1
Ghana
By Himani Vommi and Grace Clark
itinerary
November 21-December 17
about 3 and a half weeks
Philadelphia National Airport, Philadelphia(USA)
Kotoka International Airport, Accra(Ghana)
Depart from Philadelphia:
10:05 PM, Friday, November 21
Arrival in Accra:
8:15 PM, Saturday, November 22
Depart from Accra:
10:50 PM, Wednesday, December 17
Arrival in Philadelphia:
3:35 PM, Wednesday December 17
Round-trip cost: $984 for one person
African Royal Beach Hotel
Car Rentals
Car Pick-up
in Accra, Ghana at:
8:30 AM, November 11
Drop off in Accra,
Ghana at:
10:30 AM ,
December 17, 2014
$120 per day
we will be using the touring company
Kensington touring
$120 per activity
we will also be using Africa Tour Operators touring company
$130 per activity
We are using the Kensington touring company for all the geographic sites
Boit falls is one of the waterfalls that river PawnPawn forms. There are two levels of falls that make up Boti falls, there is an upper and lower level. The falls are located 17km North -East of Koforidua ( 90 minutes from Accra). Before we got to the falls we drove 90 minutes to the Boti falls in our rental car. Before we could enter the falls we paid 5.00 cedi. On the way up to the falls we learned that, according to history, the fall was hidden in the forest until it was discovered by a catholic priest. The priest used the grounds as entertainment for his family and friends. It took 70 big steps to reach the falls. the falls were beautiful, with a pool at the bottom! We then swam in the pool under the falls and took a tour guide to see the umbrella rock and the three head palm tree.
citations
Mount Afadajato
"DearGhana - Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Flights and Hotels." DearGhana. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
"Mount Afadjato – Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering." Mount Afadjato Mountain Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.
"DearGhana - Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Flights and Hotels." DearGhana. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
"Ghana HomePage, Resource for News, Sports, Facts, Opinions, Business and Entertainment." Ghana HomePage, Resource for News, Sports, Facts, Opinions, Business and Entertainment. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
we will be using the touring company African tour operators.
citations
Cape Coast Castle
"DearGhana - Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Flights and Hotels." DearGhana. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.
"DearGhana - Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Flights and Hotels." DearGhana. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
"Independence Arch." N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
Citations
"5,300 AngloGold Workers Sacked." Ghana HomePage, Resource for News, Sports, Facts, Opinions, Business and Entertainment. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Kufuor Leads Breast Cancer Campaign." Modernghana.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Food & Daily Life." Our Africa. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Food in Every Country." Food in Ghana. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Agumatsa Waterfalls Festival." PathGhana Atom. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Independence Day of Ghana." Independence Day of Ghana. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Music, Dance & Ceremony." Ghana Music, Dance, Ceremony. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
reflection
This vacation was wonderful and taught us about the colorful lifestyle and geography of Ghana.
Some of our favorite parts were visiting the different waterfalls and witnessing the lively Agumatsa Waterfalls Festival and seeing Boti Falls.
We would definitely encourage others to make the same trip because there is so much to see in Ghana and the culture of the region make it very unique.
If we had the opportunity, we would have gone to more historic sites to learn and experience more of Ghana's culture.
The Cape Coast Castle left a large impact on us because it showed how much Ghanians had to suffer and how badly they were mistreated by the Europeans. It also helped us understand why Independence Day is celebrated with so much passion. Ghanians had to were treated harshly and unfairly by the whites, so breaking free and being able to celebrate their own culture and live their own life means something incredibly important and special for these people. It's very inspiring to see such strong feelings of nationalism and love for one's country through the culture. This vacation helped us connect and understand people from around the world on a whole new level.
Independence Arch was another place that left an impact on us. Ghanians celebrate independence day with enthusiasm, because they were treated so badly in the past. They were mistreated by Europeans and whites, so when Ghana gained independence it was a major accomplishment and success. Ghanians built the independence Arch in 1957, which reads the nations motto, "Freedom and Justice." This is significant because it reminds the people of Ghana will always remember the struggles that they once went threw, but Ghanians are now free and equal.
lake Volta
Geographic Sites
kakum National Park
Boti Falls
Kakum National Park
Mount Afadjato
11/27/14
11/23/14
Kakum National Park is a preserved tropical forest. it is 350 square feet and is home to rare and diverse tree species, such as the kuntan, and mahogany. the national park is also home to tropical fauna as well as different kinds of species such as monkeys, giant snails, butterflies etc. The park is located in the Central region of Ghana (north of cape coast). When we decided to visit Kakum National Park, we first took the car rental and drove up to the park. The drive from Accra was 170km. Once we arrived we had to pay 7.50 cedi. we then took a guided tour through the forest. the tour was different than most because we went on a canopy tour! The canopy was 360 meters long and 40 feet high. We could see all around the park and all of the different species it's home to.
