday.com/ghanatours/safari. Arrangments
include : vehicle rental in
Tamale, Tamale Airport
pick-up and transfer
service to Mole National
Park, Tamale or other
parts of the three northern
regions. They offer
excursions for safaris in:
Mole, Wechaiau, Paga
combined with or without
a cultural tour.
Domestic flights tickets
from Accra to Tamale.
Hotel booking service for
hotels in Tamale, Mole,
Wa and Bolgatanga at
www.ghana-holiday.com/
hotels-in-northern-ghana
www.ghana-holiday.com
Tel: 233 244 514 824.
SYTO (Student & Youth Travel
Organisation)
Tel: 233 (0)302-769157
[email protected]
www.sytoghana.net
Provide a complete
range of cross-cultural
programs that promote
Ghana as a source of
knowledge to youth
& students. Includes:
carefully selected
volunteering programs,
internships, home stay
and cultural immersions
programs, summer study
abroad, african drumming,
dancing & languages
classes.
g h a n a k e y. c o m
21
dining index
Sept / oct 2012
Farrar Ave
Adabraka
Tel: 030 2232988
papaye
Cantonments Rd
Near MTN store, Osu
Tel: 030 2773754
seafood
Captain Hooks
4 Kakramandu St
Cantonments
Tel: 0302762228
fast food
Red-Red
( bl a c k - e y e d p e a s t ew with
f ri e d r i p e p l a n ta i n )
Any visitor to Ghana will likely be
introduced to one of the recipes
most popular with foreigners:
“red-red,” referring to a red stew,
served with ripe plantains, aka
“red plantains.” The “red” also
refers to the (red) palm oil used to
prepare the stew, most commonly
made with black-eyed peas.
Africa n
Ghanaian Village
Restaurant
La Palm
Royal Beach Hotel
No 5 La Bypass Rd
Tel: 0302 215100
Enjoy an African
lunch or dinner with
seafood with a view
of the Atlantic Ocean.
Asanka Locals
22
Near Dragon 88 Osu
Tel: 0302786328
asankaghana.com
Buka
10th Lane, Osu
(near Citizen Kofi)
Tel: 030 2782953
Christine’s Unique
Café
150m off Ring Rd
at Nima Junction
Tel: 0302 222 265
g h a n a k e y. c o m
Chez Afrique
Near Yemoh Plaza
East Legon
Tel: 030 2911591
Country kitchen
2nd Ringway Estates
Osu
Tel: 0302229107
Le Grand Ecuyer
Ring Road, just west of
Danquah Circle
Tel: 0302 768 64
Maquis Tante Marie
5th Norla Link, Labone
Tel: 0244612832
maquistantemarie.com
Next Door Restaurant
Beach Road (op. the
Military Academy) in
Teshie
Tel: 024-4318697
next-door.com
Old Bob’s Place
Niger Hse,
59 Okadan, Osu
Tel: 028 8266378
The Orangery Crepe
& salad bar
Barcelos
Op. Dynasty Chinese
Restaurant in Osu
& at the Accra Mall
Tel: 030 2933784. Chicken Republic
Cantonments Rd
south of Papaye
Tel: 030 2775496
chin ese
Royal Dragon Chinese
Restaurant
La Palm
Royal Beach Hotel
No 5 La Bypass Rd
Tel: 0302 215100
Enjoy a Chinese dinner
with special teppanyaki
every evening.
dining index
Arlecchino
674 Cantonments Rd
(Oxford St), Osu
Tel: 0245 410 403
Tandoor Indian
Labone, near Land
Tours (AVIS)
Tel:0243 151 417
Bella Roma
Fourth Lane, Osu
Tel: 024 74 74 007
lebanese
Il Cavaliere Pezzo
(Accra Polo Grounds),
Airport Res. Area
Tel: 0302 823131 or
0246767777
Mama mia Pizzeria
7th Lane, Osu
Tel: 0244 264 151
Osteria Michelangelos
House No. 3 Nortei
Abadio Street
Airport Res. Area
Tel: 024 4233533
Picasso
Crown Apartamento
Premises
Airport Res. Area
Tel: 0302771712
in di an
Heritage indian
off Salem Rd
Noble Chinese
Restaurant Bldg.
