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ings is found in the village of Sumbrungu, eight kil-
ometers from Bolgatanga on the way going to Paga.
Naa Gbewaa shrine at Pusiga
The tomb of Naa Bbewaa, the founder of the Mole-
Dagbon tribes, is located in the town of Pusiga. Leg-
end states that Naa Gbewaa never died but simply
vanished during a heated battle. The shrine was
thought to have been built in the l4th century in com-
memoration of Naa Gbewaa, and is today as a place
of spiritual reverence.
Crocodile Ponds
Forty kilometers (about 25 miles) from Bolgatanga,
along the Burkina Faso border, in Paga, home to
the sacred crocodile ponds. These are purportedly
the “friendliest” crocodiles in Ghana, and it is said
that the souls of the royal family reside in them. The
crocodiles roam freely throughout the ponds and it is
unthinkable that anyone should harm them.
Cape Coast
This coastal region between the cities of Keta and
Beyin (Ghana) is dotted with UNESCO World Herit-
age Site recognised forts and castles that served as
trading points in a unique setting, all of which were
constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries.
A guided tour of the Cape Coast Castle, one of the
several slave forts along Ghana’s coast, takes 45
minutes and costs USD$4 for students.
Elmina Castle
It is one of West Africa’s oldest slave castles. Be-
sides a guided tour with knowledgeable, friendly
tour guides who are open to questions, there is an
onsite restaurant, bookstore, gift shop, and a small
museum inside the renovated Portuguese church
within the castle. There is an admission fee as well
as a minimal fee for taking pictures. Warning: The
experience in the castle can be emotional at times
(particularly the “room of no return”, the cell for rebel-
lious slaves, the female slave dungeons, which still
smell like bodily fluids).
KUMASI
Where to Stay
What to See and Do
Kumasi is considered the home of the Ashanti King,
the current one being Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Kumasi
is widely regarded as the cultural cradle of Ghana as
the vibrancy of Ghana’s culture is more evident here
than any part of the country. The Asantehene still sits
in state as Ashanti’s from all walks of life pay homage.
He even presides over traditional courts and some
residents use this instead of the judicial system.
Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort
Abono near Lake Bosomtwe
Lake Bosomtwe, Kumasi
Tel: (+233) 32 2095803 / (+233) 20 3338805
info@lakebosomtweparadiseresort.com
Lake Bosomtwe Paradise Resort is a modern nature
retreat designed to give visitors all the luxury ameni-
ties they expect from a modern hotel, but set in a
beautiful natural setting.
Asantehene’s Palace
A visit to this former king’s residence is a most
worthwhile activity.
Prempeh II Jubilee Museum
Tel: (+233) 5122822
9 AM to 6 PM
Features artefacts and personal belongings
of former Ashante kings.
Manhyia Palace Museum
9 AM to 5 PM
Built in 1925 by the British as the residence of King
Asantehene Prempeh I, this museum is also a pal-
ace. Walking through the museum, you will learn
about the function of each room when it was used
Portuguese Church
in the court yard of the Elmina Slave Castle has been
converted into small museum devoted to the history
of the slave trade in West Africa. It is a nice place
to spend some time before beginning your tour of
the castle.
Crocodile pond