Inhabited by about 4 million people, Accra is the capital of Ghana and stretches along the Atlantic coast. Between 1877 and 1957 it was the capital of British Gold Coast. Today the area has transitioned into a modern metropolis showcasing merging of modern skyscrapers and apartment blocks with 19th-century architecture buildings.
Accra is known for hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, and tourism is one of the main sources of income for people. The tourist attractions in the city include the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Museum of Ghana, the National Theatre, the Jamestown lighthouse, the Ohene Djan Stadium, and the National Archives of Ghana.
How to reach Accra
Kotoka International Airport is about 6 miles away from downtown Accra and it serves direct and indirect flights from most of the cities in Africa. A new airport project in under plan and is learned to be built at Prampram.
The city has extensive taxi network and most of them prefer to ride you to your destination without a meter system. It is suggested to negotiate about the price before hiring.
The common form of transport is minibuses or vans. The rail system is not effective in Accra, but it is connected with Kumasi and Takoradi.
Tourism
In 2011 more than 1,000,000 international tourists arrived in Accra. The Greater Accra is mostly a tourist hub equipped with several monuments, museums, hotels and nightclubs. The hotel industry is thriving and currently there are three five-star hotels – Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel and Movenpick Ambassador Hotel. There are numerous four-star and three-star hotels.
Unknown facts about Accra
– Accra is the largest city in Ghana and in terms of population it is second, next to Kumasi.
– The Britishers installed the city as capital of Ghana in 1877 and even after more than a century it is still unchanged capital of the country. It hosts hundreds of embassies and high commissions. It is home of the Ghanian government.
– Accra is one of the hottest cities in Africa because of humidity.
– Accra is home to several ethnic communities.
Best time to visit Accra
The best time to visit Accra is in the months between November and March as the temperature is lower and comfortable. The weather in the rest of the months are hot and humid, probably to be unbearable by most of the non-African tourists.
Sights to see
National Museum – Get a look at the Ghanian history and culture at the National Museum with exhibits like clothing, carvings, thrones, paintings and pottery. A history of Ghanian currency is also exhibited.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – In honor of Kwame Nkrumah, the man who led the country to independence from Great Britain, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is worth to step in to see a monument of the “Man of the Millenium” of Africa.
Independence Square – The place celebrates independence of the country featuring eternal flame that was first lit in 1961 by Nkrumah.
Labadi Beach – It is one of the most famous beaches in the city and the hotels around it is expensive too. The beach features several makeshift cafe-restaurants and many souvenir vendors.
Jamestown – It is the oldest part of the city and is also a good fishing centre. It features couple of oldest hotels too.
