What is the Capital of Ghana? Accra
Capital City of Ghana: Accra
City Overview
Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana, is situated along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. As the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation, Accra is home to over 2 million people, and its influence extends far beyond the city limits. The city has a rich history that dates back to its early formation in the 17th century, initially as a trading center. Since then, it has grown into a bustling metropolis with modern infrastructure, markets, and cultural institutions, blending both colonial and indigenous influences. See Elaineqho for other major cities in Ghana.
Founded as a coastal settlement, Accra originally served as a hub for trade between the indigenous peoples and European traders, particularly the Portuguese and later the British. It was formally established as a British colonial capital in the mid-19th century and has remained the capital city following Ghana’s independence in 1957. Accra was chosen due to its strategic location and its role as a port city, facilitating commerce and communication between the interior of West Africa and the wider world.
Today, Accra is a vibrant city known for its bustling markets, such as Makola Market, lively street culture, music, and art. The city also plays an important role in the country’s political landscape, housing key government offices, foreign embassies, and the residence of the President of Ghana. Accra is also a major financial and business center, home to many multinational corporations, banks, and industries. The city’s diverse population, including many ethnic groups such as the Akan, Ewe, and Ga-Dangme people, contributes to its dynamic cultural mix, making it a melting pot of traditions, languages, and culinary influences.
Accra’s infrastructure continues to develop, with new roads, high-rise buildings, and suburban expansion. However, despite its rapid growth, Accra faces challenges typical of many large cities, such as traffic congestion, rapid urbanization, and issues with waste management. Despite these challenges, Accra remains a city full of opportunity, culture, and life.
Key Facts about Accra:
- Area: 225.67 square kilometers (87.02 square miles)
- Population: Approximately 2.2 million (2023 estimate)
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (UTC +0)
- Highest Mountain: Mount Afadja, which stands at 885 meters (2,904 feet) above sea level, located in the Volta Region to the east of Accra.
- Longest River: The Volta River, which flows for about 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles) through Ghana and provides essential water resources for both Accra and the rest of the country.
Accra’s coastal location gives it a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Its proximity to the equator ensures that the city experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with relatively consistent temperatures and humidity. The coastal breezes help temper the tropical heat, making Accra an active urban center.
Major Landmarks in Accra
- Independence Square (Black Star Square)
One of the most important landmarks in Accra, Independence Square commemorates Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule in 1957. The square is home to the Black Star Monument, which symbolizes the nation’s freedom and pride. The monument, alongside the Independence Arch and the Liberation Day Memorial, is a place for national celebrations and events, including Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations on March 6 each year. - Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
This park honors Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence. The memorial includes a mausoleum where Nkrumah is buried, as well as a museum that houses personal artifacts, photographs, and documents related to his life and his role in Ghana’s independence movement. The park is a focal point of national pride and reflection, celebrating Ghana’s history. - Cape Coast Castle
While located a bit outside of Accra in Cape Coast, this landmark is integral to the history of Accra and Ghana. Cape Coast Castle was once a center for the transatlantic slave trade, and today it serves as a museum and a memorial to the millions of Africans who were forcibly taken from their homeland. It offers powerful insights into the history of the slave trade and its enduring impact on Africa and the Americas. - Makola Market
A vibrant and bustling marketplace in the heart of Accra, Makola Market is a key commercial center where one can find everything from food and clothing to electronics and jewelry. The market is a microcosm of Accra’s energy, with thousands of people navigating its winding lanes and stalls. It’s an important site for daily commerce and offers a true taste of Accra’s local culture. - W.E.B. Du Bois Center
The W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Pan-African Culture is dedicated to the life and work of the famous African American civil rights activist and intellectual, W.E.B. Du Bois. Du Bois spent his final years in Ghana, and the center houses his papers, a library, and an archive dedicated to Pan-Africanism. The center also serves as a hub for cultural events and is an important site for those interested in the African diaspora’s role in shaping global history. - Labadi Beach
Labadi Beach is one of Accra’s most popular beaches, where both locals and tourists gather to relax, swim, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The beach is also known for its lively events, such as live music, dance performances, and festivals. The beach and its surrounding area are filled with beach resorts, restaurants, and bars, making it a prime spot for entertainment and relaxation. - The National Theatre of Ghana
The National Theatre is the main venue for performing arts in Accra. The theater hosts a variety of cultural performances, from plays and musicals to concerts and dance shows. It is a symbol of the country’s artistic achievement and a space for both traditional and contemporary African performances.
Climate Overview
Accra has a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, which lasts from November to March, coincides with the Harmattan, a dry wind that blows from the Sahara and reduces humidity and visibility. The wet season, from April to October, brings heavy rains, particularly in June and July.
Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Avg Precipitation (mm) | Avg Sunny Days |
---|---|---|---|
January | 27 | 25 | 7 |
February | 28 | 24 | 8 |
March | 28 | 40 | 9 |
April | 28 | 50 | 10 |
May | 27 | 95 | 6 |
June | 26 | 120 | 5 |
July | 26 | 140 | 5 |
August | 26 | 130 | 6 |
September | 27 | 120 | 7 |
October | 27 | 90 | 8 |
November | 28 | 40 | 9 |
December | 28 | 30 | 8 |
Other Cities That Served as Capital in Ghana’s History
1. Cape Coast (before 1877)
Before Accra became the capital of the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana), Cape Coast was the seat of government. It was an important port city during the colonial era, particularly for the transatlantic slave trade, and housed the British colonial administration until the capital was moved to Accra in 1877. Cape Coast remained a key administrative and commercial center for the region.
2. Accra (1877–Present)
Since 1877, Accra has been the capital of Ghana. During the colonial period, it was chosen for its central location along the coast, its strategic port, and its proximity to the British colonial headquarters. The city has grown rapidly since Ghana’s independence in 1957, becoming a leading urban center in West Africa.
Country Facts
Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Ghana has a rich history, including its role as a major kingdom and trading empire in pre-colonial Africa, as well as its pivotal role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Population: Approximately 33 million (2023 estimate)
- Area: 238,533 square kilometers (92,098 square miles)
- Largest City: Accra
- Currency: Ghanaian cedi (GHS)
- Official Language: English
- ISO Country Code: GH
- Timezone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (UTC +0)
Ghana is known for its political stability, democratic governance, and growing economy. The country is rich in natural resources, including gold, cocoa, and oil, and has a diverse economy driven by agriculture, mining, and services. Ghana is also a leader in African culture, with a vibrant music, dance, and art scene. It is one of the most politically stable nations in Africa and has become an attractive destination for foreign investment and tourism. The country is committed to continued development and regional leadership, and its rich history and cultural heritage are deeply ingrained in the national consciousness.