Travelogue | Aburi lures you with her large heart | The Arts-Muse Fair

According to estimates, Ghana’s population is 'just' 29.4 million. Ghana is therefore small, compared to Nigeria, but she is able to do big things that positively impact not only on her neighbours or the West African sub-regional space but up to the continental level. Her hosting of the headquarters of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), with it a diplomatic status to boot, readily comes to mind.

A fruit shed in Aburi. Photo: Aminu S Muhammad

No town in Ghana probably holds enough significance and nostalgia for Nigerians like Aburi, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This beautiful hillside town, with arguably the best weather in Ghana owing to its altitude, was in February 1967, the host of a last ditched effort by Ghana and other countries to save Nigeria from an imminent civil war that sadly went on to cause the loss of over a million lives.

Gowon and late Ojukwu, the two men who led Nigeria to a civil war. Photo: informationng.com

Although the agreement reached at this meeting, famously called the Aburi Accord, could not stop the war, Ghana's efforts, including using her resources to try to save fellow African brothers from going to war remains commendable.

Rita and Bob Marley in an undated photo. Credit: Gettyimages

Aburi, as it were, holds a strong allure for black people all over the world. This much was exhibited in 2001 when Rita Marley, widow of Reggae icon, Bob Marley, decided she needed to physically return to her black roots. No black community held enough attractions for her like Aburi where she moved her entire family, including grandchildren, and set up a music studio and the Rita Marley Foundation that engages in humanitarian activities.

Rita Marley. Photo credit: Reuters

It was Aburi she settled down to as her home after leaving Jamaica. The Aburi community, ever so receptive and peace-loving, bestowed on her the traditional title of 'Queen of Konkonuru' and an affectionate name of 'Nana Addobea'. The Government of Ghana in 2013 granted Rita Marley citizenship of Ghana, firmly rooting her identity as a daughter of black Africa.

Music studio and office of the Rita Marley Foundation, Aburi. Photo: Aminu S Muhammad