Ghana

Ghana’s Beautiful Ornamental Flora in a Nutshell

— Nbangan

Ghana, located smack dab in the Gold Coast in West Africa, has not just a great tradition and great culture, but it also has a great diversity of flora - and many Ghanaians have showcased a variety of flowers and plants in their gardens. Unbeknownst to many, Ghanaian people love their flowers - in fact, Ghana is host to a celebration of flora in itself, right in the capital of Accra.

Let’s take a look at this affinity for flowers and then subsequently come up with a list of some of Ghana’s most favorite flora you will find in almost every garden.

The Ghanaian Flower Show

Flower shows are organized in Ghana where different types of flowers are showcased - last 15th September 2016, the fourth edition of the Innovative Ghana Garden and Flower Show was held in Accra. It was a successful seven-day flower show where the exhibitors showed the variety of flowers and plants.

The Popularity Of Gardening In Ghana

People love to garden in Ghana due to many reasons. People there are passionate for gardening - many families who tend to their garden will own either a wheelbarrow or a garden cart. And for good reason: gardening is scientifically proven to reduce stress. And in living in what could be a bewildering place such as Ghana, it is indeed a welcome respite for many families. Furthermore, Ghana is an ideal location for gardening because of its very good tropical weather, the amazing source of sunlight and good soils. Gardening is much easier in Ghana.

That being said, we bring you a list of the most famous flowers of Ghana.

1. Taro

Taro also is known as elephant ear is a tropical plant which requires moderate temperature and the huge amount of sunlight. Therefore Ghana is a perfect place to grow taro. Taro or elephant ear is grown for its root vegetable, starchy form and it’s the leafy vegetable. Taro is a plant which can even adapt itself to cold climatic conditions.

2. Caladium

Caladiums come in various shades. They are mainly grown for their long-lasting color. These have very bright shades and they look very beautiful.

3. Jasmines

Jasmines are star-shaped flowers mainly found in yellow and white color. They are planted for their nice smell. They are used in perfumes and many other types of fragrances. Some variety of jasmines spread their fragrance at night. They are also used for decoration purpose. They require a huge amount of sunlight to bloom.

4. Bromeliads

Bromeliads are found in different sizes and colors. They are usually grown on trees. These flowers give the exotic touch to your home and make your home look elegant. Bromeliads can easily be grown as houseplants in pots.

5. Peonies

Peonies are very beautiful flowers known for their riches and honor. They embody romances and prosperity. They are regarded as the omen of good fortune and happy marriage.

6. Orchids

Orchids are an elegant type of flower which is long lasting. They beautify the area where they are kept and therefore they are perfect for all occasions. Orchids are very rare and are found in different varieties.

7. Ghanaian Tuliptree

Not to be confused with the ones we all know and love as one of the most popular flowers in the world found in different shapes, sizes, and colors - but the Ghanaian tuliptree does have some beautiful characteristics as well. They are a fixture in the Gold Coast - and are an amazing sight to behold.

And that’s pretty much everything you need to know about the flora of Ghana. Come and see it for yourself - Ghanaian people do love their flowers and have a special place for them in their hearts.

Exotic Gift Ideas

The Arts and Crafts of West Africa’s Crown Jewel Ghana

— Nbangan
The Arts and Crafts of West Africa’s Crown Jewel Ghana

As we all know that West Africa is rich in arts and crafts; and undoubtedly, most of its unknown yet exquisite treasures can be mostly found in the Western African hub of Ghana.

Ghana is unique in many ways. Ghana is well known for its music, culture, and cuisine; but unbeknownst to many, and just as deserving of recognition, is its fine tradition of local handicrafts. Ghana produces a large number of beautiful goods which are so unassumingly elegant that people are tempted to purchase them and take them home.

Handicrafts are colorfully patterned and painstakingly designed. Of course they don’t use a paint sprayer to design kente cloth - everything which is crafted there has some deep, resonant meaning. Furthermore, art is not done there for the sake of doing it - because they represent their ancient cultures and traditions.

Craft stalls are set around the country so that the visitors can see the wonderful crafts made by the craftsmen; you can purchase by just sitting inside your car. Street vendors are present everywhere and when you stop many vendors selling food, beverages, and clothing surround you.