Osu
Tel: 0302785151
Dynasty restaurant
Oxford St, Osu
Tel: 030 2775496
Koh-I-Noor
Grisfarm Hotel
off First, Osu
Tel: 030 2771999
Nobel House
Kuku Hill, Salem Road,
Osu Accra
Tel: 0302785151
Padthai Restaurant
10 Monrovia Rd
East Legon
Tel: 0302962788
italian
Basha
Kojo Thompson Rd
Niagara Hotel at
Adabraka
Le Magellan
Restaurant
Ring Road East at
Labone Junction
Tel: 0302 777 629
western
Bus Stop Bar &
Restaurant
Adabraka
Tel: 0302220930
White Bell
Cnr Farrar Av
Adabraka
Tel: 0302227066
Frankie
Cantonments Rd.
Osu
Tel: 0302 77 35 67
Sept / oct 2012
courses.
Mövenpick Hotel
Tel: +233 302611000
me xic an
Champs Sports Bar
Paloma Center
40 Ring Road Central
Tel: 0240959406
spanish
El gaucho
Abrebrensem, Osu
Tel: 0289117575
Bri tish
Le Tandem
6 Mankralo St
East Cantonments
Tel: 030 2762959
Livingstone Safari
near Akai House
across Kohinoor, Osu
Tel: 024 6485135
Japanese
3121 Sushi
14th Lane
Behind Barclays
Tel: 026 777 3121
Ryan Irish Pub
Troas Street, Osu
Tel: 030 2762334
Monsoon
Seafood-grill, cocktail
bar & cigar lounge,
sushi/teppanyaki bar
[email protected]
41 Oxford St, Osu
above Osu Food Court
Tel: 030 2782307
French
Cafe
La Chaumiere
215 Liberation Rd
across Shangri-La Hotel
Airport Res. Area
Tel: 0302772408
Josie’s Cuppa
Cappuccino
3rd Close, Airport Res.
Tel: 030 2773412
honeysuckle bar
Ring Rd, Osu
Tel: 030 2780774
Café Chez Des Amis
Little Indian Sunshine Liberation Rd, Across
Salad Bar
from French Embassy
11th Lane, Osu
Le Magellan
Tel: 030 2780599
Ring Rd. East
Sankofa Restaurant Nyaniba Est.
Daily Breakfast Buffet, Tel: 0302777629
an extensive Lunch
Le Must
Buffet from Monday
No 28, Orphan Crescent
to Saturday. Sunday
Brunch Buffet (advance North Labone
booking recommended). Tel: 0244661069
Dinner is served daily
with a starter buffet
and a la carte main
brunch
melting moments
No. 78/5, 1st Norla St
Labone
Tel: 0302770834
Labadi Beach Hotel
No.1 La Bypass
Tel: 030 277 2501/6
g h a n a k e y. c o m
23
shopping index
marke t s
Makola Market
Kojo Thompson Rd
Osu
Dominated by
woment this
bustling market of
Accra is situated
right in the center
of the city. There you
will find: jewelry,
fabrics, plastic
hair decorations,
traditional Ghanaian
glass beads, batiks,
wigs, bags, shoes,
toiletries, as well
as shea butter,
fish, beans, meat,
vegetables, fruit,
flour, eggs, pots
& pans, grills and
much more.
Kaneshie Market
Mallam-Odorkor Rd
Kaneshie
Mostly traditional
goods: food,
household items,
beads, hair supplies,
shoes, handbags,
beauty products,
fabric.
m all s
Accra Mall
Plot C11, Spintex Rd.
Tetteh Quarshie
Interchange,
accramall.com
Mostly modern
goods including:
an apple store,
books, electronics,
fashion, footwear,
jewelry, travel, a
supermarket and
much more.
