For me, there is nothing more appealing than the wonderful memories of a great road trip of a lifetime.

It was therefore not surprising to learn that as far back as 1888, the inventor Karl and her wife Bertha Benz would take frequent road trips even in the then phase of global road development.

Today, around the world, the statistics of road trips are increasingly thrilling.

Presently in Ghana, one cannot mention the thrills of road trips and obliterate the stories from the ‘Citi FM’s Heritage Caravan’.

The Citi FM Heritage Caravan is an annual road trip that gives a rare opportunity to tourism enthusiasts to experience and discover Ghana.

Personally, this year’s road-trip makes for me the second count of a super exciting journey across Ghana, and in the company of amazing patrons who were bent-on touring Ghana in a seven (7) – day “See Ghana” road trip.

Indeed, “Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” —Izaak Walton

I had signed up, and was getting all set-to-go, with tickling emotions! Packing became the unloved part. As a traveller, travelling light is my thing.

I became my own mum, I ordered myself around, got a few items for my trip, packed and unpacked a few more, and like the Spanish proverb “on a long journey even a straw weighs heavy” it becomes funny when the thought of all the “Just-in-case” essentials translates into a heavy load (only travellers would understand this).

I just couldn’t wait for a day to break, in fact, I had returned from the pre-trip concert at the Alisa Hotel and up, ready to “See Ghana!” Sunday, 4th March 2018 was the starting line for the 2018 trip, and in the words of Charles Warner “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like its beginning.”

It is said that “a traveller without observation is a bird without wings.”

Ghana, as I observe, has an incredible countryside topography and an appealing aesthetic outlook which is best explored through inland travels, and that is exactly what I experienced on the Heritage Caravan! The many breathtaking sights across Ghana. I said to myself, this Country is really resourcefully big, lots to see, and more miles unseen.

“Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli.

Covering 2,620 kilometres by road is sure an adventure for me!

My goal apart from making travel buddies was to better understand the culture of natives at each destination and their unique way of life, and the special stories as I visit as many attraction sights and explore the unknown.

For me, road trips are just perfect opportunities to forget about all my worlds’ worries, escape from the small busy capital city to see the sun rise and set in different regions of Ghana.

It was day one; our journey began in Accra at 10am. We had two Intercity Coaches STC buses for the trip, they were tagged bus A and B.

I made myself comfortable in Bus B in my little one corner as we rode towards Colonial Accra, driving along the Coast through Accra central all the way to Sesemi Museum within Accra’s Abokobi township.

Sesemi is a very religious town with notable Presbyterian Church buildings and that of no other denominations or churches are seen here. This is said to be so because the township was founded by the Basil Missionary in the mid centuries. It was also said that, before one becomes a chief in Abokobi, he must be a Christian priest.

Thus, the Chief of Abokobi does not pour traditional libation and once a while he must preach at the main Presbyterian Church. Interestingly, certain habits and attitudes such as drinking or operating a drinking bar are also said to be highly prohibited in the town.

On arrival at Sesemi Museum, close to Abokobi, I saw an overview of the site that shows Fredericksgave plantation settlements, the slaves’ village of Djabina and fines from the olden days that were used to trade and housing for the slaves.

From Sesemi museum and along the Akuapem mountains, we headed straight to the land of  Agotime, in the Volta Region. On reaching Agotime, we stopped at one of the towns called “wodome” which means middle in the Ewe language. The “Wodome” town is divided between Ghana and Togo.

Part of the town is in Ghana and the other part is in Togo. The division of the town is narrated to be done by the “white men” of the olden days, but regardless of the physical boundaries, the natives of the town believe that they are inseparably one people. The bus then continued to Agotime Kpetoe, welcomed by a Durbur of Chiefs, traditional elders and people of Agotime Kpetoe.

Here, many of the patrons had their feets washed before greeting the Durbar of Chiefs in a traditional practice called the “Asialotome” – rite, a practice performed whenever visitors are to be received. The maidens will go to the riverside to fetch water and wash the feet of visitors as a way of welcoming them.

I was very happy to be in the midst of such royal entourage, in what can be best described as a majestic atmosphere with the traditional Chiefs and their Elders clad in royal regalia, displaying the richness of the Ewe tradition with their colourful Ewe woven kente adorned with glittering real gold ornaments! It was indeed a magnificent sight to behold to “See Ghana” and enjoy Ghana!

