The Guide To Accra Ghana
The Official Guide to Accra Ghana
If you plan on heading to Ghana anytime soon then you’re in the right place!
This is a guide that will hopefully help you determine your plans and show you how to navigate in Ghana. The busiest period to be in Ghana is the Dec -Jan Christmas period. This is when people from all over come to spend the holidays. More recently, it has become a home for some of the biggest cultural events in Africa and the world. Events like Afrochella and Afronation have garnered interest from people all over the world and people are flocking in numbers to experience these events.
Flying in to Ghana
You’ll be landing at Kotoka International Airport in the Capital City, Accra. The process is pretty smooth and they have one of the nicest airports in Africa. Do not let anyone help you with your bags as they will most likely ask you for money! If you don’t have your Yellow Fever shot, then I encourage you to get it as they require it. I did not personally get the shot because it is super expensive and it’s super rare to catch that in Ghana. I don’t know anyone in Ghana who’s even gotten the shot! You have the option of getting it at the airport and it’s actually very cheap. Also, make sure to get malaria tablets from your doctor. I certainly recommend this as it’s pretty common to catch over there due to the mosquitoes. Speaking of mosquitoes, bring mosquito repellent! If you don’t have any then hit up the local market and get some in Ghana. They have some that smell so amazing you literally don’t need to wear perfume or cologne lol
Currency
The currency in Ghana is called Cedi. The exchange rate is 1 USD to 9.98 Ghana Cedi. This rate can vary and changes often so keep an eye on it. Don’t get too excited because that money can fly if you’re not careful. You shoulda def bring cash in $100 bills because you can exchange them easier. Try to keep cash on you as not everywhere has working payment machines (Most places do though). You can exchange currency at the airport or visit a Forex office and exchange them. Try not to exchange everything at once. I recommend exchanging $200-$400 at a time as that could last a couple days. (Please note that refunds ae not always a thing as some believe that the extra money given is a tip.)
Transportation
Leaving the airport, you have a couple options to get to where you want to go. You can set up a ride through people that you know that are already there or you could you can take an Uber or download Bolt (Yes, they have Uber in Ghana!). Taxis are also a good option but beware of drivers charging an inflated fee due to you being a foreigner. I generally get around there using Ubers or Bolt as they can charge your visa and it’s pretty cheap due to the exchange rate. Drivers often like to get paid in cash so you can choose that option as well. Car rentals are often available as well from companies like hertz and etc. They even often airport pickup as an option and some rentals come with a driver! (It’s pretty common to have a driver in Ghana as they are generally cheap and will help you get around. There’s also buses called “Tro Tro” which are generally cheap. I’d pass on those as they are usually packed and pretty hot. Be aware of traffic as it can get pretty bad during December. It’s like LA traffic or even worse smh!
Housing
I recommend staying at a hotel or an airbnb if you don’t have a friend to stay with. Hotel’s are generally more expensive but do have benefits like 24 hr staff and breakfast among other benefits. Airbnb’s are very popular in Ghana and the country is one of Airbnb’s fastest growing markets. Be careful booking them and pay close attention to the reviews as you should with any airbnb booking. Try to book one in the Greater Accra Region closer to the airport. Some nice areas to stay are: Cantoments, Airport City, Trassaco, East Legon, Osu, and many other places. Ghana is pretty safe but be careful walking alone at night just as you should anywhere else.
Things To Do
There are many sites and things to do in Ghana. Ghana is home to many beaches and national parks and there isn’t enough time to visit them all! Here’s a couple places that you might want to check out.
1. Kakum National Park - They have a cool canopy that everyone likes to walk on. It’s about two hours away from Accra so make sure to plan accordingly.
2. Elmina Castle - This is one of the last standing slave castles in West Africa. It’s an eye opening experience that can get pretty emotional. You might want to visit this on the same day as Kakum because they are not far apart.
3. Beaches - Labadi Beach, La Palm Royal beach, Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Bojo Beach (My Fav) and etc.
