In Case You Missed It!!! the Rumours are true. The popular 2017 American comedy, Girls Trip starring Queen Latifah, Tifanny Haddish, Regina Hall, and Jada Pinkett Smith has a sequel coming up.
And this time the ladies are packing their luckages and heading the gateway to West Africa, Ghana for Girls Trip 2.
The exciting yet surprising update was revealed by writer and producer, Tracy Oliver, while promoting the second season of her Amazon Prime Video series “Harlem” at this year’s Sundance Film Festival hosted by Variety
“It’s officially happening. I can say that,” Oliver revealed during the live discussion. “[Producer Will Packer] might kill me, [but] we’re looking to set it in Ghana.”
Another “Harlem” star, actor Shoniqua Shandai, screamed “Afrochella!”, (now @afrofuture )after Oliver dropped the news.
The update has been met with so much fanfare from several quarters especially Ghanaians. And whiles we wait for the film to be shot in this beautiful country, we can’t help but offer the scouting team and director some pretty amazing locations that would add up to the vibe of the sequel of the movie which made $140 million globally on just a $16 million budget.
Check out 13 iconic locations that should feature in Girls Trip 2
Afrofuture
Afrochella now known as “Afrofuture” should definitely feature in this new movie. The annual music and Arts festival has defined the “Detty December” culture in Ghana and was proudly mentioned by Oliver’s “Harlem” actor Shoniqua Shandai when she dropped the news at Sundance on Monday.
The 2-day festival features a diverse lineup of African and international artists including Burna Boy, Stonebwoy, Tems and Shatte Wale with a focus on showcasing emerging and established talents in the Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B genres. The festival also includes cultural performances, art exhibits, and food vendors.
Jamestown Lighthouse
Located in James Town, a suburb of Accra, the James Town Lighthouse will make up for a great scene in the upcoming series. The lighthouse is situated on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular tourist spot.
Built in the early 1900s it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Ghana and was used to guide ships entering the port of Accra whiles warning them of the treacherous waters off the coast.
It is now open to the public and offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean. Guests are permitted to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a fee whiles watching the sunset.
Black Star Square
Black Star Square, also known as Independence Square, is a public square located in Accra, Ghana. The square is named after the Black Star of Africa, which is featured on the flag of Ghana. The square is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Ghana’s independence. It is the site of the Independence Arch, which was built to commemorate Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957
Ada
Known for its beautiful beaches and being a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, this location has over the years become a perfect feature for movies shot in Ghana. Ada is also known for its traditional fishing village and its large fish market. Visitors to Ada can also take boat tours to see the mangrove forests that line the coast. The town is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in experiencing the traditional culture of Ghana.
Makola market
At the heart of Accra, is the bustling Makola Market, known as one of the largest and most popular markets in West Africa. Makola Market is known for its wide variety of goods and its lively atmosphere. The market is made up of several sections, each specialising in different types of goods such as textiles, jewellery, spices, and electronics. Visitors can find almost anything at Makola Market, from traditional African fabrics and clothing to modern gadgets and electronics. The market is also a great place to buy traditional Ghanaian crafts and souvenirs. Despite, its very chaotic nature, it’s always a great spot to shoot content and Girl Trip is no different.
Aburi Gardens
Located in Aburi, in the Akuapim South District, Aburi garden was established in 1890 by the British colonial government and covers an area of about 78 acres. The garden is known for its collection of exotic plants and flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. It is also home to a wide variety of birds and butterflies, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
The garden features a number of walking trails, gardens, and picnic areas, as well as a restaurant and a gift shop. This popular tourist destination will pass for an iconic scene in the Girls Trip 2 (Detty December edition if you asked us)
Cape Coast Castle
From Barack and Michelle Obama to Steve Harvey, Usher, Ludacris and Tina Knowles, literally every A-list superstar has been to the Cape Coast castle, where a few shared tears whiles listening to the stories of the slave trade and connecting to their roots. The UNESCO World Heritage Site also serves as a museum.
The Castle was built by the Swedish Africa Company in 1653 and later taken over by the British. It was used as a key base for the transatlantic slave trade, where enslaved Africans were held before being transported to the Americas.
This powerful symbol of the brutal history of the transatlantic slave trade and the impact it had on the African continent definitely needs to be featured in the upcoming series.
Mole, Larabanga Mosque
The Larabanga Mosque is a historic mosque located in the village of Larabanga, in the West Gonja District of the Northern Region of Ghana. It is considered to be the oldest mosque in Ghana and one of the oldest in West Africa. The mosque was built in the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, which is characterized by its use of mud and wood and its intricate geometric designs. It is also known for its wooden beams and intricate carvings.
The mosque is an important religious and cultural site, and it is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors to the mosque can learn about the history of the mosque and the Islamic faith in Ghana, as well as admire the architectural and artistic details of the building. The mosque is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Western Sudanese Architecture of the 15th to the 19th century,”
Another key location for a movie like the Girls’ trip is Mole National park, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, warthogs, antelopes, and various species of birds. It also has a variety of vegetation, including savannah grasslands, gallery forests, and rocky outcroppings
Lou Moon
Lou Moon Resort is renowned for its incredibly breathtaking scenery and exceptional hospitality.
Set within a natural beach cove, nestled against a backdrop of lush green forests, and overlooking a magnificent bay area with the best sunset view in what is truly a slice of paradise.
Adomi Bridge
The Adomi Bridge is a road bridge that spans the Volta River in Ghana, connecting the towns of Asutsuare and Adomi. The British colonial government built the bridge in the 1950s making it the first permanent bridge to be built across the Volta River. The bridge is considered as a very important transportation link, connecting the Volta Region to the Greater Accra Region and the rest of the country. It is also a popular spot for tourists and locals to admire the view of the Volta River and the surrounding landscape. It’ll definitely make a great scene in the movie.
Kakum National park
Considered one of Ghana’s finest wildlife and rainforest reserve, the Kakum National Park lies on the coast of Ghana on the Twifo Praso road, a few kilometres from the Cape Coast town.
According to conservationists, the park is home to several endangered animal species including the Diana monkey, grey parrot, hornbills and butterflies.
Its most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is suspended at 30 meters above sea level and an adrenaline rush for all adventure junkies.
Art Centre
Last but definitely not the least is the Arts center in Accra which features a variety of exhibits and displays showcasing traditional Ghanaian art, textiles, and artifacts.
It also hosts regular performances of traditional music and dance, as well as workshops and classes on traditional crafts such as kente weaving and adinkra printing.
