AFRO387

When I thought of doing something different for Christmas for the first time, I knew going to Takoradi was the best choice.

Sekondi-Takoradi is a city in Ghana comprising the twin cities of Sekondi and Takoradi. It is the capital of Sekondi – Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and the Western Region of Ghana. Sekondi-Takoradi is the region’s largest city and an industrial and commercial centre.

Fante, also spelled Fanti people are found on the western coast of Ghana. They speak a dialect of Akan, a language of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family.

Christmas in Takoradi for me was just the beginning of a dream I have had for years; a dream of touring Ghana and Africa. As a child I dreamt of this and prayed a time will come where I get to explore that part of me. For me seeing these places makes me appreciate God so much and also a way of learning the cultures of people.

Takoradi is known for its masquerade parade also known as Ankos parade and the hash tag “Christmas is Takoradi, Takoradi is Christmas”. The masquerade parade which is an old-aged tradition happens to be the biggest in Ghana. It is characterised by a colourful display of over 52 groups amidst brass band music and awesome dancing skills display from both the young and old. It is also worth noting that most of these masquerades are educated and one is likely to find some well-known people from different spheres of the country in these groups but for their masks, one can identify them. The biggest Ankos group is the Supreme group.

I didn’t just observe the parade but joined various groups to match through the principal streets of Takoradi for hours. It is an experience of a life time.

I also visited a restaurant on a lake called Aqua Makarios and the beach as well. The highlight for me was my trip to Nzema which is about an hour and half drive from Takoradi to see Nzulezo; the village on water. In all I spent four nights and three days in Takoradi.

Aqua Makarios is a restaurant on a lake. It is about ten minutes drive from the main Takoradi township. It has an African appeal and soon will have rooms available for guests who want to stay in. The owner also happens to be a masquerade. At Aqua Makarios, one can have a boat ride on the lake for as low as ten cedis and enjoy a peaceful scenery as well as tasty Ghanaian and Continental dishes

Takoradi also boasts of stunning beaches. I spent my morning before the parade on the beach and the water is super clean.

Nzulezo is found in the Nzema part of the Western Region and it is a village on water. After getting to the entrance, one must travel to the village on a speed boat. The village for me is quite disappointing but the boat ride to and back is such a fun one. There is a jungle at some point which is breathtakingly stunning.

I also attended the Expo trade fair at the Takoradi mall which had people from all over the country displaying their ware hoping to attract customers. I managed to purchase adinkra inspired earrings. The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicting figures, or concepts uniquely related to abstract shapes. In the Akan language, Adinkra means “saying goodbye” to one another when parting. The name Adinkra, according to an Asante/Ashanti legend from Ghana, came from the Bono leader, the King of Gyaman— whose name was Nana Kofi Adinkra.

Travelling alone as a lady in Ghana is usually met with disapprovals mainly for security reasons but I was determined to make this happen for me. I was very particular about my safety so I shared my location always with a childhood family friend who knew Takoradi very well and was always a call away when I needed help with directions.

Christmas in Tadi is one experience I will forever speak about and encourage everyone to make Takoradi a destination during Christmas.

Welcome to my part of the blog and let me help you see Ghana from my perspective

#CHRISTMASISTADI   #TADIISCHRISTMAS

By: Yaayaa

Facebook: Yaayaa Addai Instagram: Yaayaa Addai