Long before Ama Ata Aidoo became one of Africa’s most celebrated literary voices, her future was shaped by a decision that defied convention. In the 1940s, when educating girls was far from the norm in many parts of colonial Ghana, her father chose a different path.

He established a school in his compound and ensured his daughter received a formal education—a choice that would eventually influence African literature for generations.

Born in 1942 into a chiefly family in Saltpond, in Ghana’s Central Region, Aidoo grew up surrounded by storytelling and a strong sense of community. Family history also left a lasting impression.

According to accounts, the death of her grandfather during the colonial era inspired her father to see education as a powerful form of resistance and empowerment.

That foundation bore remarkable fruit. After attending Wesley Girls’ High School and studying English at the University of Ghana, Aidoo published The Dilemma of a Ghost in 1964 at just 22 years old.

Appearing only seven years after Ghana gained independence, the play became one of the first works by an African woman to earn international recognition.

Through stories exploring identity, migration, family and the relationship between Africa and the West, she helped redefine how African experiences were presented on the global stage.

Her influence reached far beyond literature. Aidoo served as Ghana’s Minister of Education, contributed to educational development in Zimbabwe, taught at universities across several countries, and mentored countless young writers, particularly women, throughout her career.

When she passed away in May 2023 at the age of 81, Ghana honoured her with a state funeral—a reflection of a life that transformed both education and literature.

Ama Ata Aidoo’s greatest legacy may not simply be the books she wrote, but the generations she inspired to tell their own stories with confidence and authenticity.

Some dishes do more than satisfy hunger—they tell the story of a people.

In northern Ghana, Tuo Zaafi, affectionately known as TZ, is one such meal, bringing together tradition, nourishment, and a sense of home in every serving.

Prepared from millet or maize flour, Tuo Zaafi has a remarkably smooth, velvety texture that sets it apart from many staple foods across West Africa.

It is carefully stirred over heat until it reaches a soft consistency, making it ideal for soaking up the rich flavours of the soups it accompanies.

The true magic of TZ lies in what surrounds it. It is most commonly paired with a vibrant green soup made from fresh leafy vegetables such as ayoyo or alefu, often enriched with local spices, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes tender cuts of beef, goat, fish, or guinea fowl.

The result is a meal that is earthy, savoury, and deeply comforting. Each spoonful balances the mild taste of the TZ with the fragrant, slightly slippery texture of the greens, creating a combination that generations of Ghanaians have cherished.

Beyond its flavour, Tuo Zaafi reflects the agricultural heritage of northern Ghana, where millet and maize have sustained communities for centuries. The dish frequently appears at family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals, symbolising hospitality and togetherness. Visitors to the region quickly discover that sharing a bowl of TZ is often an invitation into local culture as much as it is an invitation to dine.

Its nutritional appeal adds to its enduring popularity. Millet is naturally rich in fibre and essential minerals, while the leafy soup provides vitamins and antioxidants, making the meal both hearty and wholesome.

For travellers eager to understand Ghana through its cuisine, Tuo Zaafi offers an authentic taste of the north—simple in appearance, generous in flavour, and deeply woven into the country’s culinary identity.

In Ghana’s Volta Region, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Here, waterfall hopping isn’t simply a day trip—it’s an invitation to experience some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, where forest trails, mountain scenery, and cascading water come together unforgettably.

Among the region’s many natural treasures, Wli Waterfalls stands apart. Tumbling nearly 1,600 feet from the cliffs of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, it is the tallest waterfall in West Africa and one of Ghana’s most celebrated attractions.

Reaching the lower falls requires a scenic 40-minute walk through lush vegetation, with butterflies fluttering overhead and birds providing a constant soundtrack.

For more adventurous hikers, the steep two-to-three-hour climb to the upper falls offers dramatic views and a quieter encounter with nature.

But Wli is only one chapter in the Volta Region’s waterfall story. The equally captivating Tsatsadu Falls, tucked within the mountain communities near Liati Wote, rewards visitors with peaceful surroundings and refreshing pools after a moderate trek.

Nearby, Tagbo Falls offers another distinctive experience, where a gentle forest walk leads to a striking cascade framed by dense greenery.

Together, these waterfalls reveal why the Volta Region has become one of Ghana’s leading eco-tourism destinations. Each trail introduces visitors to thriving forests, welcoming rural communities, and landscapes that remain remarkably unspoiled.

For international travellers, waterfall hopping provides a chance to discover a side of Ghana often overshadowed by its bustling cities and historic coastline.

For Ghanaians, it is a reminder that some of the country’s greatest treasures lie hidden among the eastern highlands, waiting to be explored one trail—and one waterfall—at a time.