The West Coast Breeze

Have you been to the west coast of the west African stretch? It is a beauty to behold from Nigeria down to Senegal, it is indeed breathtaking.

Western Africa is home to a range of people with diverse ethnicity and religion, lying just 10º east longitude, west of the north-south axis. Western Africa is often referred to as Sub-Saharan Africa, although some people dislike the term. There is a lot of friendly banter surrounding the region’s delicacies, women, and governments, as each country has its unique policies. 

Most of the countries in this region share common borders  and are home to a diverse group of  tribes. One of such tribe is the Hausas, who have their footprints from the Atlantic coast to the Sahara

These countries belong to a common organization that aims to promote economic and social development within the region, this is the ECOWAS. The Economic community of West Africa States has fifteen member states, and my favourites are those close to the Atlantic Sea, with the pristine coastlines and cheerful people.

My first journey out of Nigeria was to Ghana where I enjoyed a home away from home, though the pace and attitude of Ghanaians was on the extra. The view from the border, Sémé border through Benin showed me the beauty of agriculture practised on the sandy beaches with irrigation running through these fields.

Nigeria is termed as the big brother, with over 200 million people living in her, she boasts of being the most populous nation in the region, blessed with human resources and abundant resources shelved underneath her continental shelf. 

Benin on the other hand is similar to Nigeria in terms of similar cultural ties with Nigeria despite being a francophone nation, they speak French. The roads leading to their cities are so organized with motorcycles and pedestrian having their own share of the road, making it so thrilling to watch.

Togo, herself, is a tiny strip of land sandwiched in between Benin and Ghana, fitted with a duty-free shipping port, which serves landlocked countries and the largest textile market in West Africa. The Yorubas are commonly seen trading here alongside the Togolese nationals, the border at the Aflao is one place to unwind, with the soothing winds and chilled coconut drink, fresh from the plant.

Ghana is a beautiful place, known as the motherland, I love the way the people are governed, the love for their police force and the military doesn’t involve in a show of force. The country is home to numerous Africans, including Nigerians and African Americans. 

Ghana is more favoured in the international space due to its stable democratic system and friendly nature of her people. Nigeria and Ghana are have sworn to be banter friends.

For Senegal, The Gambia, Sierra Leon, Liberia and other countries along this strait, I do wish to experience the different cultures enclosed within them and the manner in which people conduct themselves.

Taking a road trip from Nigeria to other West African countries exposes one to the beauty of the land, the supposed corridor, that needs a high speed train to allow folks living in Ghana to work in Lagos, Nigeria, the horticulture industry and massive architectural structures spanning areas.

I encourage you to take a road trip.

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