Lastly, Ghana is also known for its open markets. There you can find beautiful hand woven textiles, old and new beads, brass works, gold jewelry, paintings, ceramics and wood carvings.

That being said, let’s take a look at 7 of Ghana’s most exquisite treasures that deserve a look.

1. Kente Cloth

Traditional weaving in Ghana is done by men of the Ewe and Ashanti tribes. Ewe work is famous for its animal, human and symbolic designs whereas Ashanti cloth is distinguished by its geometric designs. This cloth is colorfully patterned and looks very royal - and kente is taking the fashion world by storm.

2. Pottery And Earthware

Pottery in Ghana is simple and glossy. Color of the pot depends upon the type of clay used and glaze is common in all the pots. Traditionally pots are made by women but many men have also started to make pots. Pots are used for many purposes like prepare, cook and store food, etc.

3. Ornamental Beads

Beads are worn at special occasions which signify wealth and status. In Ghana, beads are very popular ornaments. They are made from many kind of materials like recycled glass, brass, bauxite, shells and seeds. All kinds of beads are available here.

4. Jewelry And Gold

Ghana has an exciting jewelry industry. Gold jewelry up to 22 karat is available there. Ghana’s handcrafted jewelry is very unique. You can also design your own jewelry and get that. They can also copy designs from magazine and pictures.

5. Exquisite Ghanaian Art And Paintings

Paintings can be seen in hotels, big domains, and resorts etc. for decoration. There are even many galleries in the world which display paintings. Artists make paintings and embroider them with beautiful designs. Artisans in Ghana make wonderful painting and display them on streets.

6. Adinkra Cloth

Andikra is a textile which is found in Ghana. This cloth is generally used during funerals and special occasions. Every Andikra textile has a symbol on it.

7. Solid Ghanaian Brass

Brass is another common craft in Ghana which is used to make other items. This item is originally formed from beeswax. The wax is moulder and then molten brass is filled in it. Then wax is removed and sculptures are made.

These are just some of the famous handicrafts found in Ghana - and are more than enough reason for you to take them home to your loved ones on your next trip to Ghana.

Ghana

100% Pure Ghanaian Lumber: A Complete Primer on the Ghanaian Wood and Lumber Industry

— Nbangan

Ghana is characterized by a rich tropical climate that is fairly favorable for the growth of plants and forests. In Ghana, agriculture, including forestry plays a significant role for the growth of the economy; in a sense, it is the backbone of the sprawling economy. Agriculture provides approximately 43% of the GDP and a large percentage of the export earnings and the total employment offered. Forestry alone, accounts for 6 percent of the export earnings.

Most of the population that is located in rural areas relies on forestry for lumber and timber, which is the main source of livelihood for the people. Forests are also valued in communities because of their capacity to provide food, furniture, shelter, and natural medicine, which is an essential component of any health system in Africa. As such, the timber and lumber industry in Ghana is one of the most important earners of foreign exchange in the country.

The industry is one of the fastest growing manufacturing businesses. Because of the continued use of the timber derived from the high forests, Ghanaians are growing increasingly concerned over the sustainability of the volumes of harvesting that has occurred over the years. Additionally, as the scope of wood products for exports has increased, as has the domestic consumption of wooden products by the locals, the government has been forced to create policies that have led to increased regulations in the Ghana lumber industry.

Needless to say, it figures a large part in the import, export, local, and global economy - and here’s a primer on why so.

Ghanaian Raw Log Production: An Historical Look

The lumber industry presently mass produces an abundance of wood products for use both domestically and for export purposes. Log production was popular until 1994 when the production numbers dropped suddenly. Today, the main consumers of domestic logs include processing mills, plywood mills and veneer mills.

As a Rural Fuel Source

People in the rural areas primarily use wood as fuel. Aside from using the wood to start fires, wood is also used for the production of charcoal that is then used for energy production for heating purposes as well as for cooking. Most of the wood that is used to create charcoal comes from savanna trees.

