Ghana for First-timers: Just sit back and watch this (amazing) world go by!

It’s not the destination – it’s the journey……

Let’s face it – our destinations are usually well scripted in advance – research done, expectations tempered and surprises an added bonus. I covered most of Ghana’s tourist destinations here but the greater joy for us this time was the vibrancy of daily life along the way. One spends a LOT of time in the car – progress is slow – but there’s so much to look at through the car window that the hours fly past.

Circular adobe homes in Northern Ghana – the family compounds expand around communal courtyards as the extended family increases in number.

I love this ladder accessing the roof ( I’ll definitely be using for a challenge some time!)

Most cooking in the countryside is done outdoors…

Goats everywhere… they’re branded all right but a villager told me that their goats always find their way home..

Corrugated metal roofs glisten in the sun…

Reminders of colonial times…

Colour!!

There’s a major push to improve infrastructure – so long stretches of main road are dug up in several places – causing a bit of dust!!!

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is largely unpaved with the red earth rural routes providing a bumpy ride is places!!

Tro-tros (minibuses) play a crucial role in transporting people……

…….but all are welcome!!

You can also hail a taxi or Pragya (tuk tuk) for local trips….

Right of way between drivers and pedestrians is often a free-for-all on the busy urban streets!

Crops are grown for personal use and sale…

Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer.

Charcoal production is huge business in rural communities where it provides an off-season income…sacks are piled alongside the road for collection..

Small industries can be spotted as you pass through the villages

EVERY static vehicle is a source of potential business!!

Traders weave between cars at every traffic junction..

Head pans are typically made from aluminium and balance on donut-shaped fabric rings which cushion the skull, distribute the weight evenly and keep the flat-bottomed metal basin from slipping.

More colourful versions are found at the ports – when a boat comes in, the women line up and pass along the basins of fish from one to another between the boat and awaiting road transport.

Islam has deep roots in Northern Ghana..

As one moves south, Islam gives way to Christianity and an extraordinary number of congregations and independent ministries alongside traditional churches.

Religious conferences and special gatherings are also widespread..

Cars and commercial vehicles often feature religious phrases….

…..not to mention the number of faith-inspired business names!!!

But there’s still room for the local medicine man…..

…. and ….well…..whatever!!!

Funeral posters, flyers, and large roadside billboards function as public announcements.

Funerals are major community events. On Saturday mornings, many villagers and townspeople gather to pay their respects. Everyone is beautifully dressed in black /red – red signifies deep sorrow or a sudden loss while black is typically worn for general mourning.

Afterwards, many will be seen around the village, going about their usual business, still in their mourning clothes…

On Sundays, the colours change to black/white for the funeral thanksgiving service.

I didn’t see any on my travels but I can’t finish up without giving a shout out to the unconventional coffins that may be commissioned. Typically linked to the profession of the deceased, they may take months to create (It’s not unusual for funerals to be delayed for even several months due to family disputes or time needed to raise the very high funeral expenses). These are stock photos to give you an idea…. (Courtesy Wikipedia)