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Opinions of Monday, 9 August 2010

Columnist: Cleland, Esi

Ghanaian Beaches Worth Exploring

This was inspired by Peju Adeniran who was in Ghana and wanted to know which beaches in Ghana were worth exploring.

Langma beach. A public beach with a private feel

Situated off the Kasoa Highway and close to Kokrobite and Bojo beaches, Langma beach is a spectacular and clean strip of white sand where you can get delicious grilled lobsters and barracudas served with freshly ground local peppers and chilled drinks. But what we really dig about Langma is it’s free! Yup. Free. As in, no gate fee, no hidden charges, free. And as if that were not enough, it’s never crowded so it feels like a private beach even though it is public. Why hasn’t anyone told you about it? We hate to break it to you but you’re probably hanging with the wrong crowd. So if you’re an exercise freak, or just want more fun than a dip in the ocean, go find some of our friends, local beach boys like Richard and his friends and if you ask politely, they’ll invite you to join their friendly football “matches”. Just one advice - don’t attempt if you’re a sore loser. A last but important point. I've never lost anything at Langma but I've lost money and cameras and PDAs at Kokrobite beach just nearby before so just keep an eye on your wallet and other valuables.



Tawala: A romantic spot in an unlikely place
Second on our list is Tawala beach, which in addition to the powerful waves, offers a bar for the adults and a playground for the kids. That’s if you go there in the daytime. At night, the place is the ideal spot for lovers, who can choose to go for a long walk on the dimly lit beach or look at the stars. Yeah, Ghanaians typically don’t do much star-gazing, but it’s okay to be weird so go right along. If you choose to have your dinner there, order Tawala’s special hot banku which is usually served with grilled tilapia and topped with fresh onions and tomatoes. I also hear their chicken is amazing, maybe the best in Accra. And, if you’re feeling really freaky, you can walk to the far side of the beach away from the drinkers, diners, and lovers and take a skinny dip! Just don’t get caught. But hey, if you do, you can feign insanity. Tawala is located behind the La General hospital. Visit MokoCharlie for more images.

Osekan. Live crabs and live band in the heart of the city.
Yeah, crabs. The place is a little-known beach hang-out called Osekan. Nestled smack in the busiest commercial districts of Accra, Osekan is the place to go when all you want is a relaxing evening by the sea. For a small gate fee, you can dance to a live band playing indigenous Ghanaian music. Or just bop your head to the music whilst sipping some cold mini star or club beer. Or even, watch the crabs scampering on the sharp rocks as the powerful waves break repeatedly over them.



For more images of Osekan, visit Mokocharlie


Big Millys. Lanterns and Fresh Fish
My first and only time at Big Milly’s, I went for dinner with my friend Andrew who needs to leave Boston and come back to Accra soon, because I think Harvard was supposed to have been over in May. lol. Hint?! Okay, back to Big Millys.They have these beach huts which they light at night. And the food is served on low rectangular tables that resemble tables you’d have in nursery school. BUT, each table is lit with a lantern! So you get this very romantic mood and the food is all very fresh and well prepared. They also sell some arts and crafts right next to the restaurant so perhaps if you’re only passing through Ghana, you can get some gifts for your peeps on the other side of the world.

Fanta’s Folly. A lovely beach for a tenth of the price.
Of all the beaches on this list, this is my absolute favorite. It came strongly recommended by my Cameroonian colleague so my husband and I went on a little getaway to this awesome little beach place which is off Agona junction in the Western Region and fell in love. Fanta is a beautiful Nigerian woman who will make whatever you want to eat, a fantastic attentive chef. She also speaks French and makes exotic dishes with local fish. You can have shrimps, lobsters, cassava fish or whatever the catch of the day is. Try the crepes and omelets. The beach is quiet and pristine. The rooms are clean and comfortable. You’ll sleep in mosquito nets, and have no light after 10 pm. But what a charming charming place! We plan to go back soon. We only paid about 30 cedis/night, so you can stay as long as you want. Compared to beach hotels, Fanta’s folly is a steal!



Alright. So that's my list. Accra peeps are there any more beaches I haven't mentioned? I guess Bojo and Afia Beach also deserve mention, eh? Any more?

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Esi Cleland is a copywriter at Publicis Ghana. To read more of her articles, visit http://www.maameous.com