For one of my last posts I would like
to rate all my different experiences in Ghana. It should be interesting as well
as extremely informative to future volunteers or tourists who want to know what
were the most interesting experiences I had. Everything I did in Ghana was
worthwhile and I wouldn’t take any of my experiences back for anything. But
some parts were better than others so here are the ratings.
Accra B+
I
did not love living in a big city such as Accra because it is hectic and the
very crowded. The worst parts are the traffic and the trash. However it does
provide for plenty of places to explore and interesting things to do. Some of
the places to definitely check out are
Osu (although it is Obroni central), Tema station, Circle, Lascala, and
Teshie-Nungua. Also try to check out Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum to learn about
Ghana’s very influential first president. We did not get to go which I
regret.
Labadi
Beach Reggae night C-
I
went twice and did not really enjoy it. There is live music and often
performances but it doesn’t start till 11 pm on Wednesday night which is
inconvenient for most volunteers. Also it is flooded with Rasta’s enjoying some
“herbs” and Obronis (often also there just to enjoy the herbs).
Accra
Art Center F
I
am not an art enthusiast but the merchandise here is very nice. Unfortunately
all of the vendors are incredibly pushy and aggressive and the prices are
outrageous. You can find the same quality things other places in Ghana although
with a bit more effort.
Global Mommas A
An NGO started by some
volunteers that teaches jobless Ghanaian women to make clothing and other
crafts. The store then sells this high quality merchandise and a portion of the
profits maintain the NGO. The prices are a bit higher but they have some very
cool gifts that you won’t find anywhere else and it goes to a good cause.
Jamestown B-
Most
guidebooks will tell you to visit the lighthouse and fort in Jamestown but it
was pretty unimpressive. Go to Jamestown or Ushertown and walk around if you
wish to experience extreme poverty and have a reality check but it is not a
tourist destination.
Volta
Region A+
Volta
region is amazingly beautiful with much fewer people and mountains all around.
It is also the least visited region in Ghana, so you can escape all the
tourists. The best parts are Wli (Agumatsa) Waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary,
and the Bead Market in Odumase-Krobo (trotro to Kpong). There are plenty of
other places to visit that sounded incredible but I did not get the chance to
do. Check out Likpe Caves/waterfall, and Amadwofe Mountain.
Eastern
Region A+
Eastern
region may have surpassed Volta region in its beauty. Go to the capital
Koforidua, which is only a short 2 to 3 hour trotro from Accra (Great for a day
trip!), and walk around the city a bit. Also a must is the Akaa village and
Umbrella rock. The people are wonderful and the views can’t be beat. If you are
willing to drive around a bit then check out the six-headed palm tree near
Mamfe as well. There are 3 or 4 different waterfalls in this region as well
including Akaa, Boti and , which would
be worth it as well although I only saw Akaa falls.
Central
Region A-
The
main attraction of the central region is Cape Coast. Definitely a necessity to
go and visit the Slave castles in Cape Coast and Elmina. One of the main
tourist attractions is Kakum National Park. It was an interesting experience
but very busy and expensive so I don’t know whether it was worthwhile. More
interesting was the Monkey Forest Resort located just down the street where you
can see lots of African animals (although unfortunately not completely wild). Also
a good time was Wassa Domama rock shrine although I wouldn’t recommend it
unless you have a full day and a burning desire for adventure. Lastly I didn’t
make it to Hans Cottage but for about 5 cedi you can see crocodiles up close
and personal which I think would be worthwhile.
Food
Fufu C (Akaa village Fufu though… A)
Banku D
Ground
Nut Soup B+
Light
Soup B
Okra
Stew B-
Pepe D-
Jollof
Rice A
Waakye A-
Fried
Plantain A+
Fried
Ginger Plantain A++
Redred B
Grilled
Street Corn A
Boiled
Corn B+
Fried
Yam A
Bofrut A+++
Alvaro A+
FanIce/FanChoco/FanYogo A+
