Accra

Accra has a tropical savanna climate that is on the verge of becoming semiarid.

The average annual rainfall in Ghana is about 730 mm, with the majority of it falling during the two rainy seasons. The main rainy season runs from April to mid-July, with a lesser second rainy season starting in October.

Throughout the year, there is very little difference in temperature. The average monthly temperature varies from 24.7 °C (76.5 °F) in August to 28 °C (82.4 °F) in March, with an annual average of 26.8 °C (80.2 °F).

The old British, Danish, and Dutch forts are focused in central Accra, which is compact. However, as a result of immigration from rural regions, the city has grown without respect for zoning, giving it a spread appearance. Accra Metropolitan District, Tema Metropolitan District, Ga South Municipal District, Ga East Municipal District, Ga West Municipal District, Adenta Municipal District, Ashaiman Municipal District, Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District, and the town of Kasoa in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region make up the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

The city’s western boundary is defined by the meeting of the Lafa stream and the Mallam junction. Accra’s northern boundary is formed by the University of Ghana’s Great Hall, while the eastern border is formed by the Nautical College. The southern boundary is formed by the Gulf of Guinea. Despite these boundaries, there are grounds of contention with neighboring districts, resulting in a de facto contraction of the city limits in recent years.

Manufacturing, marketing, banking, insurance, and transportation are all major industries in Accra. The country’s financial sector includes a central bank, nine commercial banks (with 81 branches), four development banks (with 19 branches), four merchant banks (with seven branches), three discount houses, one home finance mortgage bank, multiple building societies, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), foreign exchange bureaux, finance houses, insurance companies, insurance brokerage firms, two savings and loans companies, and numerous real estate developers, with industrial sites accounting for about a quarter of the country’s total land area.

The primary, secondary (manufacturing, power, gas, water, construction), and tertiary sectors make up Accra’s economy (supermarkets, shopping malls, hotel, restaurant, transportation, storage, communication, financial intermediation, real estate service, public administration, education, health and other social services). The tertiary service industry, which employs roughly 531,670 people, is the city’s biggest. The secondary industry, which employs 22.34 percent of the work force, or roughly 183,934 individuals, is the second-largest. According to reports, 12.2 percent of the city’s workforce, or 114,198 individuals, are jobless.

Kotoka International Airport is a significant hub, with international flights from North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as domestic flights to Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi and regional flights to practically every West African country.

Delta Air Lines conducts four times weekly direct flights between New York-JFK and Atlanta in the United States. All major North, South, and Latin American cities, as well as the Caribbean, may be reached from there. United Airlines provides nonstop overnight service from Washington-Dulles International Airport on a daily basis.

Arik Air is a low-cost airline that serves Accra and other African destinations. Emirates and Virgin Nigeria both have operations in the nation (should you wish to fly from Lagos). Turkish Airlines started flights on July 15, 2010 and operates on a daily basis.

As of April 2010, Virgin Atlantic Airways runs three times weekly direct flights from London’s Heathrow Airport on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with intentions for additional daily flights. British Airways also offers daily flights to London Heathrow.

KLM also has a daily flight to Amsterdam, from where it can connect to practically every European location. TAP Portugal provides a direct flight to Lisbon, Lufthansa has a daily flight to and from Frankfurt, and Alitalia has frequent flights to Milan; however, incoming flights to Accra must first stop in Lagos.

Transport from the airport

There is a designated taxi stand. If you want a regulated fare, be sure you locate it. Otherwise, be prepared for a very pricey journey. On the plus side, the pricey/illegal car touts normally put you in a better vehicle with a professional driver, and you avoid any possible taxi confusion—you pick! or, better yet, go out to the main road and hail a cab for the correct fare.

Despite the government’s focus of rail network repair, just one line is now operational. Regional commuter trains run many times a day from the adjacent industrial city of Tema, which has little tourist appeal.

