Akosua Shirley has always possessed an adventurous spirit. The Ghanaian travel consultant, content creator, and blogger, recently put her love for adventure to test by embarking on a remarkable journey through Ghana.
At 32 years old, Shirley became the first person to solo backpack through Ghana, covering the diverse landscapes and cultures of her West African nation for 32 days.
Driven by her passion for exploration and her advocacy for domestic tourism, Shirley set out on her epic adventure with nothing but a backpack and a thirst for knowledge.
Her goal was simple: to experience everyday life outside of the capital city of Accra and to discover the hidden gems of Ghana’s regions.
In an interview with Travel Noire, Shirley shared insights into her extraordinary journey, highlighting the challenges she faced, the memorable experiences she encountered, and the impact it had on her understanding of Ghana’s culture and diversity.
For Shirley, the inspiration to undertake a solo backpacking journey across Ghana stemmed from a deep sense of curiosity.
She yearned to explore the regions beyond Accra, to visit tourist attractions she had only read about, and to immerse herself in the rich cultural tapestry of her country.
Preparation was key for Shirley’s 32-day adventure. Armed with a map of Ghana’s tourist attractions and insights from fellow travelers, she meticulously planned her route and familiarized herself with the logistics of backpacking.
“I couldn’t find content specific to Ghana, and I think that fueled my desire to share more,” Shirley recounted.
Despite the lack of specific information about backpacking in Ghana, Shirley’s determination to share her experiences has become a major plus for domestic tourism.
As Shirley traversed the length and breadth of Ghana, she encountered a myriad of experiences that left a lasting impression on her.
From witnessing the daily lives of people across different regions to participating in unique cultural practices, every moment was a revelation.
One of the highlights of Shirley’s journey was her visit to the Tongo Hills in the Upper East region, where she embarked on a daring adventure to the Tenzug Shrine.
Embracing local customs, Shirley immersed herself in the cultural rituals, providing a glimpse into the rich traditions of Ghana’s diverse communities.
However, Shirley also faced challenges during her backpacking expedition, particularly in navigating the lack of information and language barriers in certain regions.
Despite these obstacles, her resourcefulness and resilience enabled her to overcome them and continue her journey with determination.
“The highlight for me was just really getting a glimpse of how people live across the country, local cultures, and how they’re similar to or different from ours in the capital,” said Shirley.
Through her solo backpacking journey, Shirley gained invaluable insights into Ghana’s culture and diversity, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes along the way.
She discovered the beauty of her country’s landscapes, the warmth of its people, and the richness of its heritage.
Shirley believes that platforms like social media and content creation have played a pivotal role in showcasing the everyday lives of Ghanaians and breaking down harmful stereotypes.
By sharing her experiences and promoting domestic tourism, she hopes to inspire others to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Ghana.
