Ghana has long been a special place for the African American diaspora. For many, "roots tourism" is a rite of passage. But in the early 90s, the West African country began to expand its tourist offerings beyond the historic "Slave Coast," opening attractions that feature the country’s rich natural bounty.

In 1995, with support from the U.S. Government, Ghana opened a first-of-its kind attraction for Africa-- a canopy ropewalk at Kakum National Park that took visitors a hundred feet off the ground offering spectacular views of the forest.

USAID FrontLines editor Kelly Ramundo travelled to Kakum in May 2013 to see how the ropewalk has grown and to document the nexus between tourism, food security and the country's recent economic transformation.