Busua Beach is one of Ghana's best-loved coastal resorts — a wide crescent of golden sand in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, roughly 30 km west of Takoradi and about 20 km from the historic town of Dixcove. **Where it sits:** Busua lies on the stretch of coast between Takoradi and the Côte d'Ivoire border, in the heart of Ahanta country. The nearest big town is Dixcove (also called Infuma), home to Fort Metal Cross, a British slave-trade fort built in the 1690s that still stands on the hill above the harbour. Busua itself grew up as a fishing village, and that character survives — you'll still see canoes pulled up on the sand and fishermen mending nets in the early morning. **Why it's famous:** Busua is the classic Ghanaian beach-holiday destination. The bay is sheltered, the water is calm enough for swimming most of the year, and the sand is genuinely golden rather than grey. It became a backpacker and expat favourite in the 1990s and 2000s, with a cluster of guesthouses, beach bars and surf schools along the shore. It's also one of the few places in Ghana where you can learn to surf — the waves at nearby Dixcove and Busua point break are gentle enough for beginners. **What to do there:** - Swim, sunbathe and walk the full length of the bay - Learn to surf or paddleboard with the local surf clubs - Take a canoe or boat trip to Dixcove and tour Fort Metal Cross - Eat fresh grilled tilapia, lobster and banku at the beachside spots - Day-trip to Cape Three Points (Ghana's southernmost tip, with its lighthouse) and the Ezile Bay area - Visit the nearby Nzulezo stilt village if you're willing to travel a bit further inland **Getting there:** From Takoradi, take the coast road through Agona Nkwanta and Dixcove — about 45 minutes to an hour by car or trotro. From Accra it's roughly a five to six-hour drive. **Best time to go:** The dry season, roughly November to March, gives the calmest seas and clearest skies. The main rainy season (April–June) can bring rough surf and heavy downpours, though the resort still operates. One practical note: the Western Region coast is also gold-mining country, and illegal mining (galamsey) has been a running national concern in the Ahanta West and Mpohor areas — the government launched a formalisation programme there this month. That's an inland issue and doesn't affect the beach itself, but it's worth knowing the region's context. As the Akan say, *"Abofra bo nnwa na ɔnnye so"* — a child who breaks a snail's shell doesn't get to eat it. Busua rewards those who take their time with it. Go slowly, stay a night or two, and let the sea do the rest.