Accra is the capital of Ghana, located on the stunning Atlantic coast of West Africa. This energetic culture is located on the Gulf of Guinea between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, Ghana’s energetic culture is made up of over 100 different ethnic groups. Accra is a lively city where you'll see a mix of colorful markets, modern buildings and shanty towns, and even the occasional castle.
The Accra area was first settled in the 15th century by the Ga people who called the town Accra - ‘ants’ in Nkran - because of the number of large anthills that still dominate the region. Settled in the 15th century, Accra was formed from the merger of distinct settlements around British Fort James, Dutch Fort Crêvecoeur (Ussher Fort), and Danish Fort Christiansborg as Jamestown, Usshertown, and Christiansborg respectively. Accra served as the capital of the British Gold Coast between 1877 and 1957 and has since transitioned into a modern metropolis.
Historical Overview
Ghana is a colonial nation, established by England in the 19th century. While the British maintained control of national affairs, indigenous rulers continued to handle local matters. Prior to the 15th century, when the Portuguese arrived in search of gold, there was no written history of Ghana. From the beaches of the Atlantic, the Ga traded with the Portuguese, who soon became colonisers and built the first fort in Jamestown. Despite initial resistance - the fort was soon razed to the ground - a succession of other colonial intruders used Accra as one of the gateways to West Africa and its riches; namely gold and slaves. British, Dutch and Danish settlers constructed forts along the coast and soon began to settle beyond the walls.
By the time Accra became the capital of the British Gold Coast in 1877, it was one of the largest cities in Africa and the centre of the region. Two earthquakes in 1862 and 1939 destroyed much of the early colonial architecture but remnants can still be seen, particularly around the neighbourhoods of Jamestown and Ushertown. Beginning as the capital of the British Gold Coast, Accra became the capital of independent Ghana in 1957.
Since independence from Britain in 1957, when it became the second African country to emerge as a nation-state, Ghana has been held as a twinkling example of stable democracy in the continent. It was Ghana’s first Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah, who popularised the concept of ‘the Black Star of Africa’. Reinforced on the flag, in the name of the football team, and in the central square of Accra, the Black Star is a powerful symbol of the country’s independence.
Read also: Population Growth in African Capitals
Modern Accra
Accra in the early 21st century is a sprawling urban city splashed with a free-for-all range of architecture that horrifies and delights in equal measure. Accra is the Greater Accra Region's economic and administrative hub, and serves as the anchor of the larger Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), which is inhabited by about 4 million people, making it the thirteenth-largest metropolitan area in Africa.
Though rapidly modernizing, Accra presents a fascinating past. Named capital of the British Gold Coast during the 19th century, and a colonial stronghold for hundreds of years before that, the center is scattered with British, Dutch, and Danish remnants which stand poignantly alongside monuments of independence. For balance, try to catch sight of Independence Square, a large stone arch adorned with the striking black stars that signify Ghana’s 1957 independence.
Though most visitors only use the buzzing capital of Accra as an entry gate to the rest of Ghana, Accra has a charming energy that gradually reveals itself with a bit of exploration. The city is also a transportation hub, home to the Kotoka International Airport, and railway links to Tema, Sekondi-Takoradi and Kumasi.
Accra is a modern city with plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants, and nightlife for visitors to enjoy. It's an excellent idea to hire a car to get yourself around the sprawling city, and your driver will also act as your tour guide for the day. Kotoka International Airport is an African hub with flights to and from the Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. Since most flights to Ghana land in Accra, there are many direct flights available from major cities. You can fly straight from Chicago to Africa in under 20 hours. There are also daily flights from New York City. Other flights to Accra originate from most major cities worldwide and arrive after one or two stops.
Culture and Society
When you visit Ghana, you'll find a diverse culture based on harmony, respect and dignity. Family takes precedence over all else, and elders are deeply revered. Family is the most important part of the culture in Ghana, and is given priority over everything else. The family’s sense of honor is what binds the community together, and elders or people with experience and wealth are deeply respected. Being invited into someone’s home in Ghana is a sure sign of friendship and should be reciprocated with a small gift.
Read also: South Africa's Death Penalty History
Elders should always be greeted first as a sign of respect. When entering someone’s home, make sure you are dressed well and remove your shoes. Food may be served from a communal bowl, and it is customary to wash your hands in a basin that is provided before the meal and eat it with your hands.In business relations, Ghanaian greet with a handshake and use people’s proper titles. It is proper to speak about health and family before launching into any business dealings. Ghanaians want to avoid offence and maintain harmony, so communication can be an indirect affair. Proverbs, sayings, and analogies are used to convey business messages, and they may also answer with silence if met with an uncomfortable question. Expect some teasing as well, because Ghanaians have a good-natured sense of humor.
Climate and Weather
When you travel to Accra, Ghana, remember that Africa is hot. The average temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Although the heat is ever present, some travelers choose to go during the dry season to avoid humidity and bugs. The dry season in Accra is November through April. While there, it's important to stay hydrated. Ghanaians make this easy by providing many outdoor coconut and water baggie stands.