A&C Square
Block 232, Jungle Rd,
East Legon
Tel: 302.517518
ancsquare.com
High-end goods
including: women,
men and children
apparel and
accessories, fabrics,
groceries, wine &
Sept / oct 2012
liquor.
maxmartghana.com
supermarkets
It is best to get your
fruits and vegetables
in the local outdoor
markets, however,
if you are looking
for imported food
items fresh and
frozen meat &
poultry, breads,
cakes, pastries you
can probably find
them in one of these
supermarkets.
shoprite
Accra Mall
Tel: 0302823020
No. C32/6, New
Town Rd
Tel: 0302247661
Koala Supermarket
Off Danquah Circle
at Cantonments Rd
Osu
Tel: 0302773455 or
0302765665
koalashop.com.gh
MaxMart Shopping
Center
A&C Mall
Tel: 0302518881
University Plaza
Legon
Tel: 0289 225927
laramart
Abebresem St, Osu
Tel: 021 766834
laramart.com
crafts
Centre for National
Culture
28th February Rd
Central Accra Osu
Tel: 021 664099
A sea of stalls
selling arts and
crafts it is also
referred to as the
Arts Centre, this
is the place to
shop in Accra for
crafts. The level of
aggressive hassling
may discourage
you but if you have
the patience you
can come away
with good-quality
handicrafts from all
over Ghana.
Loom
200m south of
Nkrumah Circle
Tel: 0302224746
Sells spectacular
paintings as well
as woodcarvings,
fabrics and statues.
24
g h a n a k e y. c o m
shopping index
Global Mamas
14th Lane
Near Koala
Supermarket
Tel: 24 453 0467
globalmamas.org
W oodw ork
ABURI CARVING CENTer
On the way to the
Aburi town center
Here craftmen can
be seen at work on
magnificent carvings
and drums which
are available for
purchase. If you are
feeling creative, you
can actually design
your own piece.
jewelry
Pmmc
Buys precious
minerals such as
diamonds and gold
directly from local
small-scale miners
and make a large
variety of jewelry
we especially love
the unique jewelry
representing
traditional ghanaian
symbols.
Mark Cofie Building,
Osu
Tel: 233 (0)302664579
pmmcghana.com
modern Art
Artists Alliance
A fantastic African
modern art gallery
located on the coast.
Packed with artistic
expression. Three
floors of art, sculpture,
carvings and artifacts,
a haven for anyone
looking to be inspired
or simply enjoy some
incredible work.
Omanye House La,
Tel: 0245251404
artistsallianz.com
Unique cr afts
Wild Gecko
Handicrafts
Unique handcrafted
furniture, household
decorations,
accessories &
jewelry.
Near Tetteh Quarshie
exchange
Tel: 030 250 8500
www.wild-gecko.com
Sept / oct 2012
U NIVERSITY
BOOKSTORE
This bookstore is situated in the
heart of Legon University and is
a gem of a bookstore if you are
looking for great African literature
and textbooks that you can’t find
anywhere else.
fabric
University
Bookshop
University of Ghana
Legon
Tel: 0302 500398
bookstores
ugbookshop.com
Silverbird bookstore Current fiction,
nonfiction &
Accra Mall
textbooks. Great
Tel: 030 282 3270-5
if you are looking
Current fiction,
for books by local
nonfiction, business
authors.
and religious books.
Woodin Boutique
Oxford St, Osu
Tel: 0302764371
A temples of high
fashion fabrics. 14
artists create ever
changing designs.
DA viva Boutique
17th Lane Osu
(Off Oxford St)
Tel: 0289529770
Pure cotton fabric
with a subtle mix of
elegance and color.
Check out the
African writers
series, I couldn’t
put this one
down.
g h a n a k e y. c o m
25
accommodations index
hotels & villas
resorts
Labadi Beach
Hotel 4
Includes a health
club, an outdoor pool,
a fitness facility, and
a children’s pool, a
business center, small
meeting rooms, and
secretarial services.
No.1 La Bypass, Accra
Tel: +233 (30) 277
2501/6 labadi@
legacyhotels.com
La Palm Royal
Beach Hotel 3
Featuring 152 rooms,
each with its own
private balcony, laid
out in chalet fashion,
creating the feeling of
a village complete with
8 bars and restaurants,
large swimming pool,
souvenir shops and
fitness center & casino.
5 La Bypass
Tel: 233 30221 5100/5111
[email protected]
www.gbhghana.net
Ramada Resort
Coco Beach 7
This hotel is located in
the quiet outskirts of
Accra. A large outdoor
pool and a children’s
pool. Complimentary
wireless Internet
access is available in
public areas. Breakfast
included.
Awi Koonaa St Nungua
Tel:+233 (30) 271 7235
ramadaresortaccra.com
Luxury
The African
Regent 5
A refreshing taste
of Africa in a classy
establishment. Enjoy
an enviable collection
of African Art. A spa,
a health club, outdoor
pool, a fitness facility,
wireless Internet in
public areas.
