The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, has embarked on a remarkable visit to Nzulezo, a centuries-old village uniquely built on stilts over Lake Tadane in the Jomoro Constituency of the Western Region.
His visit, described as deeply insightful and inspiring, shed new light on one of Ghana’s most extraordinary yet under-promoted cultural heritage sites — a floating village that has stood the test of time for over five centuries.
Nzulezo, meaning “surface of water,” is not a replica or staged attraction. It is a living, breathing community, where daily life unfolds above water, connected by wooden walkways and bound by a strong sense of identity and tradition. Established more than 500 years ago, Nzulezo has preserved its original architecture, communal values, and lifestyle.
“As the canoe glided across the lake toward the village, I felt as though I was entering a different realm,” Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana reflected. “Nzulezo is not just a settlement — it is a testament to Ghanaian resilience, simplicity, and cultural dignity.”
Listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since 2000, Nzulezo is home to a closely-knit population whose livelihoods revolve around fishing, small-scale farming, and trade. Despite its remote setting, the village has access to electricity and remarkably reports zero crime — a rarity in modern settlements.
Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana was especially touched by the community’s strong bonds and adherence to traditional values.
“There is a profound sense of trust and harmony here. Children play freely, elders converse peacefully, and everyone plays a role in sustaining this delicate yet powerful way of life,” he observed.
He also commended the village’s cultural practices, such as marriage customs that prohibit unions within the same bloodline, preserving both lineage and social cohesion.
The visit was part of a broader initiative by the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote domestic tourism and highlight the nation’s lesser-known cultural treasures. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana emphasized the importance of telling Nzulezo’s story to a wider audience.
“Nzulezo is a living museum — a stunning symbol of human ingenuity and harmony with nature. We encourage Ghanaians and the international community to discover and celebrate such authentic destinations,” he said.
The Ghana Tourism Authority is expected to strengthen its support for Nzulezo through sustainable tourism initiatives that protect the village’s cultural heritage while boosting economic opportunities for its people.
As interest in heritage and eco-tourism grows globally, Nzulezo stands out as a powerful reminder of what is possible when tradition, environment, and community coexist in balance — a timeless gem where history truly floats on water.
