Home --- TRIP: Ghana, Togo, & Benin 2008

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This active trip through Ghana, Togo & Benin includes both camping and modest hotel stays. We travel over 2,400 Km over good to very rough roads in 4-wheel drive mini vans. Highlights on this trip were the history of slave trade, the influence of Voodoo in the culture and much more. Enjoy.

2 From front door to Ghana takes about 29 hours so it was nice to see this terminal in Accra, Ghana. Ghana was created a parliamentary democracy at independence in 1957, followed by alternating military and civilian governments. In January 1993, military government gave way to Fourth Republic after presidential and parliamentary elections in late 1992. The 1992 constitution divides powers among a president, parliament, cabinet, Council of State, and an independent judiciary.

3 I arrived one day early so I could explore Accra on my own. Costs for modest accommodations, food and necessities for Westerners are higher in West Africa than one might expect. This modest room was $120 per day.

4 Next morning I grabbed a cab and began to explore. Accra was founded by the Ga people in the late 1600s. The word Accra is derived from the word Nkran meaning ants in Akan, a reference to the numerous anthills seen in the countryside around Accra.

5 This is a typical street scene in Accra and the large trees help shade from the heat of over 90 F with high humidity.

6 Coconuts are perfect for their juice and sweet meat.

7 Most of the population of Ghana (23,000,000) are Christian and English speaking.

8 This Cock Tail Bar is an internet cafe.

9 Local artisans are everywhere.

10 More stuff for sale but buying things now means carrying it all over three countries in the next couple of weeks.

11 Next morning I meet my fellow travelers and we are off to Kumasi.

12 Off to Kumasi.

13 The road leading out of Accra is the worst but I notice a new road being built to the right side.

14 In this part of the world people get around any way they can.

15 A typical scene leaving the city.

16 Out of the city the traffic lightens up and the road is better.

17 We make a pit stop and this man comes out of his house and looks imposing.

18 A typical scene along the roadside.

19 We run into some road work which brings us to a stop so out come the merchants.

20 Seems that everything is carried on the head here and its a great idea leaving hands free.