Sights and Sounds
Why an Entire Ghanaian Village Was Built on a Lake
Imagine finishing work and, instead of driving home or squeezing into a crowded trotro, climbing into a canoe and paddling through a maze of mangroves.
Deep inside the Amanzule wetlands in Ghana’s Western Region lies Nzulezu, a remarkable settlement where homes, a school, church and other community buildings stand above the waters of Lake Tadane on wooden stilts.
Reaching the village is part of the experience. Visitors travel by canoe along a winding route through the wetlands, a journey that can take roughly 30 to 45 minutes.
As the mangroves gradually open up, the settlement appears on the water—a community that seems almost suspended between forest and lake.
But Nzulezu was not created as a picturesque escape.
According to oral tradition, the community’s ancestors migrated from what is now Mali centuries ago while fleeing slave traders.
Their journey eventually brought them to Lake Tadane, where a spirit guide, said to have appeared as a snail, instructed them to build their homes above the water for protection.
That story remains central to Nzulezu’s identity, passed down through generations alongside a way of life shaped by the lake.
Even farming has adapted to the environment, with crops cultivated on land above the water.
Today, Nzulezu remains a relatively small but enduring community, preserving traditions that connect its present-day residents to a remarkable history of migration and survival.
The village has also been on Ghana’s UNESCO World Heritage tentative list since 2000.
Its beauty may draw visitors, but its deeper significance lies elsewhere. Nzulezu was not built on water simply because the setting was beautiful.
It was built because, for its ancestors, the water offered safety. Centuries later, that decision still defines home.
A child searching for their first picture book, a university student hunting for a prescribed textbook or a reader hoping to find their next favourite novel can all begin their search at the same place: EPP BookShop at Legon City Mall.
Located at 7 Lagoon Street, off Giffard Road, the Legon branch brings together books for different ages, interests and stages of learning.
Its appeal lies in the range of titles available, making it a useful stop for families preparing children for school, students pursuing higher education and readers looking beyond the classroom.
From a Small Accra Shop to a Growing Book Business
EPP Books began in 1991 as a modest bookshop in Accra, occupying a space of no more than 20 square metres.
Over the years, it grew into a chain with branches across the West African sub-region, expanding its reach beyond its original location.
That journey reflects the continuing need for accessible books in homes, schools and educational institutions.
For many learners, textbooks and supplementary readers are essential tools, while novels and self-help books offer opportunities for entertainment, personal growth and discovery.
Books for Different Stages of Life
At the Legon branch, the selection spans preschool materials, children’s readers, school curriculum books, secondary-school textbooks and university-level titles. Customers can also browse bestselling novels and books on personal development.
EPP BookShop serves both retail and wholesale customers, giving individual readers and organisations options for purchasing books. If a particular title is unavailable on the shelves, the shop can also arrange to order it.
For residents, students and visitors in the Legon area, the branch offers more than a place to buy reading materials. It provides a practical starting point for the search for knowledge, whether that begins with a child’s first schoolbook or a reader’s next literary adventure.
In a city where daily life can move at a relentless pace, finding a place to pause, unwind and feel refreshed can be a luxury in itself.
At Niobe Salon and Spa, located within Accra’s African Regent Hotel, beauty and relaxation come together in a contemporary setting designed to make personal care an enjoyable experience.
Niobe operates across five locations in Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital, with a philosophy built around the belief that cultivating a personal style should be rewarding, relaxing and fun. Its guiding idea, that “beauty is a feeling,” places the experience of self-care at the heart of its offering.
Facial Treatments for a Refreshed Look
At the African Regent Hotel branch, the treatment menu caters to guests seeking specialised skincare and facial care.
Options include Elemis facials, CACI lifting facials, Biotec Elemis facials, microdermabrasion and peel treatments, as well as Dr Murad facials.
These services offer visitors a range of choices, whether they are looking to refresh their complexion, explore targeted skincare treatments or set aside time for a personal wellness ritual.
The variety also makes the spa an appealing option for hotel guests and Accra residents looking to incorporate professional beauty care into their routines.
The hotel’s location adds to the appeal, offering a convenient setting for visitors who want to combine a beauty appointment with a stay or other activities in the city.
Making Time for Self-Care in Accra
Niobe Salon and Spa welcomes clients during the week and on Saturdays, with Sunday hours listed separately.
However, its published schedules contain some inconsistencies, so prospective visitors should confirm opening times before making a trip.
For travellers discovering Accra or residents seeking a dedicated beauty appointment, Niobe presents an opportunity to step away from everyday demands and make time for themselves.
At its African Regent Hotel location, the emphasis is on more than appearance: it is about making the experience of looking after oneself feel restorative, personal and rewarding.
For children, a good weekend can be as simple as racing a friend, climbing onto a play structure or waiting excitedly for the next ride.
At Calabo Playground in East Legon, those small moments are at the heart of the experience.
Located on Mensah Wood Street, Calabo is a soft play and playground designed for children aged 3 to 10, giving families a dedicated space where young children can stay active, socialise and enjoy unstructured play in a secure environment.
One of the attractions is the chance to climb into a canoe and race against friends—a playful competition that can quickly turn an ordinary afternoon into a hunt for bragging rights.
Children can also explore a range of indoor and outdoor equipment, with activities including a sliding pool and train rides.
The playground is particularly suited to Accra families looking for something different from spending weekends indoors. School holidays also bring an opportunity for children to spend more time playing, learning and interacting with others.
Beyond the equipment, Calabo offers a setting for children to build confidence and friendships through play. Parents can also organise parties, while homemade snacks add to the family-friendly experience.
Entry is priced from GH¢30 per hour, making it an accessible option for families seeking a few hours of entertainment without committing to a full-day outing. Calabo operates on weekends and during school holidays, so families should plan their visits around those opening periods.
For visitors to Accra travelling with young children, Calabo offers a glimpse of the city’s family leisure scene. For local parents, it is a simple invitation to let the children run, race, laugh and play.