Ghanaian Production of Finished Lumber Products and Handicrafts

Timber is used to produce veneers that comprise of sliced, jointed, rotary or reconstituted veneers. These items are used to produce wood based products such as chipboards, blackboards and profile boards that are distributed and used in various parts of the country.
Although the industry is characterized by the overconsumption of wood and the use of outdated lumber equipment, the government is keen on introducing policies that aim to standardize the industry, so that locals can depend less on products that have been created abroad.

So the next time you work on a project that involves lumber or any wood at all, check whether you have access to strong and sturdy industrial-strength Ghanaian timber - you’ll be surprised at its quality. Needless to say, wood splitters really simplify the job, especially when you deal with raw or finished lumber of this quality.

Beauty Products

Kente: A Real Ghanaian Treasure Taking the World By Storm….

— Nbangan

The Kente cloth is one of the most recognizable fabrics in the world. It has a history that originates from Ghana as it was created and weaved by Asante and Ewe people with specially created and designed looms. The Kente cloth is synonymous with Ghana and acts as a visual representation of the country’s history, struggle for independence, culture, ethics, as well as religious beliefs. The symbolic significance of the cloth is important to the Ghanaian people, with each color included in the design pattern representing meanings that are applicable to the local people. Because of globalization and the prevalence of the internet, the Kente cloth has become popular among international consumers and fashion designers owing to the richness of the fabric and its widespread availability.

Ghanaian Kente cloth is one of the truly versatile handicrafts that can be truly considered to be one of Ghana’s most famous exports - and here are 5 inventive ways it has been, and can be used in all sorts of preparations.

1. Jazz Up Your Interior Decor

Because the Kente cloth is extremely colorful, it can be used in various instances to decorate the interior of a room or as décor for a traditional African event. Detailed and exquisite fabrics such as the Kente cloth have been used for years by designers to add a pop of color and some freshness to a room. A space can be filled with furniture and other important Knick knacks, however, without the right fabric, it can look bare and sterile.

2. Kick Up Your Upholstery Game Up To 100%

The key to achieving a comfortable and relaxing environment lies in finding the right upholstery for your sofas, bed covers and even drapes. With the Kente cloth, you can achieve the right ambience and desired look. When using the Kente cloth, it is important to keep in mind the general décor of the household to avoid instances of décor clashing.

3. Incorporate Kente Into Your Artwork

Until more recently, artists were forced to create their masterpieces with traditional components such as wood and stone. However, in the 60s, more and more artists begun creating sculptures and installations using ornate fabric like the Kente cloth, rejecting the weight of creating traditional sculptures with traditional materials.

4. Incorporate It In Your Apparel - From Bags, Dresses, To Shoes

The most common use of the Kente cloth is the production of apparel such as clothes, bags, and even shoes. Kente inspired fashion has become common and more accepted especially by Africans living abroad. It allows people to display their culture and Ghanaian tradition everywhere they choose to be - or simply to just display something awesome that tells a very interesting back story that will impress your friends with your cultural knowledge. So proudly put it on your wall, use the patterns as wallpaper, or if you use a rolling tool chest, or any sort of container for that matter, personalize it with Kente’s designs.

5. Wear It On Special Occasions

According to Ghanaian tradition, the Kente cloth was created for wearing on special occasions. The fabric was never created to wear on ordinary days. Occasions such as weddings, graduations, circumcision rites or ancestral remembrance ceremonies are perfect for wearing the Kente cloth.

Those are the primary applications of Kente cloth – can you think of any other creative ideas? Please do share them with us!

Ghana

Ghana’s Saucerful of Delicious Secrets

— Nbangan

Ghanaian and west african cuisine in general, is excellent. Partly because most of the food is acquired fresh - and makes use of the plentiful spices and herbs that can only be found in its prosperous lands. Even the fish such as mackerel and barracuda is caught fresh and delivered to the chaotic fish markets that line every corner of the country every day. If you want to enjoy the local delicacies, you can do so in a chop bar, which is what locals call restaurants that only prepare local meals - many locals will say that it is the one and only way to experience the delights of Ghanaian cuisine.

Fortunately, there is a way you can actually bring the authentic Ghanaian experience - by taking them with you on your plane home. And that is exactly why we came up with a list of 5 local specialties from Ghana that you should absolutely consider taking home from your trip - or order them straight from the source, or ask your friends to bring them home for you. Trust us - it’s worth all the hassle.

1. Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice is synonymous with the whole of West Africa. Traditionally and originally from Senegal, Jollof rice is a pot dish of rice that is made using tomato sauce and served alongside some form of meat or chicken stew. The rice soaks up all the spicy flavors of the herbs and spices and it absorbs the juicy flavors of the ingredients turning the rice an almost orange color when cooking.

2. Gari

Gari is a granulated mixture that is made from cassava roots. Like Jollof rice, it is one of the most popular delicacies in West Africa. Garri is mostly made in a bowl of boiling water where it is stirred until dough is formed. The finished product of cooked Gari is commonly referred to as Eba. Eba is typically served alongside vegetables, meat or fish stew. You may always try to make gari with the use of a food processor, but the original article is still the best.

3. Plantain

Plantains look like bananas, but they are bigger and thicker. It also needs to be cooked before it can be consumed. Unlike bananas, plantains have a higher percentage of dietary fiber and they also have fewer sugars. It is a quality meal for weight loss purposes or for people on a healthy diet. Aside from cooking it, plantain is also often used to make traditional alcoholic brews.

4. Okra

Okra or Okro is commonly referred to in other countries as lady fingers. It is a nutritious vegetable that is very low in calories. Okra is used in a range of West African dishes including vegetable and meat stews. Okra can also be used to make another famous delicacy in Ghana, Okra soup.

5. Ghanaian Chocolate

Ghanaian chocolate is divine because it is produced from locally grown cocoa. Since most of the chocolate is fair trade, taking a bar or three back home is a great way to support the local cocoa farmers that often rely on the trade and sale of their cocoa as a source of livelihood. Additionally, most of the chocolate you will find in Ghana is made out of real cocoa and in large quantities without any additives added.

Ghana

A Primer on Ghana and West Africa’s Processed and Preserved Goodies

— Nbangan

The preparation of processed and preserved meat and seafood is a common practice in Africa. Communities in various regions of Africa have used food preservation methods as a means of prolonging the shelf life of meat for centuries. The ingenious ways of conservation have been used for centuries, and in West Africa, they are still popularly used today. Here are 7 popular preparations of processed and preserved meat and seafood from Ghana and West Africa.

1. Canning

Canning is the process of pasteurizing food products at specified temperatures than sealing the pasteurized food in a vacuum seal. Canning works for almost all types of meat; however, it requires the use of special jars or containers and sealing lids. Ghana has a strong canning industry, and exports canned fish and seafood, which is plentiful, to markets all over the world, as well as canned tomatoes.

2. Freezing

Freezing requires one to chill meat and seafood to at least temperatures of 0°F or lower. Freezing is the most ideal and convenient way of preparing food for preservation. Please note that it is impossible to completely freeze your meat in a regular refrigerator freezer because the freezer is typically warmer with temperatures ranging between 10°F to 32°F. It is no surprise that Ghana also has these facilities in large numbers, given the nation’s strong fishing industry - and that for West African countries near the sea.

3. Drying

Drying is the process through which food is dehydrated until all the moisture that supports microbial activity is removed. Water removal from meat and seafood also concentrates the flavors in the food, therefore enhancing the taste. Drying requires specialized equipment like food dehydrators. Dried food appear throughout Ghanaian cuisine, such as konkonte, dried snails, dried meat, fungi, and seafoods, as well as dried and salted tilapia - which go perfectly with Ghanaian stews and local viands. Be sure to check out this dried tilapia recipe, and make sure you have a knife that can be used to fillet fish or debone chicken.

4. Fermenting

Fermenting is one of the most popular methods of food preservation in West Africa. Foods that are fermented are technically aged; however, they age as a result of beneficial microbes instead of hostile ones that cause the food to spoil. Fermentation occurs when one kind of microbe acts on a food substance converting some of the food’s constituents into acids or alcohols. Ghanaian cuisine is no stranger to fermented foods - fermented corn and maize are popular in Ghana, in preparations such as akple or kenkey; asaana is also a popular Ghanaian drink made from fermented maize. Additionally, fermented millet is made into pitoo - the local tipple.

