Tourism
The 6-hour Shake: Why Ghana’s Bumpy Roads Are the Ultimate Travel Test
The flight from Accra to Kumasi takes 45 minutes. Smooth. Efficient. Quiet. But Nikki and Tommy, retired U.S. Army veterans and hosts of Travel Tips and Recommendations, didn’t take the flight. They took the road.
“It’s a six-hour road trip you’ll never forget—and you’ll wish you were never on,” Tommy laughs, shaking his head. “Facts.”
Welcome to Ghana’s infrastructure paradox: a country rich in history, culture, and energy, where the journey between two of its most important cities feels like an expedition.
The Reality of the Road
The couple’s bus—luggage strapped to the roof, passengers gripping armrests—chugged along highways that don’t quite match the glossy travel brochures. The asphalt gave way to ruts. The ruts gave way to dust. And the dust gave way to a bone-rattling rhythm that lasted half a day.
“You love for it to be smooth,” Nikki says. “But it’s not. And nobody tells you that.”
This is the hidden chapter of the West African travel guide. While Instagram showcases Cape Coast Castle’s haunting beauty and Accra’s rooftop bars, it rarely shows the six-hour haul that connects the capital to Kumasi, a prominent Ghanaian city.
The Insider Secret
Here’s what the couple wants you to know: You have a choice.
For about $100 USD, domestic flights from Accra to Kumasi whisk travelers over the potholes entirely. But most tour groups—especially large ones—default to the road. It’s cheaper. It’s adventurous. And frankly, it’s exhausting.
“We took the bumpy ride so you don’t have to,” Nikki says. “Take. The. Flight.”
Why It Matters
But here’s the twist: the couple doesn’t regret it.
Because somewhere between the jolts and the red dust, they saw Ghana up close. They saw women balancing plantains on their heads along the shoulder. They saw tro-tros overflowing with passengers. They saw life—unfiltered, unpolished, unapologetic.
“Infrastructure isn’t just concrete,” Tommy reflects. “It’s the pace of a country. And Ghana moves at its own speed.”
Ghana is booming. Its economy is one of Africa’s fastest-growing. Its Year of Return initiative drew hundreds of thousands of diaspora visitors. But infrastructure takes time.
For now, the advice from those who’ve survived the shake is simple: Pack patience. Book the flight if you can. And if you take the road, bring snacks, a good playlist, and a sense of humor.
“You’ll get there,” Nikki says. “And when you do, it’s worth every bump.”
Long before dawn breaks over Accra’s busy streets, the crackle of hot oil and the warm, sharp perfume of ginger and scotch bonnet chilies signal that koose is on the way.
Also known as akara across West Africa, this iconic bean fritter holds a special place in the rhythm of Ghanaian life, serving as an indispensable staple of morning routines and street-food culture.
While delicious on its own, koose reaches absolute perfection when paired with koko, a hot, aromatic millet porridge infused with cloves and black pepper.
The creamy, fiery porridge balances the crunchy fritters, creating a sensory experience that warms the soul and fuels the day.
Whether grabbed from a neighborhood street vendor or fried fresh at home, koose remains a timeless symbol of West African culinary comfort.
Just minutes from Kotoka International Airport on Airport Bypass Road, inside the historic Aviation Social Centre, sits a modern retreat from Accra’s tropical heat and bustling urban traffic.
Bliss Family Entertainment has quickly established itself as a premier indoor leisure hub, seamlessly bridging the gap between high-energy active recreation and relaxed social gatherings for locals, expats, and international travelers alike.
The climate-controlled center features an expansive lineup of activities tailored for diverse age groups. Visitors can challenge friends on a six-lane 10-pin bowling alley (GH¢125 per game) or let younger children try mini-bowling (GH¢100).
For thrill-seekers, a vibrant trampoline park provides high-bounce arenas (GH¢125 for under-12s, GH¢175 for ages 12+), while immersive Twin Battle VR setups (GH¢100) and an arcade stocked with over 20 games round out the technological play space. Younger guests can also enjoy gentle Teacup Spin rides.
What truly sets the venue apart is its integration of active gaming with local culinary culture. Instead of standard concession food, an on-site restaurant and bar serves authentic Ghanaian favorites, including Assorted Jollof (GH¢220), Goat Jollof (GH¢250), and Grilled Tilapia (GH¢250), alongside hearty stir-fried noodles and grilled meats.
Operating late into the night—from 12:00 PM to midnight Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 AM to midnight on weekends—the center provides an easy, safe space for family outings, weekend dates, and stress-relieving evening hangouts.
By combining modern recreational technology with rich local flavors, Bliss continues to set the benchmark for indoor family leisure in West Africa.
There is something irresistible about a plate of Red Red—the rich crimson sauce, sweet golden plantain on the side, and the comforting aroma that fills the air long before the first bite.
One of Ghana’s most loved bean dishes, Red Red takes its name from its striking colour, created by ripe tomatoes and vibrant red palm oil.
The result is a hearty meal that balances deep, savoury flavours with a gentle sweetness, making it a favourite from bustling street food stalls to family dining tables.
At its heart are soft, slow-cooked black-eyed beans that soak up a fragrant tomato stew infused with onions and spices. The red palm oil adds an earthy richness and a distinctive aroma that gives the dish its unmistakable character.
Pair it with fried ripe plantains, and every mouthful becomes a satisfying contrast of creamy beans and caramelised sweetness.
Many Ghanaians complete the meal with a boiled or fried egg, turning an already generous dish into an even more filling feast.
Red Red has earned its place as more than comfort food. Beans provide plant-based protein and fibre, while tomatoes contribute vitamins and antioxidants. Red palm oil, used in moderation, also contains beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Visitors discovering Ghanaian cuisine for the first time often remember Red Red because it feels both familiar and exciting.
It’s simple enough for home cooks to recreate, yet packed with flavours that reflect Ghana’s talent for transforming everyday ingredients into memorable meals.
Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a satisfying weekend treat, Red Red remains one of the country’s proudest culinary classics.
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