Accra is the capital of Ghana and its largest city on the Atlantic coast. Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to leave colonial rule, in 1957, and the monuments in the centre tell that story: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park holds the tomb of the country's first president, while the Black Star Gate on Independence Square is the arch raised in 1961. On the shore the narrow lanes of Jamestown drop down to a working fishing harbour. English is the official language and the city is considered one of the easiest capitals to get around in West Africa.
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See flights to Accra →When to visit Accra
November to March is the dry season and the best time to travel. April to July is the main rainy season and October a shorter wet spell. Temperatures stay between 26C and 32C all year, with a sea breeze felt in the afternoons.
Things to do in Accra
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
The tomb and museum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, stand on the ground where independence was declared. The marble clad monument is shaped like a felled tree trunk and statues surround the pools in front of it.
Black Star Gate
The arch on Independence Square was raised in 1961 and the black star on top repeats the emblem of the Ghanaian flag. The square is where state ceremonies are held and it is laid out as a broad open space facing the sea.
Jamestown Lighthouse
The red and white lighthouse in the oldest quarter of the city looks over the fishing harbour below it and the colonial era streets around. The area is at its busiest in the afternoon, when the boats come back in.
National Museum of Ghana
Opened with independence in 1957, the museum holds Asante gold weights, archaeological finds and a collection of traditional textiles. After a long closure it was refurbished and reopened to visitors.
Labadi Beach
The beach east of the centre is the most used stretch of sand in Accra, and live bands play along the shore at weekends. There is an entry fee, with loungers and food stalls set out along the sand.
Makola Market
The open market in the centre is the main trading ground for everything from food to cloth and household goods. Its streets are covered in stalls and the trade is run largely by women traders.
Flights from Turkey to Accra
A direct flight from Istanbul to Accra takes about 7 hours 10 minutes and the route is operated by Turkish Airlines. The service runs almost daily, so choosing dates is easier than for other West African capitals.
Accra FAQ
How many days do you need in Accra?
Three days cover the centre, the monuments and Jamestown. Adding the castles at Cape Coast and Elmina makes five days a comfortable programme.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Kotoka International Airport is about 10 kilometres from the centre. The taxi ride takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic.
What do you need to enter Ghana?
A visa is required for a Turkish passport and the application is made before travel. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and the certificate is checked on arrival.
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