Ghana Highlights/Things to do in Ghana

The greatest highlight by far was the poetry that I was gifted in Ghana. To be honest, it almost became a problem; I found poetry everywhere and in everything. The poetry borderline harassed me. I expected this to happen, but not to the degree it did. And maybe the poetry came as relentlessly as it did because I had specifically gone to Ghana to write and I was intentional about it, or maybe it came because there is just so much magic in Ghana. I suspect that it might be a combination of both. Either way, I am grateful for all of the poetry Ghana; you helped me complete my first draft of what will soon be my first published collection of poetry.

THE FOOD. Whenever I get asked about what my favourite country is on the continent, my answer is always a quick; Ghana. And that is mainly due to the food. Ghanaians know how to cook and eat. They can take one ingredient and make it in such varied ways. I find the way they prepare food very explorative and innovative. And guess what? Most of their ingredients are fresh from the market and mostly likely fresh from the farm – a haven for organic obsessed hipsters. They have a million types of beans, a million types of green leafy veggies, a million types of fish, a million types of spices. It is honestly so incredible. I must mention that I had a discussion with a friend who said that Ghana is having to import a lot of its food from neighbouring countries and elsewhere, as people’s diets are changing and the trend is for people not to eat their local food (discussion on import and exports laws in Africa is a bigger discussion we need to have). I found that so puzzling, Ghanaians why would you want to eat pizza when you can have ‘red red’ or ‘jollof’ or ‘chicken groundnut soup’? No judgement, I get how change is good and trying new things can be exciting, right? But for me Ghana, your local food is AMAZING.

There’s something about your nightlife, Ghana. I love how you occupy space, taking over part of the street for your entertainment. I love how your music demands I shake my hips. I love your live music sessions and watching musicians caress their instruments. I love your beer. I love starring at your beautiful men and women canvassed by the cool night. I love how you cool down at night – a very welcomed relief from your unforgiving heat during the day.

I was in Ghana seven years ago, and during that time I met some amazing people and it was so special to be reunited with them on this trip. The concept of time can be weird; it had been so long since I saw my people and yet when we met again it felt both like I had not seen them in a while, but also like I just saw them yesterday. Is any of this making sense? We are clearly older, and some of us have stopped doing the jobs we were doing back then, others have accepted spiritual callings, others have children now, others are embarking on new adventures – and yet there is so much that feels and remains the same. Nahmen? My point is it was so good to see my people who live in another corner of Africa. It was also great to meet and hang out with some new peeps. In summary, I hung out with some cool peeps and I am grateful for their coolness, generosity and kindness.

Another highlight, possibly the most ‘highlightest’ of them all, was people thinking I was Ghanaian. There’s something about being away from home and being embraced like you are home. **Sheds a thug tear**

Must do things in Ghana (in Accra to be specific, according to me)

Eat the local food, but be sure to ask for the less chilly version. Trust me my friend, you are not ready for how chilly and spicy Ghanaian food can be.
Visit a food market at least once. I think it is worth checking out the variety food at the markets. Be sure to go while it is very cool, and there are less people, otherwise the experience can be overwhelming. I almost fainted. Learn from my mistakes peeps.

Go out at night. Visit places like Republic in Osu or Kona Café in Osu. These are bar and grill type of places, and most places like these have something happening almost every night. If you go to Republic be sure to go to the live bands on Wednesdays. If you into the clubbing thing, then be sure to try out Carbon in Airport City.
Go to the beach. I highly recommend Bojo Beach Resort. Make a day of it. They have a restaurant there. So you can eat and drink while bumming at the beach.
Go shopping for pretty things at the Art Centre. But be warned, as this can be an overwhelming experience as everyone will want to sell you everything at the same time. Go there with you best stern face and bargaining skills.
I am very biased as a creative, so I am obviously going to suggest you to something artsy; go to a gallery, go to a poetry reading, visit a museum or two.
Check out my friends at Kaya Tours if you keen for tours; they have a huge selection to choose from.

The Ghanaian Cedi is twice as strong as the rand (South Africans). Most people do not know this and are shocked at this fact, but it is true, so start budgeting!
You will need a VISA (South Africans). Let's discuss how as Africans we need VISAs to visit each other and Europeans and American do not on another day!
Obvs get mosquito repellent and take malaria pills during your stay.
Make sure wherever you are staying that they have air conditioners. Chances are they have but just check love because it is hella hot.
SUNSCREEN is needed, because honey it is hella hot, have I said this already? Talking about the heat… always plan you activities in the morning or after 3pm when the heat subsides a little, otherwise the heat at 12pm will send you to your knees. If you are from a very hot place, ignore this… as you were.