Accra

Accra is the capital city of Ghana. Accra has a mix of 19th-century colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and apartment blocks, and dusty shanty towns.

Understand


Accra has an estimated population of 4—5 million in the metropolitan area. Since an administration reform in 2018 the city itself comprises only of the historic quarters and houses around 280,000 people. However, the surrounding municipal districts are tightly connected to the Accra Metropolitan District. Usually the whole metropolitan area is referred to as "Accra". The local language is Ga; other widely spoken languages are English, Twi (pron. 'ch-wee'), Ewe (pron. ayvay), and Hausa.

History
Accra was founded in the 17th century by the Ga people. It became the capital of the British Gold Coast in 1877 and the capital of Ghana on the formation of the country as an independent state in 1957.

Climate
Accra has a hot, semi-arid tropical climate. Rain falls during the rainy season, between April and mid-July, usually in the form of brief but intense thunderstorms that sometimes cause flooding. In the months of September and October, it may rain again, but less intensely. Daily temperatures throughout the year vary between 32ºC (89.6ºF) and 22ºC (71.6ºF).

Local information

 * Municipal government website

By plane
is a major hub, with international connections from North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, along with internal connections to Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi, and regional connections to virtually every West African country.

Asky airlines fly to Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Lome

From the United States, Delta Airlines and United airlines operates flights directly from New York-JFK and Washington-Dulles. From there, it is possible to connect to all major North, South, and Latin American cities, and the Caribbean.

South African Airways operates a service from Johannesburg. Ethiopian airlines from Addis Ababa. Kenya airways from Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia Rwandair from Kigali. Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca. Egypt Air from Cairo.

Emirates and Turkish Airlines operate into Accra, from their respective hubs in Dubai and Istanbul. It is also served by Middle East Airlines from Beirut and Qatar Airways from Doha.

Air France operates from Paris's Charles de Gaulle. British Airways operates a daily service from London Heathrow. KLM also operates a daily service from Amsterdam. TAP Portugal has a direct service from Lisbon and Sao Tome, Brussels Airlines operates a service from Brussels.

Ibom Air operates daily flights from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra.

Transport from the airport
There is an official taxi stand. Make sure you find it if you want a regulated fare. Otherwise, expect to be taken for a very expensive ride. On the upside, though, the expensive car touts usually put you in a nicer car with a professional driver, and you get to skip any potential taxi confusion—you decide! Better yet, walk out to the main road and get a taxi for a real price.

By train
Although rehabilitation of the rail network is a priority of the government there's just one line operating. Regional commuter trains ply the route from the nearby industrial city of Tema, of limited interest to the tourist, several times a day. Ghana Railway Company publishes timetables at their webpage.



By car
Accra's best attractions are scattered across a relatively wide area, so if you can afford the modest prices the best thing to do is hire a car and driver to take you around. Travel companies offer drivers who double as well-informed guides, which helps as interpretive exhibits and brochures (if you can find them) leave much to be desired.

If you need an SUV or a sedan there are plenty of affordable options because even the best drivers earn only about US$15 a day in Accra. You can book directly from Avis and local rental companies at the larger hotels, such as the Golden Tulip, La Palm, or La Badi Beach. Cars are available on short notice but if you want a van or SUV it is best to book ahead. Rates for car and driver are about US$9 an hour. For a US$75 you can book a 10-hour day, but fuel is extra. Rates increase if you leave metro Accra, which is fair because poor roads add to the wear and tear on the vehicle. Toyota Land Cruisers are a popular choice and are widely available.

By foot
Though the city is fairly spread out, Accra is relatively safe to walk around during the day (and night, in many areas). Watch out for open sewers, automobiles, (even in the city) when walking the streets.

