Accra

Top 10 things to do in Accra

Accra is the capital of the country that was once known as the Gold Coast. Modern Accra is a far cry from the collection of villages that it was in the 17th century when Europeans first landed on its shores. There are still slums to the west of the city centre but the signs of a growing middle class are evident from activities and buildings in the central business district, and its more affluent eastern and northern suburbs.

1. National Museum – Displays of the best of Ghana’s history and culture. Two key aspects of the country’s past are covered in extensive detail – the Ashanti Kingdom and the slave trade. Each exhibit in the museum is accompanied by an elaborate description that provides useful context.

2. Makola Market – Conveniently located in downtown Accra, the market is best known for the different authentic Ghanaian fabric designs to choose from including embroidered, wax-prints and beaded fabrics. Several stalls sell the exact same fabric so you want to check the price at several stalls first to be sure you are not paying an exorbitant price.

3. Beaches – South western Accra is on the shores of the Atlantic with the best beaches being Bojo Beach, Kokrobite Beach and Labadi Beach. Labadi Beach is between two of the city’s most pricey hotels – La Badi and La Palm Hotel. Other than swimming, there is also lots of dancing and drumming along the beach.

4. National Cultural Centre in Accra – Locally referred to as the Arts Centre, this is the best place to purchase curios in Ghana if only for the sheer extent of variety. However, the prices can be grossly exaggerated by traders when they realize you are not a local.

5. Artists Alliance Gallery – The gallery is run by Ghanaian artists and features 3 floors of paintings, sculptures and locally designed fabrics. Prices range from as low as $10 per piece to as high as $10,000 for the most expensive. The good thing is you do not have to buy anything – you could just walk through the gallery appreciating the unique art work.

6. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park – Ex-president Kwame Nkrumah was one of the most respected leaders in Africa of the 20th century who became Ghana’s president after the country’s independence in 1957. The park has a monument in his honour and is also the site of the former president’s mausoleum.

7. Accra Zoo – The zoo is small but has a relatively diverse range of birds and animals including leopards, lions, snakes, monkeys, duikers and crocodiles. The zoo was at one point part of Kwame Nkrumah’s residence and his old house is still intact right next to the zoo.

8. Osu Castle – Osu Castle (also referred to as Christiansborg) is one of the oldest colonial buildings in West Africa having been constructed by the Danes in the middle of the 17th century. At various points in its past it served as a precious metals trading centre and a holding area for slaves.

9. Jamestown – Old Accra town that has remained true to the area’s past fishing traditions. The most significant features in Jamestown include the colonial fort, the lighthouse and the old Customs House. If you are in Jamestown early morning, you may be in time to catch the small-scale fishermen returning with the pre-dawn catch.

10. Osu entertainment district – The Osu suburb is popular among tourists and Accra’s middle class for its lively entertainment scene including high end restaurants, hotels and night clubs. Frankie’s, a hotel on Osu’s Oxford Street, overflows with foreigners during the peak tourist season thanks to its broad offering of local and international cuisine.

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