Journey To Akuapem Blog

Beginning a retreat, especially one nestled in the serene embrace of nature, is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. As you prepare for our upcoming 5-day getaway in the tranquil Akuapem Mountains of Ghana, it's essential to ground yourself in mindfulness to fully immerse in the experience. Here are some techniques to help you release fears, let go of what no longer serves you, and arrive with an open heart and mind.

Ghana is a special place in West Africa that's known for its hospitality, easy to get to and full of friendly people, exciting places to visit, and lots of things to do outside. It's a country with beautiful beaches, interesting history, and lots of adventures waiting for you.

There are lovely beaches, quiet spots in the north near Tamale, and the busy city life in Accra. Ghana is a place you'll love to go back to over and over.

Quick Facts About Ghana

Before we dive into the details, here are some quick things to know:

• Time Zone: Ghana is on the same time as London because it's on the GMT time zone.
• Money: In Ghana, we use the Ghanaian Cedi (GH₵).
• Languages: More than 40 languages are spoken here, but English is the official language, making it easy for travelers to communicate.

proverb spotted in Ghana

Getting there

The main airport is in Accra, and lots of big airlines fly there from all over the world.

• Visas: Before you pack your bags for Ghana, it's important to sort out your visa. You'll need to apply for a visa at a Ghanaian embassy before you land in Accra. To avoid any last-minute rush, start your visa application process early. For all the details, including the necessary documents and how to apply, visit the Ghana High Commission website for the UK. Always check the latest visa requirements a few weeks before your trip to make sure you have everything you need.

Medical Requirements

Before you visit Ghana, one essential step is to make sure you have proof of your Yellow Fever vaccination. This is usually a small yellow booklet that the nurse gives you after your vaccination.

While Yellow Fever vaccination is the only requirement for entering Ghana, it's a good idea to be up to date on other vaccinations to ensure your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Recommended vaccinations include:

• Diphtheria, Polio, and Tetanus (DPT)
• Influenza
• Meningitis A, C, W, Y
• Typhoid Fever
• Hepatitis A and B
• TB
• Rabies
• Cholera (available as an oral vaccine)

Additionally, taking anti-malarial tablets throughout your stay in Ghana is highly recommended. You can easily get these tablets before your trip in your home country.

Money in Ghana

When you're in Ghana, you'll use the Ghanaian Cedi for buying things. You can exchange your money for Cedis at the airport, banks, or exchange offices. It's a good idea to have some cash on you because not all places take cards. ATMs are pretty common in cities and towns, so you can withdraw money easily.

What to Eat in Ghana

Ghanaian food is tasty and full of flavors. Some must-try dishes include:

• Jollof Rice: A spicy rice dish that's very popular.
• Waakye: Rice and beans that's not too spicy and really delicious, especially with fried plantain.
• Fufu: A soft dough served with soup. It's eaten by taking a small bit of Fufu, dipping it into the soup, and eating it. It's very yummy.

Traveling Around Ghana

Getting around Ghana can be an adventure. Here's what you need to know:

• Buses: For long distances, buses are the way to go. They're safe and usually have air-conditioning. The main bus companies are STC and VIP. They go to many places, but it's a good idea to buy your ticket ahead of time.
• Tro-tros: These are minibuses that go everywhere. They're very cheap but can be crowded. It's a real local experience!
• Taxis: Taxis are everywhere in cities. You'll need to agree on the price before you go because they don't use meters. Sharing a taxi with others is cheaper.
• Uber: In big cities like Accra, you can also use Uber.

Climate

Ghana is definitely a warm place! Sitting in a subtropical zone, the country enjoys temperatures that usually stay above 30°C throughout the year. Oh and, when it rains? It pours!

Local Phrases

When you're visiting Ghana, knowing a few local phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable. Here are some key terms to get you started:

• “Obruni!”: You'll hear this quite a bit! It means "foreigner" in the Akan language. It's a friendly term, not meant to offend, so don't be surprised if you hear it called out to you, especially in markets.

• “Chale”: This one's easy to remember and you'll use it a lot. It means "friend" or "buddy." Ghanaians will often greet you with "Chale!" showing that you're welcome and one of them.

• “Abeg”: If you're asking for a favor or negotiating a price in the market, "Abeg" will come in handy. It means "please" in pidgin English, a common language mix you'll hear in Ghana.

• “Akwaaba”: This welcoming word means "welcome." Whether you're entering a shop, a village, or just meeting someone new, "Akwaaba" symbolizes Ghana's warm hospitality.

• “Medaase”: Don't forget to say "thank you!" "Medaase" is the word you'll want to use to show your appreciation.

• “Chop”: This term is all about food! If you hear someone talking about where to "chop," they're discussing where to eat. It's also used to describe eating - so when you're enjoying Ghana's delicious cuisine, you're "chopping."

Visiting Ghana is an adventure. It's a place with a lot to see and do, from relaxing on beautiful beaches to learning about the country's history. The food is amazing, and getting around is part of the fun. Just remember to have some Cedis, try the local food, and enjoy the journey. Ghana is waiting to welcome you with open arms!

Ghana is a country full of green landscapes and warm weather, making it a perfect home for lots of plants that provide healing. Long before we had hospitals and pills, Ghanaians used plants to cure illnesses. Even though we have modern medicine now, many in Ghana still trust in the healing power of plants because a lot of our medicines today were actually derived from plant medicine that do not elicit the unpleasant side effects found in modern medicine today.

Here are five special plants from Ghana that are known for their healing powers:

1. Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis): Known for being used to make furniture, this tree's bark is also good for stopping fever, stomach aches, and headaches. It can also help with other health problems like skin issues and jaundice.

1. Neem (Azadirachta indica): This tree is everywhere in Ghana and is great for shading. Its leaves can help treat malaria, and it's also good for stopping bacteria and cleaning teeth.

1. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): We all know ginger for its strong taste, but it's also really good for colds and flu. It can even help keep your heart healthy and stop blood from clotting.

1. Coat Buttons (Tridax procumbens): Though it looks like just a weed, this plant can reduce inflammation, fight viruses, and help heal wounds. It's also useful for people with diabetes because it lowers blood sugar.

1. Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare): Another plant that's usually seen as a weed, waterleaf is full of vitamins and can help with asthma, fevers, and high blood pressure. It's also used for sore eyes and helps people recover from injuries.

Whilst many of us today resort to pharmacies and medicines that suppress symptoms, Ghana is known for its vast knowledge in natural plant medicine. The people of Ghana have passed down ancient knowledge about the plants that grow on their lands and how they can be used to aid the body in healing itself. At Akuapem nature retreat we introduce you to these natural methods of healing, teaching you to work alongside your body in healing, rather than against it. Our special guide Dunsini Nana Osei, an African spiritual healer, holds that all chronic illnesses in humans are caused by a break from the natural world. On this retreat, Dunsini guides us in rediscovering our connection with nature and how we can embrace the herbal rites and ancient spiritual traditions passed down via the ancestors. 

In the south of the Eastern Region of Ghana lies a community whose history is as rich and deep as the forests that cloak their ancestral mountains.

The Akuapem people are a vibrant thread in the fabric of Akan ethnic history and stand as a testament to the resilience, culture, and spiritual depth of Ghana’s indigenous populations.
Their story is one of unity, artistry, and a profound connection to the land and the divine.