Mount Afadjato is the highest peak in Ghana and reaches 885 meters. The elevation of mount Afadjato is 2,904. The Mount is home to many different species such as monkeys and over 33 different species of butterflies. It forms part of the Agumatsa range, which runs along Ghana-Toga border. Before we visited Mount Afadjato we drove 139.8 miles in our rental car. once we got to Mount Afadjato, we paid 6.00 cedi. we then started to walk up the mountain with our tour guide. while we were walking we could see all different kinds of species that afadajato is home to. once we got to the top of Mount Afadjato, we could see panoramic views of all the surrounding communities. monkeys even came up to us and other visitors!
Lake Volta
Boti Falls
11/30/14
11/25/14
Lake Volta is the fourth largest reserve and dominates the Volta region. The lake makes up 45 percent of the nations land surface. Akosobasin splits the lake in two. The lake also has huge turbines to generate electricity for the country. Lake Volta has become more of a tourist attraction over the years and is one of Ghana's most beautiful sites. When we visited Lake Volta we took the guided boat tour. It was beautiful! we could see mountains, Volta's fauna etc. After the boat tour we saw people fishing and playing water sports.
5,300 AngloGold Workers Sacked
Kufuor Leads Breast Cancer Campaign
Agumatsa Waterfall Festival
Current Events
Forestry Decries Rate of Deforestation
Ghana MP's issue Ebola Alert
"Forestry Decries Rate Of Deforestation." RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
"Ghana MPs Issue Ebola Alert!" Citifmonline. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
5,300 AngloGold Workers Sacked
Kufuor Leads Breast Cancer Campaign
A gold mine in Ghana was shut down on November 4, 2014, and so the Angogold Ashanti Mining Company reduced the workforce from 6,000 to 700. This mine is one of the best gold mines in the world and is located in Obuasi. This involved 5,300 workers who got laid off and the Angogold Ashanti Mining Company. The main reason for this is because the mining company is closing the gold mine for maintenance that involves drilling. By doing this, they can also figure out how much gold is left that can be mined. Also, the company has decided to no longer employ workers for a long period of time like they used to. Miners will only stay in the field as long as their work is satisfactory and meet management requirements. Because of the price drop of gold around the world and many other reasons, the company will use a smaller workforce in order to stay economic and more stressed on capital rather than labor. this is important because Ghana was historically famous for its gold. The riches were what attracted many rulers and merchants around the world to come to Ghana. also, gold mining is a significant part of Ghana's economy. For example, NGGL (Newmont Ghana gold Limited) mining company generates 10% of the nation's total exports and produces about 48,000 jobs.
In Ghana, more steps are being taken to contain breast cancer in , a deadly disease that is killing more women as time goes by. Over 35,000 people, including breast cancer survivors, former president John Agyekum Kufuor and wife, Brong Ahafo refional Minister Eric Opoku, and Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai participated in an event concerning the struggle to contain breast cancer. They walked in the streets of Sunyani for the "Walk for the Cure 2014". This year, it was themed, "Let's Join the Fight, We Are Stronger Together". After the walk, former president Kufuor addressed the crowd in Jubilee Park at Sunyani, the capital of the Brong Ahafo region on October 29, 2014. He talked about the upsetting effects of breast cancer and urged everyone there to get themselves screened as soon as possible to prevent the disease in its earlier stages. The program was created to spread awareness about breast cancer and urge others to take precautious steps so more victims of the disease have a better chance of surviving. This measure is being taken because many people in Ghana believe that the diseases come from witches and curses, so not many take the necessary proper action to prevent cancer. However, the campaigns and efforts to fight cancer shows that Ghana is making progress with regards to diseases. Also, this shows that women are starting to gain even more importance with campaigns like these. They can become significant parts of society and will be provided with many oppurtunities that African women of the past could only dream of. Now, thanks to breast cancer campaigns, women have another chance to make a mark and be a source of hope and inspiration for people throughout the country and even the world.
