Solid Rock Executive Travel & Tours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF THE WESTERN REGION

The western region of Ghana, adjoining the border with Côte d’Ivoire, presents a striking contrast between the ancient and the modern. Although one of the first to welcome the Europeans and so now distinguished by the larger number of forts and castles, the region also boast of some of the oldest mines in the country as well as our modern harbour at Takoradi and its adjoining commercial centres

The region has some of the most fertile of lands in Ghana so the roads are lined with cocoa and rubber plantations.

Some of the attractions include:

a) Castles of the western region

The western region is another region with a rich heritage demonstrated by a number of castles still open to visitors:

Fort St Appolonia at Beyin
Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove (1693)
Fort Batensteyn(1656) at Butri
Fort Groot Frieferichsburg at Princesstown
Fort St Antonio at Axim
Fort Dorothea (ruins) at Akwida
Fort Sebastian at Shama

b) The village on Stilts of Mzulezu

This is an amazing village where life goes on in the middle of lake Tadane 90km west of Takoradi. The houses are built on stilts and the village life is adapted to living on water. One has to do part of the journey to the village by a dug-out canoe. Visitors are welcome everyday except Wednesday, which is a sacred day.

c) Akatekyi Crocodile pond

30km west of Takoradi, the local fetish priest entices the crocodiles from the water with a live chicken. Bring a bottle of Schnapps for libation. Visitors are welcome everyday except Wednesdays, which is sacred day.

d) Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s Grave

The original grave of the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana whose remains are now buried in the Mausoleum in Accra, can be found at Nkroful 83km west of Takoradi

e) The mines of Ghana

Several of the mines may be visited by prior appointment. They include:

Nsuta Manganese Mine
Prestea Goldmines
Tarkwa Goldmines – founded in the 1800s

f) Beaches of the Western Region

The Western Region is famous for the best beaches in Ghana for relaxation and tours. Some of them are:

Busua Pleasure Beach - only 5km from Fort Metal Cross
Sports Club Beach – behind the Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi
Ajua Beach – just 200meters from the Dadowa lagoon
Princesstown Beach – off the Takoradi/Elubo Highway
Miamia Beach – a secluded beach with rocky coves ideal for picnics

FESTIVALS OF THE WESTERN REGION

Secondi Kundum

This is celebrated annually by the people of Secondi, between July and August. It is believed the Kundun come from Ahanta Aboade, a village on the Tarkwa- Takoradi road. The festival essentially a harvest festival as well as a period to remember the dead, cleansing the community and setting new goals for the next year. The unique feature of this festival is that it moves from village to village. If you miss it this week you have another chance to see it the following week.

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