Letter of Invitation or Reference

Individuals or groups who are requiring letters of invitation or reference person to obtain travel visa to Ghana should feel free to contact me

Rural Life in Ghana

Villages surrounding the towns and cities supply the markets and roadside stalls with produce to sell. Many people have moved to the towns mainly to find work. But most of these people still maintain strong links with the country. The country is important to them both as a source of food and because of family ties.

Research has found that most people rent rather than buy their homes in the towns. It is not that they do not have enough money to buy houses. They prefer to send back to their relatives in the villages. Many people look forward to spending their savings on building their own houses in the villages. The style and appearance of villages depend on where they are located. In the more luscious south the huts cluster beneath the trees and are surrounded by bushes and banana groves.

Safety Tips in Ghana

Bargain

Always shop with a proper local person with you. Alternatively, let somebody you trust shop for you otherwise you’ll pay double the price. If you have to do the shopping yourself first check the prices in the shops. If you have to shop outside (bargain) first check the prices at the shops. Then you’ll never pay more than it costs in the shops.

When a taxi charges you 5 cedis you tell him 3 cedis and that is in the evening, you get shared taxi during the day. Of course, it also depends how far you are going. They see “tourist” and jack up the price.

Tamale people are friendly people and are sincerely interested in the visitors in their city. Of course, it is wise not to walk around showing off expensive things but there is absolutely no need to scare yourself because of all the stories you hear here and there.

African Mysteries

A cry for freedom

Recent History of Africa

Recent history of Africa has been marked with colonization and slave trade starting way back in the 15th century. The countries involved in European trade of slavery include Spain, Portuguese, England, North America, Holland, France and Sweden. The brutal torture of the traded slaves has filled many history pages with tales of horror and cruelty.

Africa is a Continent, not a Country

Africa-Map

People often refer to “Africa” as if it is a country rather than a continent. Well, it is a continent and home to 54 independent, unique countries with South Sudan being the latest addition in July 2011. Each country has its own currency, flag, anthem, history, cuisine, music, identity and blend of cultures. In fact, more than 2000 languages are spoken in Africa, and its 1 billion inhabitants.

African Mentality

Africa’s oldest and biggest tree (baobab)

1. Every problem is caused by the enemies,
2. Every cat is a witch,
3. Every bird that fly at night is a witch (including owls),
4. Government must provide everything,
5. Brags about age,

History of the people of Tamale (The Dagomba Tribe)

Dakpema Chief

The homeland of the Dagombas is called Dagbon and covers about 20,000 km² in area. The Dagombas are the second largest tribe of the 54 tribes (ethnic groups) in Ghana. Ethnic groups that have also inhabited Dagbon include the Mamprusi, Nanumba, Gonja, Mossi, Gurunsi (in particular the Frafra and Kusasi peoples), the Waala, Ligbi and Konkomba. The area constitutes seven administrative districts in present day Ghana. These are the Tamale Municipality, Tolon/Kumbungu, Savelugu/Nantong, Yendi, Gushegu/Karaga, Zabzugu/Tatali and Saboba/Cheriponi. The overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Kingdom is the Ya-Na, whose court and administrative capital is at Yendi. The Dagbon Kingdom has traditional administrative responsibilities hitherto a cephalous group like the Konkomba, Bimoba, Chekosi, Basaari, Chamba, Wala, Gurusi and Zantasi. The seat of the Ya-Na (literally translated as King of Absolute Power), is a collection of cow skins. Thus the Dagbon or its political system is often called the Yendi Skin (not throne or crown or stool).

Accommodation in Tamale

Thatch house in Tamale

Tamale has several accommodation establishments ranging from good quality hotels to homestays. To enjoy a complete Tamale experience, i can arrange for stay with a local host family at a moderate fee two meals per day. This gives you the unique opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine,participate in local activities, pick up a few words in the local language, and experience the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality at its best. Can help you find a nice place to stay from the categories below.

Doing Business in Tamale

Tamale Aboabo Market

Economy:

 Agriculture, hunting, and forestry are the main economic activities in Tamale and its surroundings. Together, they account for the employment of 71.2 per cent of the economically active population, aged 8 years and older. Less than a tenth (7.0%) of the economically active people in the region are unemployed. Most of food stuffs like local rice, maize, beans, millet, groundnut, yam, and vegetables and also animal production.
The private informalsector absorbed 83.4 per cent of the economically active population. An additional 11.5 per cent are in the private formal sector leaving the public sector with only 4.3 per cent. Majority, (40.5%) of the 251,221 the not economically active are homemaker and just under a quarter (24.4%) are students. Those who are not working because of old age constitute 14.8 per cent. A small proportion is not working because of disability (2.2%) or are pensioners who are on retirement (1.2%) while 16.9 per cent are classified as others. These rates relate to the 10-year period preceding the surveys.

Travel advice/warning Ghana

Ghana is one of the safest places in Africa. The people are very hospital, friendly and calm:

Clothing

• Wear light summer clothing preferably cotton.  Avoid synthetic fabric in all seasons.
• Sun protection and lotion
• Comfortable sneaker/boot

Health

• Boil your non-tap drinking water.
• Avoid some of the  street foods. Be very careful of what enters your body.

Tamale City Tour

Tamale City at night

Tamale is the capital of  Northern Region. It’s the country’s third largest city and home to over 350,000 people and mostly inhabited by the Mole-dagombas. Tamale is the main center for all commercial activities in the whole northern region of Ghana. You can reach Tamale by air, road and through the volta lake using the weekly ferry service from Akosombo to Yeji  and then by road from Yeji to Tamale.  In this tour, you will discover the diverse nature of Tamale with the incorporation of different cultures and religions which is characterize by the unique friendliness of the  people. You will have the chance to try all the local foods and visit all the most exciting places in the city and its surroudings.

I will be your guide and you will have nothing to worry about as far as moving round and visiting the most interesting places in the city and around.