Indeed, “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” — Lin Yutang

Having enjoyed the thrilling Kente Weaving Festival intertwined with a showcase of the magnificent Borbor dance, the wheels of the Heritage Caravan emotionally left the fascinating thrills and exceptional people of Agotime Kpetoe behind us, as we drove on, listening to a playlist of fine popular tunes of good music, fun-blasting it in the bus as if we had no worries about nothing in the world aside locating the next gas station. Truly “a journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” — Tim Cahill

Upon refuelling, our next stop would be the sights of the impressively famous Kingdom of Gold and the incredible Menhyia Palace within the Ashanti region!

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”     — Jawaharlal Nehru

Heritage Caravan Day 1 @ Frederiksgave Plantation

Patrons Look Forward to Next Heritage Caravan

To be continued…

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Author: Makafui Seshie

Writer’s blog: makafuiseshie.wordpress.com

Photos by Nii Darku

The post #HeritageCaravan: Who doesn’t love a good road trip? [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Fatimah is a doctoral student at Morgan State University currently working on a PhD in higher education leadership, focused on community colleges/polytechnics.

It seems at her age, she has a lot on her table, Fatimah is also founder and CEO of a nonprofit organisation focused on girls and women’s empowerment.

For many on this year’s Heritage Caravan, the trip was about the adventure, tourist sites and what have you, but for the mother of four, she wished it was a medical prescription for her by her medical doctor.

In her introductory message, she wrote, ” This trip should have been prescribed for me by my doctor, after a very hectic Fall semester, I headed to Sierra Leone where I launched our DIAMONDS Girls program”.

She added, “I am grateful to my niece Fatima Adam Mahdi, who surprised me with this trip”.

She continued,”It’s been an awesome experience.”

“I am more in love with Ghana and its people now than I was before. I fell in love and adopted a few daughters and sons along on this trip. I love the mannerism of these young people and their zest.”

The legacy of the fierce fights the people of the Gold Coast put up against the colonial masters is very evident in how Ghana is a little ahead of her neighbours in the Sub-region and beyond in the continent.

It seems Fatima is going to be on the Heritage Caravan more often. She indicated, ” Watch out, you might see me here again in the near future”.

In her closing remarks, she thanked Citi FM staff and her fellow Caravan riders for what she says is an educational experience that couldn’t have been gained in a classroom.

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By: Kojo Agyeman/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Patrons were treated to a bonfire night and highlife tunes from a live band after dinner on the first night at the Busua Beach resort.

Patrons then had lots of fun at a pool party before going clubbing that same night.

“Thrilling,” “awesome”, “fascinating”, “naturally beautiful”, “adventurous”, “breathtaking” and “emotional” were just a few of the words patrons used to describe their experiences on the 2018 Heritage Caravan.

The seven-day tour began at Seseimi, along the Akuapem mountains, and continued to the Volta Region, where patrons experienced a thrilling Kente Weaving Festival intertwined with a showcase of the magnificent Borbor dance.

Day two of the caravan was spent in the Ashanti Region, where patrons visited the Manhyia Palace Museum and the Military Museum.

The Heritage Caravan then embarked on a long journey from Kumasi to Tamale, which, despite the distance, the patrons thoroughly enjoyed because of the entertainment on the bus.

From on-bus-karaoke to comedy, soothing musical performances from two guitarists, Nene and Nii, to drinking and partying.

The breathtaking scenes, like the Savannah, the Black and White Volta and traditional mud houses, among other things added a great deal to the experience.

While in the Northern Region, the Tamale Chief, Dapkema Naa Alhassan Dawuni hosted patrons with his annual ritual, a cultural durbar night.

The Caravan also visited the fascinating Mole National Park and the Larabanga Mosque.

The group then headed to the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary in Kpanfa, a town where Black Volta separates Ghana from Burkina Faso, near Wechiau in the Wa West municipality in the Upper West Region.

The hippo sanctuary is in the black Volta and is home to the two of the remaining Hippopotamus population in Ghana.