Accra’s top sights are spread out across a pretty large region, so if you can afford the low fees, hiring a vehicle and driver to transport you around is the best option. Travel firms provide drivers who also serve as knowledgeable guides, which is helpful since interpretative exhibitions and pamphlets (if you can find them) leave a lot to be desired.

Even the finest drivers in Accra make just around US$15 per day, so there are lots of economical choices if you require an SUV or a sedan. At the bigger hotels, such as the Golden Tulip, La Palm, or La Badi Beach, you may book straight from Avis and local rental firms. Cars are available on short notice, but if you want a van or SUV, you should reserve ahead of time. Car and driver rates are about US$9 (Ghana Cedis $US11.25) per hour. A 10 hour day may be reserved for US$75, but gasoline is additional. Rates rise as you leave Accra, which is understandable given that bad roads contribute to the wear and tear on the car. Toyota Land Cruisers are a popular and readily accessible option.

To hail a cab, raise your arm and point your finger down to the earth. On a crowded street, several taxis may honk at you in an attempt to sell you their services. There are extremely few meters in Ghanaian taxis. Before you begin the journey, you must agree on how much you are prepared to spend. It is usually 3 cedis inside the town center and 5-7 cedis to the airport or Accra Mall from the center. A estimated mileage rate of 1.5 cedis each mile would be appropriate. Ask a local how much a journey to a certain region normally costs. Also, be prepared to negotiate hard since most taxi drivers will attempt to charge three times (or more) the prevailing cost to foreigners. Relax and don’t be hurried. If the first taxi driver refuses to lower his fee, wait for another, since they are many. Do plan your route ahead of time; taxi drivers navigate by landmarks such as traffic circles, traffic lights, and gas stations rather than street names, and make sure you have a local simcard in your phone so you can call someone at your destination and hand the phone to the taxi driver.

Taxis, on the other hand, do not have to be so private, and it is quite unusual for Ghanaians to book one privately (although they will assume that foreigners want a private one). In principle, the fare is one-fourth of that of a private ride, however foreigners who choose a private ride are sometimes charged a bit more. It’s more perplexing, to be sure, but chances are they’re heading in the same direction you are, and you can simply inquire whether they’re heading towards a large landmark, particularly a market.

Aside from the incessant honking at foreigners, the difficulty with taxis is that they don’t know their way about Accra. No, they will have no clue where you want to go. They, too, are unable to decipher maps. The landmarks cited by residents and taxi drivers do not correspond to those useful to outsiders. Worse, the taxi drivers often reside outside of the city center and are unfamiliar with basic neighborhood names or major attractions such as Independence Square! The big markets, Osu Castle, the Stadium, the financial hub (Cedi Tower), the key traffic circles along Ring Rd, and important street names are some helpful landmarks that they will recognize and from which you may attempt to lead them to where you want to go. It’s difficult if you don’t already know your way around.

METERED TAXI

There are some cabs that have meters. These are normally more costly, but you will have a better idea of how much they will cost.

Despite its size, Accra is a very secure city to roam about during the day (and night, in many areas). When wandering the streets, keep an eye out for exposed sewers and vehicles (especially in the city).

TroTros are often overcrowded, outdated minivans and minibuses that serve as the city’s public transportation system. TroTros go along well-known metropolitan routes, stopping at numerous sites along the way (some stops have signage, some do not). A “buddy” (the driver’s assistance) will frequently scream out the side of the window where the TroTro is headed as it reaches a halt. Every year, many individuals are killed in trotro accidents; nevertheless, most of those killed in trotro accidents are killed on rural roadways. Accidents resulting in death are uncommon in Accra, owing in part to traffic congestion.

The Ring Road, which runs from the Korle Lagoon in the west to Kwame Nkrumah Circle in the north, east to the confluence of Independence Avenue, and on to Osu, creates a ring around Accra’s oldest neighborhoods and divides downtown Accra from the outer suburbs.

The CBD, which encompasses the historic districts of Usshertown, Tudu, Victoriaborg, West Ridge, and East Ridge, as well as the historic residential neighborhoods of Jamestown, Adabraka, Asylum Down, North Ridge, and Christiansborg/Osu, is located in central Accra.

