Things To Do
in Sefwi Wiawso

Pounded cassava and plantain (fufu) served with a light, tomato-based soup with fish or meat — widely available at chop bars.

Must-Try!

Boiled starchy tubers or plantain served with a spinach-like stew made from cocoyam leaves (kontomire) and palm oil — common, filling, and vegetarian-friendly when cooked without fish.

A bean stew cooked in palm oil and often served with fried plantain; a popular and affordable protein-rich option.

Street snacks — roasted plantain or deep-fried bean cakes (koose) that make excellent breakfasts or late-afternoon bites.

The town’s main market is the best place to taste fresh fruits, roasted plantain, kenkey, and to buy cocoa beans, smoked fish and local spices; mornings are busiest.

Small stalls and 'chop bars' near bus stations serve quick meals like jollof rice, fried yam, fufu and soups — ideal for budget travellers and authentic flavours.

Polite, personal greetings are essential — greet elders first, use local greetings (e.g., Twi salutations), and shake hands. A simple 'good morning/afternoon' goes a long way.

Show deference to chiefs and elders; ask permission before entering ceremonial areas and follow any guidance during visits to palaces or festivals.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural villages, churches or mosques. Avoid beachwear or overly revealing clothes in public spaces.

Always ask before photographing people, homes or traditional ceremonies. Some places require explicit permission or a small fee.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up taxi fares, give a small tip (5-10% or a few cedis) to restaurant servers in larger establishments, and offer modest gratitude to guides and drivers. Cash is preferred for small tips.

The Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) is used locally; cash is king in Sefwi Wiawso. Mobile money services (e.g., MTN Mobile Money) are widely used for local payments. Major cards may work at some hotels or larger businesses but are unreliable in rural shops — carry sufficient cash and small denominations.

Frequent heavy afternoon rains, muddy trails and higher river levels — ideal for lush landscapes and fewer tourists; bring waterproof gear and plan flexible travel times.

Another period of showers and warm temperatures; good for birdwatching when forest life is active, but some roads can be difficult after heavy downpours.

Drier air and slightly cooler mornings due to the Harmattan dust from the Sahara; visibility can be hazy some days but roads are generally in better condition.

Warmer and more humid with increasing chance of thunderstorms toward the end; good time for outdoor activities early in the day.

The dominant sport, with local community teams, school competitions and strong grassroots interest. Pickup matches are common in the afternoons and weekends.

Running, traditional competitive games and occasional cycling are popular recreational activities, especially connected to festivals and community events.

Vegetarian options exist (stews with yams/plantain, kontomire, red red) but many traditional dishes include fish or meat. Specify 'without fish/meat' and seek vegetable stews; carry snacks if options feel limited.

Possible but requires care: palm oil-based stews and plantain/yam dishes are often vegan-friendly if prepared without fish or animal stock. Ask clearly and bring supplements if needed.

Many staples (fufu, boiled yam, plantain, rice) are naturally gluten-free. Beware of sauces thickened with wheat-based ingredients in some urban eateries.

Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid raw salads unless certain of hygiene, and eat street food from busy stalls where turnover is high.