Best attractions in Accra

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park[Lapping, Pixabay]

A trip to Accra, the political and commercial capital of Ghana is never complete without a visit, however brief, to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, built in honour of Africa’s first democratically elected head of state, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Close by is the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Library and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to the life and achievements of Africa’s great son who declared that Ghana – which attained independence in 1957 – would not consider itself independent until all African countries were free from the colonial yoke. The circle is the site of the founding president’s mausoleum complete with a statue of the great man fondly referred to as Osagyefo which means “redeemer” in the Akan language.

Accra's skyline [Joe Ombuor, Standard]

Right from Kotoka International Airport named after Major General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka a member of the military junta that overthrew President Kwame Nkrumah in February 1966, to the centre of the City that sits on the Gulf of Guinea, a visitor to the city is spoilt for choice on the various historic sites.

Built on a landscape dominated by anthills, Accra has grown into a metropolis of over two million inhabitants with imposing buildings and magnificent road infrastructure that rank among best on the continent. Nkra is local Akan language word for ants. But, the anthills are no more.

Among infrastructural wonders is the Kwame Nkrumah interchange touted as the longest and highest flyover in West Africa that opened to traffic in 2016. The multimillion-dollar flyover has traffic of over 80,000 vehicles at peak hour, greatly decongesting the city.

Image [Joe Ombuor, Standard]

Imposing buildings that sit where anthills once stood include Flagstaff House, also known as Golden Jubilee house. It has a presidential palace that serves as the office and residence of the President built to resemble a traditional Asante golden stool, a fitting symbol in a land where traditional chiefs are deities.

Flagstaff House, also known as Golden Jubilee house [Joe Ombuor, Standard]

Another great feature is the grand West Hills Mall hyped to be the biggest such facility in West Africa complete with all the modern amenities of an urban mall. Interestingly, the city is not touted as much of a tourist destination, as it has only three five star hotels – Kempinski, Movenpick and Marriot.

West Hills Mall, Accra [Joe Ombuor, Standard]

The city’s preferred mode of public transport are matatus called tro tros. The Tro tros are somewhat old but quite cheap contraptions serving the city residents. There are also buses which are generally overcrowded and not very convenient, making the tro tros more ideal.