Ghana Trip departs on April 26 at 1:00 p.m. from the parking lots of First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo and returns on May 12 at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27

We will depart from Kalamazoo for Accra, Ghana via Detroit and London . Travel will be by via motor coach to the Detroit airport. During the evening of the same day we will take a British Air flight to London . After a brief layover in London on Wednesday, we will take a British Air flight to Accra, arriving late afternoon of the same day. A shuttle bus will take us to our Miklin Hotel.

Thursday, April 28

In the morning we will be met by our Ghanaian guide and driver in an air conditioned motor coach for a day devoted to sightseeing. The Makola Market is a true West African bazaar, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial pays homage to the man who was the first President of Ghana after its independence from Great Britain in 1957. The National Museum and the National Culture Center are also on our tour list.

Friday, April 29

We will travel to the village of Sokode Bagble by motor coach. Along the way we may visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens, have lunch there, and then visit the Akosombo Dam.

Saturday, April 30 - Thursday, May 5

We will enjoy life in the village of Sokode Bagble in Volta Region. Lodging is graciously provided by host families, with all meals served to us as a group by women of the village. We will meet with officials of the Ho East Presbytery and with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana . A work project will be planned for us. In addition, we will make a trip to Kpetoe near the Togo border, to watch the weaving of the famous Kente cloth with its intricate geometric designs and bold colors. Other side trips will take us to villages where different types of cloth, baskets, wood carvings and jewerly are handcraftred and available for purchase. On Sunday morning we will participate in a worship service with our hosts, in a way you have never experienced before.

Friday, May 6

We will travel to Kumasi, with a stop at Boti Falls and other attractions along the way. Our accommodations will include a modern, western-style Pink Panther Hotel.

Saturday, May 7 - Sunday, May 8

We will be visiting the local sights in Kumasi , including museums that characterize the history and culture of these people. Aside trip will be taken from Kumasi to out-lying villages to visit cottage industries and local artisans.

Monday, May 9

We will travel south to the Gulf of Guinea , then to Cape Coast and Elmina. We will enjoy bright beaches and thatch roof fishing villages as we drive along the coast. The next two nights will be spent in the luxurious beachfront Coconut Grove Beach Hotel, near Elmina.

Tuesday, May 10

Our guide will lead us on a tour of the Elmina Castle , with reminders of another era—the slave dungeons and the slave auction market.

Wednesday, May 11

We will drive to Accra for a late evening departure for London. Along the way, we will visit Kakum National Park —where we can see many different animal species, and have a chance to take the canopy walk high in the rain forest to view the exotic birds that inhabit it.

Thursday, May 12

After a brief layover in London , we will depart on a British Air flight to Detroit , arriving in the afternoon. We will be met at the airport by a motor coach and immediately brought back to Kalamazoo .