Central Region
The Central Region has been prominent in shaping the history of Ghana. It was one of the places where the Europeans first set foot on and became a very important trading partner to the early Europeans in gold, salt, diamonds and other precious minerals, and later in the slave trade. The intensity of the European activity in this region is evidence by the location of 15 of the 32 forts and castles built in this country. The coastline is famous for its ancient forts and castles built by early European traders, and three of them at Elmina, St. Jago and Cape Coast have been identified as World Heritage Monuments by the World Heritage Foundation under UNESCO. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Region became the government centre of the Gold Coast and up until 1877, its capital Cape Coast served as the seat of the British colonial administration and the Cape Coast Castle was the centre of colonial activity.

This function was later transferred to Osu Castle in Accra. Some of the best secondary schools ever built in the country are located here.

The Region is very endowed with rich natural attractions and culture, which is depicted through its many exciting festivals held throughout the year. It has fabulous palm-fringed beaches, fascinating fishing villages and historic towns. The Kakum National Park, about 30km north of Cape Coast, is an untouched virgin rainforest that has been preserved as habitat for birds, butterflies and rare local animals. Kakum Park is easily accessible and is about 2 1/2 hours drive from Accra.

Cape Coast and Elmina
Cape Coast town was probably the first coastal point of contact between the European traders and Africans in West Africa during the 15th century. This hilly coastal town played a major role in the trading of commodities and slaves that left their legacy of castles in Cape Coast and Elmina. Cape Coast is noted for a major festival, the Oguaa Fetu Afahye that commemorates their migration centuries ago to their present location. This festival draws a large audience and numerous participants from all over Ghana. For the tourist this will be a wonderful and enjoyable experience. The festival occurs during the first week in September and concludes with a colourful durbar of chiefs and people.

There is also the Bakatue Festival that is celebrated by the people of Elmina and literally means the opening up of the Brenya Lagoon into the sea symbolizing the beginning of the fishing season for the people.

Some historic towns in the region you may want to visit include Winneba, Duakwa and Mensa Krom - home of some of the Region's best woodcarvers, Ajumako Oware where the carvers are specialized in royal regalia, stools, linguistic staffs and clan totems. Throughout the Central Region there are welcoming hotels and restaurants, all within reach. You may have tours arranged from Accra or whiles in Cape Coast.