We’ve recently returned from an absolutely delightful first trip to Ghana.  Our first stay was at the Ghanaian owned Zimaskey hotel.  The accommodations and staff were pleasant and delightful.  Our first stop the next day was at the ancestral graveyard where the remains of three individuals have been repatriated from the diaspora to a final resting place in Ghana.  We then visited and waded in the Ancestral River also known as the Assin Manso river where the “captives” were made to take a last bath before being taken to the dungeons to await transfer to the slave ships.  This river has flowed without ceasing for over 300 years.  We then travelled to and toured the Al Minna slave castle.  With its ugly Christian chapel its place of prominence in the castle courtyard.  I visited the door of no return through which the captives passed on their way to the slave ship.  Not knowing that this would be their last touch of African soil.

On other days we visited the museum, library and mausoleum of Dr WEB DuBois.  We also visited the National Independence Park where Dr Kramer Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana is buried. The museum dedicated to his honor is also located.  The most memorable piece of this day was the sight of hundreds of school children in their rainbow of school uniforms touring his museum and mausoleum.  Listening in rapt attention as their teacher told them of this piece of their history.  Saw the largest mosque in Africa which is located in Accra.  It was built by the government of Turkey as a present to the Ghanaian people of whom 39% are Muslims.  We transferred to the Labadie Beach resort to complete our stay. It is located on the actual coast and was a welcomed respite.

The food at both hotels were tasty and memorable.  The meals reminded me of the foods and seasonings from my Mom and grandmother’s West Indian kitchens.

We made time for a mini-safari where the zebras and ostrichs are much larger than they seem in pictures.  I must return to have an opportunity to immerse myself more in the culture because I sense that there is so much more to see, taste and experience.