When Tour Guides Go West

The Western Region has lately been receiving considerable visitor and investment attention. And for good reasons too. However, it is not only oil which should make this well-endowed area raise its chin up. Here, tourism is also oiling the economy.

From the pristine west coast beaches to the historic forest plantations this destination boasts of great heritage, wildlife, river safaris and quaint picturesque places such as Dixcove.

Following on the charm of these offerings, members of the Tour Guides Association of Ghana (TORGAG) last weekend embarked on a three day tour of the Western Region. The 25 member group included practitioners from Apstar Tours, Galaxy Tours, Sunseekers, Abacar, CTB and some representatives of the Tour Operators Union of Ghana.

Nkunu Akyea a tourism consultant and a member of the group said, ‘‘The tourism bill which is now law has validated the distinct role that the tour guide plays within the entire tourism structure.’’ Himself a seasoned tour guide, Akyea explained that the tour guide acts as the interface between the tourist and the tourism experience.

Starting from Wasa Domama, the group visited the Rock Shrine. This is a mighty geological freak of nature which creates a great umbrella of a shade. Of course, there is also the usual mouthwatering local legend. A one km hike from the Shrine takes visitors through cocoa farms and forest canopies. This hectic walk is eventually rewarded with a most marvelous sight, the Pra River Crossing. With a majestic stroll, the golden brown water flows along its course towards the sea. From across the bank, the scene presents an island feel. There is a cruise opportunity on the river. However, Galamsey operations were also ongoing along the bank.

From Axim Beach Resort where the group spent the night, the next stop was Benyin for a tour of Fort Appolonia. Founded by the British between 1765 and 1771, Fort Apollonia was the last fort to have been built on the shores of the Gold Coast. The well maintained fort is home to a museum dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Nzema culture and heritage, displayed through gorgeous exhibits and art works. A common imagery is the oblong-shaped local fishing trap.

A visit to the Wildlife Society of Ghana visitor centre is an opportunity to learn that one can capture a glimpse of humpback or sperm whales as well as dolphins during the months of September to December.

In the words of Jonathan Gokah, Tourism Development Officer ‘‘Visitation has increased especially on weekends and holidays thus compelling us to devise new products to ease the pressure’’. Canoe rides are organised for tourist to go on the sea. Bird watching and watching turtles leave the sea to lay eggs in the sand are some of the activities.

The journey to Nzulezo stilt village came with the excitement that is always assured. The one hour river safari to the village showed the vast expanse of the Amanzuri River. At the village itself, everyone and everything is on the water. Schools, markets, churches, playgrounds and Akpeteshie bars were all being ran afloat the Amanzuri.

The day ended with visit to Nkroful , the birthplace of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. The Mausoleum is in good shape and visitors had the chance to see facilities such as the kitchen of Nyaneba, Dr. Nkrumah’s mother. On the final day, the tour guides group visited the Axim Beach and stopped over at Fort Anthonio. After driving through rubber, palm and orange plantations, the team finally arrived at Cape Three Point. This is the southernmost part of Ghana and indeed West Africa. The beach here is simply breath taking. The water is sparkling clear and blue in a way that matches the Caribbean and even the Cote d’Azur. Simply splendid. A little into the sea from this point is where the longitude and latitude intersects. Much, much further ashore is the Jubilee fields, the zone where Ghana’s oil is being mined. The Light house at Cape Three Point offers an amazing, almost 360 degree view.

An interesting landmark here, is a signpost that shows arrows pointing to various locations of the world. Places being directed to include The Equator, Moscow, Tokyo, The North Pole, Brazil, Los Angeles and Trinidad. Interacting with the tour guides, Makafui Ladzekpo, the Station Officer of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority said a good number of visitors are foreign tourists. He said catering and lodging services can be arranged for overnight visitors.

Giving an overview at the end of the programme, TORGAG President, Kwaku Passah Snr. expressed satisfaction with the event and added that, ‘’Periodically, we must take these educational trips to be abreast with the state of the destinations and to master the narratives behind the attractions’’.