Stretching along the Ghanaian Atlantic Coast and extending North into Ghana’s interior, Accra is the capital city of Ghana. Accra was founded by the Ga people (Ga-Adangbe, an ethnic group from the Greater Accra Plains) in the late 1400s, later it became a center for trade with the Portuguese, who built a fort in the town. In the 17th century it was the site of three European trading fortresses, which were all in British hands by 1871. Accra served as the capital of the British Gold Coast from 1877 to 1957 and was originally built around a port.
As of 2012, it has an estimated population of over 4 billion, making it the eleventh largest metropolitan in Africa. Today Accra has a population of 2.3 million inhabitants (2012). The city has buildings varying from 19th-century Victorian architecture to modern-day skyscrapers and apartment blocks.
Exploring Accra's Neighborhoods
Accra can be roughly divided into 4 neighborhoods - Central Accra, North Accra, East Accra, and West Accra. The city is bordered by the Great Hall of the University of Ghana in the north and by the Gulf of Guinea in the south. Centered around British, Danish, and Dutch forts, Central Accra is separated from the rest of the city by The Ring Road, which forms a ring around it. While Northern Accra and Western Accra hold both residential and business importance, Eastern Accra strictly remains a residential area.
Transportation in Accra
Many international airline companies including Emirates, and Delta Airlines connect North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to the Kotoka International Airport. The Map shows a city map of Accra with expressways, main roads and streets, zoom out to find the location of Kotoka International Airport (IATA code: ACC) about 8 km by road (via Independence Ave and Liberation Rd) northeast of the city center.
The traveling gets easier once you reach Accra. There are numerous types of public transport to choose from, ranging from pre-booked SUVs, the Metro Monorail, regular taxis, and tro tros (minivans) to buses. One can even roam around the city safely on foot. The tro tros are the cheapest and most knowledgeable mode of travel but are very crowded.
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Festivals and Culture
Accra celebrates a number of festivals every year. The people of Prampram of the Greater Accra Region celebrate the Lalue Kpledo Festival in March. From the last week of July to the first week of August, the people of Ada celebrate the annual warrior festival, the Asafotu-Fiam festival which commemorates war heroes, dead and alive, and is celebrated by staging mock battles. Another harvest festival of Accra is celebrated by the Ga people, the Homowa festival, also in August. This festival originated because of a famine and is a festival of merry-making.
Accra is a blend of modern, traditional, and cultural straits. The city has everything ranging from malls to museums to parks to five-star hotels and nightclubs, and even beaches.
My First 24 Hours in Accra! Exploring Ghana’s Vibrant Capital | ACCRA CITY TOUR
Must-Visit Places in Accra
Among the must-visit places of the city are the National Museum, Labadi Beach, the Ghana Central Library, Kwame Nkrumah National Park, and the University of Ghana. For the taste of Accra nightlife, Osu is the place to be. From trendy nightclubs to fancy restaurants, cocktail bars, and pastry shops, Osu has it all. Accra has an array of hotels, inns, and guest houses.
Key Attractions in Accra
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| National Museum | Showcasing Ghana's rich cultural heritage. |
| Labadi Beach | A popular beach for recreation and relaxation. |
| Ghana Central Library | A resource for knowledge and learning. |
| Kwame Nkrumah National Park | A memorial park dedicated to Ghana's first president. |
| University of Ghana | One of Ghana's premier universities. |
| Osu | Known for its vibrant nightlife and dining options. |
Read also: Accra Airport Guide
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