The Mirror's Health , Lifestyle and Fashion
Discovering Keta
Over the weekend, my new kid on the block, Allen Anewu, had such an experience. His wandering feet led him to Keta, and what he encountered has virtually changed his world view.
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I offer one explanation. Generally, you’re either going to the Volta Region or you’re not. It is not like the Central, Eastern or Ashanti regions where folk drive through. The Western Region and the Upper regions bear much the same fortunes.
That makes them kind of out of the way, which is a real treasure in tourism. Such places thus offer a novelty which pleases travellers such as Allen. So why don’t I shut up, and allow the boy to share his joy?
When I typed Keta in my Google Search, I saw nothing inviting me to the beautiful town I just left. Yes, I tried searching for Keta online after I had spent an entire weekend there. I’d wanted to see what the Internet knows about this lazing hot spot.
Folks, there’s more to Keta than a good high school. Unfortunately, the news about the town being ‘‘eaten up’’ by the sea dominates. For example, the historic but ruined Fort Prinzenstein awaits exploration. But what did it for me is the beaches in Keta. I think they are the best for a beach picnic.
Keta is a historical place not only for the purpose of slavery, according to some accounts, but it was also the first point of entry of the Europeans into the land of the Ewes who occupy parts of present-day Benin, Togo, Nigeria and Ghana.
The lack of a sea defence wall in the past had buried parts of this historic town, destroyed part of the fort and threatened the very existence of Keta itself. Evidence of which are the abandoned stores and homes you’ll find lying on the shores and in the town.
This devastation couldn’t drive the people of Keta out of their home and after a sea defence wall was built; they are also rebuilding their home.
I spent about 48 hours in Keta and out of this, I think I was at the beach for more than 36 hours. It was the first place I went to after dropping my bag. I spent almost the rest of the day there. Instinctively, I went to catch the sunset on the lagoon at the other end of town.
In Keta, the sun rises on the ocean and sets on the lagoon. A spectacle you will love and have to experience.
To every coin, there are two sides and on the flip side of this coin is an activity taking place on the beaches which I’m not very pleased with. As much as I will hate to talk about this, I have to in order to draw the necessary attention to it. This activity is the menace of open defecation.
Yes, the beaches and water are void of plastics and other garbage yet it is a common sight to see some residents defecating on the shores. I was told the local assembly tried curbing the practice for some time but stopped. I guess they lost interest in the fight. But I think they should resume the fight since maybe this post will get you interested in visiting the place.
That said, I repeat: the water in Keta is very clean and devoid of plastic and other pollutants. It also has a vast sandy shore which makes it a very good spot for holiday escapes. Another pleasant thing, the roads are tarred all the way to the beach.
I loved every moment I spent on the beach—maybe it’s because I love water but you won’t get full satisfaction from what you love doing if the environment and atmosphere isn’t enabling. Keta’s beaches and the long lagoon shore provide that quiet and serene atmosphere you need on a relaxing weekend.
The next time you and your friends, family or colleagues want to go somewhere, get in touch with nature and relax, Keta is a sure bet.
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The writer is a Communication and Tourism Specialist.
Books he has authored include ‘Romancing Ghanaland- the Beauty of Ten Regions’,
Tickling the Ghanaian-Encounters with Contemporary Culture & ‘Harmattan- a Cultural Profile of Northern Ghana.