4. Resorts - Check out Royal Senchi Resort, Aqua Safari Resort, White Sands Beach Resort + Many Others!
5. Restaurants/Bars - Polo Club Restaurant, Bondai (vibes) Moko’s Restaurant, Sky Bar (Crazy Views), Santoku, Brasa, Kozo (Vibes), Vine Restaurant, Castillo, Exhale Lounge (Hookah Lounge/Restaurant), Buka, Sandbox Beach Club, Breakfast to Breakfast, No. X restaurant, Telandes Garden, Rose Garden, Bistro22, Shogun, Tunnel Lounge, Treehouse Restaurant, Republic (My Fave place because they have the infamous Ginger shot and Krokroko! I recommend taking the ginger shot then following it with the Krokroko), Alley Bar, Dimaensa Restaurant, Coco Vanilla (A&C Mall and Adjiringanor Location), Purple Pub (For cheap local drinks), Starbites + Many More.
6. Shopping - There are so many places to shop at in Ghana! You can hit up A&C Mall, Accra Mall, West Hills Mall, Makola Market and many other markets. Be wary of people trying to charge you more due to being a foreigner. Try to go with someone who can bargain for you!
7. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park- This is where Ghana’s first president was laid to rest. There is a beautiful statue of him and artifacts all around. This is a great place to learn about how Ghana Gained it’s independence from the British in 1957.
8. Accra Arts Center- It’s literally right next to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and you can buy cool things like art, jewelry, kente bags, cloth and much more. It’s a must that you visit!
Nightlife
Now you know you can’t hit Ghana without partying! Ghana is home to some of the hottest clubs in West Africa. Here’s some of the best spots to go to.
Club Twist: This is probably the most popular club and it gets packed FAST! They’re known for having some tough bouncers so try to get there early so there's no issues.
Bloom Bar: This is an open air bar that people go to get good drinks and dance all night. This is probably up there with Twist a far as popularity. A lot of celebs stop through here as well when their in town and the party last all night!
Garage Lounge and Bar: This is one of the hottest place to be in Accra! They put in alot of effort when it comes to providing dope vibes!
Ace Tantra: This is a newer spot that has been becoming more popular. It’s a great atmosphere and you def want to dress to impress.
Luna Rooftop: Great rooftop vibes right across from the airport!
Club Onyx: Great atmosphere and great music!
Front/Back: Members only location that hosts some very popular events! (Some events are available to the public)
Exhale Lounge: Hookah lounge and dope nighttime vibes.
Elite Bar and Lounge: Dope vibes in East Legon!
Sky Bar: On top of the highest building in Ghana is Sky Bar. It’s got great views and great drinks. Many celebs like to go there during December.
Sandbox: My Favorite place by far! This is beachfront club that offers ocean views and great vibes. They set up the stage for artist’s performances sometimes and they have a great amount of space and a nice ambiance.
Polo Beach Club: A Popular Beach front club that hosts huge events in December! + many more!
Here’s a list of events that you might want to check out.
Little Havana: This is a Cuban themed All White event in the Aburi hills (Eastern Region)
@Littlehavanapremium
Champagne Campaign: This one is for the champagne lovers! (Look out for details)
Detty Rave: This is Mr. Eazi’s annual music festival. It gets Packed and multiple artists fly in from all over the world to perform!
Afronation Ghana: This is new to Ghana and it’s a 3 day Festival with artists from all over the world. Should be fun!
Afrochella: I’m sure you’ve seen clips from Afrochella! This is Ghana’s most anticipated event and it gets bigger and better every year! Artist’s and celebs fly in from all over to perform and enjoy the African vibes. There’s music performances, art, food, and many other things to do.
Chance And Vic Mensa’s Festival: More Info coming soon
PVO x Afrochella NYE Celebration: This is a new event sponsored by some big names!
All tickets to these events can be found online. You pretty much have to google them.
All in all, GH is one of the best places to visit currently. The food is amazing! The people are super nice, and the attractions are breathtaking! I recommend purchasing your tickets at least 6 months ahead of time for great pricing options. The national language is English but you should try and learn some words in the local dialects like Twi & Ga. When you touch down someone might say “Akwaaba” to you. That just means “Welcome” so make sure you say a big thank you back! If there’s anything that i missed sorry! Have a safe trip and holla if you need more info!
Nelson
IG:@Mo_Gwala