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Developing The Northern Sector Of Ghana, To Be A Tourism Hub Of West Africa, Is Very Apt

Asempa DawuroAsempa Dawuro
Oct 16, 2024 - 13:34
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Developing The Northern Sector Of Ghana, To Be A Tourism Hub Of West Africa, Is Very Apt

 A Feature By Adu Gyamfi Odopa (Odopa2@gmail.com) 

Ghana's northern sector comprises eight (8) administrative regions namely Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Savannah, North East, Northern, Upper West, and the Upper East.

Fortunately, the enclave shares boundaries with Burkina Faso, Cote D'ivoire, and Togo with other neighboring countries namely Benin, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal visit Ghana through the various routes in the northern zone.

It is highly prudent to develop and operationalize the various tourism destinations in the northern zone to attract tourists and holiday makers from Ghana's neighbouring countries and other local and European revellers, thereby becoming a major foreign currency earner for the country.

The Gbelle Game Reserve and bird sanctuary, 17 Km south of Tumu in the Upper West region, is an important sanctuary for endangered species of wildlife within Ghana.

The reserve is also home to buffalo, hippo, elephant, buck, and the country's largest herds of roan antelope.

Birdwatchers consider this as an important habitat for indigenous and migratory species of birds. Stretching along 40 km of the eastern bank of the Black Volta River, the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary is a protected area for hippos and associated species.

It is home to one of only two remaining groups of hippopotamus in Ghana. Bird life is also spectacular, with over 200 species on record.

The river has had marked success in providing tourists with a unique and unusual eco - travel experience.

Experience a river safari in a dugout canoe and see the residents hippo group, birds and mammals as well as fishermen plying their nets.

The rock formations, caves and sweeping landscape of the Tongo Hills at Tengzug in the Upper East region are reason enough to visit, but the village is home multiple shrines.

The shrines draw people from Ghana and neighbouring countries for sacred power provide guidance and resolution of problems.

Tengzug's combination of natural beauty and cultural richness had resulted in it being shortlisted for future consideration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Village of Sirigu is a fascinating example of local women taking action to preserve their art and culture.

It is home to beautiful pottery and basketry, interesting architecture and decorative wall paintings.

The area of Paga gives tourists an opportunity to see a remarkably well - preserved outdoor slave camp, as well as a sacred pool where protected crocodiles can be seen, touched and fed.

Visitors can also enjoy a village tour and an evening of drumming and dancing by a local cultural troop. Daboya in the northern region is the most famous of Ghana's fugu (smock) weaving communities.

Like Kente, the fabric is hand - woven but the strips are narrower and have strips, in contrast to the geometric patterns found in Kente.

The community also offers boat tours and cruises on the White Volta River, which flows beside the village. See some of the area's bird life, enjoy a fishing demonstration with a hand thrown net and visit a beach where salt is harvested, all from a hand - made boat, paddled by villagers.

Mole National Park, located in the Savannah region of the country, is Ghana's largest wildlife refuge, measuring 4.849 sq km.

It is best known for its elephants (a population of about 600), as well as Buffalo, antelope, lion, leopard, hippo and five species of primates.

There are also more than 300 bird species and 33 identified reptile species within the national park, located on grassland savannah and its entrance is near the town of Larabanga.

Ephemeral rivers Lovi and Mole flow through the park, leaving behind drinking holes in the dry season.

The reserve has an eco lodge with 25 chalets, a 33 room motel with a restaurant and swimming pool and a small museum.

Tanoboase Sacred Grove and Rock Formations, located near Kintampo in the Bono East region, is strikingly beautiful sandstone rock formations within the Tano sacred groove.

Taakora, the highest of the Akan gods on earth, is believed to dwell at the source of the Tano river within the groove, making it a sacred place.

Take a guided tour of this very enjoyable site, learn its interesting history and culture and be rewarded with an unforgettable panoramic view.

In the Ahafo region of Ghana, is the White - Necked Rock Fowl Sanctuary in Asumura.

The Asumura area is home to one of Ghana's last remaining populations of the white - necked rock fowl.

The white - necked rock fowl is considered an endangered and threatened species but can be seen in the Asumura sanctuary, 45 minutes drive from Goaso, the regional capital.

Stop at the visitor center to find more about the bird, enjoy a beverage in the open - air summer house, see the rock fowl for yourself on a guided forest walk, and challenge yourself to the Bonsam Bepo (Devil's Hill) climb.

For generations, the village people of Buabeng and Fiema near Nkoranza in the Bono East region have believed that the local monkeys conserved at the forests are sacred and have prohibited harm to them.

The two adjacent communities have created a forest sanctuary to protect the black silky colobus and brown Mona monkeys, both of which are an appealing site.

A visit to the Monkey Sanctuary at Fiema, makes a day out. The monkeys have access to all parts of the village and local people plant fruit trees for them.

Shockingly, when a monkey dies, it is buried in a coffin and a special funeral rites are performed.

With these naturally endowed attraction destinations in the northern sector of Ghana, I'm highly convinced, without an iota of doubt, that when the zone is developed as a Tourism hub for the West African subregion.

Government of Ghana, local and Foreign Developers, Individuals and Groups who invest in these projects, would reap its uncountable benefits. 

The Writer, Adu Gyamfi Odopa, is a Multiple Awards Winning Journalist and Blogger in Ghana +233(0)202373920 Odopa2@gmail.com

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