Accra

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana. It lies on the southern coast of the country, around the Gulf of Guinea, which forms part of the Atlantic Ocean. The city is the centre of the Greater Accra region.

Accra is the centre of government, business, and administration. It contains the offices of the presidency, parliament, and ministries, as well as major banks and corporations. The population of the city and its surroundings numbers in the millions, though exact figures vary depending on how the city boundary is defined.

Geography and climate

The city is situated on a low-lying coastal plain. It has a tropical climate that is relatively hot compared to other regions of Ghana; rainfall occurs twice yearly, with a major period during the June–August season and a minor one. The coast features lagoons and open water, which have influenced the development of the port.

History

The city's origins are linked to settlements of the Ga people who inhabited the coast in earlier centuries. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, European groups—Danish, Dutch, and British—established trading forts on the coast, including Christiansborg (Osu) and James Fort. In 1877, the British colonial administration of the Gold Coast transferred the capital from Cape Coast to Accra. When Ghana gained independence in 1957, Accra became the capital of the independent nation.

Economy and infrastructure

The city's economy is based on services, trade, light industry, and government administration. Tema port, located to the east of the city, is among the country's largest ports. Kotoka international airport connects Accra to Africa and Europe. Major markets, such as Makola, are centres of daily commerce.

Society and culture

English is the official language of administration, while Ga, Twi, and other Ghanaian languages are widely spoken. The city has universities, research institutes, museums, and sports facilities. Rapid population growth has put pressure on housing, water, and roads, making city management a continuing challenge in expanding service delivery.