memorable momentsFrom the magniFicent craFtsmanship oF the aburi carving center to luxurious resorts.

Past lifetour the castles at cape coast and elmina to learn about the slave trade.

keya magazine for travelers by travelers • march / april 2012

+

ghana

5memorable momentsHow to make travel revolve more around enjoyable moments

10Coming eventsDiscover Accra’s music, performing arts, galleries, sports etc.

18maPExplore AccraThis travel map includes streets & locations

20arts & entertainmentDiscover Accra’s music, performing arts, galleries...

22oUtDoor PUrsUitsIndulge in Ghana’s great outdoors

24Dining inDexFrom fine dining to street food in Accra

26shoPPing inDexFrom neighborhood markets to unique boutiques

28hotel inDexA summary of the leading Accra-area hotels and holiday rentals

32Past lifeTour the castles at Cape Coast and Elmina, learn about the slave trade

march & aprilc o n t e n t s

K e y G h a n a • v o l u m e 2 / 2 0 1 2

Don’t missThe Young Designers Hub: The Web – Fashion Show April 25 at 8:00 pm at

the Alliance Française. (page 13)

Key ghana ltd p.o. box at 517 achimota accra emmanuel arthur, publisher enarthur@ghanakey.com laure leplae-arthur creative director laurearthur@ghanakey.com

nana nKetsia-eshun country rep. & accounts executive nnketsia@ghanakey.com ghanaKey.com this magazine is authorized by Key magaZines inc. www.Keymagazine.com

Key Ghana Magazine is for travelers by travelers. If any of the information is inaccurate contact us at info@ghanakey.com.

MAKOLA MARKET • TEL: 0244 601181

keyg h a n a

g h a n a K e y. c o m 7

From the intricate craftsmanship of the Aburi carvers to the pleasant

breeze while drinking fresh squeezed juice by a swimming pool,

Accra has something that you will always treasure.

editor’s letter

loCal travel & living like loCalsOne of the things that we love about traveling is the opportunity to meet, learn about and live like locals. No where is it more rewarding than in Ghana.This is why we felt that there was a need for a creative and innovative magazine for travelers in this ever changing city. Our mission at Key Ghana is to make your travel more meaningful and more memorable by exploring more authentic and enriching

ways of visiting this modern African city. We encourage travelers to celebrate the things that are otherwise taken for granted when traveling. Take the time to discover local markets, and small neighborhood businesses. We suggest that you learn to buy and cook local food. We hope that you enjoy this issue of Key Ghana; which is focused on

giving you advice, tips, and stories that will make your stay in Accra more meaningful and memorable.You can now find Key Ghana magazine at the Ghana Embassy in the U.S., Kotoka International Airport, The National Theater of Ghana and many other locations in Ghana.

a slow journey aimed at learning about the local culture, arts, language, and people of ghana, has led us to some very interesting places.

Breakfast area at Big Milly’s

Backyard is so cool, check out the sand floor.

Experiencing the life of a fisherman while exploring a typical fishing boat.

An inside look at how the wood carvers show off their talent.

4 g h a n a K e y. c o m

no. 1 DanCing UnDer the CoConUt trees

Here craftmen can be seen at work on magnificent carvings and drums which are available for purchase. If you are

feeling creative, you can actually design your own piece.

shadows

To get these unique shapes the carver bores holes and indentures in a log, then sands it to get this unique look.

caricature

These require creative imagery in order to get a unique and peculiar design or shape.

stools

The traditional form of the stool has a set of aesthetic requirements for it to be accepted as a “quality” work.

dolls

Despite the elaborate nature of some of the dolls they are made from a single piece of wood.

proFile

This carving begins with a drawing on a piece wood, From this, the wood is carved and varnished.

no. 2 A B U R I C A R V I n G C E n T E R

You can’t help but get caught up in the genuine passions, intricate rhythms, and swirling movement of Ghana’s

drummers and dancers. Every Friday and Saturday night you can enjoy live local music outdoors under the palm trees at

Big Milly’s Backyard in Kokrobite.

no. 5 in awe of the view at hillbUri

no. 3 savoring frieD yams

lazing poolside

with a fruity drinK

6

this lively place amazes us with its colors, culture, food, smells and sounds; basically everything! it is a huge, dense open market where you can get anything, ranging from beautiful Kente cloth, crafts, bubble gum, fresh food

produce, imported foods, clothes, beads, batiks; this market has it all. the market is large and crowded but friendly and not touristy so it is also a good insight into the country’s culture. what we love most about the market is that the traders are friendly and happy. a bonus is that their prices are great.

a stroll through hillburi’s gardens is not only refreshing but it offers a beautiful view of the akwapim mountain range. located just after the road climbs up from the ocean-side plains, the gardens are located in pleasantly green hill-station-style surroundings. whoever designed this lodge-style restaurant/pool/hotel complex clearly knew what they were doing. a note to visitors: hillburi welcomes all non-members to use their facilities for ghs 5.00 per person. For dining guests: there is no admission charge, however, upon entrance, they require an upfront fee of ghs 20.00 per person* which is deducted from the total food & beverage bill.

slap on the factor 30 and boost your x-factor at one of accra’s über cool luxury pools as you indulge in fresh fruit cocktails under the palms. try labadi beach hotel, lapalm or mövenpick.

Find delight at a street food stand with delicious fried yams. these yams are completely unrelated to the sweet potato. these yams are much larger than potatoes and sweet potatoes. on average they can grow up to 8.2 feet and 154 lbs! yam fries are actually very similar to the american potato fries. it is often served with shito sauce which consists primarily of ginger, dried fish or shrimp, tomatoes, garlic and spices. yum!

losingyourself

at maKola

4

coming eventsm a r C h - a P r i l

Choral festival

ConCert Partymarch 6 and april 9National Theater of Ghana.starting with a live band performance, concert parties include comedy and drama mixed with music and dancing. performances are mostly in akan.

festival of films in afriCamarch 1-4Silverbird Cinemasthe best in african film focusing on ‘class a’ movies produced in africa and by africans from around the world.plus seminars & workshops at the Goethe Institute.

