Back to Wa
on VSO in Ghana (Ghana), 10/Jan/2010 14:22, 34 days ago
We are now back in Wa and revived, ready for a fairly hectic term. If we do achieve all we have set out to do, we shall be very pleased indeed. Over the last week we have continued our travels around Ghana and some of the highlights are outlined below:Owabe Nature ReserveThis small reserve is situated just outside Kumasi and it is a beautiful, peaceful place with a huge variety of bird life. The Jacana was one of the many species that we observed..Kintampo FallsThe road north took us to the Kintampo falls. Water flows here all year round and the whole setting is spectacular. It is within very easy reach of the main road, requiring only a short walk through tropical rain forestMole National ParkThis is Ghana’s main nature reserve. It covers a large area of the country and is home to a wide variety of animals. It is not fenced in any way and various animals, including carnivores like lions and leopards are present, but in very small numbers. In contrast to the reserves of East and South Africa, wherevisitors are transported in vehicles, at Mole, visitors are taken on guided walks with an armed guide. This guide makes it clear that we have to follow instructions precisely, including to run, if we are told to run!It was a magical experience getting so close to wild animals, whilst on foot. We increased our bird list to 64 different species since arriving in Ghana. We also saw elephants, bushbuck, waterbuck, kob antelopes, Nile crocodiles, baboons, green monkeys, warthogs, and a huge variety of agama lizards.LarabangaAt the entrance to Mole National Park is the village of Larabanga, which has the oldest building in Ghana, dating from 1421. This historic mosque is of Sudanese architectural style, constructed of mud and sticks. Before viewing the mosque, all visitors are expected to pay their respects to the Chief Imam, pictured belowBolgatangaAfter a stop off in Tamale, the largest town of the north, we headed up the main road to Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East region. Here we met up with Anthony and Laura, volunteer friends. Anthony came out to Ghana with us. We also undertook our VSO training in Birmingham with him. It was good to catch up with the work he is doing in developing science teaching in the region. Laura is working as a vet, and she is the first non-Ghanaian to be officially registered as a vet in Ghana. Anthony and Laura already keep chickens, and they now have another unexpected addition to the family!PagaFrom Bolgatanga, we headed to the village of Paga, which is very close to Ghana’s northern border with Burkina Faso. Paga has a population of crocodiles, which are deemed to be sacred, because in previous times they helped to protect the people from their enemies. They are believed to hold the souls of the ancestors, and when a crocodile dies, someone in the village also dies. The crocodiles are well looked after in 2 designated crocodile ponds, and they are free to wander around the village. We were told that they lay their eggs around the village houses. These crocodiles are used to close contact with humans.We were given a sample of crocodile dung to take away with us. Apparently, if you mix it with water, it will cure boils in less than 3 days. It’s always good to have a new addition to our medical kit!SiriguAnthony and Laura joined us for a tour around the village of Sirigu. This whole area is very poor. One interesting development is the formation of SWOPA: Sirigu Women’s Organisation for Pottery and Art. Local women have been taught the skills of pottery making and painting, and they produce some beautiful work. The woman below is an expert pottery-maker.WaThe“main” road from Sirigu/Bolgatanga to Wa was one of the most challenging we have yet travelled. The pot holes and sand pits made us hugely relieved that we were travelling in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. We loved the whole 7-hour journey. However, the state of the main road between the 2 northern capitals serves as one illustration of the massive amount of work that is needed to develop the infrastructure in this area, before any significant improvement can take place in the lives of local people. The picture shows one of the few "good" sections of the road.Travels over - back to work until the end of March. We’re really looking forward to the work.