The Western Region, with its rich natural resources and unique tourism assets, is a major tourist destination. The Western Region is located on the south-western coast of Ghana, bordered on the north by Bono Region, on the east by the Central and Ashanti Regions, and by Cote D’Ivoire on the west. The region covers an area of approximately 2,404sq. km. Takoradi is the regional capital.

As the saying goes, “the best comes from the West”. From the sandy and sunny beaches of Shama, through the thick merchant forest of the region, to the border with la Cote D’Ivoire, the wealth in minerals, timber, forts and castles, the people and their rich culture are all a magnet for the tourists.

The people of the Western region are the Ahanta, Aowin, Nema, Safwis and Wassa with their district unadulterated culture. The tropical climate of the region is characterized by moderate temperature with an average annual rainfall of 52.8 inches, the heaviest rainfall pattern in Ghana.

192km of Ghana’s most beautiful, serene, pristine and unspoilt coconut-fringed beaches belong to the West. The region boats of some of the oldest mines in the country and also presents a striking contrast between ancient and modern. It is also distinguished by a large number of forts and castles, having been one of the regions to welcome early European traders.

Recreational facilities abound in the Western Region. From the Takoradi Sports Beach Club, Paradise Beach, through the golden sands of Busua to Cape three Points, spans the most inviting beaches, ideal for relaxation and marine sports.

Sailing along the shores of Axim and Ankobra is smooth.

The Western Region is accessible from every part of the country by road and railway, and by sea through the Takoradi port. There are fairly good road links to all tourist sites. A rail trip transports visitors from Takoradi to the garden city of Kumasi.

Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve

This 360sq.km park and resource reserve have been designated as international biosphere reserve parks. 62 mammalian and 10 primate species- including 3 species of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, forest elephant and the threatened bongo. Over 160 species of birds are listed here including the threatened white-breasted guinea fowl.

Nini Suhien National Park and Ankasa Resource Reserve. This largely unexplored park and reserve covers 490sq.km of pristine evergreen rain forest with up to 300 plant species per hectare, 43 mammalian species have been recorded including bongo, forest elephant, 10 primate species, including the endemic-dian monkeys and endangered West African chimpanzee. The rich bird life includes parrots and hornbill and the rare white fronted guinea fowls. Visitors are allowed to visit the forest, contacting the senior wildlife officer to provide the necessary assistance.

 Egyambra Crocodile Sanctuary

Egyambra is 16km off the Abora-Ahanta on the Takoradi-Elubo Highway (62km from Takoradi). The local fetish priest entices the crocodiles from the water with a live chicken after pouring libation. Visitors are welcome to the village on all days except on Thursdays, which is a sacred day.

Ehunyame Natural Caves

The village of Ehunyame is located 32km off the Takoradi Elubo road. The distance from the village to the forest where natural caves can be found is about 4.5km on foot through winding footpaths.

Nzulezu Settlement

Nzulezu is a village on stilts over Lake Tandane, about 90km west of Takoradi. From a town called Beyin, a walk at the edge of the lake and a trip in a dugout cance will bring you to the village. Here too the village welcomes visitors to the place every day of the week except Thursdays, which is a sacred day.

Mines

With visitor facilities like goif courses, guest houses, catering and other entertainments are:

• Nsuta Manganese Mine, 20km south-east of Tarkowa.
• Tarkwa Goldmines founded in the 1800’s, 92km northwest of Takoradi.

Heritage and Culture

Fort Batensteyn Butri, 38km west of Takoradi. The Dutch built it in 1656 and handed over to the British in 1872 who were then the administrators of Gold Coast.

Fort Orange Sekondi

It is 7km east of Takoradi. It was built by the Dutch in 1640 and currently controlled by G.P.H.A. It is used as a lighthouse.

• Fort Dorothea, Akwidaa built by the Germans in 1864 is now in ruins.
• Fort St. Appolonia, Beyin
• Fort Metal Cross, Dixcove (1693)
• Fort Groot Friederichsburg, Princesstown
• Fort St. Antonio, Axim (1515)
• Fort Sebastian, Shama

Natural Attractions

• Egyambra Crocodile Sanctuary, 16km of Abora-Ahanta on the Takoradi-Elubo Highway
• Ehunyame National Cave, 53km on the Takoradi-Elubo road
• Bia National Park and Bia Resource Reserve, 360sq.km
• Nini Suhien Park and Ankasa Resource Reserve, 490sq. km