GHANA: Nzulezo is a stilt village located in the Western Region of Ghana. It is built on the Amansuri lagoon and is entirely constructed on stilts, making it one of the few stilt villages in the world. It is located 90 kilometers west of Takoradi in the Jomoro District of the Western Region of Ghana. “Nzulezu” is an Nzema word for “surface water”.
Nzulezo has been inhabited for over 800 years and is considered an important cultural and historical site. Traditional village life is adapted to the unique environmental conditions, and all activities such as schooling, worship, baptisms and burials are carried out on the lake. It is said that the lake averts possible disasters such as fire outbreaks.
Nzulezo is believed to have been founded by the Nzema people, who were displaced from their ancestral home by invading tribes. Thus, they built the village on stilts as a means of protection from future invasions and to maintain their independence.
The people of Nzulezu still adhere to traditional norms and taboos. For instance, Thursday is a sacred day on the lake, and on this day, the villagers do not engage in any strenuous activity.
Nzulezo also hosts several annual festivals, including the Nzulezo Yam Festival, which is celebrated in August. There is also the traditional fishing festival which celebrations feature traditional fishing techniques, canoe races, and other cultural activities.