237-238 Airport West,
Cantonments, Tel: 233
302765180
The Aknac Hotel
A hidden gem situated
in the peaceful suburbs
of Accra near Trasacco
Valley and also within
easy reach of the
city centre. This chic
boutique hotel offers
style, charm and
personal service, where
you are guaranteed
to be treated as an
individual and not just a
room number. The hotel
has a restaurant, bars
and an outdoor pool
along with standard
rooms, and junior suites
both of which come
A f rican
Regent
Boldly contemporary,
yet inspired by elements
of traditional African
design. This stunning
African-themed hotel
makes it a prime
destination to entertain
and socialise.
26
g h a n a k e y. c o m
Sept / oct 2012
with complimentary
breakfast and wireless
internet access.
Trasacco Valley
Tel: 233 302824235
theaknachotel.com
Golden Tulip 6
A business-friendly
hotel close to U.S.
Embassy. It includes a
health club, an outdoor
pool, a fitness facility,
and a children’s pool.
Business amenities
include a business
center, small meeting
rooms, and secretarial
services.
Liberation Road
Tel: 233 302213161
goldentulipaccrahotel.com
The Mövenpick
Ambassador Hotel 1
Ideally located in
the central business
district of downtown
Accra, close to major
financial institutions, the
International Conference
Centre and government
ministries. The Hotel
260 rooms include 61
Executive Club Rooms,
15 Junior Suites with
balconies and view of
the Swimming Pool, one
Ambassador Suite & a
320sqm Presidential Suite.
Independence Ave, Ridge
Tel: +233 302611000
moevenpick.com
Villa Monticello 8
Restaurant, features
accommodations index
an outdoor pool, fullservice spa, bar/lounge.
Televisions with digital
channels. Rooms also
feature iPod docking
stations, Internet access
No.1A Mankata Ave Link
Airport Residential
Tel: 233 302773477
villamonticello.com
moderate
Afia African Village
$65-170 2
Afia African Village is
sensitively designed
to take full advantage
of the expansive
ocean views and
cooling sea breezes.
Its traditionally styled
architecture evokes the
very essence of Africa.
Singles, doubles and
family suites. Breakfast
included.
2 Liberia Road Osu Tel:
233 302681465
afiavillage.com
Chez Lien
GHC 80-100
If you are looking for a
moderate hotel that is
centrally located this is
a good option. Run by
a Vietnamese/French
couple. Breakfast is
included.H/N F 333/4,
Dadebu Rd, Osu
Tel: 233 0302775356
hotel-chez-lien.com
Hillburi Aburi $150
Blending modern style
with strong colonial
and African influences,
lovely comfortable king
Sept / oct 2012
size beds, fluffy duvets
and pillows and thick
towels, spectacular
views overlooking
the surrounding
hills. Includes a bar,
restaurant, infinity
swimming pool.
Gyankama Aburi
www.hillburi.com
Tel: 0244385008
The Rest Inn
$80-130
Architecturally inspired
residence set in lush
greenery, a first class
hotel, with a swimming
pool, a terrace bar, a
meeting room, spacious
garden
No. 15, 7th Road, Tesano
Accra
www.therestinn.com
Mahogany Lodge
$175-195 q
Includes: a very pretty
courtyard with pool. Two
computers with free
wireless.
No. 9, Kakramadu Link
East Cantonments
Tel: 233-302-761162
mahoganylodge.com
Budget
New Ampax Hotel
$20-40
Achimota Rd. Pokuake
Junction
Tel: (0)302-932158
ampaxhotelgh.com
Frankies 9
If you are looking for an
affordable hotel that is
centrally located this is a
Hillb ur i Ab ur i
Majestically positioned in the
spectacular Akwapim mountain
range, Hillburi offers breathtaking
views of the evergreen valley and
of the surrounding mountains.
good option. Singles
and doubles include
satelite TV, internet
access & refrigerator.
Their on-location
restaurant, take-away
counter, ice cream
parlour and bakery
are definitely a
bonus.
Cantonments rd.
(Oxford St.) Osu
Tel: 0302 77 35 67
[email protected]
Beachcomber
Guesthouse
Nungua
near Coco Beach
Tel: 0302712986
melvinasenso41@
hotmail.com
Starlite Lodge
A family friendly
lodge
No 2 Volta River Ave.
