Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana, is a city that captivates with its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse markets. With a fast-growing, young, globally and digitally connected population, Ghana is emerging as a key export market for goods in Sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond its traditional industries of agriculture, mining, and oil and gas production, Ghana's digital, financial services, construction, education, and franchising sectors are growing fast. This guide will take you through the must-visit attractions, shopping destinations, culinary hotspots, and essential tips for navigating this dynamic city.
Exploring Accra's Cultural and Historical Landmarks
Accra has a fascinating history, and exploring its iconic landmarks is a must. A great starting point is the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park. This impressive monument houses the tomb of Ghana’s first president, preserved in a giant granite cube. Christiansborg Castle is another important site, located along the busy beachfront at Osu. This castle was once the headquarters of Danish slavers in the early 17th century, and bears witness to the country’s past.
Other notable sites include:
- The National Museum of Ghana: The best place in Accra to trace Ghana’s story from ancient Nok terracottas and Ashanti gold weights to post-independence art, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country.
- Osu Castle/ Fort Christiansborg: A modest fort that once housed the government of the Gold Coast under Scandinavian rule, offering insights into the slave trade.
- James Fort: Crumbling relics of Accra’s colonial past, providing a glimpse into the dark chapters of West African history.
Shopping in Accra: From Bustling Markets to Modern Malls
Accra is a shopper’s haven, offering a mix of bustling street markets, luxury “western style” shopping malls, and traditional shops. Fashion is in full effect on the streets of Accra, whether it be traditional African textiles, colorful fabrics, or modern items the city has some of the hottest retail “hidden gems” in the country. This wonderful city is filled with fascinating markets and bazaars that offer everything from arts and crafts to handmade jewelry and clothing.
The largest local market is Makola, located just outside the Central Business District. Here, you’ll find a huge range of everyday goods, from cooking ingredients and textiles to electronic gadgets and handicrafts. Other markets around town offer an exciting mix of local and imported wares. The Oxford Street in Osu is popular for its trendy boutiques, while Black Star Square is a must-go for souvenirs such as hand-woven fabrics and locally-made jewelry.
Read also: Ghanaian Business Profile: Franko Trading
Here’s a detailed itinerary for a shopping tour at Makola Market:
- 9:00 AM: Hotel Pickup: Begin your day with a comfortable pickup from your hotel.
- 9:30 AM: Arrival at Makola Market: Dive into the bustling atmosphere.
- 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Shopping at Makola Market:
- Local Textiles and Garments (9:30 AM - 10:15 AM): Browse through colorful fabrics, including handwoven Kente.
- Crafts and Souvenirs (10:15 AM - 11:00 AM): Discover traditional crafts, from intricate beadwork to unique wooden carvings.
- Food and Spices (11:00 AM - 11:45 AM): Explore the flavors of Ghana with a visit to the spice merchants and food stalls.
- Beauty and Wellness Products (11:45 AM - 12:30 PM): End your shopping tour with natural beauty products, such as shea butter and coconut oil.
- 12:30 PM: Departure from Makola Market: Gather your purchases and prepare for departure.
- 1:00 PM: Optional Stop at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy Ghanaian cuisine.
For more modern shopping experiences, visit Oxford Street where high-end shops and boutiques line the road. The Lotte is an elevated shopping experience, located in Airport City, a modern concept store boasting incredible fashion, art, beauty, and homeware by famed artists and designers such as Studio Badge, Christie Brown, and Osei Duro. Modern shopping malls such as Melcom and Accra Mall offer the latest international and local clothing, electronics, and food. The Accra Mall, established in 2008, is a state-of-the-art structure filled with shops, and two leading department stores; Shoprite, and Game.
Accra's Culinary Scene: A Taste of Ghana
Accra may be known for its African dishes like fufu and jollof rice, but there are plenty of other international options for foodies to explore. Street food is plentiful here, offering a delicious way to sample some of the country’s local flavors. Restaurants range from high-end spots serving gourmet fusion dishes, to hole-in-the-wall eateries providing classic Ghanaian street food staples. There’s something to suit every taste and budget!