5. Pickling

Pickling involves soaking meat or fish in a solution made of salt, acid or alcohol. Most people prefer to pickle with vinegar as it is more readily available. It is essential to be careful with the pickling process as it can be unsafe when done incorrectly. Pickled cucumbers (or pickled vegetables of any kind) go perfect with the traditionally hot and spicy cuisine of West Africa.

6. Curing

Curing procedures are similar to pickling methods as they utilize salts, nitrates or acids. Modern curing methods often require refrigeration, and they are typically used in combination with other preparation methods such as fermenting or smoking. Toolu beef is a traditional salted and cured Ghanaian beef dish that goes perfectly with fried rice, served with traditional Ghanaian shito sauce.

7. Smoking

Smoking is the most common traditional method of preserving fish. Today, the smoking technique is mostly used to enhance the flavors of meat and seafood. Smoke can be applied to a food product either through a liquid or through natural smoke. Natural smoke is acquired from various types of wood such hickory while liquid smoke is extracted scientifically from natural wood smoke. Smoked meat, seafood, and offal is very common in Ghana’s rich soups and stews, and gives them their fragrance and kick.

Man, that sure sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, why not check out some online stores to grab your fill?

Ghana’s Culture

Ghanaian Souvenir Recommendation – Must-Have Musical Instruments From Ghana

— Nbangan

One good way to spend your vacation in Ghana is to enjoy the sounds. Different regions of the country offer their own authentic music and musical instruments, and you could still enjoy them even if you have returned home by getting your own locally-made Ghanaian percussion, stringed, or wind instrument. Here are some great options:

Akan Drum

Made from two different species of wood that are native to the African region and covered with drumskin made from deer hide, the Akan drum was invented in Ghana around the early 18th century. It was said to have been brought to America by slave traders who had their slaves dance to the beats for exercise. It is an important piece in the British Museum, as it is the oldest object of African-American origin kept there.

Aburukuwa

Shaped like a bottle, with pegs that hold together its skin, the Aburukuwa is a type of drum from Ghana’s Ashanti Region. It is used by the Ashanti people in various ceremonies and rituals, such as ancestor worship, funerals, and during wars. The old Aburukuwa drums were commonly covered in black and red to signify bloodbath and death.

Atenteben

Made of bamboo, the Atenteben is a flute-like instrument from Ghana’s Ashanti people. Before the 20th century, it was frequently used during funeral processions, but later became typical in classical and contemporary musical compositions, and in performances that feature young musicians from Ashanti’s schools.

Fontomfrom

The Fontomfrom was originally used as a communication tool by a group of Ashanti people to relay messages to and from the Ashanti royalty. Later on, it became an important piece in musical ensemble performances for ceremonies for Ashanti monarchy and chiefs. It started out as an hourglass-shaped instrument, and has evolved into the more common drum shape of today.

Gyil

A significant musical instrument in the culture of the Northern Ghana people, the gyil is a type of xylophone that is commonly played with a kuor, which is a type of drum, in funerals. Made of wood, it consists of a wooden frame with 14 keys.

Seperewa

A type of string instrument that is believed to have been invented in the 17th century in Ghana, the Seperewa is a harp-lute chordophone variety that is made up of between six to fourteen strings. It is played by either setting it on a standing bridge or resting on the player’s lap, and then strumming using the thumbs. It produces something like the unmistakable sound of a ukulele, a guitar, or other types of string instruments.

Rakatak

The rakatak is a type of traditional Ghanaian percussion instrument that is made of wood, with a number of calabash gourd shells attached to it. It is frequently used in performances that feature neo-pagan and traditional African music.

Ghana

The Different Types of Cloth and Clothing Made in Ghana

— Nbangan


All over Ghana, you can find numerous traditional and expert weavers who make various clothing and decorative products. If you want to spice up your everyday wardrobe, a top or a scarf wove by Ghanaians can definitely make a difference. So, if you are thinking of going on a trip one day, why not go to Ghana and take pleasure in the country’s rich and thriving local arts and handicrafts culture?

