Connect with us

Tourism

IShowSpeed’s Viral Ghana Waterfall Adventure Spotlights Okere District as Emerging Eco-Tourism Gem

Published

on

American streaming sensation IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.) has inadvertently thrust Ghana’s Okere District into the international spotlight after his viral visit to the scenic Asenema Waterfall, describing the serene location as “peaceful” and “calm” during a live stream that captivated millions of global viewers.

The high-energy content creator kicked off his Ghana leg—part of a broader African tour—by trekking to Asenema Waterfall in the Okere District of the Eastern Region. Nestled at the base of the forested Akuapem Hills near Akropong, the plunge-style cascade drops 15-20 metres into a clear pool amid lush greenery, bamboo groves, and secondary forest. Accessible via a short 15-minute trail from the main road (and about 1.5 hours’ drive from Accra), the falls offer a tranquil escape for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking wellness retreats—qualities that resonated with IShowSpeed and his audience.

The Okere District, established as a separate municipality in 2018 with Adukrom as its capital, encompasses seven towns: Abiriw, Dawu, Awukugua, Adukrom, Apirede, Aseseeso, and Abonse. Home to the indigenous Guan people who speak the Kyerepong/Okere language (alongside Akuapem Twi), the area is rich in cultural, spiritual, and natural attractions. Highlights include:

  • The birthplace and spiritual sites linked to Okomfo Anokye, the legendary priest who conjured the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa Kofi) and unified the Ashanti Kingdom, featuring a unique umbrella-shaped rock formation in Awukugua (Anokye Krom).
  • Two waterfalls: Asenema and Akaa.
  • The luxury Safari Valley resort between Adukrom and Asenema.
  • Historical significance, including one of Ghana’s few inland former slave markets in Abonse, a town over 700 years old (established around 1330).
  • Opportunities for eco-friendly experiences: farm tours (cocoa and palm wine tapping), mountain hikes, traditional spirituality and holistic medicine sessions, and fresh river explorations.

The viral moment has amplified “Brand Okere,” an initiative launched by diaspora entrepreneur Aretha Amma Sarfo-Kantanka (founder of Global Fusion Productions and Culture Curators) to promote green, wellness, and relaxation tourism beyond Accra’s party-focused scene. Sarfo-Kantanka, who spent early years in Awukugua and returned in 2016 after studies in the US, aims to showcase the district’s agricultural roots, fresh air, small-town vibes, and spiritual heritage.

@the1957news

IShowSpeed begins his Ghana tour with a massage at a waterfall in Akropong, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, and enjoys a fresh Ghanaian mango.

♬ original sound – The1957News

The buzz ties into upcoming events like the Anokye Festival (April 27–May 3, 2026) in Awukugua, organized with local chiefs and the host committee. The festival will feature a grand durbar of chiefs, purification rites, guided historical tours, cultural performances (music, dance, customs), and workshops for children—honoring Okomfo Anokye as the “Great Unifier” while fostering cultural exchange.

With IShowSpeed’s massive reach drawing fresh eyes to Ghana’s hidden gems, Okere District emerges as a must-visit for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences amid the ongoing Beyond the Return momentum. Tourism stakeholders hope this exposure translates into increased visits, investments, and sustainable growth for the region.

This article was culled from a write-up by Aretha Amma Sarfo-Kantanka, writer is the founder of Global Fusion Productions and Culture Curators. Read the original article here.

Taste GH

More Than a Meal: Why Cooking in Ghana Is Considered an Art

Published

on

By

The rich aroma of spices simmering over a fire, the rhythmic pounding of fufu, and the vibrant colours of freshly prepared stews tell a story that goes far beyond food in Ghana.

Here, cooking is often described as an art form—a skill passed from one generation to the next, shaped by culture, creativity, and deep community traditions.

Across the country, popular dishes such as jollof rice, waakye, banku, fufu, kenkey, and light soup are more than daily meals. They are expressions of identity and hospitality. Each dish requires a careful balance of ingredients, timing, texture, and technique.

A perfectly prepared bowl of groundnut soup, for example, depends on achieving the right blend of roasted peanut flavour, spices, and consistency. The same attention to detail applies to smoky jollof rice or the smooth texture of well-pounded fufu.