Former President Kufuor at the Breast Cancer Campaign
Ghana MP's issue Ebola Alert
Forestry Decries Rate of Deforestation
Communities close to forest reserves have been warned to not misuse the vegetation that supports the surrounding environment, because deforestation rates are climbing at alarming rate. In Bolgatanga (also known simply as Bolga), located in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana, Mr. James Ware, the Regional Director of Forestry Commission condemns deforestation and annual bush burning. He also expressed worry about the increase of artisan gold mining activities, which spurred such the destruction of the nearby land. Mr. Ware is extremely concerned about the environment because mining and bush burning can destroy trees and wildlife in reserve areas, as well as new land set aside for new infrastructures. Deforestation is an important issue because it can affect the country's environment and possibly even change the climate. Climate changes will make it harder for farmers to have a successful harvest, which can lead to food shortage and poverty, and can also affect hurt the economy. For example, the wood carving industry will struggle to make money due to lack of biodiversity from deforestation.
Ghana's leaders have called a meeting for preparation of a possible outbreak of Ebola in their country. There is also evidence that fruit bats are spreading the disease. At a legislature meeting of the Ghana Parliament, 275 members, including former Ministers for Health Joseph Yieleh Chireh (Chairman of the Parliamentary committee on Health) and Dr. Richard Anane, and various MP's such as Emmanuel Kwasi Bandua, MP of Biakoye discussed the actions that need to be taken to contain the deadly disease. Ebola is rapidly spreading and has no cure and it has killed over 100 people already. Therefore, the MP's are taking steps and issuing alerts so that "we stem the [disease] or prevent it completely from taking place in Ghana", as someone said. One of the reasons why Ebola is so terrifying is because it's extremely contagious and has no cure. It spread from country to country, taking hundreds of lives wherever it goes. Also, the issue specifically concerning the spread of the disease through fruit bats has cultural importance because bats are a popular delicacy in Eastern Africa and is alos shipped and enjoyed in many other African countries. This issue is dear to many people's hearts because of the loved ones they lost and also the food that is unique to its culture. By prohibiting the sale and consumption of fruit bats to avoid the spread of Ebola, the people cannot enjoy the food from their culture.
The effects of Slash and Burn in Ghana
Wood Carvers at Work
Standard Room
Ocean View
Free Breakfast
- $77 per night
- Total Hotel Cost = $2,247.50
Elmina Castle
"Elmina Castle." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2014
Independence Arch
Kwame Nkruman Mausoleum
Historic Landmarks
"Trip Planner." Tripomatic. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
Agumatsa Falls/ Boti Falls
Elmina Castle
Agumatsa Waterfalls Festival
Traditional Music and Dance
Mount
Afadjato
Foo-Foo (Fufu)
Ghana's Culture
Cape coast castle
Lake Volta
Independence Day In Ghana
11/6/14
12/ 3/14
Elmina castle, like Cape coast castle once held slaves. The castle was originally built in 1482 by the portuguese, as a way to protect gold trade. The castle was then taken over by the Dutch and used to hold slaves. The castle was the first European slave trading post in all sub-Sahara Africa. The Dutch traded slaves with Brazil and the Caribbean . British eventually took ownership in 1800. Slaves were kept in dirty Dungeons, where 200 people were kept. There was no clean air or room in the dungeons. the dungeons had just enough room for people to stand, nobody could sit or lie down. This is significant because it shows how slaves were treated and how people only saw them and things and work. The castle is on the west coast of Ghana and only 6kms away from Cape coast. when we visited Elmina castle we had to drive 150km and had to pay 5. 00 cedi. When we visited Elmina castle, we took a tour of the castle and the dungeons where the slaves were held.
agumatsa waterfall festival
Cape coast castle was originally build as a small trading lodge and in 1637 was owned by the Dutch. The Dutch called the castle Carolusburg after King Charles X. Then the castle was owned by the swedes. In 1664, after a four day battle, the British captured and renamed the castle Cape coast Castle. Slaves were kept in the castle waiting to be transported out of the country. The slaves were kept in dirty, unsanitary dungeons. Slaves would stay in the dungeons for 6 to 12 weeks waiting to be sent on a boat overseas. The castle is located in Cape coast, Central region of Ghana. The castle is 144km from Accra. The significance of the castle shows how slaves were treated as items and were kept in dungeons and shipped off to different countries for work. we first had to drive 144km in our rental car from Accra. When we visited Cape coast castle, we took a tour of the castle and the dungeons. We saw three male dungeons that once held up to 450 people, and we saw the two female dungeons that held 250 people. we also saw a place of worship above one of the male dungeons which is ironic because of all of the cruel, inhumane things going on in the dungeons below.
In November, the people of Wli traditional area in the Volta Region celebrate the Agumatsa Water Festivals. This festival is mainly to honor and remember the ancestral heroes and legendary guardinas, and to also thank God for the waterfall, a natural gift. The waterfall is very important because the people there earn lots of money from the waterfall through tourism. It's also used for a source of water and life. For example, it can help the Wli people do household chores. The festival is for one day, starting from mid-day and ends at sunset. However, the drumming and dancing continue on for many hours later. The Agumatsa Waterfall Festival has been going on for a long time and is very popular because of the impressve Agumatsa Waterfall itself.
