Greater Accra Region: Capital Accra

Greater Accra Region is the smallest region in Ghana .Accra , established 1877, has a population of over four million. In addition to Accra the commercial centre and Tema seaport, three other rural districts grow the provisions that sustain the region. Accra was one of the earliest European settlements in West Africa ; today it is a sprawling city with district 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 Airports is five km from Accra . Tema seaport is the country's foremost commercial port with the deepest harbour in West Africa . Ashanti Region is famous for cultural pomp and pageantry, it is the Ancient Kingdom of Asante founded in 1695 by King Osei Tutu. Adae and Akwasidae festivals take place when the Ashanti attired in all his gold and traditional regalia is honoured by his subjects, carried resplendent on a colourful palanquin and shaded with canopies the King is paraded in the royal courtyards, accompanied by drumming, horn blowing and dancing.

Ashanti Region: Capital Kumasi

Kumasi is a sprawling city set in a forest belt with rolling hills; it is home to the largest street market in West Africa . Agriculture, logging and mining are the major industries. Ashanti Goldfields at Obuasi is the world's richest goldmine. There are many intriguing shrines in the region. Kumasi has a choice of restaurants, excellent accommodation and a vibrant nightlife.

Western Region: Capital Sekondi-Takoradi

Western Region has idyllic beaches, historic forts and coastal villages with richly paintedfishing fleets and Nzulezo, a uniquevillage on stilts.The region shares its border with La Cote d'Ivoire to the west. There are oilpalms coconut groves, rubber estates, citrus farms and cocoa plantations. Its many forts and castles bear witness to the slave trade.

Ankasa National Park provides easy access to a rainforest. Kundum Festival takes place during August/September. The twin-city capital, Sekondi-Takoradi , Ghana 's third largest city has the nation's most modern harbour. Nkroful, 83km west of Takoradi, is the birthplace of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana.

Brong Ahafo Region: Capital Sunyani

Brong Ahafo Region is the ‘bread basket' of Ghana .The region produces crops such as cocoa, cotton, 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 especially spectacular in the rainy season.

Eastern Region: Capital Koforidua

Eastern Region is district with its picturesque highlands, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls. The man-made Lake Volta runs along its eastern border. The region is ideal for walking trips, angling, canoeing, and cultural activities. Nsawam is the mango and pineapple plantations centre of Ghana .

Papillion Antimachua, the largest butterfly in Africa is found in Atewa-Atwirebu Forest near Kibi. Esen-Epam Forest Reserve has the tallest tree in West Africa , reported to be 107 metres high. Koforidua is the regional administration, commercial and educational centre. Aburi Botanical Gardens has a worldwide collection of plants.

Volta Region: Capital Ho

Volta Region shares its border with Togo to the east and Lake Volta , the largest man-made lake in the world to the west. At Ho there are hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. Amedzofe is one of the most scenic locations in Ghana with its three summits Adaklu, Gami and Kabakaba, reaching 900 metres above sea level. There are monkey sanctuaries and villages where monkeys enjoy total freedom.

The highest waterfall in Ghana is Wli Falls at 60 metres. Mount Afadzato the highest mountain at 1000 metres stands on the Togo border. On the coast, Keta town sits strategically on a sandbank while Keta Lagoon provides excellent opportunities for fishing and bird watching. Cape St Paul Lighthouse is the oldest in Ghana and there is a customs entry point at Aflao on the Togo border.

Central Region: Capital Cape Coast

Cape Coast , the capital of Central Region is world famous for its 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 rich culture of chiefs, traditional durbars and festivals.

The first Europeans traded here in 1440. Kakum National Park , 30km north of Cape Coast , is accessible with a unique canopy walkway above the rainforest.

Northern Region: Capital Tamale

Northern Region is noted for its traditional scenery. The land is mainly savannah and the population, mostly Muslims, is sparse on the plains. Tamale, population 300,000, is a mixture of cultures and religious. 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.

Upper West Region: Capital Wa

Upper West Region shares its northern border with Burkina Faso with two customs entry points atHamale and Kapulima.Cattle raising and agriculture are the main sources of income. The seat of the Wa Naa paramount chief is a magnificent 19 th 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 exits today much as it has for generations. At Wa there is tourist accommodation. Gbelle Game Reserve is 17km south of Tumu where a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential.

Upper East Region: Capital Bolgatanga

Upper East Region is savannah, interrupted by the Tongo Hills near Bolgatanga (Bolga). The dry season is November to April. During the rainy season, June to August, the landscape becomes a lush green lain. Architecture varies from village to village due to the ethnic mix and house paintings provide photo opportunities.

Bolga market is a hive of activity; local women wearcolourful clothing and headgear quite distinct from other regions. There are custom entry points at Paga and Kulungugu on the Burkina Faso border.At Paga ‘sacred' crocodiles are enticed from the lake for a meal and photo shoot.

There is also a nearby slave village complete with its slave graveyard, rock feeding troughs and drumming stones.At Navrongo, a 100-year old Catholic Church made from mud is enriched with wall paintings and frescos, and complete with a Virgin Mary grotto. Restaurants, bars and accommodation are available in Bolga.