Takoradi, Ghana

Ghana is situated in West Africa and is bounded by Burkina Faso, Togo, the Atlantic Ocean and Côte d'Ivoire. A narrow grassy plain stretches inland from the coast, widening in the east, while the south and west are covered by dense rainforest. To the north are forested hills beyond which is dry savannah and open woodland. Ghana's coastline is dotted with sandy palm-fringed beaches and lagoons.

Takoradi is small nugget in the former "Gold Coast" of West Africa. Now combined with Sekondi, this port in southwestern Ghana is steeped in the history of the former slavery and gold harvesting trades. Cape Coast Castle, which served as the British slavery headquarters for over 200 yearsand Fort Orange, now a lighthouse, provide a unique peek into Takoradi's rich past. Images of women cleaning the local catch of the day, as well as men preparing to use their dugout canoes, adds to the colorful atmosphere that this swirling and vibrant city exudes.

Local dishes include traditional soups (palmnut, groundnut), Kontomere and Okro stews that are normally accompanied by fufu (pounded cassava), kenkey or gari.