Sights and Sounds
Bigger Than Manhyia: Discover the Grandeur of the Assin Kushea Palace, West Africa’s Largest
Tucked away in the quiet Central Region town of Assin Kushea lies a masterpiece of traditional architecture that is quietly redefining Ghana’s tourism landscape.
The Assin Kushea Palace, built by Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, Paramount Chief of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area, is believed to be the largest palace in West Africa—surpassing even the renowned Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in physical size and scale.
For travel influencer Gladys Cassandra Bugashie (@iamcassie_gh), the discovery was nothing short of revelation.
“I don’t even know why I am now discovering this gem,” she exclaims in a recent Instagram video that has since gone viral. “They said this is the largest palace in West Africa. Honestly, when I was coming, I just decided not to give myself any expectations. Guys, I absolutely agree this place is the biggest palace in West Africa. I am shocked, like properly shocked.”
A Vision Born from a Wife’s Encouragement
The story of how this magnificent structure came to be is as compelling as the palace itself. Speaking to Etsey Atisu, host of People & Places on GhanaWeb TV, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI revealed that the inspiration came from an unexpected source: his wife.
“I remember one day, I was talking to my wife about Kushea and she said, ‘You should build a palace o, you should build a palace before you go—you should build a palace.’ I said OK, I hear. I will; I will. Little did she know all her ‘chop money’ would go into the palace,” the chief recounted with a chuckle.
Construction began 13 years ago, and on the very same day, the chief planted a tree on the palace grounds.
“So, they have the same birthdays; the tree and the palace,” he noted. Though still not fully completed, the palace already stands as a testament to what the chief calls “inter-generational leadership”—a legacy meant to endure long after he is gone.
Grandeur on a 7.4-Acre Scale
Sitting on approximately 7.4 acres of land, the Assin Kushea Palace is a sprawling complex that defies expectations.
Unlike the more famous Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region—primarily a residence and historical museum for the Asantehene—the Assin Kushea Palace was conceived from the outset as a tourism and community asset.
The chief has stated that he does not intend to reside in the palace himself; rather, it is being built to promote tourism and showcase Ghanaian culture to the world.
Visitors to the palace are greeted by an imposing entrance flanked by two statues of warriors, spears and shields in hand, standing guard. Beyond lies a massive courtyard suitable for ceremonial gatherings, complete with an elevated platform where the chief presides during functions.
The architectural details tell stories. Throughout the complex, visitors will encounter numerous sculptures of dogs—the totem of the chief’s Aduana Clan. According to legend, a dog guided the clan during their migration, lighting the path with fire from its mouth. The dog represents honesty and industriousness, values that the chief has clearly embedded in his vision for the community.
More Than Just a Palace
What sets the Assin Kushea Palace apart is its multifaceted nature. The complex includes:
- A botanical garden showcasing local flora
- A mini-zoo housing various animals
- A fishpond, created by the chief to address potential future fish shortages resulting from the environmental impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the Pra River
- Guest rooms for visitors who wish to stay overnight and immerse themselves in the peaceful environment
- Walls adorned with African proverbs, traditional artifacts, and depictions of animals and birds
“The place is huge, neat, and very grand,” Bugashie marvels in her video. “You just stand there and you’re like, whoa, so this is actually in my country. The funny thing is, it’s quietly tucked away in the Central Region of Ghana, not even loud about it. Just sitting there like a gem.”
The Cleanest Town in Ghana
The palace is not the only point of pride for Assin Kushea. Under Nana Prah Agyensaim VI’s leadership, the town has earned the distinction of being the cleanest in Ghana . The chief recognized early that he could not compete with larger, wealthier paramountcies, so he chose to be different—focusing on sanitation as a unique selling point .
His approach was rooted in understanding Ghanaian cultural habits.
“We as Ghanaians had the tradition of throwing leaves away, when we used to eat from leaves… after you finish eating, the natural thing to do is throw the leaves away. In those days, it didn’t matter because the leaves would decompose. So, we were not littering, but the habit of throwing had been ingrained in us,” he explained. “So, when this creature called plastic came, we put our food in the plastic. After eating, we throw it away because that is the habit that we had inculcated in us. So, my problem was to stop the throwing away”.
Today, Assin Kushea’s streets are tarred, dustbins are ubiquitous, and the chief personally conducts visits to communities and schools to emphasize the importance of hygiene .
A Call to Domestic Tourism
For Bugashie, the experience carried a deeper message about how Ghanaians view their own country.
“Sometimes, we are just looking outside Ghana to find nice places to visit, but the real beauty is right here at home,” she reflects. “Trust me, you will love it. I loved it, so I’m sure you would.”
Her sentiment echoes a growing movement encouraging Ghanaians to explore their own backyard. While the slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina draw international visitors, and the Manhyia Palace attracts those interested in Ashanti history, the Assin Kushea Palace offers something different: a living, growing monument to what visionary leadership can achieve.
Practical Information for Visitors
The Assin Kushea Palace is located approximately 12 kilometers off the Assin Fosu highway in the Central Region . Tour operators such as Obed B. offer guided day tours from Accra and surrounding areas, with itineraries that include the palace, the mini-zoo, and opportunities to learn about the history of the Akan people and the surrounding communities .
For those seeking a deeper experience, guest rooms are available on-site, allowing visitors to stay overnight and fully absorb the peaceful atmosphere that characterizes both the palace grounds and the town itself .
As Bugashie concludes in her video: “If you like traveling and exploring or just seeing nice places, please add this to your bucket list. Do not sleep on it. Go and experience it for yourself.”
The Assin Kushea Palace stands as proof that Ghana’s tourism treasures extend far beyond the well-trodden paths—and that sometimes, the most magnificent discoveries are hiding in plain sight.
The river is often the first thing you notice at Aqua Safari Resort. In Big Ada, the broad waters of the Volta River stretch beyond manicured lawns and waterfront spaces, catching the afternoon light as boats move across the water and the sounds of nature replace the bustle of Accra.
It is the kind of setting that encourages visitors to slow down almost without being asked.
Life by the Volta
Located in Ada in Ghana’s Greater Accra Region, Aqua Safari Resort has built its experience around the relationship between hospitality and the natural environment.
Established in 2014, the resort describes its approach as bringing guests closer to nature, with accommodation overlooking gardens, lawns and the Volta River.
For travellers, there is plenty to do beyond simply admiring the view. Kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing and boat rides offer different ways to experience the water, while cycling, swimming, tennis, archery and other outdoor activities keep land-based adventurers occupied.
The resort also offers its Safari Island Cruise, taking guests onto the Volta for a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.
A Different Side of Ghana
The appeal of Aqua Safari is not only its recreational offering. Its location in the Ada area places visitors within a landscape shaped by the Volta, waterways and coastal life, making a stay here an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Ghana away from the capital’s constant movement.
There is also something satisfying about ending the day beside the river, with a meal outdoors and the water providing the soundtrack.
For international visitors, it offers a relaxed introduction to Ghana beyond the country’s major cities and historic attractions; for local travellers, it provides an easy change of scenery for a weekend escape.
Aqua Safari ultimately works because the landscape is part of the experience. Come for the water, stay for the calm, and leave with the memory of Ghana seen from the river.
Sights and Sounds
When the Compound House Was Home: The Quiet Disappearance of Ghana’s Communal Living
Long before gated estates and high walls redefined urban living in Ghana, the compound house was more than a place to sleep.
It was a social ecosystem where neighbours became family, children belonged to an entire community, and daily life unfolded in full view of everyone.
In many Ghanaian towns and cities, several families shared a common courtyard, creating spaces where conversations, celebrations and disagreements naturally became collective experiences.
If children climbed a mango tree or wandered too far from home, any passing elder felt responsible enough to intervene. Discipline was communal, and parents rarely questioned a neighbour who corrected their child. Looking out for one another was simply part of everyday life.
That shared way of living extended beyond parenting. Someone always had food to spare, advice to offer or company to keep. Family was defined as much by proximity and trust as by blood ties, giving many people a built-in support system that softened life’s challenges.
Today, Ghana’s housing landscape has shifted. Modern homes prioritise privacy, while gated communities and apartment living have become increasingly common, particularly in growing cities.
Nuclear families now spend more time behind closed doors, and even within the same household, conversations are often replaced by text messages and phone calls.
The transformation reflects changing lifestyles and growing urbanisation, bringing greater independence and personal space. Yet it also raises an important question about what has been left behind.
As communities become more disconnected, many Ghanaians look back on the compound house not simply with nostalgia, but as a reminder that strong neighbourhoods were once built on shared responsibility, open doors and the comforting certainty that someone was always looking out for you.
On Ghana’s picturesque western coastline, where dense tropical forest meets the calm waters of the Gulf of Guinea, Lou Moon Resort offers a rare kind of getaway—one that combines luxury with an unmistakable sense of place.
Located near Axim in the Western Region, the resort is surrounded by lush greenery that creates an atmosphere of peace from the moment visitors arrive.
Rather than relying solely on lavish amenities, Lou Moon draws its appeal from its setting, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with nature while enjoying the comforts of an upscale retreat.
The accommodation reflects this philosophy. Richly designed rooms take inspiration from Ghana’s cultural heritage, blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort.
The result is a stay that feels both elegant and deeply rooted in local identity, offering visitors an experience that goes beyond the typical beach holiday.
Food is equally central to the experience. Guests can savour locally inspired heritage dishes that celebrate Ghana’s diverse culinary traditions, adding another layer of cultural discovery to their stay. Every meal becomes an opportunity to explore regional flavours while overlooking the tranquil coastline.
For travellers seeking adventure alongside relaxation, Lou Moon delivers. Kayaking across the calm waters offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, while the resort’s spectacular sunsets provide the perfect finale to the day.
Whether shared with a partner, family or a group of friends, the golden evening skies transform the shoreline into an unforgettable setting.
As Ghana continues to attract travellers looking for authentic experiences, Lou Moon Resort stands out as a destination where nature, culture and understated luxury come together, proving that the country’s most memorable escapes are often found far from the crowds.
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