Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park This magnificent monument on High Street was erected in honour of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a great Pan-Africanist
Although it's the smallest region in terms
of size, Greater Accra is the country's second
most densely populated region, with some 3
million inhabitants. The region is made up of two
metropolitan areas, Accra and Tema.
Tema is a bustling new city, 25km east of Accra, built on the site of a small fishing
village. Known locally as Harbor Town, it is home to Ghana's number one commercial
seaport and a large fishing fleet. Its modern industrial zone has become one of the
region's main commercial hubs with an oil refinery, highways and numerous factories.
For those looking to explore Ghana, the natural starting point is the capital, one of the
safest cities in Africa, brimming with interest and easy to get around. Accra has been
Ghana's capital since 1877 and contains impressive public buildings that reflect its
transition from a 19th century suburb of Victoriaborg to the metropolis of today. Spread
along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Guinea, present-day Accra is well endowed with
luxury and good-value hotels, modern commercial areas and shops as well as excellent
restaurants, bars and nightclubs. In addition, there are fascinating museums, notable
public monuments and busy markets to be explored in old Accra. Whenever you are in
an energetic city, there is always something to see and do.
Architecture spanning several centuries can be found in the city's older quarters,
Ushertown and Jamestown, where landmarks such as 17th century Osu Castel, the
Jamestown Lighthouse and the lively fish market are well worth a visit.
One of the city's highlights is the National Museum on Barnes Road. The museum is run
by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and contains a fascinating collection of
treasures and exhibits that reflect Ghana's prehistoric heritage. The Accra Arts Centre
takes visitors back in time with its warren of traditional arts and crafts stalls. Some
visitors may want to keep their cedis in their pocket because of the aggressive level of
haggling; but, with patience and diligence, they can come away from the textile market
with good quality handicrafts from all over Ghana.
The Makola Market on Kojo Thompson Road is among the most famous in Ghana,
while the unique Osu Night Market is lit by hundreds of lanterns and candles. For those
who prefer a modern and peaceful atmosphere, the distinctive National Theatre is an
important center for the performing arts.
The city of Accra was founded at about the end of the sixteenth century by a section of the Ga people who left Ayawaso (then the main seat of the Gas) to found this new village. Its rapid development however manifested itself when the British authorities who were then ruling the country moved their administrative headquarters from Cape Coast in the west to Accra in 1877. The choice of Accra was due to its climatic advantages as well as its nearness to the Aburi Mountains that boasted near temperate climate, and where the colonial authorities preferred to live.
Accra saw tremendous development in the 1940s which changed the face of the city altogether. It was declared a city in 1961. Today, it is a major Conference and Conventions destination in West Africa, boasting of international chain hotels, restaurants, entertainment centres and many social amenities and hospitality services.
The Chief of Ga Mashie, the Ga Mantse and other paramount chiefs of the region, symbolize the pomp and pageantry of the culture of the Ga people and the institution of Chieftaincy in the country. The Ga people celebrate the ‘Homowo’ festival in August/September to mark their traditional calendar and to commemorate their past migration events. Homowo is a harvest festival and means ‘hooting at hunger’.
Accra boasts of about 3 million inhabitants largely made up of rural-urban migrants. It is cosmopolitan, with many races, colour and creed of people represented. English is the official language. Local languages freely spoken include Twi, Ga and Ewe.
The coast of Accra is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches for the pleasure of beach lovers. Ghanaians patronize the beaches in Accra mainly on weekends and on public holidays. Recommended beaches include: La Pleasure Beach, Marine Drive Beach, Korle Gonno Beach and Kokrobite beach.
La Pleasure Beach – This is the most developed and premier beach in Accra, well patronized by locals and visitors in the metropolis.
Kokrobite Beach Resorts, situated in a rustic enclave 25km West of Accra and off the main Accra- Takoradi Highway is Kokrobite, a Ga settlement that sits on the beach. There are beach resorts, including the Bojo Beach Resort. Enjoy the rustic setting.
Weija Dam – Overlooking the Weija lake on the road to the Central Region, is this dam which supplies water to the western parts of Accra. One finds a picturesque landscape of hills. The lake can be developed for watersports.
Water sports and entertainment are well established in Ada, Prampram and Ningo located about 100 km eastwards beyond Tema.
The National Theatre – This ultra-modern Theatre built in Chinese architecture is located on Independence Avenue and is the venue for theatrical and traditional performances.
The theatre offers a variety of entertainments mostly on weekends. Other interesting features include concert halls, balconies, a beautifully landscaped area with fountains, the Theatre Gardens Restaurant specializing in continental and Ghanaian dishes.
There are occasional performances by the Ghana National Dance Ensemble and the National Symphony Orchestra and these are advertised on bill boards and in the national dailies.
Centre for National Culture (Arts Centre) – Your curiosity for the Arts and Culture and souvenir items will bring you to the Arts Centre. The Arts Centre is situated between the Old Parliament House Building on High Street and the National Lotteries Office.
It preserves and presents Ghanaian arts in various ways, through exhibits, workshops and art galleries. The Bulletin Board at the entrance to the Main Hall and banners outside its walls announce current programmes, plays and other cultural events. At the sprawling crafts market are wood carvings, leather and metal ware, beads, jewellery, traditional cloths and garments including the famous kente cloth, the national cloth of Ghana, which is colourful and distinctive and is sold in full length or in small strips.
The price of your choice is subject to bargaining. Places for inter-cultural exchange include Alliance Francaise and the Goethe Institute. Upcoming programmes are advertised in the dailies.
Cinemas can be found at the newly constructed Shopping Malls and TV 3 Executive Theatre, Kanda.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
This magnificent monument on High Street was erected in honour of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a great Pan-Africanist who led the country to Independence in 1957. The Monument stands on the same grounds popularly known as Polo Grounds where Ghana’s Independence was declared on March 6, 1957. The Mausoleum is the final resting place of his remains, and that of his Egyptian wife Madam Fathia Nkrumah. It has offices, a library of his historical records and memorabilia. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 5:00pm, Sat & Sun 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Pan-African Culture, House No.22, 1st Circular Road, Cantonments – Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois was an intellectual and a great Pan-Africanist, who spent his last years in Ghana working together with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President ofGhana. He died in 1963. Originally, his body was interred near Osu Castle; later his remains and the ashes of his wife Shirley, were transferred to a final resting place dedicated in their honour, known as the Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture – the house where he lived and died.
The Centre has become a great tourist attraction and a source of inspiration to many. It is significant that he died on the eve of Martin Luther King’s historic March in Washington. The Centre houses a research Library and a gallery of manuscripts and works of outstanding Pan Africanists. There are facilities for lectures, workshops and video shows, at a fee.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00am – 9:00pm,
Sat & Sun 9:00 am – 3:00pm.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park This magnificent monument on High Street was erected in honour of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a great Pan-Africanist
