Ghana

It was the sixth of January 2021 exactly 9pm, the exact time I landed in Accra this year. I had not been in over a year and to say I was excited would have been an understatement. I was more than eager to walk into the sweet-scented warm Ghanaian air, to ride in the passenger seat of the slightly overpriced Ghanaian taxis and to taste the thick, spicy, pork sausage kebabs I had been fantasising about all Christmas. These were not your ordinary sausage kebabs, they were surprisingly crunchy on the outside yet incredibly juicy on the inside. They are completely covered with raw seasoned pepper (suya).
It was a very long journey, an even longer Christmas but my fantasies kept me sane. Despite the fact that I had no intention to travel to Ghana this year, I found myself booking a one week ticket in January and returning just this October. Interestingly, I was not the only one, several friends had a week’s trip turn into a 5 month stay in Accra.
What was it about this city that was so addictive?
What was in this city that no one wanted to leave behind?
There was something in the atmosphere. There is something in the air. To simply put it, A VIBE. One that I have not seen replicated in any other country I have been to. An ever fertile ground for socialisation and networking. With its vibrant nightlife, grounds for exploring and 24/7 enjoyment, Ghana is a stunning country.
From its bustling coastal regions, vibrant culinary and arts scenes to its captivating history, Ghana is a country you simply have to visit.
A typical week in Ghana, I love start my days with some waakye and Shito ( Waakye is rice and beans, usually black eyed peas or cow beans, cooked together, along with red dried sorghum leaf sheaths or stalks and limestone) or some Hausa Kooko (porridge). Both local dishes are typically served for breakfast and sold on the roadside by hard working talented mothers.
In the afternoons, I would have jollof rice, fried rice, fufu and light soup or banku and okro. Ghanaians are renowned for their version of jollof (a rice dish that is popular throughout West Africa). If you’re ever around Dansoman, Oliver Twist has the best jollof rice. If you’re in East Legon, pop into Mangos for a great selection of well prepared local dishes, their fufu and light soup being one of my favourite dishes. If you’re in Osu, pop into Mazera, Buka or Azmera for a variety of local dishes also.
Finally, I love to explore and there’s so much to see in Ghana. As a first timer, I would definitely recommend Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum for great insight into Ghana’s history.
There is a variation of activities in Accra also. I would suggest the obstacle courses at the Legon/ Aburi Botanical Gardens, paintballing or Go Karting at the A1 raceway in Tema.
If you have not been to Accra in West Africa, what are you waiting for, book with Bibinique Travels now for an awesome experience!

– Lisa Marie