By taxi
To flag a taxi wave your arm with your finger pointed down to the ground. On a busy street you will have many taxis driving past trying to offer you their service by honking at you. There are very few Ghanaian cabs with meters. You must negotiate how much you are willing to pay before you start the trip. It is generally US$3 within the centre of town and US$10 to the airport or Accra Mall from the centre. A rough mileage rate would be US$ 0.30 per mile. Try to ask someone local how much a trip to a certain location usually costs. Also make sure to haggle hard, as most taxi drivers will often try to charge three times (or more) the going rate to foreigners. Relax, and don't show urgency. If the first taxi won't come down on his price, wait for another as they are plentiful. Do have an idea of your route: taxi drivers navigate by landmarks, e. g. traffic circles, traffic lights, petrol stations – not street names – and make sure you have a local SIM in your phone so you can ring someone at your destination and pass the phone to the taxi driver.

Taxis do not have to be so private, though, and it's exceedingly rare for Ghanaians to hire one privately (although they will assume that foreigners want a private one). The rate is in theory one fourth of a private ride, but, again, foreigners taking a private ride tend to get taken for a little extra. It's more confusing, to be sure, but chances are they are going in the direction they are already headed, and you can just ask if they're going towards a major landmark, especially a market.

The problem with taxis, aside from the constant honking at foreigners, is that they don't know their way around Accra. No really, they won't have any idea where you want to go. They can't figure out maps either. The landmarks used by locals and cab drivers in no way align with those that are relevant to outsiders. Even worse, the cab drivers usually live kind of far outside the city centre, and usually aren't even familiar with basic neighbourhood names or the biggest attractions like Independence Square! Some useful landmarks that they will know are the major markets, Osu Castle, the Stadium, the financial centre (Cedi Tower), the major traffic circles along Ring Rd, and major street names, from which you can try and direct them to where you want to go. Now, if you don't already know your way around, it's tough.

Metered taxi
There are some taxis with meters in them. These are generally more expensive, but you can be a little more sure about how much they will cost.

Ride hailing

 * 1) Yango app works in Accra.
 * 2) Uber also works in Accra.
 * 3) Bolt which is very popular.

By TroTro
TroTros are usually very crowded and dilapidated minivans ad minibuses that act as the city's public transit system. TroTros travel along a well known routes in the city, and stop at various points along the way (some stops have signs, others don't). As a TroTro approaches a stop, a "mate" (the driver's assistant) will usually yell out the side of the window where the TroTro is going. Many people die in TroTro accidents every year, however typically on highways in rural areas. Accidents causing death in Accra are relatively rare, in part due to traffic congestion.