Despite the establishment of outlying commercial districts like as Airport City across the city, Central Accra remains the administrative and cultural heart of Accra, housing government agencies, hotels, enterprises, and financial institutions.

The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the National Museum, Independence Square, the National Theatre, and the Ohene Djan Stadium are the main attractions in central Accra.

Northern Accra is both a residential and commercial neighborhood. The “37” Military Hospital, The Flagstaff House, various foreign embassies, Achimota School, Achimota Golf Park, and the University of Ghana’s Legon campus, which acts as Accra’s northern limit, are all located in the region.

Northern Accra is defined as the regions north of Ring Road West and Central, east of Winneba/Graphic Road, west of Liberation Road, and the districts roughly north and south of the Kwame Nkrumah expressway.

Eastern Accra is mostly residential and is located north of Ring Road East, going as far north as the Kwame Nkrumah Motorway; the region is bounded on the west by Liberation Road.

Western Accra is mostly a residential and commercial district. Despite being physically smaller than the northern and eastern sections of the city due to the massive saltponds of Tettegu and Aplaku, it is home to one of Accra’s most notable monuments, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Accra West refers to the regions west of Ring Road West, reaching as far west as the saltponds and south of Graphic Road.

Tourist (Backpacker) – 58 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 210 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

• National Museum. The National Museum is a must-see for everyone interested in Ghanaian history and culture from antiquity to the present. Clothing, thrones, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and a range of instruments and utensils used in different rites are among the cultural displays. Each of them is accompanied with an explanation of its importance and meaning, so if you take the time to read them, you may learn a lot! Historical exhibitions highlight some of Ghana’s most influential and significant events, including the slave trade. There is also an interesting display on the history of Ghanaian currency.
• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The park was established to commemorate Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence from the United Kingdom and served as the country’s first president. He was named Africa’s “Man of the Millennium” and is a pivotal figure of the twentieth century. In the park, there is a memorial to him as well as his tomb, where he is interred.
• Independence Square. The big black star atop Independence Arch is also known as Black Star Square. The plaza commemorates Ghana’s independence from the British in 1957 and has an everlasting flame, which was ignited by Nkrumah personally in 1961.
• W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Centre. W.E.B. DuBois was a well-known American novelist and civil rights activist who relocated to Ghana towards the end of his life, certain that his efforts to achieve equality had been in vain and that America would never accept black people. Although the Centre is primarily a research library, historical landmarks and monuments are spread throughout the instructional facilities. The most intriguing are House Number 22, where W.E.B. DuBois lived when he traveled to Ghana, and his cemetery.
• Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop, Teshie First Junction (along the road, by a TOTAL gas station),  +233 244-11-47-19. This is Seth Kane Kwei’s studio, where he developed the renowned design coffins in the 1950s, which are carved into designs representing something meaningful and related to the departed individual, such as a fish, aircraft, and so on. You will very certainly meet Eric Adjetey Anang, the grandson of Kane Kwei, who has owned it since 2005, and hear tales about these incredible coffins. They are used at funerals in the area and are part of many public and private modern art collections across the globe.
• The National Archives of Ghana.
• The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Artists Alliance Gallery, La Beach Rd (1 km west of La Beach Hotel). Artist-run gallery showcasing sculptures, textiles, and paintings on three levels. It includes anything from inexpensive wooden items for a few dollars to pricey paintings by famous Ghanaian artists. The ability to view and browse in a calm gallery setting without being pressured to purchase is a huge benefit. US$10-US$10k.
• Ghana’s Central Library
• Osu Castle. Built by the Danes in the 17th century for Sweden, it passed through numerous hands before the Danes were able to seize the territory and the fortress. It was used for selling precious metals before Denmark seized it, but after the Danes gained authority, it became a site to hold slaves before sending them. It then became the Danish Gold Coast’s headquarters. It has been utilized as a government facility since then, and when Ghana got independence in 1957, it became the Presidential House. It is still the center of government today, despite debate concerning its connections to the slave trade. Visitors are permitted to enter the castle; however, armed guards wait outside and normally do not allow photographs to be taken. The rules for photographs vary from time to time, but it’s better (and safer) not to attempt.
• Labadi Beach – One of Accra’s most renowned tourist beaches. This short stretch of the Atlantic Coast, located between two of Accra’s most expensive hotels—La Palm and La Badi Beach—features several makeshift cafe-restaurants, a plethora of souvenir vendors, and, if you’re lucky (i.e. on good weather weekends), an amazing cast of characters who will entertain you with drumming, dancing, pony rides, and acrobatic performances. Some people go swimming, but there’s enough to do on the beach. Don’t pass it up. (Warning: this is a prime-time establishment that is “not advised” after dark.) The beach is only ‘legally’ accessible for a cost of 5 Gh from an entry at La By-pass (Labadi Road). If you are a guest at La Palm or Labadi Beach Hotel, you get free access to the beach through the rear gate. Non-hotel guests may use the amenities of La Palm Royal Beach Hotel (pool, exercise, sauna) for 10 Gh per day.
• Jamestown – Jamestown, Accra’s oldest neighborhood, is still a bustling fishing port. It is comparable to Zanzibar’s Stone Town in many aspects, but since it has not yet been repaired, it is not often emphasized on tourist itineraries. Despite this, it is one of the city’s most unforgettable sites for many tourists. Jamestown is a short distance west of Independence Square; the only major attractions from the crowded roadway are the lighthouse, a jail complex situated inside a historic colonial fort, and the old Customs House. A route leads from the lighthouse to an otherwise unknown delight: one of Ghana’s biggest functioning fishing ports. Early in the morning, you may see hundreds of tiny boats bringing in the catch of the day. It’s better to hire a friendly local guide to avoid missing out on the secret lanes, ancient stone cottages, and spectacular cliff-top harbor views.
• University of Ghana – The biggest university in Ghana is located at Legon, which is accessible by Tro-Tros to Madina. It’s a nice and peaceful spot with ancient trees, a botanical garden (though be cautious that there have been instances of muggings and violent crime in the grounds), and numerous little houses surrounded by green grass. The cafeterias are accessible to the public and feature traditional Ghanaian cuisine.

