Accra

Understand

The Greater Accra region has an estimated population of 5.5 million in 2021. The City of Accra is a mix of rapid urbanization, informal settlements, and high-end, modern developments. The population of the Accra Metropolitan area is estimated to be over 2.7 million in 2025. 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

Getting there

By plane 1 Kotoka International Airport (ACC IATA). 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.

2 Accra Central station, Kwame Nkrumah Ave. (updated Nov 2020)

Getting around

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'

See

1 National Museum, Barnes Rd. Daily 09:00-16:30. Having undergone a renovation, the National Museum offers visitors a look at Ghanaian history and culture from prehistory to the present. Cultural exhibits include clothing, thrones, carvings, pottery, and a variety of archaeological finds, all accompanied by concise and informative descriptions. There are also exhibits on traditional metalworking and cultural rites of passage. The focus on history is lesser, but the second floor includes displays of historical Ghanaian currencies, postage stamps, and football uniforms. A guided tour, which differs from the text in a few places, is available on request, but be sure to tip your guide at the end. 80 GH₵ for a foreign adult. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The park was created to honour Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to its independence from Great Britain and became the nation's first president. Voted as Africa's "Man of the Millennium", he is a highly important figure of the 20th century. In the park you can see a monument dedicated to him, as well as his mausoleum, where he is buried. 3 Independence Square. Also known as Black Star Square for the large black star located atop Independence Arch. The square celebrates Ghanaian independence from the British in 1957 and features an eternal flame first lit by Nkrumah in 1961. 4 W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Centre, Fifth Link Road, ☏ +233 30 277 6502. W.E.B. DuBois was an American civil rights activist and author who moved to Ghana near the end of his life, feeling his efforts to create equality were all in vain and that America would never accept black people. DuBois' home has been turned into a museum and library. The museum is quite small, but there are informative guided tours available on request. The centre also houses his grave and several memorials. 20 GH₵ per foreign adult. (updated Aug 2023) 5 Kane Kwei Carpentry Workshop, Teshie First Junction (along the road, by a Total gas station), ☏ +233 244-11-47-19. This is the workshop of Seth Kane Kwei, who invented the famous design coffins in the 1950s, which are carved into shapes that represent something important and relevant to the deceased person, such as a fish, or aeroplanes. You will likely meet Eric Adjetey Anang, grandson of Kane Kwei, who has owned it since 2005, and hear stories about these fantastic coffins. They are used for funerals in the region and are part of many public or private collections of contemporary art around the world. 6 The National Archives of Ghana. Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. Artists Alliance Galler

Do

1 Bojo Beach (take N1 southwest out of Accra, then turn south on Atta Mills Road (road to Kokobrite)), ☏ +233 243756890. For about 20 cedis, you take a boat across the Densu Delta, a Ramsar site in itself, to the actual beach, where you can get food from a restaurant, watch fishermen, or just enjoy one of Accra's least spoiled beaches. Given its relative isolation from congested areas, you stand a lesser chance of stepping in any unexpected excreta. Watch out for your valuables though. (updated Aug 2020) 2 Labadi Beach (net to La Palm Royal Beach Resort southwest of airport). One of the most popular beaches in Accra for tourists, and a relatively clean one at that, just an itinerant plastic bag here or there. Located between two of Accra's most expensive hotels—La Palm and La Badi Beach—this short stretch of the Atlantic Coast features several makeshift cafe-restaurants, lots of souvenir vendors, and if you are 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 actually go for a swim, but there's plenty to do on-shore. Horseback riding available too. (Warning: this is a prime-time venue, which is strongly not recommended after dark.) The beach is accessible only from an entrance at La By-pass (Labadi Road). If you are a guest at La Palm or Labadi Beach Hotel you can access the beach for free through the back gate. Non-hotel guests can enjoy the facilities (pool, fitness, sauna) for 150 cedis a day at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. GH₵5. (updated Aug 2020) 3 Densu Delta Protected Area. Nature reserve and protected by the Ramsar convention on wetlands. The delta is home to 60 species of birds. (updated Jun 2022) 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.

Buy

1 Makola Market (close to James Town). In Accra's busy centre, includes a large boulevard and several alleys full of fabric shops with goods such as wax-print pagnes, as well as embroidered and beaded cotton and tulle for special occasions. Look for wax prints from Ghana Traditional Prints (GTP) and the Akosombo Textile Company, which issue a wide range of new designs annually. Another source for such fabric is Woodin, an upscale fabric store with outlets in Osu and at the A&C shopping mall in East Legon, selling a variety of shiny patterned cottons, batiks, and ready-made clothes. (updated Aug 2020) 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. 2 National Cultural Centre (next to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park). known popularly as the "Arts Centre" is an overwhelming but well-stocked option for curio shopping. Smaller curio markets can be found around the city. (updated Aug 2020) Agbogbloshie 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 3 Madina Market, Madina, Accra. 8AM - 8PM. Madina Market is a very affordable place to get groceries and other amenities. (updated Dec 2022)

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).

