CNN travels On The Road to Ghana, for week of special coverage
London, 28 February 2014. Ghana is the latest stop in CNN International’s On The Road series, the programming strand that examines the culture, heritage, business and customs of a country.
The series, which has so far visited Brazil, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Poland, embraces a wide range of topics, from arts and cuisine, through to technology, architecture and sport.
Beginning on 1 March, On The Road Ghana will see CNN, led by correspondent Paula Newton, exploring some of the stories behind this African powerhouse. As well as featuring on TV on CNN International, On The Road Ghana will also have a dedicated web page at CNN.com/Ghana.
The special coverage will be taking in a variety of stories, including the following:
To the west of Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital, lies Cape Coast Castle. One of a number of commercial forts built by colonial Europeans in the 15th century, it was once a centre of the slave trade. CNN looks at the castle’s contemporary role as a destination for tourists seeking to explore this disturbing period in the continent’s history.
Close to Cape Coast is the town of Elmina, where fishing is at the heart of daily life. Elmina’s artisanal fishermen are treated as heroes, and are part of an industry that is key to Ghana’s diet and economy. But modern fishing techniques and environmental issues threaten this way of life, and with them bring issues of food security. CNN finds out how Elmina’s fishermen are adapting to these challenges, and samples some of their catch.
Inland from Elmina and Cape Coast, On the Road visits the UNESCO protected Kakum National Park. Deforestation is a significant problem for Ghana, with some warning that all of the country’s forest land could disappear within 25 years. Paula Newton meets the communities driving an important protection and preservation initiative there.
Anyone who saw the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will remember Ghana’s national side, the Black Stars, who carried the hopes of an entire continent to the tournament’s quarter finals before their controversial elimination. As the team prepares to travel to Brazil, CNN looks at the importance of football in Ghana, and examines its role in emboldening and inspiring an entire nation.
Funerals in Ghana can be extravagant affairs, and fantasy coffins are a staple. Paula Newton discovers how Ghanaians embrace the business of death.
Panji Anoff is a record label boss who specialises in bringing Ghanaian beats from each corner of the country to the mainstream. CNN finds out how he is mixing so-called ‘hiplife’ style and traditional sounds – and finds out why he believes this can ensure the roots of Ghanaian music will live on in future generations.
Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice President, Programming, at CNN International, said: “Ghana is a fascinating country. Our On The Road series gives us the perfect chance to dig deeper into its story, and bring it to life for our international audiences. Throughout this week of special coverage we’ll be giving our viewers an insight into some of the people, places, businesses and issues that make this such a vibrant nation.”
Away from the On The Road strand, CNN will also be focusing on a number of news stories during its visit to Ghana, taking a closer look at the key issues making the headlines.
*Ends*
For more information, please contact the CNN International Press Office in London: + 44 20 7693 0939