Weekend in Tarkwa

An open-air market selling handwoven baskets, Adinkra cloth, wooden stools and beads. Less touristy than Accra’s markets. Prices are low and haggling is expected but gentle.

Tip: Bring small notes—vendors rarely have change for 50 cedis. The basket weavers at the far end are the best value; a decent market basket runs 15–20 cedis.

A small public garden near the town centre with concrete benches, manicured hedges and a few flowering trees. Locals come to sit, chat or eat takeaway kenkey. Nothing fancy, but it

Tip: Buy a coconut from the vendor at the west gate—50 pesewas for a cold one. The garden fills with schoolkids at 3pm; go earlier for peace.

Pull up to the roadside spot on the hill near the main pit. You get a clear view of the open-cast gold mine operations, heavy machinery and the vast terraced pit. Not a formal attraction but genuinely

Tip: Go just before sunset when the light hits the terraces and the dust settles. The security guards are used to people stopping—just be respectful and don't block the gate.

A colonial-era railway station on the still-operating Western Line. The building has original timber platforms, peeling paint and a working signal box. Trains roll through a few times a day, mostly ha

Tip: Ask the stationmaster (he wears a blue uniform) if you can walk along the platform—he’s usually friendly. Avoid the midday heat; morning around 9am is quietest.

A set of three low cascades in a forest clearing. The water is clean and deep enough to swim in the main pool. Entry is 5 cedis per person. The path is a 10-minute walk from the carpark through cocoa

Tip: The best pool for swimming is the middle one—cooler and less slippery. Bring a plastic bag for your phone; the spray soaks everything. Go on a weekday to avoid loud picnics.