The Central Region is the former government centre of
the Gold Coast. Cape Coast was the seat of the British colonial
administration up until 1877. The
coastline is famous for its ancient forts and castles built
by early European traders, and three of them at Elmina, St. Jago
and Cape Coast have been identified as World Heritage Monuments
by the World heritage Foundation under UNESCO.
The Region is also
famous for its palm-fringed beaches, fascinating fishing villages
and historic
towns, and rich natural attractions. Kakum National Park, just
30km north of Cape Coast, is the foremost nature reserve in Southern
Ghana and well worth a visit. Almost untouched virgin rainforest
has been preserved as a habitat for birds, butterflies and rare
local animals, and Kakum is most accessible, as it is very easy
to reach from Accra.
The Region's culture is depicted through its many
exciting festivals which are held throughout the year. Some of the
best known festivals
are 'Bakatue', literally the opening up of Benya Lagoon into
the sea, which symbolised the beginning of the fishing season for
the people of Elmina;
'Edina Buronya', a native version of Christmas celebrated by the
people of Elmina on the first Thursday of the New Year; 'Aboakyer'
or game hunting, one of the most famous festivals celebrated by
the chiefs and people of Winneba on the first Saturday in May; and
'Fetu Afahye' celebrated with a durbar of chiefs by the people of
Cape Coast on the first Saturday of September. Another famous festival
is 'Odambea' celebrated on the last Saturday in August in Saltpond
Traditional Area, and reflecting a migration of the local people
centuries ago.
The
historic towns in the region that deserve a visit include Winneba,
traditionally known as 'Simpa' Winneba; Kromantsej Abanze, the site
of Fort Amsterdam; Duakwa and Mensa Krom, home of some of the Region's
best woodcarvers; Ajumako aware where the carvers specialise in
royal regalia, stools, linguistic staffs and clan totems.
Throughout the Central
Region there are welcoming hotels and restaurants, all an easy
drive from Accra. If you are seeking to discover the historical
links between Africa and the Americas and Europe, or just wanting
to explore a culture that has its roots in another era, or just
wanting to relax on a sun-dappled beach, then the Central Region
must not be missed.
The
historic towns in the region that deserve a visit include Winneba,
traditionally known as 'Simpa' Winneba; Kromantsej Abanze, the site
of Fort Amsterdam; Duakwa and Mensa Krom, home of some of the Region's
best woodcarvers; Ajumako aware where the carvers specialise in
royal regalia, stools, linguistic staffs and clan totems.
