📖 About Accra

Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana, is the most populous city in the country with a 2025 population of approximately 2.8 million. Stretched along the Atlantic Ocean, this vibrant metropolis boasts glittering beaches, monumental buildings, museums, libraries, galleries, traditional markets, and lively nightlife. The city has become the main business and MICE tourism destination in West Africa.

Ghana is positioning itself as a key player in African tourism, with the government targeting 2 million international tourists annually by 2025 and revenue of around $5 billion. The country's "Black Star Experience" cultural tourism agenda aims to position Ghana as a global leader in heritage tourism, integrating its rich history and creativity into the global narrative.

Accra's architecture reflects its colonial history, with 17th century castles standing alongside modern skyscrapers. The city serves as the heart of Ghana's economic and cultural life, hosting nearly 30% of visitors who travel to the country on business. As attention turns towards Africa following events like the G20 Summit, Ghana and its capital are emerging as destinations of choice.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Accra has evolved into West Africa's premier business destination. The city established a MICE bureau in 2021 to promote Ghana as a business tourism destination, and the effort is bearing fruit. The urban area covers 225 square kilometers, with the metropolis extending to nearly 900 square kilometers as development continues.

Ghana's cultural renaissance is driving tourism innovation, with rich heritage, history, and strategic positioning attracting global attention. The country aims to transform into the leading tourist destination in sub-Saharan Africa by 2028 through its National Tourism Development Plan. Accra's chocolate factory in nearby Tema produces world-class chocolate from home-grown cocoa beans, while the city's nightlife and arts scene continue to gain international recognition.

📜 History

Accra's history stretches back centuries as a trading hub along the Gold Coast. European powers—Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Danish—established trading posts and castles here from the 15th century onward. The British eventually consolidated control, making Accra the capital of the Gold Coast colony in 1877.

Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957, led by Kwame Nkrumah. Accra served as the symbolic heart of the Pan-African movement. Today, the city honors this legacy through monuments, museums, and the ongoing "Year of Return" and "Beyond the Return" initiatives that connect the African diaspora with their heritage.