6th annUal ParagliDing festival april 6-9, Kwahu Tafo three days of spectacular aerial fun, ceremony and music. tandem paraglider pilots gather from around the world to fly for and with local ghanaians & visitors.

marCh 9-13, aCCra & CaPe Coast Accra’s National Theater & Cape Coast Castleon saturday evening, a massed sing concert under the direction of dr. andré thomas will take place in the national theater followed by individual performances of guest choirs from other african countries performing music representative of their part of the african continent.

March

3 Heritage Africa Show The show will use local dances and the tradi-tions to reignite interest in Ghana’s culture. Contes-tants will learn and perform a cultural dance from one of the ten regions weekly

and be eliminated based on their cumulative scores.Alliance Française 8 pm 6 Concert PartyGhanaian theatrical program that combines music, dance, drama, comedy and other interest-ing performances. Each show starts with a live band performance, then comedy and drama mixed with music and dancing. Performances are mostly in Akan. National Theater 2- 6:30

pm, GHc 5.00 free for kids under 10 years

w FunworldA children’s program performed by kids for kids to unearth their endowed creative talents. Includes drama, poetry, music and dance. National Theater 1-5:30 pm GHc 2.00

k Mime Show by Marielle Chauvin Alliance Française 6:30pm

April

9 Concert Party 2-6:30 pm (see March 6) National Theater ; Funworld 1-5:30 pm(see March 11)National Theater

t h e at e r

don’t miss the unique architecture of the national theater of ghana. it houses the national symphony, dance company and drama company.

events - theater

Alliance Française Liberation Link, Airport Area Tel: 0302 77 31 34 afaccra.comNational Theater of Ghana South Liberia Rd, Victoriaborg district Tel: 0244272884

g h a n a K e y. c o m 1 11 0 g h a n a K e y. c o m

March

3 Heritage Africa ShowThis show uses local dances and the traditions to reignite interest in Gha-na culture. Contestants will learn and perform a cultural dance from one of the ten regions weekly and be eliminate based on their cumulative scores Alliance Française 8 pm

8 Alliance Française and African Women’s Develop-ment Fund (AWDF) are celebrating International Women’s Day with Sia

Tolno. Sia Tolno is from Sierra Leone and has been compared to the late great Miriam Makeba and Tina Turner. RFI Discovery of the year 2011 featuring Lady Jay Alliance Fran-çaise 8.30 pm

8 African Choral Festi-val - The National Theater & Cape Coast Castle

u Classical Concert - Chamber Music Thomas Woernle, a German violinist and Sita Korley, a Ghanaian pianist will together lead us through an evening of chamber music. Goethe-Institut 7pm

i Paris Manguier A part of the Quinzaine de la Francophonie Alliance Française 8:30 pm

s La Paillote Takpekpe Attaining Your Dreams presented by New Morning (Bibie Brew)Alliance Française 8 pm

g Dela Botri, Barou Kouyaté and Keletigui Diabaté Highlife and Mandingue MusicA part of the Quinzaine de la FrancophonieAlliance Française 7:30pm

April

7 Moonsplash Reg-gae Workshop (day) & Concert (evening) A new, pure, unadulterated form of the reggae genre with Ghanaian percussion and other African instruments and sounds. Workshop will center on this new brand of reggae music Goethe-Institut Workshop 10am-2pmConcert 7pm

r Mondial Cabaret – A show filled with music, dance, magic, comedy and a alternative circus show for children and adultsAlliance Française 7 pm

m U s i C

enjoy ghana’s many styles of traditional and modern music, coming from a multiplicity of ethnic groups & its geographic position in africa.

events- mUsiC

Alliance Française Liberation Link, Airport Area Tel: 0302 77 31 34 afaccra.comGoethe-Institut 30 Kakramadu Rd (next to NAFTI ) Cantonments Tel: 0302 779 769 goethe.de

a rt

a melting pot of traditional and contemporary, local and international talents make for an interesting mix of art in accra.

events - art

March

1 Five Senses in Ghana Live Art Performance with German Artist Nezaket Ekici Goethe Institute 7pm

1-f The Widows Mite by Nana Obaahemaa Esi Nisin VIII The result of a training workshop for five widows aimed at developing their creative potentials in various crafts. Free. Goethe Institute

8 Connecting Young Women in Africa, Inspiring Future (Inter-national Women’s Day) by Adwoa Amoah and Doro-thy Amenuke. Alliance Française 6:30 pm

t Mime Spectacle- Chaplinette Alliance Française 6:30 pm

t Story Telling-Quand les tigres fumaient la pipe + Reve de France. Stories in origami, set of strings, gestural language and other well spiced languages Alli-ance Française 6:30 pm

t Chale Wote Festival – Générik Vapeur An AccraDotAlt, Institut Français and Alliance Française collaboration Jamestown 10 am-10pm

p Exhibition of “The Francophonie Gardens”A part of the Quinzaine de la Francophonie. Alliance Française 6 pm

a Workshop - The Naïf Art in Painting & SculptureA part of the Quinzaine de la FrancophonieAlliance Française 10 am

gh Studio Kurtycz week-end art workshop Relief printing techniques and analysing the work of different artists. 150 Ghc

April

4 Images from GhanaBy French Photographer, Antoine Passerat (until Sat. 21st Apr) Alliance Fran-çaise 6:30pm

e I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth by Momodou Ceesay West African origin (Gambian), inspired by a genera-tion that fought for social justice and passionately believes that the art has a responsibility to humanity and a necessary contribu-tion to make to the human struggle for self definition. He takes the viewer on a spiritual odyssey that sug-gests unseen dimensions.Dei Centre

r Meet the artistAn opportunity for artists to interact with Momodou Cessay. Dei Centre

ty Studio Kurtycz week-end art workshop Printing Artist Books150 Ghc

h La Paillote TakpekpeTsu Tsu RoundaboutA fashion show by The Young Designers Hub: The Web. The show will include musicals, dance and a gripping storyline! Alliance Française 8 pm

