The following update information relates to chapter 11 of the Bradt Guide to Ghana:
ANANSE VILLAGE CULTURAL CENTRE is instead a wonderful way to experience rural Ghana’s culture and hospitality: they have drumming and dancing classes, a beautiful position in the forest of the eastern region, a nice river, delicious food and palm wine. A must-be-stop if going or coming from Koforidua. www.ananseghana.org Ivy & Paul Stone, June 07.
Yeji-Akosombo Ferry – 2 days + 2 nights (41 hrs) – cabin c29 (pre-booking w/captain in person in Akosombo essential) – deck c6 – poor amenities, ok food/beer/water by ship’s kitchen or sellers on deck (listen for girls’ plaintive cry “ice water, pure water” – which you call Aaaaiiiiiiiswuhtuh – to buy factory-sealed water-sachets). We found the trip dreadful (dirty/smelly showers & toilets, cabin full of mozzies and cockroaches) and had to wait 2 hrs for the ferry (the lake is so low that the ferry landing point has moved 14km south of Makongo) which was to go at 11 a.m. but left at 1; then we had to wait from 2 p.m. till 1 a.m. in Yeji till the Yapei Queen came. Ilse Mwanza, June 07
I have been living in Ghana for the past three months, working with a local NGO to develop the eco-tourism project at Adaklu Mountain. I would like to inform you as to some minor changes in the information you have on Adaklu that we would appreciate your making in your newsletter. The first, and most important of these changes, is that you need to mention that to get to Adaklu Mountain, you need to go to Adaklu Station in Ho, NOT the main station. On Ho market days, however, the only transport runs from the main lorry station. This is extremely important, because there is little to no transport from the main station on non-market days, meaning that potential tourists could be waiting for a very long time. Adaklu station lies along the Adaklu Road, before you reach the Kingfisher or the Polytechnic. It is very simple to find and well known; I would advise inquiring of any taxi driver once you arrive in Ho. Once there, virtually all transport will run to Helekpe, but I would advise double checking with the driver before hopping aboard a tro. The second thing is simply the price; the current prices are as follows: Village Tour 2.00 GHC. Mountain Tour 3.00 GHC. Drumming performance 3.00 GHC per head minimum 12.00 GHC. Everything else you have on our mountain is entirely accurate. I would just like to advise all tourists to make it a stopping point on their travel itinerary… the mountain offers truly spectacular views from February onwards and the village is a truly chilled out and welcoming place that is an exceptionally worthwhile stop. Kevin George, Apr 08.
I really want to mention though is the area of Eastern Region between Accra and Akosombo. Although not that much to do as a tourist, it is a beautiful region to travel through. the people are very friendly, and if going to Akosombo, it is worth a slow trip in one direction to take this detour, stopping off at the wood carving markets in Aburi. also, the Thursday Bead Market in Koforidua has a very friendly atmosphere, with little pressure to buy, and a huge number of sellers. Aburi is similar, and if you get the right day, bargains can be had! one stall is expensive though, we never got him to a good price! it was a white stall opposite the spot bar at the junction, about 3 in from the stalls that face out to the road, although the guy is friendly and you can have a laugh with him! A very nice spot bar in a village called Kwamoso between Mamfe and Adawso on the way to Koforidua also deserves a mention. Klub 29 serves somewhat cold drinks (depending on the generator) and has music (also generator dependant), but transport is not very easy to get back from here in the evenings when it is mostly open. I guess its more of a volunteers place to go, but it was the scene of some happy times! Steve Medley, Apr 08.
Volta Dam Hotel: Situated near the dam this hotel had wonderful views of the dam and surrounding countryside. The restaurant offering the best view had a varied menu with good service. The communal areas and swimming pool looked very appealing! The room rates are reasonable. We wished we’d planned to stay! As for Volta Dam, the views from the dam were fantastic, and the small entrance charge to cover the cost of a guide was well spent. One has to pick up a guide from an office next to the post office to gain access to the dam, so it is advisable to stop here on the way past, to save driving up to the gate and back unnecessarily. Well worth a trip! Charlotte Butterfield, June 08.
There’s a wonderful restaurant in Kpando named Rose’s that serves Ghanaian and some American dishes, all in the $4.00 range. It advertises its location as across from the post office but doesn’t mention one has to traverse an unlighted dirt alley complete with sizable rocks and turn right after 100 feet or so ,go another 50 feet and turn right again. It’s worth the walk and if you go after dark, bring a torch to light your way. Robert Downey, July 08
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