About The Region
The Central Region was the former administrative centre of the Gold Coast. The region was the first area in the country to make formal contact with the Europeans. Its capital, Cape Coast, with the local name Oguaa was the capital of the Gold Coast until 1877 when the capital was moved to Accra. It was in the castle of Cape Coast that the historic Bond of 1844 was signed between the British and the 17 coastal and near-coastal states.
The region is home to historical monuments such as forts and castles. The renowned ones are the Cape Coast Castle in Cape Coast, the Elmina Castle and Fort Sao Jago both in Elmina, the Fort William at Anomabo and Fort Good Hope at Senya. It was in the castle of Cape Coast that the historic Bond of 1844 was signed between the British and the Fante Confederation.
The region has two universities, the University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba. The Cape Coast Municipality has reputable secondary schools such as the Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, Wesley Girls High School, Adisadel College and Holy Child School and has produced some of the prominent citizens in the country.
The Central Region was historically part of the Western Region until 1970 when it was carved out just before the 1970 Population Census. It occupies an area of 9,826 square kilometres or 4.1 per cent of Ghana’s land area, making it the third smallest in the area after Greater Accra and Upper East. It shares common boundaries with Western Region on the west, Ashanti and Eastern Regions on the north, and Greater Accra Region on the east. On the south is the 168-kilometre length Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea) coastline.
The region was the first area in the country to make contact with the Europeans. Its capital, Cape Coast, was also the capital of the Gold Coast until 1877 when the capital was moved to Accra. It was in the castle of Cape Coast that the historic Bond of 1844 was signed between the British and the Fante Confederation.
In all, there are about 32 major festivals in the region. Notable among these are the Aboakyer at Winneba, Fetu at Cape Coast and Bakatue at Elmina.
The region has two Universities – the University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba. The Cape Coast Municipality has excellent educational institutions like Mfantsipim School, St. Augustine’s College, Wesley Girls High School, Adisadel College and Holy Child that have produced some of the prominent citizens in the country.
Kakum National Park
Welcome to Ghana’s most visited attraction, the Kakum National Park. Tucked away in the Assin Attandanso Reserve is the Kakum National Park and Canopy Walkway that offers visitors spectacular scenery and a fascinating wildlife experience along with modern camping facilities. The park’s best-known feature is undoubtedly its 7 suspension bridges which form a 333-meter long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old.
The canopy walk is only one of Kakum’s many delights. There are a variety of trails and guided walks that allow visitors to experience the solitude of the rainforest. It’s also a premier site for bird watchers, with over 300 species including eight species of global conservation concern. Mammals include forest elephants, leopards, bongo, bushbuck and many primates, but game viewing is difficult. Also, more than 600 butterfly species have been recorded.
The forest has wildlife that can be seen at the night and professional guides are always available to take you on a guided night tour.
The park is child-friendly so don’t forget to take the kids along to the newly added children’s park with a supermini and safe canopy walkway swings and play area.
Things to do/Tips
Explore all walkway levels to enjoy the spectacular view
Go on a guided forest walk and learn about the medicinal uses of forest plants
Go on a night hike with a park guide to experience the sights and sounds of the forest during the transition from day to night
Experience evening drumming and dancing by a local cultural group
Listen to an evening concert by the local Nyamebekyere Kukyekukyeku or Orchestra, which performs with bamboo wind instruments
Remember, this is a rain forest and it can rain at any time, go with your raincoat and your trainer.
It is best not to carry any heavy thing in your hands since you will be needing your hands to hold the ropes on both sides as you walk along.
Carry a small backpack or a waist bag where you may keep your camera or phone on top of the walkway.
There is a brief hike before reaching the Bridges. Make sure you wear good shoes.
If you make it across the first walkway and change your mind, there is a shortcut to exit so give it a try…
Getting There
Kakum is about a 4hours drive from Accra. It’s advisable you go by your own pre-arranged transport means. You may also go by public transport and connect from Cape Coast.
Accommodation
There is a treehouse for you if wish to stay the night for bird and wildlife watching. The treehouse is fitted with mattresses, bedding, and mosquito nets and is comfortable for anyone who is accustomed to camping. There is also an outhouse, treetop accommodation for anyone who wishes to stay the night for the love of animals.
Feeding
There are two cafes at the visitor centre serving basic food, snacks and fresh juices. You can also get from around the car park fresh coconuts, “sobolo” –bisap (a purple drink made from water and hibiscus leaves) and bottled water. Ask from the forest restaurant for the local meal, ‘fufu’ and goat light soup to be prepared as you go for the walk so that by the time you return, your meal will be ready and waiting for you. You may enjoy others such as Jollof rice.
The visitor center has all kinds of exhibits, plus an open-air restaurant and a gift shop operated by Aid to Artisans Ghana.
Contact: 033–2130265
Hours: 6:00 am – 4:00 pm
Nearby Attractions
Cape Coast Castle
Elmina Castle
