Ghana – The "Jewel" of the African Continent

Independence Gate on Black Star Square

Colonial imprint

Located in West Africa, the Republic of Ghana is a country with a long history. In the 11th century, its economy developed based on agriculture, handicrafts, and trade. Ghana possesses large reserves of gold, diamonds, oil, and rare minerals. Therefore, from the 15th to the 20th centuries, Ghana was continuously a colony of Portugal, Britain, and the Netherlands. When mentioning Africa or Ghana during this period, one cannot forget the dark history of the transatlantic slave trade that lasted for centuries.

In 1957, Ghana became the first African nation to gain independence. The historical monuments in the capital, Accra, bear witness to the celebration of freedom on the African continent. Every year, on March 6th – Ghana's Independence Day – a solemn parade takes place in the Black Star Square in the heart of Accra. Here stands the Independence Gate – an architectural structure representing Ghana's struggle for independence from British rule. Above the gate is the five-pointed Black Star symbol, representing Ghana and Africa. Not far away is the park, mausoleum, and monument of Kwame Nkrumah – the first president of independent Ghana, clad in Italian marble.

The remnants of the transatlantic slave trade in Ghana today are evident in 32 castles and fortresses along the coast, built at different times by Portuguese, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Dutch, German, and British traders. One of the most important locations on the slave trade route from Africa to the Americas was Cape Coast Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1555, later under Swedish, Dutch, and finally British control. By 1807, the slave trade was banned, replaced by the exchange of precious metals, ivory, corn, and pepper. In the 18th century, Cape Coast Castle became a center of European education in Ghana.

Today, this castle is one of Ghana's top tourist attractions. Guided by an interpreter, visitors can take a tour of Cape Coast Castle, visiting Dalzel Tower, the Slave Dungeon, and the cannons and mortars used to defend the castle. The castle also houses the West African History Museum, containing a valuable collection of art and cultural artifacts. Along with Cape Coast Castle, UNESCO has recognized 31 other forts and castles along Ghana's coast as World Heritage Sites.

Explore the natural world.

Ghana is blessed with vast areas of natural forest cover and a rich diversity of rare flora and fauna. For wildlife viewing, visitors should head to Mole National Park – the largest and oldest of Ghana's seven protected areas. It is home to primates such as green vervets and baboons; mammals like warthogs and hippos; spotted hyenas and leopards; and 344 species of birds that nest or migrate there.

If you enjoy hiking through tropical rainforests, Kakum National Park is a must-visit. It's home to dozens of mammal species, including spotted-nosed monkeys, six species of roe deer, and Ghana's densest forest elephant population. However, most of these wildlife tend to "camouflage" themselves within the vast forest canopy. Therefore, you should enjoy walking across the 40-meter-high suspension bridges and observing the world of pristine hardwood trees like ebony and mahogany. Many of these centuries-old trees, reaching up to 60 meters in height, are favorite habitats for several animal species.

Vibrant colors of culture

With its long history, Ghana is a melting pot of distinctive indigenous cultures. Ghanaians are skilled at crafting exquisite items such as beaded dolls, carved wooden bowls, leather bags, djembe drums, and unique Bolgatanga baskets. Visitors should buy colorful traditional kente fabrics from the Akan people as souvenirs. Each color on the fabric carries a specific meaning: blue represents peace and love; yellow represents royalty, wealth, and beauty. Furthermore, Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of beads, with glass beads and seashell beads used to make bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and waistbands. If you're a fan of natural cosmetics, you can't miss the mud village of Hamamat, famous for its shea butter – a natural skin moisturizer extracted from the shea tree.

From September to December each year, over 200 festivals take place, featuring numerous colorful parades, dances, and musical performances. This is also the time when tribes throughout Ghana celebrate harvest festivals, most notably the Kundum festival to thank God for the abundant food supply; the Damba festival, celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed and a time for families to gather; and the Odwira festival, held to pray for protection from the gods and express gratitude to ancestors.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/du-lich/dich-vu/ghana-%E2%80%93-vien-ngoc-cua-luc-dia-den-182364.html