Alliance Française Liberation Link, Airport Area Tel: 0302 77 31 34 afaccra.comDei Centre No. 7A Ninth Street, Tesano, Accra Tel: 030 701 3133 deicentreghana.orgGoethe-Institut 30 Kakramadu Rd (next to NAFTI ) Cantonments Tel: 0302 779 769 goethe.deStudio Kurtycz Ringway Estates Tel: 0241 402 261

g h a n a K e y. c o m 1 31 2 g h a n a K e y. c o m

March

1-4 Festival of Films in Africa Silverbird Cinemas

1 Complimentary Workshop on Films from Africa a complimentary workshop on the forsee-able growth of Films from Africa. Contact fofaworld@gmail.com to participate Goethe Institute

a Screening of “West Beyrouth” (A l’abri les Enfants) A Libyan film. A part of the Quinzaine de la Francophonie Alliance Française 6:30pm

s Francophone Cinema A part of the Quinzaine de la Fran-cophonie. Canadian Film: Cafe de Flore (2011)Alliance Française 6:30pm

d Jerichow by Christian Petzold, 88 min., 2008The story is a classic cinematic constellation but with a daring new interpretation: caught be-tween guilt and freedom, between passion and reason. Free. Goethe-Institut 7pm

l Screening and De-bate of the film ‘Rêver le Français’ at Gimpa Alliance Française 6:30pm

f i l m

ghana Film industry is reaching its full potential as an emerging force in the world media make sure to see the FoFa.

events- film

March

p Lecture on VOLTAIREat the Library Thursday Alliance Française 6:30 pm

s World Poetry Day 2012 with EhaLaKasa Spoken Word Movement comprising of poets, mu-sicians and other artists.Goethe-Institut 8 pm

l Writers Project of Ghana Literature ReadingFinely selected and taste-fully presented readings held by the who’s who of Ghana’s literature scene. Free. Goethe-Institut 7 pm

; Lecture on the author Fatou Diome at the LibraryAlliance Française6:30pm

l i t e r at U r e & P o e t ry

since ancient times, story telling has been a popular form of art in different parts of ghana. discover how it has evolved over time.

Alliance Française Liberation Link, Airport Area Tel: 0302 77 31 34 afaccra.comGoethe-Institut 30 Kakramadu Rd (next to NAFTI ) Cantonments Tel: 0302 779 769 goethe.deSilverbird Cinema Shop 39 Accra Mall Tel: 233 21 823270- silverbirdghana.com

events - sPorts

s P o rt s

ghana’s diverse landscape boasts fine beaches to forested mountains, allowing visi-tors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

March

6 Third Annual Inde-pendence Day Run (and Walk) Celebrate Ghana’s Independence Day in style: join others for the 3rd Annual Indepen-dence Day Run in Sun-yani. 7:00 AM Sunyani

(Brong Ahafo region) info@fit4lifeghana.com

April

6-9 Paragliding Festival Once a year Kwahu Tafo in the mountains of the Eastern Region hosts

a paragliding festival. This region chooses to celebrate Easter more than any other religious festival and host many activities during this time. Just a note this is one rare paragliding festivals in Africa...As the Festival is very busy. Coinciding also with the Easter Festival in the same area, accraexpat has organized a Private Flying Week-end for the expatriate community the following week-end.

g h a n a K e y. c o m 1 51 4 g h a n a K e y. c o m

Photography by ghanapgfestival.blogspot.com

events - festivals

f e s t i va l s

ghanaian festivals are a colourful & vibrant part of the culture. each month they celebrate their heritage in various parts of the country.

g h a n a K e y. c o m 1 71 6 g h a n a K e y. c o m

March

Kpledjoo FestivalTema Greater Accra Region An annual festival to facilitate the recovery of the Sakuma Lagoon for bumper harvest. The climax is a grand-durber of the chiefs and people and general merry-making amidst free-for-all hugging.

GwolGu FestivalTongu, Upper East Region A festival celebrated to usher in the new farming season.

damba festivalTamale, Yendi, Walewale, Nalerigu, Northern RegionA festival with its origin from Islam. It celebrates the birth of the prophet Mohammed. The chiefs accompanied by their reti-nues and warriors dress in colorful hand-woven cloths and dance to thunderous beats of the gong-gong drums.

atu-ho-aKye festival Ejisu, Ashanti Region A durbar of chiefs and local people celebrate and honor ancestors.

apoo festivalTechiman, Brong Ahafo Region A festival for the purification of the people to rid them of social evil. The festival lasts one week and includes a variety of recreational cultural activity. It ends on the sixth day with the “Apoo” procession, when insinuations are cast about the evil doings of some of the citizens.

Golob FestivalMarch and AprilTengzung, Upper East Region Marks the beginning of the sowing season

wilaa FestivalMarch and AprilTakpo, Upper West Region Thanksgiving to God and ancestors for a good har-vest and guidance for their farming activities

April

jintigi fire festival All Gonja Towns, Northern Region Commemorate the search of a lost son of an ancient king. Among

activities to mark the festival is the procession at night with torches into the bush or outshirts of towns and villages within Gonjaland. There are also Koran recitals to forecast the new year.

dipo festivalManya Krobo, Yilo Krobo, Eastern RegionDuring this celebration, adolescent girls are adorned in beautiful beads and half-clothed. This festival initiates these girls into womanhood.

buGum FestivalTamale, Bimbilla, Walewale, Yendi, Nalerigu, Northern Region Celebrations begin with processions from neighboring villages. By nightfall, all the villagers converge at the Chief’s palace with torches. Following special invocations by the Chief, the ceremonial illuminate the streets. Festive drumming and dancing continue until the early hours of the morning.