Teshi-Nungua Estates
Tel: 233 302 712829
starlitelodge-ghana.com
Bed &
breakfast
Spintex Inn $60
Spintex Inn is a Bed
& Breakfast that is
proud of its homely
atmosphere and good
location in Accra.
Proximity to the
beach
#1 Fourth Nii Kwaofio
Link, Spintex, Accra
Tel: 0207768243
spintexinn.com
g h a n a k e y. c o m
27
accommodations index
Pink Hostel w
from $20 (with
continental breakfast)
Pink Hostel, has 19
rooms containing 55
beds comprising of 10
Standard rooms
& 45 bunk beds (shared
dormitory). All Rooms
have private en-suite
facilities with Airconditioning and Free
WIFI. Located within
the Central Business
area of the city of
Accra, 10 min drive
from the airport
Tel: 233-302256710/256712
phostel@busymail.
com.gh
Bedua Home e
Suites $40-60
Rooms en suite
with shower, toilet
and secure closets.
All rooms have air
conditioners and
ceiling fans. Common
living/dining room
kitchen is fully stocked
with cooking utensils
ready for independent
cooking. Study room/
OfficeDSTV satellite
cable. Washing
machine
Tel: 233-241-234-234
NO 58 Genesis Estates
at Mariville off Spintex
Road in a gated
community
Big Milly’s
Back Yard
This collection of well-designed,
basic huts sits on the finest stretches
of beach in Africa, and plays host to
local music concerts every Friday and
Saturday nights.
28
g h a n a k e y. c o m
Sept / oct 2012
huts & cottages
Big Milly’s Back
Yard GHc17-125
Twenty rooms, all have
fans and are beautifully
decorated with African
art. Double huts are
of local clay bricks
with thatched roofs.
Most cottages are self
contained. Several
have A/C. 150 trees
and a large menagerie
of pets in the garden.
Kokrobite
Tel: 0249 999 330 or
0262 999 330
www.bigmilly.com
holiday
rentals
In a holiday rental you can do
your own thing anytime and take
your time about it. Discover local
markets, small neighborhood
businesses. Choose to buy & cook
local produce and learn how to
live like locals.
Mahogany Lodge
$280-580/day q
One, two and three
bedroom apartments.
Especially ideal for long
staying clients, as they
are fully serviced and
privacy is guaranteed.
Rooms are equipped with
air conditioning, color TV
with satellite channels,
sockets provided for
internet access, same
day laundry service
and more.
No. 9, Kakramadu Link
East Cantonments
Tel: 233-302-761162
mahoganylodge.com
La-Paradise Inn r
Right in the heart
of vibrant Osu area,
these apartments
are surrounded by a
diverse array of shops
and restaurants. Each
apartment has a modern
living space with
internet access and
satelite t.v. Outside of
the apartment enjoy the
swimming pool and the
tropical garden.
Tel: + 233 302 762085
4th Ostwe Street South
La Estate (Opposite
Jokers Pub)
transportation index
Domestic Air:
Antrak Air
A wholly Ghanaian
owned limited liability
company incorporated
in December 2001
has flights to Kumasi,
Takoradi, Sunyani,
Tamale and Wa.
The tickets can be
reserved at their
website or at their
offices in all the cities
they fly to in Ghana. In
Accra they have one at
the Kotoka Airport and
one at Danquah Circle
in the north of the city.
Tel: (233) (0) 302
765377, 765378
antrakair.com
Citylink
Operates for the public
as well as charter
flights for corporate
clients within Ghana
between the major
economic centres
of Kumasi, Tamale,
Sunyani, Takoradi and
Accra.
Tel: (233) (0) 24 431001/2/3/4
flycitylink.com
Fly 540
Offers internal flights
to several locations
around Ghana. They fly
from Accra to Kumasi,
Takoradi, Tamale and
Sunyani. All flights are
at a low cost and the
company is already
known to offer good
service and to have a
good safety record.
Tel: (233) (0) 202 250
208
fly540africa.com
Buses:
STC (State
Transport
Corporation)
The main, government
owned and operated,
intercity coaches. You
should buy the tickets
in advance so that you
are given an assigned
seat. Buses from Accra
to Tamale leave daily
at 7am and 3pm, with
the 9am bus continuing
on to Bolgatanga.
