As the sun rose on Saturday, March 4, 2023, a group of 156 eager adventurers gathered at the premises of Citi TV in Tesano, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime. This was the highly anticipated Heritage Caravan, an annual road trip organized by Citi TV/Citi FM, and in its 6th year, it was the fastest sold-out edition yet.
The excitement in the air was palpable as the caravanites boarded the vehicles that would take them on a breathtaking journey through the picturesque landscapes of Ghana. From the majestic Amedzofe mountains to the tranquil Royal Senchi resort, every stop along the way promised to leave a lasting impression on travellers. As the caravan made its way through the winding roads of Ghana, the sense of camaraderie among the travellers was undeniable. This was not just a trip, but a shared experience that would be treasured for years to come. And it all began in the early hours of that March morning, as the caravanites gathered at Citi TV in Tesano, eager to begin their adventure. Patrons were registered and served hot kenkey and other English breakfast options.
From Tesano to Amedzofe to Royal Senchi
The bus eventually took off, and as the caravanites embarked on the journey to Amedzofe, the beauty of the scenery was awe-inspiring. The view over the hill was breathtaking, and the lush greenery was oxygenated, providing a refreshing breath of air compared to the polluted fumes in many parts of Accra. As the caravan approached the new canopy walkway installation, the crowd was overwhelming. Students from all levels and staff from different institutions, including the Ghana Ports Authority, were all present for this adventurous trip.
Patrons on the Heritage Caravan hiked up to the canopy walkway installation, which was strenuous but equally enjoyable. The feeling of finally getting to the top was worth the energy loss. The excitement embossed on their faces was telling, and it was evident that the experience was one that they would cherish for a lifetime.
When the caravan arrived at the Royal Senchi Hotel in the Eastern Region later that evening, patrons couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventure that lay ahead. Despite the long journey and the fatigue that came with it, the caravanites were in good spirits, thanks in no small part to the Kwampa band, whose music filled the air and lifted their spirits.
As the night wore on, the caravanites danced and mingled, enjoying the company of their fellow travellers and making new friends along the way. And as midnight approached, many of them retired to their rooms, exhausted but happy, eager to rest up and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
For those lucky enough to be on the Heritage Caravan, it was a trip of a lifetime, full of unforgettable moments and memories that would stay with them forever. And as they drifted off to sleep, they couldn’t help but wonder what surprises lay in store for them on the next leg of their journey.
Bonwire kente
The Heritage Caravan continued its journey the next day, and the Caravanites were in for another day of adventure. The anticipation was high as they boarded their buses for a nine-hour drive to the Bonwire kente weaving centre. The day was dedicated to the European Union in Ghana, and they took charge of the day’s activities. The Caravanites were treated to a beautiful display of the Adowa dance, and the chief of Bonwire graced the occasion as the invited guest. Nana Bobie Ansah II, in his speech, appealed for support to have a cotton factory built on the over 5000 acres of land he had made available for plantation. The Managing Director of Citi TV/Citi FM, Samuel Attah-Mensah, used the opportunity to explain the significance of the trip, and the EU Ambassador in Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, highlighted their ultimate goal of supporting the youth to acquire skills to reduce the endemic unemployment situation.
The day ended with the Noda Hotel at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region welcoming the Caravanites. The staff was on standby, and tables were set for dinner. The much-anticipated poolside jam was filled with patrons, and drinks.
The 12-hour trip to Bolga
The journey to Bolgatanga was not just a mere expedition, it was an adventure of a lifetime. The caravanites embarked on a 12-hour journey that took them through the heart of Ghana, from the Eastern Region to the Upper East Region. The trip was filled with twists and turns, and the caravanites had to adapt to the sharp contrast in temperature from a cool 18 degrees Celsius to a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius. The first stop at Paradise Rest stop in the Eastern Region was a foodie’s paradise. The advance team had ordered all the local delicacies, and the caravanites were treated to a feast fit for kings and queens. However, the next stop at the Favor Restaurant in Tamale was a stark contrast to the first. Despite the same assurances from the advance team, the restaurant was ill-prepared, and the caravanites had to make do with what was available.
