Since Ghana is such a popular tourist destination, we are very pleased that the Sefwi Wiawso Jewish community welcomes visitors to add a Jewish element to their experience. By experiencing Shabbat or a Jewish holiday, you will truly feel at home in Ghana from their warm hospitality. As one of our recent visitors put it, “We felt we were visiting distant relatives.”
Michael Gershowitz Guest House Details:
- From Accra, travel by bus or plane to Kumasi, then 2-3 hours by taxi or tro-tro (shared van) to Sefwi Wiawso
- The Michael Gershowitz Guest House has four guest rooms, a shared living-dining area, and a porch. There is electricity and a flush toilet.
- An overnight stay at the Guest House includes three meals a day which can be vegetarian and costs $30 per person, $45 per couple.
Shabbat, Holiday Services, and Jewish Ritual Items:
- Shabbat and holiday services are in the synagogue, a short walk from the guest house.
- The community welcomes Jews of all denominations and non-Jews.
- If you would like, you can sponsor a kiddush lunch for the community.
- Kulanu can put you in touch with community leaders so you can find out what Jewish ritual items they may need. Often, travelers reach out to their own Jewish community to donate Judaica items to find a new home across the globe! Items that have been requested in the past are Shabbat candles and Hebrew books. Kulanu may also have some donated items that you could hand-carry. Do not feel obligated to purchase any items. Your presence is a gift enough and shows your support.
Possible Activities Suggested by Community Members
- Meet any of the town chiefs.
- Visit a local school and interact with the children.
- Visit a historic tunnel 98 miles away where it is believed that ancestors passed through fromKumasi to the Sefwi land/
Traveling Tips:
- A visa is necessary to travel to Ghana for those with USA passports. See https://ghanaembassydc.org/visa/
- A yellow fever vaccine is also required.
- Click here for US State Department travel information about Ghana.
- Click here for information on Ghana from the Center for Disease Control.
Kulanu is proud to support the Jewish community in Ghana and wishes all travelers a wonderful visit and safe travels!
Please Contact Us to be put in touch with the community leaders to set up your specific trip.
Visit the Kulanu’s Ghana Page and watch Gabriele Zilha’s film about this community, “Doing Jewish: a Story from Ghana” on Amazon Prime.
Guest House Images: