Accra, Capital city in southern Ghana
The city sits on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, with neighborhoods stretching inland from beaches and fishing harbors toward the northern edges of the metropolitan area. The center concentrates government buildings, banks, and markets, while residential areas with lower houses and wider streets spread outward to the east and north.
Three colonial trading posts appeared on the coast during the 17th century, built by British, Dutch, and Danish merchants seeking control over regional trade routes. After independence in 1957, the city became the seat of government and grew rapidly as people moved in from rural areas across the country.
Street vendors line major roads offering roasted plantain, fresh coconut, and grilled corn to passersby who often eat on the move. On weekends, neighborhoods come alive with church services where families gather to sing, pray, and socialize in buildings filled with music and energy.
Most shops, banks, and offices cluster in the center and nearby neighborhoods, where traffic builds up during morning and afternoon hours. Visitors walking around should look for shade on hot days and carry water, as the sun can be strong throughout the year.
Workshops along the coast produce custom coffins shaped like fish, cars, or airplanes for funerals, reflecting the trade or interests of the deceased. These colorful coffins form part of a local craft tradition that turns burial ceremonies into personal tributes visible throughout the city.
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