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| Source: CPA CANADA |
Ghana! This country that is infused with so much history and culture hosts one of the most colorful and vibrant cities in Africa- Accra. This amazing economic hub has so much to write home about. It has long been the capital of the country, be it former Gold Coast or currently Ghana.
This economic hub hosts different business activities in the financial and commercial sector. The local language is Ga. But don’t worry. The widely used language is English so means of communication is not an impediment for potential tourists.
Accra embraces copious of tourist sites that could make you appreciate Accra, Ghana or Africa as a whole. It sounds amusing but the name Accra has originated from the nkrah which means ants. The whopping number of anthills seen in the countryside of Accra prodded the Ga people to name the city “Accra”. By the way the Ga people are the original founders of this mind-boggling city. So let’s explore the wonders of this city that they have discovered! Ready?
6 Places to visit in Accra.
1. Labadi Beach
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| Source: amedzonfevillage |
Who doesn’t know Labadi beach? This beach also called La Pleasure Beach, is one of the popular spots in Accra. There you could settle in an ice cold star lounge, get some delicious food such the well-known Ghanaian jollof rice. The place is lively, colorful and rushed with vibrant little boys who perform acrobatic tricks. On holidays and weekends there are often performances of reggae, hiplife, Playback, and cultural drumming and dancing.
Another entertaining view in this beach is the beautiful trendy young people dancing to hip-life, men on horseback offering rides to shy ladies, and rasta groups playing for money. Oh! And regarding swimming, the waves are strong here. So a dip to cool down is more advisable than a long swim.
2. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum or Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
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| Source: Amedzonfevillage |
This Museum that is dedicated to the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkruma , houses the personal effects and publications of Ghana’s first president and pictures showing his life history.
Some of these pictures of Dr. Nkrumah with some of the most famous people of his time are an eye opener. For instance you would see that he is pictured with renowned people like Jawarharlal Nehru, Fidel Castro, John F Kennedy of U.S.A, Sir Alec Hume, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Harold Macmillan, President Nasser of Egypt, etc not forgetting Nigeria and many more.
As you get closer to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, you’ll see springs on either sides of the walk way. Each spring has seven bare-chested, squatting statuettes of flute blowers, that look as if they are welcoming the arrival of world leaders and other important personalities. The design of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which represents swords turned upside down symbolizes peace. It can also be viewed as an uprooted tree to signify the unfinished work of Dr. Nkrumah to totally unite Africa. Here you would definitely exhibit the “genesis” of the actual History of Ghana.
3. Artists Alliance Gallery
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| Source: Artists Alliance Gallery |
Huge metal sculptures mix with antique Asafo flags, kente cloth, furniture, and fantastic masks can make any lover of art amazed. Some favored artists like Ablade Glover are highly acclaimed for the make-up of this mind-blowing gallery. You can buy most of the art you see here direct from the artist. Oh yes! They can ship all over the world and even accept credit.
According to No Worries Ghana.com, the Artists Alliance Gallery is a gem of a gallery full to the brim with artistic expression. With over three floors of art, sculpture, carvings and artifacts it is definitely a haven for anyone looking to be inspired or simply enjoy some phenomenal works. Quality is good, and prices from quite reasonable to international standard. Admission is free and the gallery is open daily. It's located near Labadi beach, on the Accra-Tema Beach Road.
4. W.E.B Du Bois Museum
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| Source: Trip Advisor |
This is a spectacular museum was founded with an incidental story. Du Bois was invited to live in Ghana by Ghana's first President, Nkrumah in 1961. Du Bois was invited to work on an African Encyclopedia.
So at the ripe old age of 93, Du Bois and his wife traveled to Ghana to take up residence and commence work on the encyclopedia. In early 1963, the United States refused to renew his passport, so he made the symbolic gesture of becoming a citizen of Ghana. His health declined during the two years he was in Ghana, and he died on August 27, 1963. His tomb shares the same grounds as the museum. His wife stayed on in their home until 1967.
So you see, the museum is quite small, but very interesting and filled with personal artifacts. You would literarily sense his presence when looking at the gifts he received while on his international visits.
5. Oxford Street
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| Souce: Discover Ghana |
This is a lubricant to economic activities of Accra. According to Discover Ghana.com, this street is the most popular street in Ghana and it derived its name from the famous Oxford street in London, U.K because of its busy nocturnal activities. It is also known as the "West End". Some of Accra's best restaurants, bars and shops are on this spot. Stalls selling fake rolex watches, pirated CD's and football shirts line the street, traffic is bumper to bumper, all adding to the general exuberant atmosphere. If you are hungry, you just grab some delicious fufu from cool restaurants around there.
6. Jamestown
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| Source: Wikipedia |
Jamestown is an profound segment of Accra, loaded with history and riddled with poverty. Here, the Portuguese and the British left behind some interesting buildings. Despite the ramshackle nature of this neighborhood, it's advisable you tour this area while considering the local guide and spot the historical buildings in between the painted storefronts and shacks. It's basically a lively, very community-oriented section of the city. The neighborhood is famous for producing good boxers and you can see homemade gyms dotted around.
You can’t tour Africa, without exploring Ghana’s beating heart, Accra. The above six tourist attractions are just a handful of places to visit. Once you get there, you would anticipate your journey to other wonders of Accra or Ghana as a whole. So don’t waste much time. Book your trip online, grab your luggage, take a flight and enjoy Accra. Cruise Africa Rocks!
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