What makes Ghanaian cooking an art is the intuition involved. Many experienced cooks measure ingredients by sight, taste, and instinct rather than written recipes.

They understand how to layer flavours, combine local ingredients, and adapt dishes to family traditions while preserving their authentic character.

Beyond their delicious taste, many Ghanaian foods offer nutritional benefits through the use of fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, grains, and natural spices.

They provide both nourishment and comfort, making them favourites at family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations.

For visitors to Ghana, exploring local cuisine is one of the most rewarding ways to understand the country’s culture.

Every meal carries a story, and every bite reveals the creativity and heritage that make Ghanaian cooking a true art worth experiencing.

Continue Reading

Sights and Sounds

The Dodi Island Cruise Experience: Discover Ghana from a Different Perspective

Published

on

By

The gentle hum of a cruise boat drifts across the vast waters of Lake Volta as sunlight dances on the surface like scattered silver.

A warm breeze carries the scent of fresh water and distant greenery while passengers gather along the deck, cameras in hand, watching the shoreline slowly fade into the horizon.

This is the beginning of the Dodi Island Cruise, one of Ghana’s most celebrated leisure experiences and a journey that transforms travel into an unforgettable adventure.

Where Water, Nature and Leisure Meet

Located on the expansive Lake Volta, the largest man-made lake in the world by surface area, Dodi Island offers visitors a refreshing escape from the pace of city life. The adventure begins at Akosombo, where travelers board a cruise vessel and set sail across the lake’s calm waters.

The journey itself is part of the attraction. Hills rise gently in the distance, fishing canoes glide across the lake, and clusters of trees line the shoreline. Live music often fills the boat, creating a festive atmosphere as guests enjoy local cuisine, refreshments, and panoramic views from the deck.

Upon arrival at Dodi Island, visitors are welcomed by a peaceful environment rich in natural beauty. The island’s open spaces invite leisurely walks and photography, while cultural performances frequently introduce guests to Ghanaian drumming, dance, and storytelling traditions. Birdsong echoes through the air, and the surrounding waters create a soothing backdrop that feels worlds away from urban life.

An Experience That Stays With You

What makes the Dodi Island Cruise special is not simply the destination but the experience of the journey itself. It combines scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and moments of relaxation into a single excursion. Families, couples, solo travelers, and adventure seekers all find something to appreciate aboard the cruise.

For international visitors, it offers a unique perspective on Ghana beyond its beaches and bustling cities. For locals, it is an opportunity to reconnect with one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks.

Long after the boat returns to shore, memories of the lake’s shimmering waters, the rhythm of traditional music, and the quiet beauty of Dodi Island continue to travel with you.

Continue Reading

Taste GH

Ghana Salad: The Colourful Street Food That Never Goes Out of Style

Published

on

By

A bowl of Ghana Salad tells a story long before the first bite—one of colour, freshness, and a street food tradition that has stood the test of time.

Found everywhere from bustling roadside food stalls in Accra to family gatherings in Kumasi and Takoradi, Ghana Salad is one of the country’s most familiar and beloved dishes.

At first glance, it appears simple: a vibrant mix of lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, boiled eggs, baked beans, and sometimes corned beef or tuna. Yet its appeal lies in the balance of textures and flavours packed into every serving.

The crisp crunch of fresh vegetables meets the richness of eggs and protein, often finished with a generous drizzle of salad cream that gives the dish its signature taste. The aroma is clean and inviting, making it a refreshing choice in Ghana’s warm tropical climate.

For many Ghanaians, the salad carries a sense of nostalgia. It is a common companion to fried rice, jollof rice, grilled chicken, and festive meals. Others enjoy it as a light lunch or a healthier alternative to heavier dishes.

Street vendors often prepare it fresh throughout the day, attracting office workers, students, and travellers looking for a quick but satisfying meal.

Visitors to Ghana are often surprised by how deeply woven the dish is into everyday life. It reflects the country’s ability to adapt to global food influences while creating something distinctly local.

Affordable, filling, and colourful, Ghana Salad has earned its place as more than a side dish—it is a culinary staple.

Whether enjoyed from a roadside vendor or served at a family celebration, Ghana Salad remains a delicious reminder that some of the most memorable foods are often the simplest.

Continue Reading

Trending