Kente Cloth

If your daily routine involves waking up in the morning, showering, having breakfast, going to work, applying face or eye wrinkle moisturizer, and then going to bed, you absolutely have to shake things up to not die of boredom. Start small by changing a bit of your work outfit. Look into getting yourself a shirt or skirt made of Kente cloth. A type of cotton and silk fabric that is made by the ethnic group called Akan from South Ghana, Kente cloth is an important type of cloth that used to be only worn during important events by kings. Today, it has become widespread and is used to make a wide variety of clothes. It comes in different colors that signify different meanings. For instance, a black Kente cloth represents a high level of spiritual energy, a gold one stands for wealth and royalty, a silver one for purity and serenity, and a purple one for femininity.

Gonja Cloth

A traditional product from the people of Ghana’s Northern Region, Gonja cloth is a strong and sturdy type of cloth made by sewing together vertical strips of cotton cloth to make one large one. Throughout Ghana’s history, the Gonjan people are known for their exemplary hand weaving skills, and their Gonja cloth is considered to be the most original and authentic product of African cloth weaving. To make Gonja cloth, the locals pick cotton balls and process these by their own hands to get rid of the seeds and to transform the balls into thin, fine fibers. And then, they spin those into threads with the use of their hand-made spindles. The threads that come out are wrapped around wooden sticks until about four pounds worth of thread are made. The threads are now ready to be dyed and woven into cloth to make curtains, bed sheets, table cloths, and more.

Adinkra Cloth

Only spiritual leaders and royalty used to be able to wear clothing made of Adinkra cloth. This type of cloth is a special type of fabric that is hand-woven and is available as dyed, undyed, printed, and plain. These days, it is worn by more people, especially that it now comes in more colors, including brightly colored ones.

Ghana

Getting to Know Ghana’s Culture Through its Arts and Crafts

— Nbangan

It is very common for tourists to buy souvenirs on their trips to remind them of the fantastic time they had in that foreign land. So, if you plan to visit Ghana in the future, you have to include to your itinerary activities that can enrich your knowledge on the country’s handicraft culture and traditions. Here is a sample of what you can do:

Aburi Botanical Garden

While the flight to Ghana may take several hours, you can sleep on the plane and use silk to cover your eyes the entire journey to have enough energy to explore once you land. Once at Kotoka International Airport, head to your hotel right away to drop your bags off. Then, visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens in Accra. Home to a wide variety of plants and trees, the Aburi Botanical Gardens is a large botanical garden that covers about 65 hectares of land. It features rows and rows of palm trees, silk cotton trees, and numerous ornamental plants, such as Brownea grandiceps, Bambusa nana, and Dillenia indica. Moreover, it has a wood carving place where you can see displays of exquisite woodcarving and shop for souvenirs.

Academy of African Music and Art

Found on Ghana’s southern coast, about 30 kilometers from Accra, the Academy of African Music and Art offers a place where the arts and nature meet. It is a large complex made up of several houses that feature traditional African culture, with gardens that grow various tropical flowering plants and coconut trees. For those who want to learn how to play some traditional Ghanaian musical instruments, dance, and handcrafting, the Academy conducts classes run by expert instructors with loads of knowledge and experience on these matters. It also offers African music and dance shows for guests.

Kumasi

Located in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Kumasi is a large city that offers many cultural spots. Dubbed as “The Garden City,” it grows different species of gorgeous plants, flowers, and trees that add to the metropolis’ beauty. For handicraft products, check out the Craft Villages to see the products of the excellent skills and talents of the local craftsmen. Also, there is the Centre for National Culture, a place that showcases tons of Ghanaian handicrafts that have been passed down through generations.

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

The final resting place of respected Ghanaian leader, Doctor Kwame Nkrumah, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is a spacious national park sitting on a former polo field built by the Brits. It occupies about five acres and has a museum that details the life of the country’s first president. Inside the museum, you can find different crafts, memorabilia, and items that Nkrumah owned throughout his lifetime.