Accra is an absolute delight when it comes to the food scene, with some of the most dynamic chefs in the world offering innovative interpretations of Ghanaian cuisine. The city has a wide range of dishes to sample from traditional Ghanaian dishes to fusion cuisine like local stews and sauces cooked with fresh fish, chicken, or beef. Try the red-red, a delicious bean dish cooked with palm oil and served with fried plantains.
Must-try dishes include:
Read also: Exploring Accra, Ghana
- Jollof Rice: A tomato and rice dish served with fried chicken and shito sauce.
- Waakye: A rice dish served with beans and sides like fried plantain, spaghetti, hard-boiled eggs, and fish or chicken.
- Banku: A dumpling made of fermented corn and cassava dough, normally served with stew and tilapia.
- Fufu: Boiled, pounded cassava and plantain, often served in soups.
For a unique dining experience, consider a private dinner with Chef PaJohn, who offers a modern twist on traditional dishes through his Native Adventures. Make sure to sample bean-to-bar chocolates and truffles at Bioko and grab some chocolate-covered cashews and hazelnuts.
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Beaches and Natural Attractions
Accra has a stunning coastline packed with beautiful beaches to explore. Head along to Labadi Beach for a spot of sunbathing or watch the sunset from Coco Beach - whatever you choose you won’t be disappointed! The coastline of Ghana stretches for 350 miles from Aflao in the Volta Region all the way to Cape Three Points in the Western Region.
Popular beaches include:
- Labadi Beach (La Pleasure Beach): Offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness.
- La Palm Royal Beach: A luxurious seafront with a premium, relaxing atmosphere.
- Akosombo Beach: A tranquil atmosphere on the eastern side of Lake Volta.
- Kokrobite Beach: Known for its lively atmosphere, restaurants, and live entertainment.
- Bojo Beach: An intimate and private white sand island beach reachable via a guided canoe tour.
Kakum National Park is one of Ghana’s most enchanting attractions. Here you can find lush rainforests that are home to powerful elephants and leopards as well as over 200 species of unique birds. For those seeking an extraordinary experience then take a canopy walkway tour through Kakum National Park! Suspension bridges that hang at approximately 40m above the forest floor offer spectacular views of wildlife up close - it’s certainly not one for those scared of heights!
Navigating Accra: Transportation Tips
The Kotoka International Airport is the main airport located in Accra around 6 miles from the heart of downtown. Bus line 1A is operated by TrafikuUrban and runs on the hour every hour from the airport to the city center. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs about 3 Euros. Buses are yellow and can be found outside the airport, take a left and you will find the bus stop. Taxis can be found outside of the airport as well and a ride into the city costs around 15-20 Euros.
Read also: Accra Airport Guide
Here are the most common ways to get around Accra:
- Tro tros (minibuses or cargo vans): The most efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city.
- Taxis: Negotiate a fare with the driver before taking the ride.
- Uber: Available in Accra and is another cheap option to get around.
- Walking: Exploring Accra on foot is easy to do in the compact city center.
Hiring a car in Accra is a great way to explore the country. Drivers need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) as well as their home license. Main roads in Accra are generally paved and well maintained with significant improvements being made.
Essential Information for Visitors
Ghana is located in a subtropical zone with reasonably consistent temperatures throughout the year. Daily average temperatures are over 85F all year long, Accra experiences its hottest temperatures from November to January despite lying in the same hemisphere as Europe. The city enjoys a warm, tropical climate with temperatures that rarely drop below 60F or rise above 90F. November to January are the hottest months, and the rainy season peaks in May and June, and things dry up between June and October. The country’s combination of low altitude and proximity to the Equator adds to its tropical climate, humidity is usually high and upwards of 80% along the coast. Humidity clings to the coastline in Accra, the further north you go the hotter and dryer the weather will be.
The currency of Accra is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS), and the smaller pesewa the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for Ghanaian cedi, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus.
The official language spoken in Accra is Twi, other commonly spoken languages include Ewe, Fante, and Ga. However, many Ghanaians speak English, especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Akan is the most widely spoken in the south, and Dagbani is the most widely spoken in the north.
Conclusion
Accra is a city that offers a wealth of experiences, from its bustling markets and historical landmarks to its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to explore and enjoy all that this dynamic African capital has to offer.