Day six of the tour took the group to the Brong Ahafo region to relax and de-stress before return home.

The plush Busua Beach resort on the Atlantic Ocean in the Western Region hosted the patrons as they prepared to make their way back to Accra.

There were mixed reactions as patrons boarded the buses for the last time with many of them wishing the trip would never end

Others were elated because of the friendships and networks they had formed on the trip.

Most of the patrons said they would be counting the days until the 2019 Heritage Caravan.

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By: Kojo Agyeman/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Patrons saw these elephants right at the time they were feasting on the fresh grass around one of the biggest ponds beneath the Zaina Lodge at the park.

Other elephants were also spotted in the pond.

One of the highlights at the park was the wonderful ride in the safari vans which gave a good view of antelopes,  monkeys, birds and other animals.

Patrons who couldn’t hold their excitement, described the moment as thrilling, awesome, fascinating and naturally beautiful.

From the Mole National Park, the Heritage Caravan went to the Laribanga Mosque, Northern Region.

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By: Kojo Agyeman/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post #HeritageCaravan Day 4: Patrons tour Mole Park, Laribanga Mosque appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Patrons of the Caravan had a nice time at Wechiau in the Upper West Region on Wednesday, where they visited the Hippopotamus Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is a unique community-based project, protecting and preserving the wildlife and the environment of a 40km stretch of the Black Volta River.

The river is home to one of the two remaining hippopotamus populations in Ghana, and was made a Sanctuary by local chiefs in 1999.

Since then, the project has provided Ghanian and International tourists with a unique eco-travel experience.

The area has a huge diversity of wildlife.

The team also visited the Mole National Park and the Laribanga Mosque.

Prior to visiting the Upper West Region, the Caravan was in Northern Region where the patrons paid homage to the Chief of Tamale at the Dakpema Palace.

The Caravan has so far toured, the Greater Accra, Volta and Ashanti Regions.

The Heritage Caravan on Wednesday departed for the Brong Ahafo after wrapping up its Northern Regional tour.

Click below for more photos:

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By: Kojo Agyeman/citifmonline.com/ Ghana

The post #HeritageCaravan wraps up Northern, Upper West tour [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Caravan made a stop in Tamale late Tuesday afternoon after departing from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

They had dinner at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale where they were treated to a live band music.

Tamale is the Caravan’s transit point to the Upper West Region where the team will visit the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is a unique community-based project which has over the years preserved wildlife and the environment of a 40km stretch of the Black Volta River in the region.

The river was made a Sanctuary by local chiefs in 1999.

The project provides local and international tourists a unique eco-travel experience.

The Caravan has so far toured, the Greater Accra, Volta and Ashanti Regions. The Caravan will move to the Upper West Region on Day of the trip.

The third edition of Heritage Caravan is sponsored by Total Card, GCB, Hunters and powered by Citi TV.

Click below for more photos:

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By: Kojo Agyeman/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post #HeritageCaravan Day 3: Patrons visit Dakpema Palace in Tamale appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The participants, who start their journey today [Sunday] from Ga Mashie after a Kenkey Party earlier in the morning expressed their excitement ahead of the 7-day long trip which will see them visit most of the country’s famous tourist sites.

Some of the participants who spoke to Citi News said they were looking forward to a thrilling experience within and outside the country’s capital, Accra.

Before the participants set off, they were treated to hours of live indigenous Ga music by a band.

They will move to the Volta Region later in the day after touring Ga Mashie in the morning.

While in the Volta Region, the participants will visit Agortime Kpetoe and enjoy among other things, a special ‘borborbor’ display.

On day 2, they are expected to travel westward to the Ashanti Region where they will tour the Military Museum and the Manhyia Palace Museum, among other fun activities later that day.

From the Ashanti Region, the team will move to the Northern Region and on day 3, visit the Dakpema Palace where they will enjoy a special Heritage Caravan Live band concert with a special artiste.

On day 4, they’ll visit the Wechiau Hippopotamus sanctuary in the Upper West Region.

On day 5, the team will depart for the Mole National Park and the Larabanga Mosque and later travel to Sunyani, the Brong Ahafo Regional capital where a masked party will be held.

On day 6, they’ll depart for the Central Region and after series of activities, move to the Western Region.