AchimotaAbeka-LopazInterchange

Kwame N’Krumah

Circle

Tetteh QuashieInterchange

Old Winneba Rd

Clel

and

Rd

H

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St

High St

Olooti Rd

Th ird Oloti St

Giffard Rd

Giffard Rd Burm

a Camp Rd

Josiah

Ton

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Alajo High St

Otublohurm Rd

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Guggisberg Ave Guggisberg Ave

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High St Dansom

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duardo

Oblogo Rd Oblogo Rd

Larterbioko rs

Blue Lagoon Rd Blue

Beacham S

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Osakuman St Korlegon St

Oshipi St

Kole y S

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usia St

Slater Ave

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5 th Crescent

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WINNEBA RD WINNEBA RD

LIBE RIA RD

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LABADI RD

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NSAWAM ROAD NSAW

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ArtsCenter

Nkrumah Memorial Park

NationalTheater

Osu Castle

GhanaTourist Board

Stadium

Makola Shopping Mall

National Museum

University of Ghana

Achimoto Forest Reserve(New Accra Zoo)

National Film &Television Institute

Goethe Institute

Artists Alliance Gallery

GhanaInternational

Trade Fair Center

N

Accra Mall

NoguchiMemorial

Garden

Accra PoloGrounds

Alliance Française

DeiCenter

Independence Sq.

Tuesday Market

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NEW TOWN

ROMAN RIDGE

AIRPORTAREA

KOTOKAINTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT

MAAMOBI

KANDAESTATE

NIMA

ASYLUM DOWN NORTH RIDGE

WEST RIDGE

KORLE

TUDU

JAMESTOWN

USSHERTOWN

SOUTHINDUSTRIAL

AREA

CHRISTIANSBORG

OSU

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CANTONMENTS

LAADABRAKA

KOTOBABI

EAST LEGON

SOUTH LEGON

AccraAccra

1 hotels

1 nightclubs

arts & entertainmentarts & entertainment

aphrodisiac 235 Osu Badu Street, DzorwuluTel: 0302 766 738 dJs serve a mix of hip hop and r&b, hip life, garage and techno. ladies night on thursdays. Fridays dJ Flava nite open

from 11pm till 6am

+233 jazz bar & Grill 375 Ring Rd North RidgeTel: 0244 276 027ghana’s premiere Jazz and live music club.open until 4 am on week-ends

byewell

off the Osu Oxford Street end fork

Tel: 0302767793thursdays a live band performs high life music. 6pm -1 am.

champs sports bar 5Ring Rd Central Accra the Paloma Hotel complex Tel: 024 4386765sports bar frequented by ex-pats and locals alike. serves mexican food, burgers, steaks.Fri. karaoke night sat. live-music

citizen Kofi 1Off Oxford St.,OsuTel: 0302 787811citizenkofi.comone of the swankiest places in accra. ground-floor bar, a nightclub with a vip section, a theatre and sports bar and a fifth-floor sky bar with stunning views over osu.

jazztone 6No.3 Third Ringway Airport Residential.

Tel: 0302 761082 live entertainment every Friday & saturday from 8:30 pm.

joKers 4Labadi Road, LaTel: 024 4370752 not very far from la beach this is a very popular pool café, tourists as well as local people go there often to have a drink and a game.

next door beach resort

Tel: 024 4318697Beach Road, Teshie (opposite the Military Academy)live music on weekends, sunday after-noons catch some traditional song and dance performances.

the one2one bar Located in the Mövenpick Hotela chic cocktail bar where you can escape, socialize and launch your evening in style to

music

theater

art

the sound of african lounge music or live performances.

oseKan beach resort,

High St Central, a short walk from Tudu, near the city centerTel: 0302 688800osekan is the place to go when all you want is a relaxing evening by the sea. For a small gate fee, dance to a live band playing ghanaian music whilst sipping some cold mini star or club beer. or even, watch the crabs scampering on the sharp rocks as the powerful waves break repeatedly over them.

silverbird cinema

First Floor, Shop 39, Accra Mall, Tetteh Quashie InterchangeTel: 021 823270-4silverbirdghana.com

ghana film theatre &

executive film house

12th Rd KandaOpposite the French Embassy, Tel: 302-763458 recent ghanaian and foreign films.

goethe-institut

30 Kakramadu Rd (next to NAFTI ) Cantonments Tel: 0302 779 769 www.goethe.deregularly show films on thursdays.

alliance française

accra

Liberation Link - Airport ResidentialTel: 0302 773 134 afaccra.com offers diverse performances and productions that reflect the diversity and the quality of France’s and africa’s artistic offer.

the national national theatre of ghana

South Liberia RoadTel: 0244272884nationaltheatre.com.gh

azontothis dance originally popular in senior high schools has creatively evolved from a few rudimentary moves to depictions of ironing, washing, driving, boxing and other work related moves.

the elegant and imposing national theatre has a complicated construction moulding and novel exterior features that from a distance looks like a gigantic ship or a seagull spreading its wings. it is located near the junction of independence avenue and liberia road. the theater houses three groups: the national symphony orchestra, the national dance company and the national drama company.

nubuke foundation

7 Adamafio Close East LegonTel: 028 910 21 63nubukefoundation.orgenjoy programs ranging from art exhibitions, poetry, drama and music. also have

film showings.

dei centre No. 7A Ninth Street, Tesano, Tel: 030 701 3133 deicentreghana.org

national museum of ghana accra

Barnes Rd.021-221633

aFia Gallery No. 2 Liberia Road Extension Osutel: 0302 681465afiavillage.com

artist alliance Gallery

Omanye House. Beach Rd. La, before LaPalm HotelTel: 0245251404

hershel gallery.

