GHSTAR MAGAZINE TWO | Page 34

PANORAMA GH #NZULEZU N HOW TO GET TO NZULEZO WEATHER To get to Nzulezo is one easy task. It is just about 90 kilome- The best time to visit the settlement is during the rainy sea- tres west of Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. You can sons (April to September). During the rest of the year, as the zulezu an astounding Village surrounding areas. Generally, they do not get there by a rented car, taxi or tro tro from Takoradi. From parts of the lake bed dry out, you will have to walk some dis- where life goes on built on like the tourists who visit their village. the capital Accra, you can get the STC, Metro Mass Transit or tance before taking a canoe to the village. Be sure to wear Ford bus to Takoradi. You can also get a direct tro tro or taxi to comfortable shoes that you do not mind getting wet. Nzulezo Beyin in just two hours. Be part of this terrific experience! And welcomes visitors every day except Thursday, which is a sa- have the occasion of rowing your own canoe. cred day. There is a fee for a canoe and oarsmen. stilts in the swampy Amansuri Lagoon. The settlement of (The Stilt Village) On water Nzulezo, the “Village on water”, is located 90 kilometres west of Takoradi in the Jomoro District of the Western Region of Ghana. Nzulezu is an Nzema word which refers to “surface water”. The spectacular scenery of the 400-year old stilt propped water settlement of Nzulezu, built on Lake, stands out as a magnificent interplay between man and his environment. The Wetland is a habitat for a variety of animals like monkeys, crocodiles, marine turtles and fishes. The villagers are poor and friendly. Their school relies on donations from the visitors. Although the town is very small, with only one “main street,” there are two churches (Pentecostal and Catholic) that stand side by side. Like every other society, the Nzulezo community is not homogenous per say but made of different religious affiliations including Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists. Each of these religious sects freely carries out their worships in the community. Although they live on water, their main source of income is agriculture. They own some land 1 km north of the lake where they grow a variety of vegetables and fruit which they sell in Beyin and the 32 GH STAR MAGAZINE 33 GH STAR MAGAZINE