Tatale Vegan Restaurant, 18th Ln, Osu Accra, ☏ +233 0302956020. 11:00AM-9:30PM (except Sat 1:30PM-9:30PM). Cozy restaurant serving a wide variety of traditional Ghanaian dishes with entrees from elsewhere. Delicious and highly recommended. (updated May 2022) 1 Coco Vanilla, 149 E Legon - Trasacco Estate Rd, Madina, ☏ +233 24 250 0818. (updated Aug 2022) Eddys Pizza. Eddys pizza is a restaurant in Accra that serves delicious pizza based on customer review. (updated Dec 2022) 2 50 50 Special Dish. (updated Dec 2022) 3 Fantastic. (updated Dec 2022)

Drink & nightlife

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. 1 Bloom Bar. (updated Dec 2022)

Sleep

Budget The Post Lodge, Accra New Town, ☏ +233 21-229456, +233 21 231908. If on a very tight budget. YMCA, Castle Road, ☏ +233 30 224700. one of the cheapest accommodations in Accra. 4-bed men-only dorm. $5. Dot's Inn, Olooti Rd, Labone (close to Osu tourist centre and beach), ☏ +233-30-2774744, [email protected]. Small hotel, with very friendly staff. (updated Jan 2018) Christianborg Hotel, Dabedu Rd, OSU (opposite Chez Lien restaurant, turn left after Koala's in Cantonments Rd, then the first on the left, 400 m on the right, a big white house), ☏ +233 302-776074. (updated Jan 2018) Aplaku guesthouse, Aplaku/Kokrobite (8 km before Kokrobite at Aplaku-Israel junction), ☏ +233 20 0111345. Beaches are in walking distance. Airport or other transport is available with reliable drivers and cars in a good condition. €30-40. New Kokomlemle Guest House, Oroko Ave Kokomlemle (north from Ring Road Central, close to Nkrumah Circle), ☏ +233 30 2224581. (updated Jan 2018) 1 Agoo Hostel, Keta Close (in Kokomlemle neighborhood), ☏ +233 30 2222726. Festive place with bright colors and full breakfasts with wifi. Not far from Jubilee House. Rooftop patio gathering place. bunks ~104 cedis, rooms ~295 cedis. (updated Aug 2020) 2 Somewhere Nice, 9 Cotton Ave (in Kokomlemle neighborhood), ☏ +233 24 2439409. Pool, gym, breakfast. Communal environment for travelers with shared meals, etc. 162 GH₵ for bed. (updated Aug 2020)

Mid-range Gye Nyame Hotel, Asylum Down (close to Circle, Ring Road Offices and Osu), ☏ +233 30 0222 3321. Great price, more than the basic comforts, and very reliable. Air conditioning, super comfortable bed, hot water, desk and stool, TV and fridge. Nothing broken, and quite clean. Not fancy, but excellent bang for your buck, and great staff. Quiet location is convenient for most activities in Accra - business or leisure. $55. Meaglent Hotel, 1 Pantang Junction Adenta, ☏ +233 30 2942340. A/C rooms equipped with sat/cableTV, private toilet and bath, mini-bar, intercom telephone, wardrobe, instant water heater and internet. Conference room, fitness room/gym, restaurant, and swimming pool. From US$60. Highgate Hotel, 70 Mango Tree Avenue, ☏ +233 302 233 315, [email protected]. Asylum Down, (2 blocks from the Ring Road, across the street from the i-Burst building a block down from FedEx).Newly-renovated boutique hotel offers old-world charm, friendly service, fine food and wine. 33 spacious rooms with internet and wall-mounted plasma digital satTV. On a quiet cul-de-sac in a mostly residential neighborhood. Restaurant has fre

Go next

Koforidua Cape Coast Kumasi Keta Kakum National Park Tamale - the biggest and fastest developing city in West Africa. 1 Tills Beach Resort (in Gomoa Fetteh, about an hour drive from Accra, on the road to Cape Coast). a beach resort, entrance fee is nominal. (updated Aug 2020) 2 Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Akosombo-Tema Rd, ☏ +233 21 682601. A reserve with rocky outcrops and savannah type vegetation where you can see green monkeys, duiker, and baboons, among other things. 1st hour 40 GHC. (updated Aug 2020)