The Middle Circuit of the Ankobra Gold Route starts at Dominase in the Nzema-East District, an old traditional settlement of 3,000 people, upstream of Sanwoma. The Ankobra River cuts Dominase in two, and the Nkroful-Tarkwa road connects them through the Ankobra Bridge. Dominase is famous in the area for its Saturday market, which brings together many traders from all over the district, including Nkroful, Sanwoma, Bamianko, Tarkwa and Awurozo. Here you can take a locally-built boat upstream with the market women on market day (Saturday), or take a local tour seeing small Akpeteshie Distilling stations and local traditional villages. Akpeteshie is a local gin and is the traditional drink at funerals, and a traditionally requested item at ‘knocking’ ceremonies, when a man asks the prospective bride’s family for permission to marry.

You can take part in agro industrial Akpeteshie distillation, which is the only occupational process undertaken entirely by men. Akpeteshie is normally produced from palm wine from raffia or oil palm, which can be widely seen in the area. You can take a unique tour here to see the processing methods from tapping to drinking the final product!

While travelling along the Ankobra, you can also take part in a fishing expedition, where traditional methods are used for both crab traps and fish lines. Enjoy the catch when you return!

While here, you cannot miss out on galamsey. This is shallow pit or surface mining and is an ancient method applied to the hillsides and old river valleys in this area. It is locally called mmoaboa, where gold bearing mud or scooped earth is washed with water and chemicals for gold. Galamsey comes from the words to ‘gather’ and ‘sell’. This mining method is associated with high levels of environmental degradation, but it is one that is changing through education.

Moving on from Dominase, your next stop will be Awurozo. Though a small settlement at the confluence of the Duma and Ankobra Rivers, Awurozo has had a huge influence on the history and culture of the area. Awurozo is situated within the Gwira traditional area, and this is reflected in its name. ‘Awurozo’ comes from the Gwira word ‘awole’, meaning ‘stones’ and ‘zo’, meaning ‘on’ – so the name means ‘the town built on stones’.

 Awurozo was originally built by traders from Wassa Amenfi in the northern reaches of the Western Region. This settlement grew to become a well-recognised commercial town. Traders stopped at this confluence to refuel, refresh and rest, before continuing their journey to the mouth of the Ankobra. The Portuguese built Fort Duma during this time (around 1623). Today, even the remains of this abandoned fort are not visible, as the river has eroded them during floods in the rainy season. Some report that the fort was badly damaged during an earthquake in 1636, but no record has been found of such an event. However, a map from 1629 does show the fort as abandoned.

Fort Duma was built by the Portuguese in 1623, as a warehouse meant to ease the trading of goods along the Ankobra. However, since the natural forces were against the fort, trade had to continue without a storehouse in Awurozo. It is suspected that Duma was destroyed by an earthquake or abandoned by the end of 1636.

It is believed locally that Awurozo was originally founded by traders from Wassa Amenfi in search of salt, and grew to become a commercial town in the district. The river was the main source of trade, transportation and communication in those times, so politically, Awurozo was significant and an important player even before the rise and fall of Fort Duma.

While in Awurozo, you can celebrate the Odwira Festival, which gives thanks for the good yam harvest. It is not celebrated widely, but is commemorated within the Gwira districts.

1. Dominase

Where to Stay and Eat
With the assistance of your guide, locate a Chop Bar in Dominase and enjoy a local dish and a local drink, preferably palm wine or Akpeteshie (local gin), for appetite. Visitors are advised to stay over in Axim, Sanwoma, Kikam or Esiama, and have a day tour of Dominase, since home stay facilities are yet to be developed there.

How to Get There
By road, from Takoradi through Agona Nkwanta Bamianko Junction, or through Axim and Esiama to Nkroful and to Dominase on the Nkroful-Bamianko road.

2. Awurozo

Where to Stay and Eat
With the assistance of your guide, locate a Chop Bar and enjoy a local dish and a local drink, preferably palm wine or Akpeteshie (local gin), for appetite.

How to Get There
By road, from Takoradi through Agona Nkwanta Bamianko Junction, or through Axim and Esiama to Nkroful and through Dominase to Bamianko on the Nkroful-Bamianko road. Ride by boat from Sanwoma through Dominase, to Awurozo and back.