Ghana's Culture Video
Elmina Castle
foo-foo (fufu)
Arrive at Kotoka International Airport
Airport Road, Accra, Ghana
Independence Arch
Kwame Nkruman Mausoleum
independence day
Africa Royal Beach Hotel
51 Beach Road Nongua, Teshi, Ghana
Many of Ghana's most famous dishes are the traditional foods that reflect the nation's rich history and agriculture. One example is foo-foo (also spelled fufu), which is a mixture of cassava, yams, and plantains all boiled, pounded and rolled into balls. These balls are often served with a soup or stew, palm oil, or groundnut sauce. It tastes very spicy and is bursting with flavor, despite the bland starches that are used to prepare the food. The rich taste comes from the use of cinnamon and hot red peppers, along with many other special spices that are often significant for cooking Ghanian meals. In fact, chillies and red peppers are so important that they are the fifth most important crop, in terms of profit for the farmers. This meal is very popular because yams are a staple crop and many Ghanian dishes uses different spices to add unique flavors. Many people across Western Africa enjoy this meal in several different variations.
Independence Arch
Kwame Nkruman
Mausoleum
12/8/14
12/11/14
Ghanian Independence Day is a very important day in Ghana history. Ghana's independence was officially declared independent form Britain on March 6, 1957 and its 56th anniversary was celebrated this year in 2014. It is a hugely celebrated day filled with energetic sights and sounds. Thousands of Ghanians gather in the streets, covering themselves in green, yellow and red with black stars. Dancers and drummers from the Ghana National Dance Ensemble traveled and danced their way through the crowd. Since Independence Day is a public holiday, the entire day is filled with all sorts of music, celebration, workshops, demonstrations, and shows for entertainment. There is also a large marching parade with music called the Independence Day Parade in Indpendence Square, Accra. Everyone sings the National Anthem, "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana". At night, there is drumming, dancing, and beautiful fireworks to honor those who have fought for Ghana's independence. This lively celebration shows how important freedom is to these people, after being unfairly ruled by colonists for so long and promotes strong feelings of patriotism and nationalism. This day is also extremely important because Ghana was the first African country to gain independence, which inspired many others countries to fight for freedom as well and gain independence. Ghana's freedom started a chain reaction that led to many other African countries to fight back against the Europeans.
Kakum National Park
Cape Coast Castle
Independence arch was build to celebrate the nations independence and freedom from the United Kingdom. When the Gold coast reached independence from United Kingdom in 1957 becoming the first sub-shariah African Nation to become independent. The name of the new nation was named Ghana. At the top of the Arch it states the date when the nation became independent, along with the nations motto. The motto reads "freedom and justice." The arch is located in Accra in independence square. When we went to Independence Arch, we took a guided tour and learned all about how Ghana gained independence. This is significant because Ghana people were taken advantage of like when they were locked up in dungeons to be sent off as slaves, and now they are independent from United Kingdom rule.
Kwame Nkruman Mausoleum is the last resting place of the first president of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkruman. The mausoleum was dedicated to him after he died for his outstanding election. The president was overthrown by military government in 1966, after being in office for 9 years. The president went to exile and then fell ill and died in Bucharest, Romania in 1972. When he passed away people felt that the African nation was hitting a dead end. People asked for the body of their president to e sent back to Ghana, so they could bury his body. The significance of this shows the people of Ghana's culture. People believed that because their leader was dead that their country was coming to an end and built him a mausoleum in his honor. The mausoleum is located in central Accra on High street. When we went to visit the mausoleum, we took a guided tour and saw statues and the enterance walking up to the mausoleum has two springs with statues.
traditional music and dance
Music and dancing are parts of people's everyday life in Ghana. Dancing and ceremony are always conncected with traditional music, which consists of singing, clapping, drumming, and dance at rituals such as festivals, weddings, or funerals. At such festivals, the music and dance are very important because they often tell a story, re-enact an important historical event, or is used to greet the gods and spirits. One example is the Adzogbo, a dance that was originally done by Ewe people in the Volta region for war purposes. Now, it has changed into a social, recreational dance. The women begin the dance with Kadodo, with graceful steps and taps of the leading foot. Then, the men follow, performing energetic Atsia movements that demonstrate their strength, skill, and agility. Northern and Southern dance and music have slightly unique variations. For example, the drums and gongs are more prevalent in the South, while string instruments and the calabash are more significant in the North.