Travel & Tourism in Ghana
The Republic of Ghana is a nation of over 23 million people and 50 dialects. Ghana attracts tourists to its beaches, many national parks, waterfalls, cultural attractions and year-round tropical climate. From national monuments in the capital, Accra, to waterfalls in the rural regions in the north, Ghana's varied resources offer many activities for all kinds of travelers.
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Geography
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Ghana is located in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator. It is bordered by Burkina Faso to the north, Republic of Togo to the east and Cote d'Ivoire to the west. Ghana is spread over 92,000 square miles with 334 miles of sandy coast line to the south. The climate is tropical and hot. The south is more humid while the north is dry. The terrain consists of grassy plains, brush and savannas intersected by many streams and rivers that are negotiable only be canoes. Ghana's sea level ranges from 300 to 1,500 feet.
Time Frame
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The tourist high season in Ghana is from June to August when Americans and Europeans are on summer holiday. Although the consistently warm climate can accommate a year-round tourist season, two distinct rainy seasons--April to June and from September to October--deter tourists.
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Features
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Ghana is home to many cultural, historical and natural attractions. Ghana's capital, Accra, features Bojo and Coco Beaches, Makola Market, National Museum of Ghana, Aburi Botanical Gardens and Academy for African Music and Arts. Attractions in Kumasi include the Kejetia Market, Manhyia Palace Museum, Kumasi Fort & Military Museum and Centre for National Culture. The city Elmina has two castles Elmina Castle and Saint George's Castle from previous European occupations.
Ecotourism
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Ecotourism in Ghana is a popular tourist attraction due to many natural wonders and wildlife found in Ghana. Ghana has 15 national parks that protect wildlife and natural habitats, including Kakum National Park, which features over 200 species of birds and over 400 species of butterflies. Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in the Brong Ahafo Region protects the wild monkey population in the area. Other outdoor wonders include Lake Volta Estuary, Mount Afadjato, Kyabobo National Park and a a number of waterfalls such as Wli, Tagbo and Tsatsodu waterfalls.
Effects
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Tourism in Ghana contributes just over three percent of the nation's GDP. Many of Ghana's tourist attractions lie in rural areas, which keeps locals working in the countryside in agriculture, tourism and rather than moving to the big cities. Money poured into tourism also improves overall infrastructure of this developing country.
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References
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- Photo Credit ghana flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