The scorching heat was almost unbearable, but the caravanites soldiered on. Finally, after the long and arduous journey, the people of Bolgatanga welcomed the caravanites with open arms. The Ghanass Hotel gave patrons a rousing reception, complete with a rich cultural display that left everyone in awe. The caravanites paid a courtesy call on the chief of Paga, and what they saw was truly remarkable. The energetic dancers at the palace were a sight to behold, and the chief urged Citi TV/Citi FM management to use its influence to urge the government to construct a significant emblem at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border. This would give the right border demarcation and inform travellers when they cross.
The caravanites had the opportunity to take pictures with the crocodiles at the Paga pond and were allowed by border immigration to cross into Burkina Faso. They had the chance to see people’s homes and stores on the borderlines, where people’s bedrooms were in Burkina Faso and their sitting rooms in Ghana, all in the same house. It was a truly eye-opening experience.
After the trip to Burkina Faso, the caravanites returned to Tamale for some much-needed rest and great meals at the Global Dream hotel. In less than an hour, they were back on the bus and headed to the Red Clay Studio. Ibrahim Mahama, the artist, hosted the team in his movie theatre, where he explained that the project was to give hope to children in the North to dream big. The night before had been short, and the caravanites had to wake up by 4 am to get ready for another 12-hour journey. The Bono Region was their next destination, and they were ready for whatever adventure lay ahead. The journey to Bolgatanga may have been long and grueling, but it was an experience of a lifetime, and the caravanites were ready for more.
To Mole National Park
As the caravan moved towards the Savannah region, the anticipation was palpable, for the next stop was the Mole National Park – the biggest natural habitat for elephants and ants in Ghana. As it rolled through the park, the excitement and awe were almost tangible, for the sight of animals living freely in their natural habitat was truly a mesmerizing sight. The giant elephants stole the show, and for many patrons, it was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. The tour guide explained that they didn’t import animals into the park; instead, they allowed them to look for their own food. “Even when they’re preying on each other, we don’t intervene”- a true testament to the beauty of nature.
As the caravan advanced towards the middle belt, the temperature dropped, and the need for water reduced, leading to fewer stops. The Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani welcomed the caravanites with open arms, with all staff lined up to receive them. The reception was nothing short of indescribable, and the dinner and nightclubs left patrons yearning for more, dancing till the wee hours of the morning.
The Maaha Beach Resort in the Western Region was the next destination, and the caravanites were in for a treat. The navy band’s classical performances and the patrons’ glamorous and elegant looks made the corporate dinner a night to remember. The occasion was also used to celebrate the birthdays of March born. The Managing Director of Citi TV/Citi FM emphasized that the Heritage Caravan was not for profit, but to showcase the tourism potential of Ghana. He urged the government to leverage on this “low-hanging fruit” to hasten development in the country.
As the caravan drew to a close, ardent listeners of Citi FM, Mr. and Mrs. Nkumsah hosted patrons of the Heritage Caravan to a massive party for the second consecutive time in their house, overlooking the Takoradi port. The brass bands and local cultural drums, coupled with indigenous Fante foods and drinks, added to the merriment. And to cap it all off, eight persons were celebrated at the beach resort with a massive cake.
As the Citi TV/Citi FM’s Heritage Caravan drew to a close, it was clear that the week-long road trip had left an indelible mark on the minds of all who participated. The final destination of the caravan was the Central Region, where the caravanites spent the night at the Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast and visited the Assin Manso slave river before heading back to Accra.
During the caravan, participants had the opportunity to explore the rich culture, dynamic traditions, and historical snippets of Ghanaian heritage. The safari at the Mole National Park in the Savannah region was an exhilarating experience that left many patrons in awe of the beauty of nature. The corporate dinner at Maaha Beach Resort was an elegant affair that saw patrons dressed in their finest, enjoying classical performances by the navy band, and dancing their troubles away. But it wasn’t just the experiences themselves that left such a profound impact on the participants. The caravan was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism in Ghana’s development.
The Managing Director of Citi TV/Citi FM, in his address, urged the government to leverage tourism as a “low-hanging fruit” to quicken the pace of development. And it’s a sentiment that resonated with many of the caravanites. In fact, some of the patrons vowed to choose vacationing in Ghana over the United Kingdom every year in March, thanks to the fun-filled programmes they experienced during the Heritage Caravan. And it’s easy to see why.
It’s clear that the Heritage Caravan is more than just a road trip. It’s a celebration of Ghana’s culture, traditions, and history. It’s a call to explore the beauty of Ghana and to promote tourism as a means of development. And it’s a reminder that, no matter where we go, our heritage and culture are what truly make us unique.