In the Western Region, the participants will engage in series of activities before being treated to a BBQ beach party at the Busua Beach Resort on day 7.

The team will return to Accra later on day 7; March 10, 2018.

This year’s Heritage Caravan, the third after the 2016 and 2017 editions is sponsored by Hunters, TotalCard and GCB.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post #HeritageCaravan: Patrons set off on 7-day tour of Ghana [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The programme dubbed ‘Kaleidoscope,’ will have, Isaac Aryee, a master keyboardist, producer and composer who has carved an impressive niche for himself for more than 20 years in the music industry as the headline act.

This will be a special music night, which will showcase our neo-traditional music. ‘Kaleidoscope’ will also have a dance session which will feature Ghanaian music from the late 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s selected from a collection of genre.

The late 1960’s and 1970’s are considered by knowledgeable Ghanaian music lovers as The Golden Age of Ghanaian Music.

‘Kaleidoscope’ will be held at the Swiss Spirits Alisa Hotel in Accra on Saturday, 3^rd March, 2018.

This will also be the launch of the 2018 Heritage Month which comprises other activities like the annual road trip, Heritage Caravan, Wulomei Soiree, MOGO (Music Of Ghanaian Origin), radio drama series among others.

Attendance for the Kaleidoscope programme is strictly by invitation.

About Isaac Aryee

Isaac learnt how to play the keyboard on his own. When he nurtured the quest to learn how to play keyboard, he had no access to a piano at home so he employed his creative faculties and designed and drew out a one dimensional pictorial piano on his bedroom floor, using the measurements of a real piano in his uncle’s house. With his make-shift piano Isaac devoted endless hours practicing his passion and formed what can only be described as a spiritual bond with the instrument.

Constantly striving for higher levels of greatness, Isaac found himself playing in churches and in bands in his homeland, Ghana. He moved to the United Kingdom when he was 17 and pursued an education in music arrangement and production. Having mastered his craft he had finally made it.

Isaac became one of the most sought after keyboardists and performed countless gigs with an envious plethora of artists and bands including McFly, WestLife, Osibisa, Mory Kante ,Will Young, Skunk Anansie, Elton John, and Lionel Richie amongst many others.

After years of working with many of the World’s greatest musicians, Isaac has decided to return home to Ghana to dedicate his time, skill and craft to working with local talent. He mentors young musicians to develop and hone their musical and artistic skills. He is a regular resource person for Yamaha, Korge, Roland and Dexibell.

Isaac, through his vast experience with different music genres found himself drawn towards a unique musical blend. Isaac has recently released his first solo album, “On a Serious Note”, recorded and produced by himself.  The album, which is a contemporary fusion of traditional gospel, world music and jazz, was launched last year.

Apart from his skill as contemporary concert pianist and keyboardist, Isaac can function as a music director and he also offers training for worship teams, choral groups and music ensembles in general.

As a composer, he has a demonstrable experience in writing scores/music for Films, TV, Jingles etc.

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The station, for the past 10 years has been employing various initiatives that seek to promote the Ghanaian heritage and culture through the Heritage Month, which is observed in March every year.

Over the years the Heritage Month has lined up various activities and experiences that tell and relive history, heritage and culture of Ghana to Ghanaians home and abroad, exparte, tourists, among others.

As part of these experiences, there is a special daily On Air Series (Features and interviews), road trip dubbed Heritage Caravan, Mogo (Music Of Ghanaian Origin), Radio Drama Series and other amazing treats.

This year’s Heritage Month has new addition – the ‘Kaleidoscope,’ which features internationally-acclaimed pianist Isaac Aryee.

There shall also be the annual road trip, Heritage Caravan, Wulome Soiree, Mogo (Music Of Ghanaian Origin), and other Collaborations.

The on-air series

The On-Air series over the years has sought to have educative and revealing interviews, features, and documentaries on the selected topics on our one of our flagship program, Citi Breakfast Show. Resource persons, mostly statesmen, anthropologists, older folks, among others, will share and discuss these topics. There are also features on some of our heritage sites across the country.