Mankrato St East Cantonments

g h a n a K e y. c o m 2 12 0 g h a n a K e y. c o m

film

outdoor pursuits

running &walkinG

ghana-mountaineers

ghana-mountaineers.com activities range from mountain biking and family hiking to “power hiking”, mountain climbing and sometimes trips to other countries.

hash house harriers

Tel: 054 433 7060www.accrahash.comorganizes runs and walks meets every monday night at 5:15 pm at various locations. First saturday of every month is a weekend hash outside of accra for a good long weekend of friends and drinks.

beachesbojo beach

5 minutes from Kokrobite junction Tel: 024 232 5169a long, narrow, sand island, that you access by canoe. enjoy the watching waves as you sit in the shade of a thatched open-air restaurant, with your toes in the sand.

langma beach

Situated off the Kasoa Highway and close to Kokrobite spectacular and clean strip of white sand where you can get delicious grilled lobsters and barracudas served with freshly ground local peppers and chilled drinks. but what we really dig about langma is it’s free! and as if that were not enough, it’s never crowded so it feels like a private beach even though it is public.

tawala beach

Behind the La

General hospital. in addition to the powerful waves, one can enjoy a cold drink at the bar and a playground for children. at night, the place is ideal for a walk on the dimly lit beach or stargazing. try tawala’s hot banku which is usually served with grilled tilapia and topped with fresh onions and tomatoes.

bikinGghanabiKe2Tel: 0244209587or 02776660180 ghanabike2.comexplore the bush and forestland; discover remote villages as well as colonial style houses in the beautiful aburi or busua area.

urban riders

Tel: 0543 565 159 mountain biking in and around accra,always a bit tech-nical and full of adrenaline

GolFachimota golf club

Tel: 0302 400220Off Legon, Achimota Rdachimotagolf.com the finest golf club in ghana, established in 1934, it proposes 18 holes, a practice range, tournaments, affordable lessons with pros, caddies rental and even golf set rental if yours has not arrived yet.

swimminGtesano sports club

Off Nsawam Rd. Tel.: 0302 222 124the only 25-meter

swimming pool with a deep end. instruction is available.

tennisaccra lawn &

tennis club

Accra Central behind the stadium.Tel.: 0302 666517 an old colonial english feel, nine clay courts, kept in good condition, a white shirt is required but shorts can be of any color. there are tennis pros for hire.

paraglidingthe Kwahu ridge

Kwahu Tafo between Accra and KumasiApril 6 - 9, 2012once a year Kwahu tafo in the mountains of the eastern region

hosts a paragliding festival. this region chooses to celebrate easter more than any other religious festival and host many activities during this time. Just a note this is one rare paragliding festivals in africa...enjoy it.ghanaparaglidingfes-tival@gmail.com

tour guideseasy tracK ghana

Tel: 233 (0)27 6657036 easytrackghana.com.a community-based travel service that helps visitors have a fun and safe visit in ghana and togo. their licensed tour operators and boutique service

accommodates all travel needs in ghana. they work with you via email to develop a tour that is customized to your exact interests. when in ghana, you are greeted by a knowledgeable native guide who safely shows you the sights as you wish.

melian travel &

tours

Tel: 233 (0)302 423390/0204www.meliantnt.comprovide tailor-made and packaged tours for customers as well as flight and hotel reservations, assisting with visas, airport pick-ups and car/bus rental.

g h a n a K e y. c o m 2 32 2 g h a n a K e y. c o m

Photography by ghanapgfestival.blogspot.com

dining index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 dining index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

aFrican

ghanaian village restaUrant,La Palm Royal Beach HotelNo 5 La Bypass RdTel: 0302 215100Enjoy African lunch or dinner with special seafood by the Atlantic Ocean.

asanka loCalsNear Dragon 88 Osu Accra

Tel: 0302786328 asankaghana.com

bUka 10th Lane, Osu (near Citizen Kofi) Tel: 030 2782953

Christine’s UniqUe Café150m off Ring Rdat Nima JunctionTel: 0302 222 265

Chez afriqUeNear Yemoh Plaza East Legon

fried plantainPlantains resemble bananas but they are longer in length, thicker skinned, and starchier in flavor. When fried they become a traditional treat in Ghana. Try them once and you’ll be hooked.

Tel: 030 2911591

CoUntry kitChen 2nd Ringway EstatesOsuTel: 0302229107

le granD eCUyerRing Road, just west of Danquah CircleTel: 0302 768 64

maqUis tante marie5th Norla Link, Labone Tel: 0244612832maquistantemarie.com

next Door restaUrant Beach Road (opposite the Military Academy) in TeshieTel: 024-4318697next-door.com

olD bob’s PlaCeNiger Hse, 59 Okadan, OsuTel: 028 8266378

the orangery CrePe & salaD bar Farrar AvenueAdabraka

Tel: 030 2232988

PaPaye Cantonments RdNear MTN store, OsuTel: 030 2773754

seaFood

CaPtain hooks4 Kakramandu St CantonmentsTel: 0302762228

Fast Food

barCelosOpposite Dynasty Chinese Restaurant Osu & Food Court at Accra Mall Tel: 030 2933784.  

ChiCken rePUbliCCantonments Rda bit south of PapayeTel: 030 2775496

chinese

royal Dragon Chinese restaUrantLa Palm Royal Beach HotelNo 5 La Bypass RdTel: 0302 215100Enjoy a Chinese dinner with special teppanyaki every evening.

Dynasty restaUrantOxford St, OsuTel: 030 2775496

nobel hoUseKuku Hill, Salem Road, Osu AccraTel: 0302785151

italian

arleCChino 674 Cantonments Rd(Oxford St), OsuTel: 0245 410 403

bella roma Fourth Lane, Osu Tel: 024 74 74 007

il Cavaliere Pezzo(Accra Polo Grounds), Airport Res. AreaTel: 0302 823131 or 0246767777

mama mia Pizzeria7th Lane OsuTel: 0244 264 151

osteria miChelangelosHouse No. 3 Nortei Abadio Street | Airport Res. AreaTel: 024 4233533

