3 Underground Attractions in Western Ghana

From Accra, it will take a 4-hour drive or a 50-minute flight to get to a Western region town and book a hotel. In Takoradi, if you're willing to go beyond the Twin City of Sekondi-Takoradi, you might just get an opportunity to tour the country's underground mines. These tours are limited to small groups of 8-10 people.

1. Tarkwa Goldmines

The mine is located in the southwestern part of the country, in a place called Tarkwa Basin. It is about 92 km from Takoradi and 300 km from Accra. One of the oldest goldmines in the country, Tarkwa was founded in the 1800s. Above ground, one can easily see the mills where gold is extracted from the rocks. There are 6 pits in this goldmine: Pepe, Atuabo, Mantraim, Teberebie, Akontansi, and Kottraverchy.

2. Prestea Goldmines

About 40 km from Tarkwa, on the west bank of Ankobra River, is another goldmine called Prestea. The mining industry in this populous town has been active since 1873 and the mines have become its top tourist attraction. Sadly, the mines have also caused environmental problems such as toxic contamination of the river. Aside from an underground tour, tourists are welcome to witness the process of purifying and shaping gold. You can also enjoy a game or 2 at the tennis courts and the 18-hole golf course nearby.

3. Nsuta Manganese Mines

The third largest manganese mine in the world, Nsuta, can be found 20 km from Tarkwa. Unlike the first 2 mines, Nsuta makes use of open cast mining methods so you'll be able to see exposed minerals as they are transported to the crushing plant. The extracted minerals are then shipped via train to Takoradi for export. Aside from the mines, you can also enjoy Nsuta's swimming pools and 12-hole golf course.

If you're a bit claustrophobic, you can choose to stay at a Takoradi hotel. You have 2 ways of spending your holiday or free time between business meetings while in the city. First is exploring the bustling Market Circle and witnessing how different cultures — local from the Ahanta, Nzema, Evalue and Fante, and foreign from the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Brandenburg-Prussians — influence the daily lives of the residents. Another option is hanging out at the numerous bodies of water that can be found in this coastal town. Here, you have a long list of beaches, lakes, lagoons, and swamps where you can just chill, dive, fish, engage in exciting water sports activities, or observe the lives of crocodiles, turtles, and even whales. You can also opt to stay at RaybowInternational Hotel in Takoradi to see contemporary local art by Ghana's visual artists.