TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit and International Driving Permit are mandatory |
| Currency |
(GHC)
cedi |
| Electrical |
230 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 233, City Code Accra 21+6D, Lashibi 22+5D, Takoradi 31+5D,
Swedru 41+3D |
Attractions
As a savoury blending of big-city bustle and African ease, Ghana's
seaside capital is second to none on the continent. At once sprawling
and accessible, rambunctious yet friendly, it's a city run by
native Ghanaians, and their pride in their product shows. Best
of all, even as popular as Accra's become in recent years, you
still won't trip over Westerners at every third step. The best
introduction to the city is a good browse in one of its main hawking
grounds. Right at the heart of central Accra, the Makola Market
brims with glass bead and batik sellers, while Kaneshie Market
on the western side of the city is the one to hit for mouthwatering
foods and spices. James Town, on a short peninsula south-west
of the centre, is a handsome if dilapidated neighbourhood that's
also worth a wander.
A
huge military parade ground backed by the sea and capable of holding
30,000 people, Independence Square is to Accra what Red Square
is to Moscow, minus any building of note. The square is just east
of central Accra; while you practice your goose-stepping, notice
Osu Castle - Accra's most historic structure - in the distance.
Disappointingly, it's now the seat of government and off-limits
to visitors. The Arts Centre, between the city centre and Independence
Square, is where artisans gather to sell their wares and entertainers
come to take advantage of the crowds. Count on catching some type
of dancing, singing, jamming or traditional theatre performance.
The Arts Centre is also the best craft market in the country.
Accra
is famous throughout West Africa for its vibrant nightlife, especially
its dance clubs, which centre around Nkrumah Circle. Rasta togs
and dreadlocks usually mark the entrance to the hippest spots.
Accra's beaches are another big draw, but the best ones are all
a few kilometres outside of town. Coco Beach, east in Nungua,
is accessible by tro-tro, but the nicest ones to the west all
require private transport. Accra has some well established Internet
cafes although they can be a little slow. New spots to surf, with
faster connection times, are springing up all the time.