PiCassoCrown Apartamento Premises Airport Res. Area Accra Tel: 0302771712

indian

heritage inDianoff Salem RdNoble Chinese Restaurant Bldg. OsuTel: 0302785151

koh-i-noorGrisfarm Hoteloff First, OsuTel: 030 2771999

PaDthai restaUrant10 Monrovia Rd.East

Legon AccraTel: 0302962788

tanDoor inDian Labone, near Land Tours (AVIS)Tel:0243 151 417

lebanese

bashaNiagara Hotel at AdabrakaKojo Thompson Rd

le magellan restaUrant Ring Road East at Labone JunctionTel: 0302 777 629

western

bUs stoP bar & restaUrant AdabrakaTel: 0302220930

white bellCnr Farrar AvAdabrakaTel: 0302227066

frankieCantonments Rd. Osu Tel: 0302 77 35 67

little inDian sUnshine salaD bar11th Lane, OsuTel: 030 2780599

sankofa restaUrant Daily Breakfast Buffet, an extensive Lunch Buffet from Monday to Saturday Sunday Brunch Buffet

(advance booking recommended). Dinner is served daily with a starter buffet and a la carte main courses.Mövenpick HotelTel: +233 302611000

mexican ChamPs sPorts bar Paloma Center40 Ring Road CentralTel: 0240959406

spanish

el gaUChoAbrebrensem, OsuTel: 0289117575

british

honeysUCkle bar Ring Rd, OsuTel: 030 2780774

ryan irish PUb Troas Street, Osu Tel: 030 2762334

French

la ChaUmiereAirport Residential, 215 Liberation Rd across from Shangri-La HotelTel: 0302772408

Café Chez Des amis Liberation Rd, Across from French Embassy

le magellan Ring Rd. East, Nyaniba ESt.Tel: 0302777629

le mUst No. 28, Orphan CrescentNorth Labone Tel: 0244661069

le tanDem6 Mankralo St, East CantonmentsTel: 030 2762959

livingstone safarinear Akai House, across Kohinoor, OsuTel: 024 6485135

Japanese

3121 sUshi14th LaneBehind Barclays Tel: 026 777 3121

monsoon41 Cantonments Rd, OsuTel: 030 2782307

caFe

Josie’s CUPPa CaPPUCCino3rd Close, Airport Res.Tel: 030 2773412

brunch

melting momentsNo. 78/5, 1st Norla St LaboneTel: 0302770834

labaDi beaCh hotel, No.1 La Bypass, Tel: 030 277 2501/6

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shopping index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 shopping index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

marKets

makola marketKojo Thompson Road, OsuThe most bustling market of Accra situated right in the center of the city. There you will find: jewelry, fabrics, plastic hair decorations, traditional Ghanaian glass beads, batiks, wigs, bags, shoes, toiletries, as well as shea butter, fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, flour, eggs, pots & pans, grills and much more.

kaneshie market Mallam-Odorkor RdKaneshieMostly traditional goods: food,

household items, beads, hair supplies, shoes, handbags, beauty products, fabric..

malls

aCCra mallPlot C11, Spintex Rd.Tetteh Quarshie Interchange,accramall.comMostly modern goods including: books, electronics, fashion, footwear, jewelry, travel, food and much more.

a&C sqUareBlock 232, Jungle Rd, East LegonTel: 302.517518ancsquare.comHigh-end goods including: women, men and children

apparel and accessories, fabrics, groceries, wine & liquor.

supermarKets

koala sUPermarketOff Danquah Circle at Cantonments RdOsuTel: 0302773455 or 0302765665koalashop.com.ghLocal and imported foodstuffs, fresh and frozen meat & poultry, breads, cakes, pastries.

maxmart shoPPing CenterA&C MallTel: 0302518881 University PlazaLegonTel: 0289 225927maxmartghana.comLarge variety of local

and imported brands at affordable prices.

shoPriteAccra Mall Tel: 0302823020 No. C32/6, New Town Rd Tel: 0302247661If you are looking for western food items you can probably find it here. You can find french bread, butter, cheese, cereal, nutella, milk…

laramartAbebresem St, OsuTel: 021 766834laramart.com Also carries a wide variety of items from bakery, butchery, produce, dairy, personal care etc.

craFts

Centre for national CUltUre28th February Rd Central Accra OsuTel: 021 664099A sea of stalls selling arts and crafts and also called Arts Centre, this is the place to shop in Accra for crafts. The level of aggressive hassling may discourage you but if you

have the patience you can come away with good-quality handicrafts from all over Ghana.

loom200m south of Nkrumah CircleTel: 0302224746Sells spectacular paintings as well as woodcarvings, fabrics and statues.

traDe fair Centreoff Burma Camp RdTel: 0302776612If you don’t feel like bargaining when they are open this is a good place to find crafts along with other goods at fixed prices. (check for opening dates)

global mamas14th Lane Near Koala SupermarketTel: 24 453 0467globalmamas.org

boutiques

Jil boUtiqUe6th Lane Osu off Cantonments Rd Oxford Street.Tel: 024-436-9781

Da vivaOxford St, Osu Tel: 0302771102African garments

made by African designers for a cosmopolitain clientele.

beads

sUn traDeJewelry designed by Kati Torda. Classes in jewelry making are also available.Located in Asylum Down, Mango Tree Ave 522/3. (on the premises of SOS office)Tel: 0302 235 982suntradebeads.com

unique craFts

wilD geCko hanDiCraftsUnique handcrafted furniture, household decorations, accessories & jewelry. Near Tetteh Quarshie exchangeTel: 0244341117

booKstores

silverbirD bookstoreAccra Mall Tel: 030 282 3270-5Current fiction, nonfiction, business and religious books.

University bookshoPUniversity of Ghana Legon Tel: 0302 500398ugbookshop.com

Current fiction, nonfiction & textbooks. Great if you are looking for books by local authors.

viDyas bookstore18th Lane, off Oxford St, OsuCurrent best sellers, fiction, non-fiction, travel, international magazines, cards, gift items and a good children’s section.