See

 * Osu castle.JPG
 * Light House-Jame Town,Accra..JPG
 * The oldest part of Accra, which remains an active fishing centre. It is similar in many ways to Zanzibar's Stone Town, though it has not yet been restored, so it is not typically highlighted on tourist itineraries. Despite this, for many visitors, it is one of the most memorable sights in the city. Jamestown is a short distance west from Independence Square; from the busy street the only real sights are the lighthouse, a prison building housed inside an old colonial fort, and the old Customs House. From the lighthouse there is a road which takes you to the otherwise hidden delight: one of the largest working fishing harbours in Ghana. Go early in the morning and see dozens of small boats bring in the day's catch. It's best to find a friendly local guide so you don't miss the hidden alleys, old stone houses, and fantastic cliff-top harbour vistas.
 * Osu castle.JPG
 * Light House-Jame Town,Accra..JPG
 * The oldest part of Accra, which remains an active fishing centre. It is similar in many ways to Zanzibar's Stone Town, though it has not yet been restored, so it is not typically highlighted on tourist itineraries. Despite this, for many visitors, it is one of the most memorable sights in the city. Jamestown is a short distance west from Independence Square; from the busy street the only real sights are the lighthouse, a prison building housed inside an old colonial fort, and the old Customs House. From the lighthouse there is a road which takes you to the otherwise hidden delight: one of the largest working fishing harbours in Ghana. Go early in the morning and see dozens of small boats bring in the day's catch. It's best to find a friendly local guide so you don't miss the hidden alleys, old stone houses, and fantastic cliff-top harbour vistas.
 * Osu castle.JPG
 * Light House-Jame Town,Accra..JPG
 * The oldest part of Accra, which remains an active fishing centre. It is similar in many ways to Zanzibar's Stone Town, though it has not yet been restored, so it is not typically highlighted on tourist itineraries. Despite this, for many visitors, it is one of the most memorable sights in the city. Jamestown is a short distance west from Independence Square; from the busy street the only real sights are the lighthouse, a prison building housed inside an old colonial fort, and the old Customs House. From the lighthouse there is a road which takes you to the otherwise hidden delight: one of the largest working fishing harbours in Ghana. Go early in the morning and see dozens of small boats bring in the day's catch. It's best to find a friendly local guide so you don't miss the hidden alleys, old stone houses, and fantastic cliff-top harbour vistas.
 * Osu castle.JPG
 * Light House-Jame Town,Accra..JPG
 * The oldest part of Accra, which remains an active fishing centre. It is similar in many ways to Zanzibar's Stone Town, though it has not yet been restored, so it is not typically highlighted on tourist itineraries. Despite this, for many visitors, it is one of the most memorable sights in the city. Jamestown is a short distance west from Independence Square; from the busy street the only real sights are the lighthouse, a prison building housed inside an old colonial fort, and the old Customs House. From the lighthouse there is a road which takes you to the otherwise hidden delight: one of the largest working fishing harbours in Ghana. Go early in the morning and see dozens of small boats bring in the day's catch. It's best to find a friendly local guide so you don't miss the hidden alleys, old stone houses, and fantastic cliff-top harbour vistas.
 * The oldest part of Accra, which remains an active fishing centre. It is similar in many ways to Zanzibar's Stone Town, though it has not yet been restored, so it is not typically highlighted on tourist itineraries. Despite this, for many visitors, it is one of the most memorable sights in the city. Jamestown is a short distance west from Independence Square; from the busy street the only real sights are the lighthouse, a prison building housed inside an old colonial fort, and the old Customs House. From the lighthouse there is a road which takes you to the otherwise hidden delight: one of the largest working fishing harbours in Ghana. Go early in the morning and see dozens of small boats bring in the day's catch. It's best to find a friendly local guide so you don't miss the hidden alleys, old stone houses, and fantastic cliff-top harbour vistas.

Do


Swimming Pools: Sport swimmers find a pool in East Legon at A&C Mall for 7 cedis a day. Those who want to spend a relaxing day at a hotel pool can use the one of La Palm Royal Beach Hotel for 10 cedis a day.

Culture
Goethe Institut - German institute organizing frequent movie screening and expositions. There is a regular Thursday movie screening.

Alliance Francaise d'Accra - French institute organizing frequent concerts, art performances and expositions.

Accra Expat - The expat webpage informing its visitors about planned events in Accra

Buy

 * Kaneshie Market is both a transit centre and a great place to shop, offering a very wide variety of mostly traditional goods and items. It is a source for food and household items; beads, hair salons, shoes, handbags and beauty products, and fabric shops.
 * Agbogbloshie Market
 * Nima Market
 * Alajo Market
 * Nima Market
 * Alajo Market

Wild Gecko (near the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange, off the Kwame Nkrumah Motorway Extension sells a variety of crafts, upscale curios, furniture, and batik clothing. Be sure to check out the extensive collection of Christmas ornaments, including Adinkra symbols carved into dainty souvenirs. Down the dirt road from Wild Gecko are further several smaller but well-stocked pottery and craft stores.

Shopping malls include:
 * The Accra Mall, off the Liberation Road
 * The A&C Shopping Mall, East Legon
 * Palace Shopping Mall, situated on the Spintex Road
 * Shaaba Shopping Mall, off the Motorway Extension

Eat
Eat out at one of Osu's many trendy restaurants. Osu, a suburb of Accra, is known for its nightlife and a wide variety of eateries, hotels, and several options for entertainment.

Located in Labone near the Metro TV building, "Maquis Tante Marie" is a restaurant serving a variety of African cuisines in a pleasant garden setting.

Frankie's on Oxford Street in Osu is a popular oasis for tourists in Accra. Offering accommodation, a restaurant, salad bar, ice cream and a bakery/pastry shop.

