Monday, 23 June

Ghana Tourist Authority Deputy CEO explores Nzulezo, Ghana’s mystical village on water

Entertainment
Abeiku Santana exploring Nzulezu

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Gilbert Abeiku Agreey, has paid a memorable visit to Nzulezo, a century-old village built entirely on stilts over Lake Tadane in the Jomoro Constituency of Ghana’s Western Region.

His journey, described as both eye-opening and inspiring, brought attention to one of Ghana’s most enchanting and lesser-known cultural treasures — a floating village that continues to defy the passage of time.

Nzulezo, which means “surface of water,” is not a man-made tourist attraction but a real, thriving community that has existed for more than 500 years.

With its wooden homes interconnected by narrow walkways, the village has preserved its cultural heritage and communal lifestyle, all while perched above water.

“As the canoe sliced through the lake on my approach, I felt as though I was entering another world,” Mr. Agreey shared. “Nzulezo is more than a village — it is a floating legacy of Ghanaian resilience, simplicity, and cultural pride.”

Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since the year 2000, Nzulezo is home to a close-knit population sustained by fishing, peasant farming, and small-scale trade.

Remarkably, the village enjoys electricity and reports zero crime — a rare phenomenon even among land-based settlements.

The Deputy CEO was particularly moved by the community’s deep sense of unity and adherence to tradition.

“There’s an incredible spirit of trust here. Children play without fear, elders engage in peaceful conversation, and every individual contributes to the harmony of daily life,” he noted.

He also highlighted the community’s unique customs around marriage, which prohibit unions within the same bloodline, thereby protecting lineage and cultural integrity.

Mr. Agreey’s visit forms part of efforts by the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote local tourism and shine a spotlight on hidden cultural gems across the country.

“Nzulezo is a story waiting to be told. It is a living museum of human adaptability and indigenous ingenuity. We urge Ghanaians and the global community alike to explore and appreciate such remarkable destinations,” he urged.

The Ghana Tourism Authority is expected to enhance support for Nzulezo, ensuring sustainable tourism that preserves the community’s way of life while creating economic opportunities for its residents.

As interest in heritage tourism grows, Nzulezo stands as a timeless symbol of harmony between humanity and nature — a place where peace, simplicity, and history float hand in hand.

 

 

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah