A day out to the resort town of Ada and visiting the deeply emotional Nkyinkyim Museum where owner, Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, a Ghanaian sculptor, is using his skills to illustrate his Ancestor Project – portraits of Africans who were imprisoned, kidnapped or coerced into slavery – is always a fulfilling pleasure.
The museum experience is designed to guide visitors toward healing and restorative justice; healing from the legacies of African enslavement and colonialism.
START early, hitting the motorway in the direction of Tema. Located at Nuhalenya-Ada in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, it takes about an hour and a half, driving eastward past Tema and Prampram to get there. There’s usually a nasty traffic bottleneck along this route, especially on the return, so allow yourself ample time.
STROLL around the vast grounds once you arrive and pay the entry fees. Take in the haunting outdoor sculptures dedicated to our enslaved African ancestors lost by drowning in rivers, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean as they were being transported down from the interior to the coast, and across seas!
There are so many other amazing activities to participate in besides viewing the outdoor art. An evolving museum, it seamlessly combines African art, history and performance of intangible cultural heritage such as drumming, dancing, traditional rites and food to create vibrant activities; and depending on the time you visit, you just may chance on one of its enlightening cultural experiences.
THEN move to the coast, to Ada Foah. Known for palm-lined beaches and estuary islands, it is a rather picturesque town where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Marine turtles breed here and on the seafront, traces of Fort Kongenstein which was built by 18th-century Danish traders can be explored. It is next to the old Presbyterian Church’s 19th-century missionary cemetery. The Songor Lagoon, a wetland area with numerous bird species can also be explored.
There are numerous eateries here. We recommend trying out the grills from the kitchens of Normansfolly cigar lounge.
WhatsApp BENTSIFI for more information or assistance. We can point you in the right direction. Alternately, you may join @location _ghana as they trip out on their Nkyinkyim Museum & Aqua Safari tour on Nov. 9.