Accra museums, with its rich culture and colonial history, give insight into the lives of Ghanaians both past and present. Visitors to Accra may experience the history and cultural exchange given by museums in a handful of places across the city, despite the limited selections. The following are the top museums in Accra:

National Museum of Ghana

This is one of Ghana’s oldest museums, having been founded in 1957. The exhibits here span from archaeological findings reaching back to pre-historic times through colonial artifacts to current African art, and they include some unique displays that reflect the numerous chapters of Ghanaian history. There’s also a fascinating permanent display with indigenous musical instruments, ceramics, and Ashanti gold weights, which were previously used to assess the pricing of products. The National Museum has antiquities from various African nations as well as Ghanaian items. There are also various temporary displays that change on a regular basis.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

This park honors the country’s founding father and has a modest museum that gives a pleasant and complete summary of Ghana’s current leader. This museum, which has many personal things and images, is on the route to the National Museum and is a must-see for history fans. The whole museum can be explored in about an hour, and you should take the time to tour the grounds outside as well, as the fountains and extensive green space provide a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

W.E.B. Du Bois Center Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture

Visit the ultimate resting site of William Edward Burghardt Dubois, an American-born social justice hero, and learn more about his life and achievements. This museum, located in his house and personal library, has several meeting rooms and halls that are utilized for cultural and commercial events throughout the year, as well as a small museum section. This facility, which attracts thousands of tourists each year, also hosts a variety of theatrical performances, musical and dance numbers, and other events throughout the year. Check the museum’s website to see whether your visit will coincide with a scheduled event, and plan appropriately.

