Eastern Region, the land of mountainous view is located in the southern part of Ghana and it’s one of the sixteen administrative regions of Ghana. Bordered to the east by the Lake Volta, to the north by Bono East Region and Ashanti region, to the west by Ashanti region, to the south by Central region and Greater Accra Region, Akans are ssen to be the dominant inhabitants and natives of Eastern region.
The Eastern region is the location of the Akosombo dam and the economy of the Eastern region is dominated by its high-capacity electricity generation. Eastern region covers an area of 19,323 square kilometres, which is about 8.1% of Ghana’s total landform.
It is in this region, that as a writer once said, the two hidden but found gems can be seen. Unknown to most people, though they have existed in their various locations for several years, they are actually situated not far from the popular Boti Falls.
Despite their close proximity to Boti falls, it is surprising that these two falls have remained hidden and underdeveloped for such a long time.
As if to support the fact that they are hidden, there is close to no information, on their location, features or any other information associated with tourist sites.
Information gathered are from expeditions of foreigners who were curious enough to visit even the unpopular falls.
We bring to you Akaa and Asenema Waterfalls, two other waterfalls in the Eastern region, close to Boti falls, but has existed in the shadows for all these years.
Akaa and Asenema Waterfalls
Akaa Waterfall is located near the Akyeremateng village in the Akuapem North District about 2km away from Boti waterfalls. It takes sources from the Boti river, the very river from which the Boti Falls takes its source. It flows for most parts of the year just as the Boti Falls.
Asenema Waterfall is one of the hidden gems in the Akuapem Hills. There are many waterfalls in the Eastern Region, but Asenema is only about 15 minutes intro from Akropong, according to those who have visited this place. Some have described the drive to get there as wonderfully scenic, with beautiful views across the rolling hills that are so typical of Eastern region.
There is no entrance fee, and it’s just about 5 minutes walk from the main road along a marked trail. Are you planning a half day outing, then this is best for you.
The first sets of falls, Asenema Waterfall, is lesser known and a little tricky to find, especially if you were to miss the roadside sign, tourists say.
“The posting at the trailhead said that we needed to call O.B. in the village in order to get permission, so we did. To be honest, I halfway considered not calling as it felt like a prime opportunity to pay far more than was reasonable for entrance to the falls. I was both surprised and embarrassed when the guide, who was the son to the man who owns the land surrounding the falls, expected nothing from us”.- Business Day Guide
The hike into the falls is not too difficult offering sounds and sights of a lively little stream fed by the falls. There is very good flow at this time of year, as it is the rainy season, be sure to make this trip before the dry season sets in.
“The man who guided us explained that his family is trying to develop the site to make it more of a tourist attraction. While this would undoubtedly be very good for his family and for the village, the eco-tourist in me shuddered when he suggested that they want to alter the base of the falls to create a swimming pool for visitors. Unfortunately, I cannot argue against his thinking that this would probably bring more people, even if we would not likely be among them”. – Business Day Guide
Accommodation
If you are thinking of an unforgettable experience whiles in the Eastern Region, then BEIGE village is the place to check out.
At the tenth 2014 national tourism award organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority, it was adjudged the Best Three Star Hotel of The Year in Ghana.
Prior to the national recognition, BEIGE Village also won the Best 3 star Hotel in the Eastern region at the regional tourism awards.
This was to recognize and reward the innovation BEIGE village has brought to the hospitality industry including the addition of tour packages to its services which is gradually becoming the flagship of its products.
The initiative has not only promoted tourism in the area but also continues to enhance domestic tourism particularly eco-tourism in the region.
Strategically situated at New Abirem in the Eastern region, BEIGE Village has, through its promotion of tourism, become the gateway to the region. Currently, the village has a golf resort and spa.
It offers an outdoor swimming pool, spa, golf course, fitness centre, and free airport shuttle service and can be described as the channel through which eco-tourism has been boosted in the Eastern region.
The emergence of BEIGE village with its related tourism initiatives have unearthed many more of the tourism potential of the eastern region by not only identifying the sites but also bringing them to the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists.
For instance, besides the well-known attractions such as Botanical Gardens, Wood Carvers Village at Aburi and the Boti Falls, the Umbrella Rock at Kwahu and the Geological Hiking on the Odweanoma Mountains are gradually becoming household tourist attractions.
Again, through BEIGE Village, other tourist sites like the Asenema and Akaa Waterfalls near Boti, the Somanya bead-making centre, mango farming at Kwaoso, the snake stream and the mystery palm tree as well as the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm at Mampong Akropong have increased their potential to attract more patronage.
In the words of the Brands manager of BEIGE Group, Mr Michael Djanie, BEIGE village can be described as an Out of town destination where visitors have less distractions and become sound psychologically during their stay.
BEIGE village is very good destination for instance for conferences because people cannot sneak out and go home in the middle of meetings.
When next you are in the Eastern region, make it a point to visit the Akaa and Asenema Waterfalls and the BEIGE village, for an unforgettable encounter with nature.
SOURCE: myghanadaily.com