Buses from Tamale
to Accra run daily at
6.30am and 4pm, and
to Kumasi at 7am
Sept / oct 2012
(10am weekends). A
service from Tamale
to Takoradi runs twice
a week, at 8am on
Tuesdays and 3pm on
Saturday.
Tel: (233-21) 221-912
or 252-835 or 221-314
VIP
Air conditioned clean
buses to Kumasi.
There are two levels of
bus – one with larger
seats and more leg
room for marginally
more money. Buses
run frequently all day
and night. A very good
alternative for a long
drive.
opposite Africa Motors
Tel: 0544357030,
0544357038
[email protected]
OA Travel and
Tours
Much like the STC
and is located 200m
from STC station in
Accra. OA offers very
new busses for a
reasonable price, they
also have multiple
drivers for longer
trips with an armed
guard for security. The
other main attraction
of this bus system is
the scheduled times
it travels. Leaving at
3pm daily (promptly!)
from Bolgatanga to
Accra (just outside
the metro station),
costing only GHc30.00.
It leaves Tamale to
Accra (across the
street from metro
station) daily at 5pm,
costing GHC25.00. You
are also able to book
tickets in advance.
Insist on it a day or
two ahead, sometimes
you get the odd clerk
who doesn’t want to
sell advance, but ask
for a manager if this
occurs.
Tel: 0243-3177620
Tamale: 0242-767694 /
0208-083644
Kumasi: 03220-41925
Car Rentals:
Atlas Rent-A-Car
Tel: 024 427 7871
ghana-car-rentals.
com
A one-stop-shop for
online car hire in
Ghana. With a wide
selection of vehicles
for personal as well
as business car rental
needs. Rental options
range from saloon cars,
to luxury cars, 4 wheel
driven off-road cars,
minivans and -buses
with competitive rates
and unlimited mileage.
Tel: 0.264.264.246
ghana-car-rentals.com
MAKOLA MARKET • TEL: 0244 601181
g h a n a k e y. c o m 2 9
into the wild
Ghana is one of the most exhilarating
places in West Africa – with vibrant
cities, dense rainforests, and heart
pumping encounters with the wild,
here a few of our favorites.
1
adrenaline adventures!
Kakum National
Park is located in the
Central Region about an
hour north of Cape Coast.
If you are looking for a big
adrenaline rush, head here.
You will find more than
250 species of birds and
countless butterflies in this
pristine rainforest. For a
bird’s eye view, dare to cross
the long and wobbly Kakum
Canopy Walkways. Balance
on this set of swaying
wooden planks, loosely
attached to steel cables and
netting. It is suspended 40m
(130 ft.) above the ground
and stretches 330 m (1,082
ft.) between seven trees with
viewing platforms at each
tree. As you carefully walk
across, try to ignore your
sweaty palms and shaking
legs long enough to admire
your surroundings, lush green
plants and chirping birds;
you’ll be rewarded.
Wli Waterfalls
2
cascades from a height of
60-80 meters, and is the
highest falls in West Africa.
The surrounding hills mark
the border between Ghana
and neighboring Togo. A
walk through its forest, the
Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary,
offers a chance to see a
large colony of fruit bats,
butterflies, birds, monkeys
and baboons. Besides
the spectacular view,
your reward is the brisk,
refreshing water which is
great for swimming. If you
are coming from Accra, the
drive to Wli takes about 3
hours.
Mole National Park
The first time you see an
African savanna elephant
(Loxodonta africana) up
close your heart moves
roughly 10 times faster. This
is the largest land animal
on Earth! A male savanna
elephant tips the scales at
up to seven tons and stands
twice as big as a forest
elephant. They are abundant
here, which makes finding
and watching them fairly
easy. Travelers can spend
the night in the park at the
Mole National Hotel, where
the elephants are known
to occasionally take a drink
from the swimming pool. In
addition to the magnificent
elephants, the park is home
to over 100 mammal species
and 300 bird species. The
mammals include leopards,
various types of antelopes,
buffaloes, hyenas, monkeys,
and warthogs.
3 Wli Waterfalls
Kakum Canopy Walkway
g h a n a k e y. c o m 3 1