Greater Accra Region, the gateway to Ghana and home of our vibrant Capital City, is one of the most exciting and distinctive regions. Although the smallest region, it is the most densely populated, containing the two great metropolitan areas of Accra and Tema, the Country's major industrial and commercial centres.
The City of Accra has been Ghana's capital since 1877, and contains fine public buildings reflecting its transition from 19th century suburb of Victoriaborg to the modern metropolis it is today. Spreading along the Atlantic coast, the city is well endowed with luxury as well as great value hotels, excellent restaurants and nightclubs. A range of absorbing museums and fine public monuments, modern business and commercial areas, as well as busy markets and tree-lined residential suburbs, is already to be explored.
Among the highlights of Accra are the National Museum, with its splendid display of exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana from prehistoric times, the National Theatre with its distinctive modern architecture, the centre for National Culture, Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the fishing port at James Town and Makola Market.
The beaches of the Atlantic coast are popular with visitors and Ghanaians alike. La pleasure Beach and Kokrobite Beach, just 25km west of Accra, are particularly popular at weekends.
Further along the coast is Ada and the estuary of the great River Volta. Here the fine beaches of the estuary and the Atlantic coast provide popular resort areas. Watersports and river trips make this a great place to relax, while the waters off the coast teem with game fish.
The National Museum
Located on Barnes Road, this museum houses a fascinating collection of Ghana's historical treasures.
University of Ghana at Legon
Ghana's premier centre for higher education, it was founded in 1948. Set in beautiful gardens, including a striking botanical garden, it also houses the School of Performing Arts and the Balme Library.
The George Padmore Research Library of African Affairs
A famous research and educational centre for African-American studies.
Osu Castle
Formerly known as Christianborg Castle and built in 1959, it has been the seat of government since the early 1920s. It is the official residence of the President of Ghana, and not open to the public
Centre for National Culture
The Centre's arts and crafts bazaar and traditional textile market is the best place in Accra to find traditional handicrafts from all over Ghana.
Accra Zoo
A small, but fascinating, collective of many birds and animals indigenous to Africa, now part of an ongoing conservation program.
Ada Manta Paradise Beach Resort
Popular resort area and a favourite base for water sports and game fishing
The Markets of Accra
Amongst the most famous markets of Accra are Makola market located on Kojo Thompson Road, and the Osu Night Market, where market stalls are illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles.
