Travel Guide: Ghana

The Craft Villages:

In the region surrounding Kumasi are four settlements known as the craft villages. They are the towns of Ahwiaa, Ntonso, Kurofuforum, and Bonwire, and their inhabitants have been the royal artisans for the Asantehene for generations. Each craft village has a particular claim to artistic fame. Bonwire is the capital of the Kente cloth, while Ntonso boasts the Adinkra cloth. Ahwiaa produces outstanding carved figures, including Ghana's traditional fertility doll, and Kurofuforum specializes in the casting of brass.

Geography & Climate

Much of the attraction of Ghana is based upon its legacy as the center of the gold, ivory, and slave trade during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the mighty Ashanti empire held sway here. However, Ghana also possesses one of the best game reserves in West Africa, a multitude of good beaches, and plenty of hospitality.

Ghana lies on the northern coastline of the Gulf of Guinea. And consists of a central belt of forest surrounded by low-lying savannah regions. The Volta River is Ghana's distinguishing geographic feature.The damming of the Volta by the Akosombo dam, created the enormous Lake Volta, which now occupies a sizeable portion of Ghana's south-eastern territory.

Lake Volta is the site of Kujani National Park. In the north, though is Ghana's best-known park, Mole. Although neither Lake Volta nor the river itself have yet been developed for touring, lake cruises are offered. The great majority of water traffic consists of cargo ships. Rainfall is fairly heavy, particularly from April through September.

History & People

The once-great Ashanti empire is the source of Ghana's rich history. This empire rose to power during the late 17th century and prospered as a center of 18th century slave trade. The Ashanti capital, Kumasi is the heart of Ashanti country and the history and culture of the Ashanti people is evidenced in the museums and also in the craft work available around the town. The market here is one of the largest in Africa and is an excellent place to buy an assortment of local crafts, as well as being perhaps the cheapest place to buy the famous Kente cloth.