The awesome home of my host however, had enough flora to give me a feel of what I had left behind in North Carolina. The well lushed lawn also supported my barefoot lifestyle of staying grounded to mother earth. “Before you begin your expedition through out the country, I would like you to first see Ananse Akuraa” he proudly said, so I accepted the invitation. Mampong is only a 45 minutes drive from Accra through Aburi.
When I thought I had had the best of city life especially as it relates to flora, I was soon to experience the magic of the country side. Hidden within the mountains of the Mampong forest is the nature inspired forest and amazing enchantment that is welcomed by the presence of a bird sanctuary. A few minutes here is definitely what you need to start your day, hearing the birds whistle and playing is totally endearing.
A five minutes drive from the bird sanctuary and we made our entry into nature divine Ananse Akuraa. Ananse (spider) is considered a wise creature in the Akan palace and highly referred in this part of the world. It is no surprise that the inspiration for the outstanding Kente pattern was developed from the knowledge of the weaving of the spider web.
The carefully crafted stone benches created by the stone lover and surrounded by the plush orchid and herbarium is only a delight to behold. The different variety of medicinal plant species and the most incredible humming of bees hidden in an enormous tree and busy creating their honey and making the most incredible sounds that literally vibrates the tree trunk is an experience any one must have.
Awesome twin palm trees covered with vine and planted by squirrels and crows helps us appreciate the relationship between flora and fauna and the earth and what awesome synchronicity exists between all living things. “I didn’t plant the vines, neither did I plant these palm trees, they had done it prior to getting here” said the Professor and humbly giving credits to the squirrels and crows.
One of my highlights in this enchanted forest was my attachment with a particular plant as I focused on taking photos and of peacocks that came to say hello.
It’s refreshing to eat from your own land and so those fresh coconuts, pure, clean and tasty was a great way to quench our thirst after the tour on the three acres. This was a great introduction and warm up until we do the thirty three acres some time soon.
The three acre piece of property is dazzling and simply captivating. A calm, quiet and serene place to hold retreats and moments of solitude and a magical time with nature. Welcoming you are candle lights in the day.
The amazing Osempe, in Akan and known in English as Candle stick plant adorns the entrance and sitting area.
Many years ago when Professor Opoku realized how flora and fauna was been rapidly destroyed, he created this paradise and bought a stretch of the forest to preserve the hidden knowledge and treasures of his ancestors. This is the way it was, that we preserve and be better custodians of the land than our ancestors did. When you visit Ghana, you must endeavor to find this haven, have it on your check list if you appreciate the beauty of the earth.
It will be great to pack either breakfast/lunch, grab a picnic mat or a hammock if you have one and perhaps a camping chair or bed to have the most amazing experience of a life time. I am not sure if camping is allowed yet, but soon, in the meantime, make the best out of your Ghana experience.
Come breath the most amazing perfumed air in Ananse Akuraa (Spider’s village).
