Accra Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Accra

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana, situated on the nation's southern coastline along the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Functioning as the political, administrative, and financial core of the country, the metropolis serves as the central hub of the Greater Accra Region. The city's modern name is derived from the Akan word Nkran, which refers to soldier ants, inspired by the abundance of anthills found across the surrounding landscape.

By the fifteenth century, the region was governed by the Accra Kingdom from its capital at Ayawaso. Coastal trade grew significantly over the following centuries, leading to the construction of European fortifications, including British James Fort, Dutch Fort Crèvecœur, and Christiansborg Castle, originally built by the Swedes. The settlements surrounding these strongholds—Jamestown, Usshertown, and Christiansborg—eventually merged into a single urban center. In 1877, the British administration transferred the capital of the Gold Coast from Cape Coast to Accra, selecting the site in part because of its drier climate. Following independence in 1957 under Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah, major national developments were undertaken to create public spaces reflecting civic pride.

Accra's architectural landscape spans nineteenth-century colonial structures alongside contemporary skyscrapers and apartment complexes. The metropolis gradually expanded beyond its historic core to encompass planned communities such as Victoriaborg, Adabraka, Cantonments, Abelemkpe, and settlements situated around the Korle Lagoon, including Korle Bu and Chokor. Key government buildings and civic landmarks within the city include the Parliament of Ghana, the Supreme Court, Black Star Square, and the central Bank of Ghana.

As a vital economic center, Accra supports a broad tertiary service sector alongside manufacturing, insurance, and marketing industries. The city houses the Ghana Stock Exchange, extensive commercial banking networks, and major educational institutions, including the University of Ghana at Legon and various specialized international schools. Accra also operates as a key transportation junction, connected by regional rail links to Tema, Kumasi, and Sekondi-Takoradi, and served by Accra International Airport.