Beauty Products

Are You the All-Natural Type? Check Out These Beauty Products from Ghana

— Nbangan

Everyone knows that skin care is of utmost importance to the Ghanaian girl. The land of cocoa butter, Shea butter and gold must, after all, produce some amazing beauty products. Ghana is known for its natural and effective beauty products exported all over the world and used to make the expensive face creams, moisturisers and cleansers found in any respectable beauty shops. However, since natural is best, here are five amazing beauty products from Ghana you should definitely try out:

1. Shea Butter

Shea Butter is made from the seeds of the fruit of the karite (Shea) tree found abundantly in Ghana. It is used as a body oil, facial moisturiser and hair food and has fatty acids and nutrients great for boosting collagen production. The oil contains Vitamins A, F and E and offers UV protection to the tune of SPF 6. Its benefits include moisturizing, reducing inflammation, soothing and smoothing the skin, healing chapped lips, improving skin elasticity and fades stretch marks among other benefits.

2. Cocoa Butter

This is a natural moisturiser obtained from high-quality Ghanaian cocoa beans. It has natural antioxidants and emollient properties and is used in soaps, lotions and cosmetics. It can also be used without additives, but since is hard at room temperature, you should warm it up before use.

3. African Black Soap

This is a soap that is made from the ashes of plants, barks and leaves from plantain, cocoa pods, Shea tree and palm tree leaves. Once collected and sundried, the plants are roasted at constant temperature then water and/oil is added and the mixture stirred for a day then left to set. The African black soap is a popular beauty product in Ghana and beyond due to its numerous benefits including properties, cleansing, oil control and acne fighting and UV protection due to the Shea butter content. Sometimes, oil such as coconut oil is added for a hydrating effect. It is also used to clear dark spots and eczema, blemishes and fine lines. The soap also known as Dudu Osun or Osse Dudu contains iron and Vitamin A & E and is great for the skin and hair.

4. Black Seed Oil

This seed oil is extracted from a herb in Ghana and is used to boost immunity, heal the skin and promote fast hair growth. It is pure and natural and nourished the hair and skin due to its hypoallergenic and purification properties as well as because it contains vitamins and natural minerals - best paired with a brush that’s perfect for combing and styling. Indulge your crowning glory with this all-organic treat with aplomb - you’ll see the difference instantly.

5. Coconut Oil

Locally known as Kube Angoa; is produced from fresh coconuts at low temperature and in Ghana, most oils have no fillers and are therefore great skin moisturisers, hair treatment oils and can be used in lotions. It has numerous benefits such as replenishing properties after sun exposure, moisturising properties for both skin and hair, conditions the hair, suppresses hair loss while promoting hair growth and improves eczema and psoriasis ravaged skin.

Exotic Gift Ideas

Six Excellent and Exotic Gift Ideas You Can Only Find in Ghana

— Nbangan

Ghana has excellent crafts and goods handmade and traditionally designed that make for great gifts. With street vendors and open-air markets, craft shops and malls, it is easy to buy wonderful and useful items from the renowned craftsmen. These gifts are unique and locally made; an indigenous piece of Ghana that is an excellent gift for your loved ones. That is precisely the reason why, regardless whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, along, or with friends or with family, or even with a baby - yes, you can navigate the tricky streets with your child, just make sure to be prepared with a satchel and a top rated nappy carryer!

1. Uniquely Designed and Handcrafted African Clothing

A dress of African design and with African prints is a great choice for your lady friends and relatives. The African textiles and prints are also adorned on purses and shoes and these are excellent gifts for anyone who would appreciate a touch of African class on their clothes and accessories. Cloths such as Kente cloth which is bright and hand woven, Adinkra cloth, a hand stamped cloth with monochrome symbols representing traditions and Gonja cloth, a white and indigo-dyed cloth all make beautiful dresses, shirts and other types of clothing.

2. Authentic Ghanaian Jewellery

Unique African jewellery made from beads and cowrie looks really good and makes for an excellent gift to loved ones. You can also get gold jewellery in African designs after all being in Ghana means you are in the former Gold Coast, a country known for being the 2nd largest exporter of gold in Africa. Beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets are also available.

3. Painting and Handicrafts

Canvas paintings, intricate carvings, drums, beads, and other souvenirs that speak of a great African culture are also another great gift idea. There is a wide eclectic variety of handcrafted artwork. Ghanaian paintings by gifted painters such as Nanoff and Korkor Kugblenu are beautiful and unique gifts. Other handicrafts include beautiful sculptures, Ashanti male and female stools (the male has straight legs and the female has curved ones), Akuaba fertility dolls, indigenous masks and exquisitely carved coffins.