Other popular restaurants in Osu include Papaye (Fast Food), Asanka Locals (Traditional Ghanaian Cuisine) and Noble House Restaurant (Indian and Chinese Cuisine).

Drink
The biggest entertainment precinct in town is the Oxford Street area, in Osu. Home to over a dozen different night venues (most of them tucked up side-streets), there is no shortage of variety. Taxi drivers generally know the location of the following, but if not, just ask a young-looking person on Oxford Street.


 * Tantra: A late-night (best from midnight to 05:00) club, with a 50:50 mix of expats and locals. Plays western style electronic and R&B music. Entry GH₵20, small beers GH₵5. You can usually negotiate for a discount on the entry charge.
 * Duplex: Possibly the most popular venue as of early 2012, 50:50 expats and locals. Similar music to Tantra, free entry, GH₵5 small beers.
 * Container: One of the original drinking icons, located on Oxford Street. An overgrown "spot" style bar, 90% locals. Good for a couple of drinks in the open air early in the evening, large beers about GH₵3. Free entry. Street acrobats.
 * Epo's: Another overgrown spot, 80% locals. Located a couple of blocks off Oxford Street, it feels like a mini carnival. Try the "beer tower", a 3 or 5 litre (you choose) tapped tower of beer delivered to your table. 3 litres for GH₵15, 5 litres for GH₵25, free entry.
 * Duncans: A chilled but popular outdoor spot.
 * Ryan's Irish Pub: One of the few places in the area where you can order a pint. An option if you want a rest from Africa, but pretty uneventful otherwise.
 * La Pleasure Beach: Located at Labadi Beach (about 4 km from Osu), an outdoor reggae night happens every Wednesday on the beach from 9PM. GH₵5 entry, GH₵4 large beers. 80% locals, foreigners get hassled a little by jewellery and t-shirt sellers, but it's safe, and worth a look on a Wednesday.
 * FireFly: A nice classy cocktail lounge in Osu near Citizen Kofi. Entry is free and drinks are GH₵4–5 for a single shot and GH₵10–15 for cocktails. Local and expat crowd. Plays electronic and pop music here you see a lot of foreign (white) young ladies gyrating with public displaying of affection with the local Ghanaian gentlemen.
 * The Republic Bar & Grill: a retro-styled afrocentric hangouts for creatives (bloggers, photographers, fashion designers), expats and just anybody else who can't be bothered with high heels or a formal shirt. You can sit in or outside and enjoy chilled fermented flavoured sugar cane juice whilst listening to World Music or very old school Ghanaian Highlife.

Stay safe
See Ghana for general information.

Bywel's bar in Osu district is a frequent hangout of expats on Thursday nights, meaning that it is a target for muggings. Be sure to leave in a large group and enter a taxi immediately upon exiting the bar.

Respect
The majority of Ghanaians are devout Christians and have a traditional lifestyle; respect that.

Embassies and High Commissions
Being the national capital, Accra hosts several embassies and high commissions. A majority of them are clustered in Cantonments, North Ridge and in the Airport Residential Area (west of the airport) neighborhoods. They can be located elsewhere too. Other countries maintain (non-resident) diplomatic representation to Ghana through their embassy in Abduja or Lagos in Nigeria; Dakar, Abidjan, and/or elsewhere in Africa:


 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * 🇧🇯 Benin
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
 * 🇨🇲 Cameroon
 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇨🇺 Cuba
 * Ivory Coast
 * 🇪🇬 Egypt
 * 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea
 * 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇬🇦 Gabon
 * 🇬🇲 Gambia
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇬🇳 Guinea
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇮🇳 India
 * 🇮🇱 Israel
 * 🇱🇷 Liberia
 * 🇲🇱 Mali
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇳🇪 Niger
 * 🇳🇬 Nigeria
 * 🇳🇦 Namibia
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland
 * 🇹🇬 Togo
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Koforidua
 * Cape Coast
 * Kumasi
 * Keta
 * Kakum National Park
 * Tamale - the biggest and fastest developing city in West Africa.