At Ada Foah, the Volta River finishes its long journey from the north and meets the Atlantic. On one side is calm river water dotted with islands. On the other, the surf of the open sea.
Ada Foah is a coastal town in the Greater Accra Region, about two hours’ drive east of the capital. It has become one of the most popular weekend destinations for Accra residents, with resorts along the estuary and on the sandbar between river and sea.
The estuary
The Volta estuary is wide and full of islands. Boat trips take visitors along the river, past fishing communities, mangroves and birdlife, to the point where the river meets the ocean. Jet skis, kayaks and pleasure boats are common at weekends, and fishermen still paddle dugout canoes between the islands.
Sea turtles
The beaches around Ada are nesting grounds for sea turtles, including the leatherback, green and olive ridley. Local conservation groups patrol beaches during the nesting season, protect nests and release hatchlings. Visitors can sometimes join guided night walks.
Asafotufiam
Ada is known for Asafotufiam, a festival held every August that commemorates the victories of Ada warriors and celebrates their bravery. Asafo companies parade, fire muskets and perform, and chiefs sit in state.
Salt
Near Ada lies the Songor Lagoon, one of Ghana’s most important sources of salt. For generations, local women and men have harvested salt from the lagoon. Access to the salt has been at the centre of disputes between local communities, companies and the state. The lagoon is also a protected wetland under the Ramsar Convention.
Erosion
The coast around Ada has suffered severe erosion, with homes and roads lost to the sea. A sea defence project was built to protect parts of the shoreline. Coastal communities along Ghana’s east coast, from Ada to Keta, face similar threats.
Where to stay
Options range from simple guesthouses to upmarket resorts on the estuary. Book ahead for public holiday weekends, when Accra empties toward the coast.
Getting there
Take the Accra to Aflao road east through Tema and turn off at Kasseh toward Ada Foah. Travel early on Friday or Saturday morning to avoid heavy traffic.
The Volta starts in Burkina Faso and fills the largest artificial lake in the world by surface area. At Ada, it finally spills into the sea.