4. Shea Butter, Black Soap, and Natural Oils Straight from the Source

Ghana is also known for its natural beauty products that are great for the skin, hair, and body. These include Shea butter, African black soap, moisturisers, chap sticks and natural oils. These are great gifts especially for natural product enthusiasts.

5. Some of the Best Chocolate You’ll Ever Have

Ghana is also famous for its cocoa production and is one of the main suppliers of cocoa to chocolate companies such as Cadbury’s. Getting a bit of cocoa to use in your recipes straight from the source is a meaningful gift idea. You can get high quality chocolates, choco cream, choco butter and cocoa powder from markets and street vendors. Trust us, nothing is better than a freshly-made block of Ghanaian cacao purchased straight from the market a few hours after it’s been made. Nonpareil!

6. Music

When you visit Ghana, enjoy the local and traditional music and dance and buy musical instruments as souvenir gifts. The instruments used in Ghanaian music include drums, xylophones, string instruments, gankogui (a gong), axatse (rattles) and calabash - that’s not even including yet the many hidden gems of Ghanaian afrobeat, funk, and highlife music - there is always a treasure trove in the streets of Accra for some vintage, extra-funky, and soulful Ghanaian music!

That’s 6 of the best products you can get only in Ghana - we’ll come up with more next time!

Ghana

A Guide to the Aluminium Smelting and Manufacturing Sector in Ghana

— Nbangan

Ghana, apart from its relative political stability, its economic growth, and its vibrant, thriving democracy, is also renowned for its manufacturing and mining industries spawning sectors such as aluminium processing, gold, diamonds and manganese exportation. The aluminium processing industry is especially a big part of the manufacturing sector due to the bauxite reserves in Ghana. The bauxite ore deposits when mined are exported or smelted in the country to provide alumina for the aluminium industries in the country.

A Brief Background Of The Ghanaian Aluminium Industry

First discovered in 1914 in Atewa Range, bauxite the raw material of alumina was then found in other areas across the country. While presently it is mined only at Awaso, other areas with the ore deposits are Kibi, Ejuanema and Nyinahin.

From Bauxite To Aluminium

The processing of the bauxite to form aluminium, goes through a 4 stage power consuming process which includes mining, refining of the bauxite ore into alumina, smelting of alumina into aluminum ingots which are then finally cast into sheets or col for use in industries. Ghana exports various forms of the aluminium. Bauxite ore is exported to Canada and Scotland. Unfortunately due to the complexity, high cost of production and high power requirement, Ghana has no integrated aluminium industry due to the absence of an alumina plant to produce alumina from the bauxite ore. Local smelters such as the largest and most popular Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) import alumina to smelt into ingots. Other aluminium production companies such as Aluworks cast ingots into sheets and coils for use. The aluminium is then sold to building and other industries to manufacture door and window frames, corrugated roofing sheets, curtain rails, kitchenware and other aluminium products. Pretty much for every purpose that needs aluminium - for automobiles, automobile parts, aircraft, seacraft, heck, even it’s even the subject that matters to Pumps for Bikes, which are bicycles, pumps, and other sorts of sundries related to biking. One way or another, aluminium is used in such industrial applications.

Old And New Challenges That The Ghanaian Aluminium Indsutry Faces

The industry has been fraught with problems, especially of limited power supply. The processing of aluminium requires cheap continuous power and is supplied by hydro-electric power from the Akosombo and Kpong dams on the Volta River. Poor infrastructure such as a good railway system and lack of government support also limits the growth capacity of the industry. In fact, VALCO and the hydro-electric power supplier, Volta River Authority (VRA) has been embroiled in wrangles over the pricing of power. In 2016, the government invited investors to invest in the mining and processing of bauxite. They were however required to provide their own means of power generation. While plans for an integrated aluminium processing are still underway, Ghana’s government needs to be more involved in addressing the problems facing the industry so as to improve its growth capacity and competitiveness.

All in all, aluminium processing, mining, and manufacturing is one of Ghana’s crown jewels of industry - we’ll discuss more about Ghana’s other industrial highlights in succeeding articles.