UPPER WEST REGION

Capital: Wa

Upper West Region shares its northern border with Burkina Faso with two customs entry points at Hamale and Kapulima. Cattle raising and agriculture are the main sources of income. The seat of the Wa Naa paramount chief is a magnificent 19th century palace in Wa. Local architecture is a combination of African and Islamic styles. Villages consist of traditional round mud huts connected by mud walls where communal life exists today much as it has for generations. At Wa there is tourist accomodation. Gbelle Game Reserve is 17 km south of Tumu where a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential.

NORTHERN REGION

Capital: Tamale

Northern Region is noted for its traditional African scenery. The land is mainly savannah and the population, mostly muslim, is sparse on the plains. Tamale, with a population of about 300,000, is a mixture of cultures and religions. On Damba festive days, the king and rich chiefs ride on decorated horses. The major rivers are Black Volta and White Volta that flow into lake Volta. Salaga was a slave-trading centre. The region's markets are full of cotton and local fabrics. Yendi is the royal town of the Dagomba people. In Mole national park there is a motel, swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Larabanga mosque is Ghana's oldest mosque built in 1421 and nearby is Larabanga mystery stone that neither man nor machine can move.

BRONG AHAFO REGION

Capital: Sunyani

Brong Ahafo Region is the 'bread basket' of Ghana. The region produces crops such as cocoa, cutton, cola nuts and tobacco. There is also a substantial timber industry. In the south the vegetation is mainly forest reserves with over one hundred hardwood species. Bui national park has elephants, leopards, buffaloes, a variety of monkeys and a herd of hippopotamus. Archaeological digs in Begho, Hani and Kintampo towns have uncovered ancient settlements. Apoo and Kwafie festivals take place in November. Yeji has a ferry terminus and a lake crossing point. There is an airport, accommodation and restaurants in Sunyani. In the villages of Boabeng-Fiema a religious taboo exists whereby the Mona and Colobus monkeys are considered sacred. Kintampo Falls are especially spectacular in the rainy season.

GREATER ACCRA REGION

Capital: Accra

Greater Accra Region is the smallest region in Ghana and is home to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Accra, established 1877, has a population of over two million. In addition to Accra, the commercial centre and Tema seaport, three other rural districts contribute to sustaining the region. Accra was one of the earliest European settlements in West Africa; today it is a sprawling city with districts of tree-lined avenues and modern buildings. There are beautiful beaches, world-class hotels, international restaurants, museums and monuments. Shopping and nightlife are found along the high street. Kotoka international Airport is five km from Accra. Tema seaport is the country's foremost commercial port with the deepest harbour in West Africa.

CENTRAL REGION

Capital: Cape Coast

Cape Coast, the capital of the central region is world famous for its slave forts and castles - St. George's Castle (Elmina Castle), Cape Coast Castle and Fort St. Jago - designated by the UNESCO as world Heritage Monuments. Central region has magnificent beaches and rainforests as well as a rich culture of chiefs, traditional durbars and festivals. The first Europeans traded here in 1440. Kakum National Park, 30 km north of cape coast, is accessible with a unique canopy walkway above the rainforest.