Ghana

There is a place on the western coast of the African. continent; its sandy shores washed clean by the Atlantic Ocean, its land rich in gold, diamonds cocoa, manganese and bauxite; inhabited by the friendliest, most open hearted people you'll find any where on earth. Its tropical rain-forest, blends with river valleys and dry Savannah plains, to create 250,000 square km of paradise for the lovers and watchers of nature's wonders. It's no accident that Ghana was once known as the 'Gold Coast,' a name bestowed on it by Portuguese traders who landed there in 1472. The legendary gold deposits of Ashante remain the world's richest and largest. A desire to control this great wealth saw a fierce struggle by European nations for the heart and soul of this land. This period shaped unique traditions, unknown in any other part of Africa. Ghana, for years, has enjoyed a peaceful political environment, with one of Africa's most pragmatic governments. It moves into the new millennium inspired by the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the nation's founder and foremost leader of Pan Africanism. His remains are in a mausoleum not far from the sun baked beaches of Accra, Ghana's capital.

The country's tourist offerings are awesome. First and foremost, the people - over 70 per cent of whom have functional skills in English, official language of government and commerce. Ghanaians have a very special way of delivering a most assuring and comforting welcome. "Akwaaba", the traditional greeting, is very polite and courteous. Friendly smiles and an open invitation await you each step of the way, as you travel the length and breadth of this splendid land. A high premium is placed on security of life and property, thereby giving Ghana one of the world's lowest crime rates. Over 90 ethnic groups, each having a distinctive festival, means you could attend a cultural extravaganza virtually every week. A deep spiritual connectedness lies behind the color, pomp and pageantry of August's Homowo festival by the Gas, September's Fetu Afahye by the Fantes, Aboakyir Festival by the Efutus, Hogbetsotso by the Anlos, Odwira by the Akwapims, and Dambai by the Dagombas.

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