Visit these museums on your trip to Accra for a more in-depth look at Ghana’s culture and history. The National Museum is a must-see, and the other two museums will appeal to anybody interested in history and culture. They provide a good insight of the lives of two powerful individuals who have made Accra their home.

The La Raceway, which includes a go-karting track, a sports bar, and an entertainment center, is located behind the Trade Fair Centre, near Labadi beach.

Harbin’s: a bowling alley in Teshie, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the city center.

Swimming Pools: Sport swimmers may locate a pool at A&C Mall in East Legon for 7 Gh per day. Those interested in spending a pleasant day at a hotel pool may do so at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel for 10 Gh per day.

Dine at one of Osu’s numerous hip eateries. Osu, an Accra suburb, is noted for its nightlife and a diverse range of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment opportunities.

Café Dez Amis is a concept lifestyle restaurant located at Osu, adjacent to Jubilee House and the French embassy. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., it serves gourmet coffees, sandwiches and salads, as well as cold fresh juices and ice cream. Breakfast, as well as freshly made breads and pastries, are served throughout the day. There is also an outdoor cocktail bar selling Mojitos and other international beverages. It also includes wireless internet connection.

“Maquis Tante Marie,” located in Labone near the Metro TV building, is a restaurant that serves a range of African cuisines in a nice garden setting.

Frankie’s on Oxford Street in Osu is a renowned Accra tourist destination. Accommodation, a restaurant, a salad bar, ice cream, and a bakery/pastry store are all available.

Livingstone Safari Restaurant, Haveli (Indian Cuisine), Papaye (Fast Food), Asanka Locals (Traditional Ghanaian Cuisine), and Noble House Restaurant are all popular dining options in Osu (Indian and Chinese Cuisine).

Makola market, located in Accra’s bustling center, has a huge boulevard and many lanes lined with fabric merchants selling items such as wax-print pagnes and embroidered and beaded cotton and tulle for special occasions. Look for wax prints from Ghana Traditional Prints (GTP) and the Akosombo Textile Company, both of which release a variety of new patterns each year. Woodin, an upmarket fabric store with locations in Osu and the A&C shopping center in East Legon, sells a range of flashy patterned cottons, batiks, and ready-made outfits.

Kaneshie Market is both a transportation hub and a fantastic shopping destination, providing a broad range of largely traditional products and commodities. It sells food and household supplies, as well as beads, hair salons, shoes, purses, and beauty products, and fabric businesses.

The National Cultural Center, sometimes known as the “Arts Center” in Independence Square, is an overwhelming yet well-stocked alternative for curio shopping. Smaller curio markets may be located all across town.

Wild Gecko (near the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange on the Kwame Nkrumah Motorway Extension) offers crafts, luxury curios, furniture, and batik clothes. Check out the vast assortment of Christmas decorations, which includes Adinkra motifs carved into little keepsakes. Several smaller but well-stocked pottery and artisan establishments are located down the dusty road near Wild Gecko.

Options for a more contemporary purchasing experience 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

The Oxford Street neighborhood in Osu is the town’s busiest entertainment district. There is no dearth of diversity with over a dozen distinct nightclubs (most of them are hidden away along side alleys). Taxi drivers should know where the following are, but if they don’t, simply ask a young-looking individual on Oxford Street.

Tantra: A late-night club with a 50:50 mix of foreigners and locals (best from midnight to 5 a.m.). Plays techno and R&B songs in a western manner. Entry is 20 cedis, and tiny beers are 5 cedis. You may generally negotiate a reduction in the admission fee.

Duplex: As of early 2012, this was maybe the most popular venue, with a 50:50 split of expats and locals. Tantra-inspired music, free admission, and 5 cedi small drinks.

Container: Located on Oxford Street, this is one of the classic drinking symbols. An overrun “spot” type pub with 90% locals. Large beers are approximately 3 cedis and are ideal for a couple of drinks in the open air early in the evening. Entrance is free. Acrobats in the street.