Fabric

merCy oCansey & sons batik shoPWest on the street that runs just north of Frankie’s: Tel: 024 2143159

wooDin boUtiqUeOxford St, Osu Tel: 0302764371A temples of high fashion fabrics. 14 artists create ever changing designs.

precious minerals marKeting company This is the place to go for real diamond and gold designs. From raw stones to finished jewelry.They can even take custom orders. Diamond House, Kinbu Rd. Tel: 030 2664931, pmmcghana.com

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accommodations index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 accommodations index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

moderAte

Afia African Village $65-170 2Afia African Village is sensitively designed to take full advantage of the expansive ocean views and cooling sea breezes. Its traditionally styled architecture evokes the very essence of Africa. Singles, doubles and family suites. Breakfast included.2 Liberia Road Osu Tel: 233 302681465afiavillage.comChez Lien GHC 80-100If you are looking for a moderate hotel that is centrally located this is a good option. Run by a Vietnamese/French couple. Breakfast is included.H/N F 333/4, Dadebu Rd, OsuTel: 233 0302775356hotel-chez-lien.comHillburi Aburi $150Blending modern style with strong colonial and African influences, lovely comfortable king size beds, fluffy duvets and pillows and thick towels, spectacular views overlooking the surrounding hills. Includes a bar, restaurant, infinity swimming pool.Gyankama Aburi www.hillburi.comTel: 0244385008

the rest Inn $80-130Architecturally inspired residence set in lush greenery, a first class hotel, with a swimming pool, a terrace bar, a meeting room, spacious gardenNo. 15, 7th Road, Tesano Accra www.therestinn.commahogany Lodge $175-195 8Includes: a very pretty courtyard with pool. Two computers with free wireless.No. 9, Kakramadu Link East CantonmentsTel: 233-302-761162mahoganylodge.com

BudGet

New Ampax Hotel $20-40Achimota Rd. Pokuake JunctionTel: (0)302-932158ampaxhotelgh.comFrankies 9If you are looking for an affordable hotel that is centrally located this is a good option. Singles and doubles include satelite TV, internet access & refrigerator. Their on-location restaurant, take-away counter, ice cream parlour and bakery are definitely a bonus. Cantonments rd. (Oxford St.) OsuTel: 0302 77 35 67 nii@frankiesghana.comBeachcomber GuesthouseNungua

near Coco BeachTel: 0302712986 melvinasenso41@hotmail.comStarlite Lodge A family friendly lodgeNo 2 Volta River Ave. Teshi-Nungua Estates Tel: 233 302 712829starlitelodge-ghana.com

bed & breaKFastSpintex Inn $60Spintex Inn is a Bed & Breakfast that is proud of its homely atmosphere and good location in Accra.

Proximity to the beach#1 Fourth Nii Kwaofio Link, Spintex, Accra Tel: 0207768243spintexinn.com

guest houseselmeiz Place Guest House $50-60A family-owned and run guesthouse is nestled in a comfortable neighborhood of Dansoman4th Ostwe Street South La Estate Accra Tel: 233 302305005info@elmeiz.com.

hotels & villas

reSortS

Labadi Beach Hotel 4Includes a health club, an outdoor pool, a fitness facility, and a children’s pool. Business center, small meeting rooms, and secretarial services.No.1 La Bypass, Accra Tel: +233 (30) 277 2501/6 labadi@legacyhotels.comLa Palm royal Beach Hotel 3Featuring 152 rooms, each with its own private balcony, laid out in chalet fashion, creating the feeling of a village complete with 8 bars and restaurants, swimming pool, souvenir shops and fitness center, casino.5 La BypassTel: 233 30221 5100/5111lapalm@gbhghana.netwww.gbhghana.net

ramada resortCoco Beach 7This is a very affordable resort on the beach with a large outdoor pool and a children’s pool. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Breakfast included.Awi Koonaa Street Nungua, Accra Tel:+233 (30) 271 7235ramadaresortaccra.com

Luxury

the African regent 5A refreshing taste of Africa in a classy establishment. Enjoy an enviable collection of African Art. A spa, a health club, outdoor pool, a fitness facility, wireless Internet in public areas.237-238 Airport West,

Cantonments, Tel: 233 302765180 the Aknac HotelA hidden gem situated in the peaceful suburbs of Accra near Trasacco Valley and also within easy reach of the city centre. This chic boutique hotel offers style, charm and personal service, where you are guaranteed to be treated as an individual and not just a room number. The hotel has a restaurant, bars and an outdoor pool along with standard rooms, and junior suites both of which come with complimentary breakfast and wireless internet access.Trasacco ValleyTel: 233 302824235theaknachotel.comGolden tulip 6 A business-friendly hotel close to U.S. Embassy. It includes a health club, an outdoor pool, a fitness facility, and a children’s pool. Business amenities include a business center, small meeting

rooms, and secretarial services.Liberation RoadTel: 233 302213161 goldentulipaccrahotel.com the mövenpick Ambassador Hotel 1Ideally located in the central business district of downtown Accra, close to major financial institutions, the International Conference Centre and government ministries. The Hotel 260 rooms include 61 Executive Club Rooms, 15 Junior Suites with balconies and view of the Swimming Pool, one Ambassador Suite & a 320sqm Presidential Suite. Independence Ave, Ridge Tel: +233 302611000moevenpick.comVilla monticello 8Restaurant, features an outdoor pool, full-service spa, bar/lounge. Televisions with digital channels. Rooms also feature iPod docking stations, Internet access No.1A Mankata Ave Link Airport Residential Tel: 233 302773477villamonticello.com

mövenpicKThe Mövenpick is probably the newest hotel in Accra with professional and friendly staff, beautiful new rooms equipped with free internet. Lovely spacious pool where the waiters glide around on roller blades!

