Ghana’s Western Region is home to some of the country’s most vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and, most significantly, historic history. A vacation to Ghana would be completed without seeing the forts, forest reserves, beach resorts, and fascinating scenery with breathtaking vistas. There are plenty of tourist sites in Western region you can add to your bucket list.
It is arguably the best destination in Ghana for lone travellers wishing to reconnect with themselves. It’s also a historic location with welcoming residents.
In 2020, I fell in love with the region and decided to spend a year exploring it. To be honest, that was the most enjoyable time of my life. The Western Region boasts the most rainfall in Ghana, as well as freshwater lakes and gorgeous green woods, as well as being a culturally rich region.
During my stay in their capital city, Takoradi and exploring the regional, Mrpocu.com decided to write a guide to help you know some of the top tourist sites in Western region you can add to your bucket list.
Tourist Sites In Western Region
Ankasa Conservation Area
The Nini-Suhien National Park and the Ankasa Resource Reserve are the only wildlife reserves in the Western Region. Between these two areas, there are numerous species that will keep you entertained for the duration of your visit. Buffaloes, antelopes, baboons, and other animals can be found here. Because the area receives a lot of rain, there will be many different species of unusual trees of all sizes to admire. If you are planning a trip to the region, make sure you visit this conservation area to a wildlife experience.
Fort Metal Cross
This castle was created by the British 300 years ago to store gold dust, lumber, and eventually slaves. On a rocky promontory overlooking Dixcove’s fishing harbour, this tourist attraction is located. The region, which is located near the fishing community of Infuma, is surrounded by water and is suitable for canoes and small boats. Large ships can also dock around 2 kilometres from the shore.
Traveling to this part of the Western area from Accra takes roughly 4 hours by road and 45 minutes by plane. Because the site holds so much of Ghana’s and Africa’s history, as well as the rich culture and customs of the people who live there, this tour promises to be both entertaining and enlightening.
Akatekyi Crocodile Pond
Make the trek to Akatekyi Crocodile Pond in the Western area if you appreciate wildlife, particularly crocodiles. As is customary for those who wish to see the fascinating sight of these reptiles, the fetish priest, also known as a traditional spiritual leader, entices the crocodiles from the river with a live foul. As a result, visitors are encouraged to bring schnapps as a libation.
The natives adore and consider crocodiles to be sacred. They are also an important part of the neighbourhood. The pond is about 30 kilometres west of Takoradi, the capital of the Western Region. If you can’t make it all the way to Paga Crocodile Park in the Northern region, the Southern region can provide a similar experience. It might not be popular among the tourist sites in Western region but it is worst visiting if you looking for new travel experience.
Nzulezu Stilt Village
Apart from Thursdays, every day of the week in this community is dedicated to welcoming visitors. This is because Thursdays in the village are considered holy days. If you plan to stay in this hamlet for an extended period of time, you should learn to adapt to basically living on water. Their homes are also built on stilts. When you arrive, you will be able to learn about the fascinating culture of the people and observe how they live and conduct themselves.
Nzulezu is a Nzema term that means “water’s surface.” The village’s residents are supposed to have come from Walata, a city in the ancient Ghana Empire, the first of the Western Sudanese states. According to legend, a snail transported the village’s forefathers to their current location. You can imagine how slow the journey was, but they were optimistic.
Bia National Park
With 563 square kilometres of natural riches, this national park in Ghana’s western region is also a biosphere reserve. It has 62 different animal species and some of West Africa’s tallest trees. There are 10 different primate species, including chimps, three different colobus species, and Pan troglodytes.
Bia is also home to Agama Sylvanus, a newly discovered lizard species. The area also supports roughly 160 distinct bird species. As a result, a trip to this tourist spot would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Busua Beach
The Busua Beach length is a beautiful, tranquil haven for visitors. There are a number of beach resorts along the coast where guests can stay or have a pleasant and relaxing time with friends and family. The Busua Beach Resort, for example, is a popular destination. Water sports, horseback riding, and a delicious seafood supper by the sea are all available.
Cape Three Points
Cape Three Points is one of Ghana’s most stunning beaches, located near the country’s southernmost point. You’ll need to go to the Cape’s 95-year-old lighthouse to get a clear glimpse of this intriguing spectacle. Cape Three Points also features a village with a lot of tourist attractions that allow you to learn about Ghana’s cultural present and colonial past.
Hiking, surfing, and simply relaxing by the beach are just a few of the activities available in the area. Visitors to Cape Three Points can frequently observe how rubber is gathered and, if they’re lucky, see monkeys and other wildlife as well. This is one tour that you should not miss while in Ghana.
Ahanta Surf School
Surfing is another thing that beaches are good for. Have you ever longed to learn to ride the waves like a sea god on nothing but boards? You’ve arrived to the correct location. Surfing instruction for all levels of surfers are available at Ahanta Surf School. If you are an experienced surfer, you may just rent a board and ride the waves of Busua Beach. One of the best things about this beach is that the waves are almost always surfable. This simply implies that you can go whenever you want and still enjoy yourself surfing.
Fort Santo Antonio
Fort Santo Antonio, subsequently known as Fort Saint Anthony, is one of the oldest forts built by Europeans during the Gold Coast period. It was located in Axim, Ghana’s Western Region.
During the Portuguese occupation, a trading post was erected near the Ankobra River in Axin, but it was abandoned due to raids by the Axim people. In 1515, they built Santo Antonio, a large triangular fort on a small point adjacent to the River Ankobia. Following St. George’s Castle, the Portuguese constructed Fort Santo Antonio (Elmina Castle). A three-meter deep rock-cut trench was built on the landward side to improve protection.
The Dutch handed over the Fort to the British authority in 1872 and left the Gold Coast. The British forfeited their monopoly over the slave trade and their control over the area that had previously been their dominion by handing over the Fort to them.
Following Ghana’s independence in the 1950s, the British handed up the Fort to the country. It was restored to use as government and local government offices.
Takoradi Fishing Harbor
The local fishing harbour is one of Takoradi’s most attractive sights. You’ll like the vista with the various colourful boats and canoes lining the shore. The local fishing harbour is the finest spot to get a sense of Sekondi-authentic Takoradi’s culture and way of life.
Taxis are inexpensive online, and you can catch a ride to the Sekondi fishing harbour to avoid getting lost. A local fisherman will take you on a canoe ride for a fee or a tip. I haven’t tried it before and am not sure whether it will work, but it’s worth a go.