Kaleidoscope

This will be a special music night, which will showcase our neo-traditional music. ‘Kaleidoscope’ will also have a dance session which will feature Ghanaian music from the late 1960s, 1970s, 1980s selected from a collection of genre. The late 1960s and 1970s are considered by knowledgeable Ghanaian music lovers as The Golden Age of Ghanaian Music.

Heritage Caravan

The Heritage Caravan which begun two years ago is a special road trip of the country within seven days. This captivating experience takes patrons to peculiar heritage and tourist sites across the country.

Over the years patrons has been taken to the Stilt Village in the Western Region, Nzulenzu, the Adaklu Mountain in the Volta region, The Military Museum and the Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region, the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in the Brong Ahafo Region, The Gamashie, Jamestown in Accra, The Cape Coast and Elmina Castles in the Central Region. The Caravan has also been to the Mole National Park and the Salaga Slave Market in the Northern Region.

This year the HERITAGE CARAVAN starts on 4^th March, 2018 and ends on 10^th March, 2018.

The tour will begin from Accra, to Volta, Ashanti, Northern, Upper West – and back to the Northern Region.

It will move from the Northern part of Ghana down south through the Brong Ahafo, Central and Western Regions and back to Accra all in 7 days.

As part of the Heritage Month, Citi FM will collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to roll out some major events which include, Bazaar Extravaganza, GHANGERIA and Harvest Praise 2018.

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By: Kojo Agyemang/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The award was presented to the station during the Greater Accra Regional Tourism Awards held last night [Friday], February 16, 2018 in Accra.

According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, Citi FM was awarded because of its efforts towards the growth of the tourism sector through its flagship road trip, the Heritage Caravan.

The Heritage Caravan is a 7-day trip that gives participants the opportunity to tour the ten regions of Ghana, combining the exciting journey with the unforgettable experience of visiting scenic locations in Ghana.

The Head of Events at Citi FM, Ranstina Lee Yankey told Citi News that the award is a recognition of the impact the Heritage Caravan is making in the country.

Heritage Caravan set for third edition

The 3rd edition of Heritage Caravan, will come off from 4th to 10th March 2018.

In 2017, patrons had a wonderful experience visiting places such as the Mole National Park, the Military Museum in Kumasi, the Slave Memorial at Assin Manso and the crocodile pond at Paga, among others.

A number of activities were also organized to spice up the trip which created an opportunity for patrons to bond and interact with other people.

This year’s trip promises to be even more exciting, as Citi FM has vowed to give patrons nothing but an unforgettable experience.

Other awards for Citi FM

This award is the latest in a series of accolades garnered by the station in recent months.

Citi FM was last weekend adjudged as the best media house in tax information dissemination for the year 2017.

The award, presented to the station by the Ghana Revenue Authority [GRA], was in recognition of its consistent discussions on tax issues which affected revenue mobilization for the year under review.

Citi FM picks two awards at CIMG Awards

Last September, the station also picked up two awards at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) for the year 2016.

The Citi Breakfast Show was adjudged the Radio Programme of the Year, citifmonline.com was named as the Emerging Digital Media Organization.

The awards handed to the station, according to CIMG, were in “recognition of your excellence in strategic marketing in the year 2016.”

That was the third time in four years the Citi Breakfast Show was adjudged the Radio Programme of the Year, a demonstration of the show’s consistency in delivery quality radio service to discerning listeners in the country.

6 GJA awards; anti-galamsey campaign recognized

The station in December 2017, also strengthened its position as one of Ghana’s leading radio brands as it bagged six awards at the Ghana Journalists Association [GJA] Awards at the Banquet Hall in Accra.

The station’s anti-galamsey campaign, ‘Stop Galamsey Now’, which was launched in 2017, came up for special mention at the ceremony, with the station picking up an award for its unrelenting fight against the menace.

Citi FM’s flagship programme, the Citi Breakfast Show, was named the best talkshow on radio, adding to the award it won at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) awards in September this year.

Citi FM also picked up honours for Best Political Reporting as well as an Anti-Corruption Award for the station.

Host of the station’s news analysis programme, The Big Issue, Umaru Sanda Amadu, also picked up an award for his work in development journalism, which is contributing towards the attainments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Another of the station’s reporters, Kojo Agyeman, who emerged first runner-up in the 2017 edition of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards, was also given a special award for his reports.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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