Accra

Overview

The capital of Ghana, Accra, is a pleasant city (pop. 1 100 000) on the southern coast. Start your sightseeing at the Perpetual Flame at the Cenotaph in Revolution Square then go on to the National Museum (one of the best collections in West Africa, allow at least two hours). Next to the museum is a good craft market which sells paintings prints and postcards. The city's main sites are the Makola Market (the city's central market,) Liberation Square (memorial to three Ghanaians who were shot during colonial times,) the tropical gardens, the Art Centre (for shopping and cultural events,) the grave of Kwame Nkrumah (the first Ghanaian president) and that of W. E. B. Du Bois (the American-born civil rights leader who spent his last years in Accra).

Accra also has some beautiful beaches, some more touristy than others. Labadi and Kokrobite will ask for an entrance fee, expect a busy crowd on Saturday and especially Sunday. You'll probably be entertained by musicians and acrobats, they will usually ask for a small token for the entertainment. It's up to you. Bear in mind that they count on it for their livelyhood. You will also find a lot of peddlers selling all sorts of things. If you like a more quiet beach, you should check out CoCo beach (in Teshie) though very rocky and not so good for swimming. Also Misty (in between Teshie and Tema.) Ada beach is another quiet beach situated on the mouth of the...more

History

In 1877, Accra became the capital of the British Gold Coast colony. It is now independent with district assemblies of limited scope. Many charities are setting up water and santiation systems and health funds and hospitals farther up the country.