Epo’s: Another overgrown location with an 80 percent local clientele. It seems like a mini-carnival a few streets off Oxford Street. Try the “beer tower,” a tapped tower of beer brought to your table in 3 or 5 litres (your choice). 3 litres for 15 cedis, 5 litres for 25 cedis, free admission.

Monsoon: A high-quality sushi restaurant with a little bar. Popular with over-30s, usually foreigners.

Bella Roma: A wonderful Italian restaurant that becomes a bar/club after 10 p.m. Locals make about 60% of the population, with a strong Lebanese presence. A 20 cedi admission charge is possible.

Duncans is a laid-back yet popular outdoor hangout.

Ryan’s Irish Pub is one of the few locations in the neighborhood where you may get a pint. If you want to get away from Africa, this is a good alternative. Otherwise, it’s fairly boring.

La Pleasure Sand: Every Wednesday at 9 p.m., an outdoor reggae night takes place on the beach at Labadi Beach (approximately 4 kilometers from Osu). The admittance fee is 5 cedis, and the big beers are 4 cedis. Foreigners are harassed a bit by jewelery/t-shirt salespeople, but it’s safe and worth a visit on a Wednesday.

FireFly: A great upscale cocktail bar near Citizen Kofi in Osu. Drinks cost 4-5 Cedis for a single shot and 10-15 Cedis for a cocktail. A mix of locals and expats. There is a lot of foreign (white) young females gyrating with public displays of love with the local Ghanaian gents while the music plays electronic and pop music.

The Republic Bar & Grill is a retro-styled afrocentric hangout for creatives (bloggers, photographers, fashion designers), foreigners, and anybody else who doesn’t want to wear high heels or a formal shirt. You may have cold fermented flavored sugar cane juice while listening to World Music or extremely old school Ghanaian Highlife, either indoors or outdoors.

There are plenty additional locations to see across the city, but this selection is ideal for first-time visitors.

Kentucky Fried Chicken also has locations in Accra, including Spintex Road, the Industrial Area, and Osu.

Accra festivals range from the contemplative and quiet to the vibrant, with music, dancing, and local food. Some are suited for children and families, while others are reserved for older audiences, and there are events all year that give everyone a glimpse into Ghana’s capital’s culture and history.

Homowo Festival

Every year in August and September, the Ga people of Ghana pay homage to their gods and ancestors who died of starvation after migrating to this territory. This event takes place throughout the growing season, beginning in May and finishing in August. This four-month period includes a celebration of crop planting in May and the Yam Feast Festival in August after harvest. The Yam Feast starts off a four-day celebration. The celebrations include a massive parade on Thursday, a day of reflection on Friday, and a day jam-packed with feasts and parties on Saturday. Sunday is another day of festivity since it is the Ga people’s New Year. When taking children along to a party, be mindful about fraternization.

Jaynii International Folklore Festival

The Jaynii International Folklore Festival, which takes place in Accra and Kumasi, blends music and dance from across the globe during an eight-day period. This festival, which includes both indoor and outdoor performances and activities, provides both visitors and residents with an insight into Ghana’s musical culture. Tours of local historical sites are conducted, and seminars are available for both beginner and professional painters. The Jaynii International Folklore Festival, held in August, is vibrant and diverse.

Accra Jazz and World Music Festival

The inaugural Accra Jazz and World Music Festival, ideal for music lovers, welcomes groups from South Africa, Switzerland, and France, as well as innumerable local musicians during a seven-day period. The diversity of this event is likely to delight both young and old. It will also include sculpture and art by local artists, including the renowned Nii Amasah.

Ghanaian Handicraft Trail

If you’re seeking for local arts and crafts, the Ghanaian Handicraft Trail is for you. This event, which is suitable for people of all ages and is open all year, requires two days. The route, which begins in the Accra arts and crafts fair, educates the history and manufacture of these items, which include hand-woven linens, wood carvings, and paintings. The route then takes you on a tour of small communities around Accra known for their handicrafts, providing a comprehensive view of Ghanaian culture and art.