Owing to its location in the Dahomey Gap, where the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean coast runs parallel to the prevailing moist monsoonal winds, Accra features a very marginal tropical wet and dry climate (Köppen climate classification: Aw) that borders on a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh). The average annual rainfall is about 730 mm (29 in), which falls primarily during Ghana's two rainy seasons. The chief rainy season begins in April and ends in mid-July, whilst a weaker second rainy season occurs in October. Very little variation in temperature occurs throughout the year. The mean monthly temperature ranges from 25.9 °C (78.6 °F) in August (the coolest) to 29.6 °C (85.3 °F) in March (the hottest), with an annual average of 27.6 °C (81.7 °F).
Average Temperatures in Accra
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 31 | 23 |
| April | 32 | 25 |
| July | 28 | 23 |
| October | 31 | 24 |
Top 10 Things To Do In Ghana | Detty December & Beyond
Must-Visit Attractions in Accra
Accra is a wonderful Ghanaian city to explore. Soak up breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, lively markets, restaurants and eateries, The National Museum, OSU Castle, and of course, Accra's fabulous Labadi Beach. Ghana is a fascinating and diverse country, rich with history and beauty. Its stunning beaches and friendly citizens welcome visitors to explore West Africa’s golden gem.
- Independence Square: One of Accra’s greatest attractions is the Independence Square. It was here that Ghana attained its freedom back in 1957, making it an important part of the nation’s history. You’ll find plenty to see including monuments, beautiful gardens and an impressive fountain.
- Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park: 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. At the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park you can pay homage to Ghana’s first President. Located in Accra’s well-known Independence Square, this site is a must-visit for anyone seeking to learn more about Ghana’s beloved leader. Alongside Nkrumah’s tomb, there is also a museum, library and memorial dedicated to his life and legacy.
- National Museum: Accra’s excellent National Museum encompasses the full gamut of Ghana’s history, spanning from the Stone Age to its more recent history. Housed in a large purpose-built building that opened in the 1950s, the museum exhibits archaeological and ethnographic items and artefacts.
- Christiansborg Castle: 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.
- Labadi Beach: The beautiful Labadi Beach is definitely worth a visit while in Accra. The area is packed with beachgoers throughout the summer months and provides the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Spend a day here lounging on the sand with 12 miles of white sandy beaches to explore. Get stuck in with a game of beach volleyball or check out some local food stalls for some delicious snacks!
- Makola Market: Accra is a city with plenty of vibrant markets that should make it top of your list of must-explore attractions. 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.
Culinary Experiences
Dive into Ghanaian cuisine in Accra's many local restaurants, where they serve up a variety of authentic specialties. Guests can sample okra stem, fish yassa, eba, nyama choma, and other traditional dishes at some of the best restaurants in West Africa. Ghanaian food is rich and sumptuous, and the rest of the world is catching on. The scent of barbecue lingers on the streets, while street vendors ladle stews flavored with tomatoes, chilies and groundnuts.
Read also: Growth in the Kenyan Market
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!
Arts and Entertainment
The contemporary art scene in Ghana is alive and kicking it, and Accra is at its epicenter. To dive straight in, you won’t go far wrong with a visit to the Nubuke Foundation on the outskirts of the city. Set in a striking building with a bold angular design in concrete, the gallery space has a changing program of exhibitions that are always exciting. The foundation was founded in 2006 to support and showcase the visual arts and culture of Ghana through events and community creation. There’s a wide offering ranging from poetry readings to workshops and festivals.
Another must-see on the circuit is the Artists Alliance Gallery in town, with its three floors of cool marble galleries showcasing contemporary painting, carving and textiles. For something a little different, the Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop tells the story of Accra’s fantasy coffin trade that first emerged in the 1950s. The workshop creates colorful bespoke caskets designed and decorated to resemble nigh-on anything requested by the departed or their relatives.
The National Theatre is the perfect place to catch a show in Accra. This grand venue was built in honor of Ghana’s independence in 1962, and has since played host to some of the country’s best performing artists.
For high-flying dining and drinks with a view, head to Skybar 25, Accra’s tallest building. With sumptuous surroundings, creative cocktails and fine dining, tables fill up fast. To avoid disappointment, book ahead to bag the best table with sunset city views. Regular live music is programmed, so if you’d like to up the ambience, check the dates. For glamorous cocktails, roll on to One2One to sip carefully crafted beverages in salubrious settings. If live bands and a more casual atmosphere are your scene, then Rockz Waakye should fit the bill. This established bar/club has live bands and DJs playing into the small hours, as does the legendary club, Twist.
Shopping
Africa’s markets are renowned for their assault on the senses, and with its chaotic, unstructured hubbub, Accra’s famous Makola Market is no exception. Sure, it can be intimidating, but it’s authentic - the perfect place to pick up a few hidden gems and truly immerse yourself in the life of a local. For a less chaotic shopping experience, head to Wild Gecko Handicrafts for an Aladdin’s Cave of Ghanaian crafts and collectables. Colorful contemporary womenswear can be found all over, but seek out Renee Q and the Kiki Clothing boutique in particular. For a real splash of Ghanaian color and ingenuity, look out for Trashy Bags.
Popular articles:
tags: #Ghana