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Samson’s Guest HouseGHc 33-50/pp Facilities for individuals, groups and families who need more than just a hotel, but a secure, comfortable, discrete and quite place to stay at moderate rates. Also offer special guest rooms with a private reception & kitchenTel: 0289 101 152 or 0275 339 910House No. 121, 3rd Lake Pool St Two Streets before Kwashieman “A-Lang” Taxi Stationsampsonsguesthouse.com

huts & cottagesBig milly’s Back

yard GHc17-125 Twenty rooms, all have fans and are beautifully decorated with African art. Double huts are of local clay bricks with thatched roofs. Most cottages are self contained. Several have A/C. 150 trees and a large menagerie of pets in the garden.Kokrobite Tel: 0249 999 330 or 0262 999 330www.bigmilly.com

accommodations index M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 handy numbers M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

In a holiday rental you can do your own thing anytime and take your time about it. Discover local markets and small neighborhood

businesses. Choose to buy & cook local produce and learn

how to live like locals.

mahogany Lodge$280-580/day 8One, two and three bedroom apartments. Especially ideal for long staying clients, as they are fully serviced and privacy is guaranteed. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, color TV with satellite channels, sockets provided for internet access, same day laundry service and more.No. 9, Kakramadu Link East CantonmentsTel: 233-302-761162mahoganylodge.com

Accra Serviced Apartments $150-220/dayFully furnished & equipped apartments for short or long stay. 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments located in a very private gated development.Includes appliances: air conditioners, intercoms, cooking utensils, cutlery, linen & towels, wireless internet, satellite television12 - 13 Kakramadu Link East CantonmentsTel: 233 244 265117accraserviced apartments.com

holiday rentals

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handy numbers

emergency

Tel:191general police

Tel:0302 773 695 or 0277 522 288hospitals

Airport Residential nyaho clinic

Tel: 0302 775 341Osu: trust hospital Tel: 0302 761 974North Kaneshie: holy trinity

medical centre - Tel: 0302 233 506Korle-Bu: Korle-bu

hospital Tel: 0302 673 031-6 Cantonments: police hospital

Tel: 0302 776 497-8

embassies

American Tel: 0302741100BelgianTel: 0302 762281CanadianTel: 0302 211521ChineseTel: 0302 777073DutchTel: 0302 214 350French Tel: 0302 214566GermanTel: 0302 241082IrishTel: 0302 742030ItalianTel: 03021775621JapaneseTel: 0302765060 NigerianTel: 0302 776158RussianTel: 0302 775 611

SpanishTel: 0302 774004SwedishTel: 0302 77 31 45United KingdomTel: 0302 221665airlines

Kotoka airportTel: 0302 776 171Delta airlinesTel: 0302 765 262City LinkTel: 0302 770 445Antrack AirTel: 0302 765 377Emirate airlinesTel: 0302 230319British airlinesTel: 0302 214996VirginTel: 0302 911 721car rentals

Atlas Rent-A-CarTel: 024 427 7871

Cole ConsultTel: 024 4035856VRSTel:030 2779387express delivery

DHLTel: 030 223 0516Fedex GroundTel: 030 266 6659TNT ExpressTel: 030 276 6518 helpFul website

accraexpat.com

biG milly’s bacKyardThis collection of well-designed, basic huts sits on the finest stretches of beach in Africa, and plays host to local music concerts every Friday and Saturday night.

1 cape coast castleCape Coast Castle has seen the passage of numerous foreign powers. Initially constructed as a small trading lodge in the 16th century, the building was subsequently altered and enlarged becoming a substantial fort by 1627. It was later captured by the Swedes and named Fort Carolusberg, finally becoming a British possession in 1664. Cape Coast Castle, through which millions of slaves were shipped to the Caribbean and the United States, became the seat of British

colonial administration until 1877 when government offices moved to Christians-borg Castle in Accra.1

Today Cape Coast Castle houses an excellent museum with information about the history of Ghana, the slave-trade and local culture. Tours are a “must” and will take you through the dungeons and the “door of no return”.On the way out don’t miss the craft market and drumming classes.

2 kakum national parKThis forested parkland makes for a great day hike with fantastic views, especially

from the wooden suspension bridges that soar a hundred feet overhead. The park is approximately a one hour journey from Cape Coast.

4 nyame tsease drums and dance companyA group of local children and adults from the Cape Coast area led by award winning only female master drummer, Antoinette Adwoa Kudoto aimed at passing on the art of African drumming, dance, songs, drama and storytelling. They preform regularly at the Oasis Beach Resort. For more info call: 233-244-677734

wHERE TO STAy:baobab house: Commercial Street +233 540436130baobab-children-foundation.de

mighty victory: Aboom Close St +233-3321-30135

KoKodo guest house:Residency Road, 1st Ridge

Ca P e C oa s tthe capital of the central region has a rich history with one of ghana’s most famous castles, it is also the capital city of the Fante people.

g h a n a K e y. c o m 3 3

Jouney into Ghana’s

pastlife

/ / / / / / / /

/ / / / / / / /

e l m i n athe first european settlement in west africa, it now has a population of 20,000 people.

1 elmina castleTen kilometers west of Cape Coast the Elmina Castle is the earliest known European structure in the tropics. Built in 1482 by the Portuguese during early exploration, the castle was taken over by the Dutch in 1637, who retained control for 274 years. Inside the vast fortification is the location of the first Catholic church in Sub-Sahara Africa. The Castle’s damp, unlit dungeons served as horrific holding areas for the human cargo of the slave trade.1 2 fort st. jago is walking distance from Elmina Castle. Unlike other forts in the area, Fort St.

Jago was not used for trading, but only provided military protection to Elmina Castle.1 This is a great place to take photos so be sure to bring your camera. From here you have an excellent view of Elmina Castle, the Atlantic Ocean, and the commercial activity at the

Elmina fishing harbor.

2 elmina fishing harbor Elmina Lagoon provides the pulse of the fishing village that surrounds it. With an overflow of activity as people go about their daily routine, in this case setting out to sea to catch fish in a wide array of colorful boats.

wHERE TO STAy:

coconut grove beach resort: +233-28940100-5beachresort.coconutgrovehotels.com.gh

stumble inn:+233-541462733stumbleinnghana.com

the almond tree guest house: +233- 332140163 almond3.com

1 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

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