Accra
Accra | |
---|---|
Accra central skyline Schoolchildren celebrating Ghana's Independence Day at Black Star Square General Post Office | |
Coordinates: 5°33′N 0°12′W / 5.550°N 0.200°W | |
Country | Ghana |
Region | Greater Accra Region |
Districts | 13 districts
|
Settled | 15th century |
Government | |
• Mayor | GMT) |
Postcode districts | GA, GL, GZ |
Area code | 030 |
Website | ama |
Accra (
Formed from the merger of distinct settlements around British
Accra is the
Etymology
The word Accra is derived from the
The name of Accra in the local Ga language is Ga or Gaga, the same name as that of the Ga people and a cognate with Nkran. The word is sometimes rendered with the nasalised vowels as Gã or Gãgã. Historian Carl Christian Reindorf confirmed this etymology, proposing a link between the martial qualities and migratory behaviour of the local ants and those of the Ga people. The link between the ethnonym and ants was explicitly reflected in the recognition of anthills as sacred places. Often ringed by sacred fences (aklabatsa), the tall red mounds dotting Accra's hinterland were seen as microcosms of human community and as nodal points between the known world and the world of the dead.[12]
The Ga used the reference to the invasive species of dark-red swarming ants to connote military prowess and their ancient conquest of Guang speakers residing in the Accra Plains.[14]
The name Ga is actually a cognate of the name Akan, one of a few words in which [g] corresponds to [k] in Akan.[15] Ga also gave its name to the Ga districts surrounding Accra.[16][self-published source?]
The spelling Accra was given to Nkran by
History
The main
Initially, Accra was not the most prominent trading centre; the trade hubs of the time were the ports at
Britain gradually acquired the interests of all other countries beginning in 1851, when Denmark sold
As the newly established Gold Coast's administrative functions were moved to Accra (1877), an influx of British colonial administrators and European settlers grew around the Christiansborg (modern Osu, Ministries, Ridge, Labone, and Cantonments) began, and the city began to expand to accommodate the new residents. Victoriaborg was formed in the late 19th century as an exclusively European residential neighbourhood, located to the east of the city limits of the time. The boundaries of Accra were further stretched in 1908. This expansion entailed the creation of a native-only neighbourhood, intended to accommodate members of the native population as a means of relieving congestion problems in the overcrowded city centre. Adabraka was thus established to the north of the city.[20]
One of the most influential decisions in the history of the city was that of building the Accra-Kumasi railway in 1908. This was to connect Accra, the country's foremost port at that time, with Ghana's main cocoa-producing regions. In 1923, the railway was completed, and by 1924, cocoa was Ghana's largest export.[citation needed]
The colonial era heavily influenced the shape that Accra took during this period. For example, the segregation of European and African neighbourhoods was mandated by law until 1923, and all new buildings were required to be built out of stone or concrete.[citation needed] Despite these regulations, European settlers in the Gold Coast were very hesitant to invest any large amount of money into the city to maintain its infrastructure or improve public works. This did not change until the governorship of Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg during which period the three separate settlements (Osu, La and Jamestown) merged to become modern Accra. Guggisberg's administration laid out the present grid networked neighbourhoods of Tudu, Adabraka and Asylum Down.[citation needed]
Among the achievements of Guggisberg was the building of a bridge across the Korle Lagoon in 1923, which opened the land west of the lagoon for settlement. Guggisberg also oversaw the building of a major hospital (Korle-Bu) and secondary school (Achimota). Such improvements led to an increase in Accra's population due to the
After World War II
In the years following
Another area of Accra that took shape at this time was the central business district (CBD). More administrative buildings were built on High Street, forming a massive judicial/administrative complex. Additionally, the expansion of the economy led to many more commercial buildings being built in the CBD.[citation needed]
In 1944, Accra's city planner Maxwell Fry devised a town plan, which was revised in 1958 by B.D.W. Treavallion and Alan Flood. Although the Fry/Trevallion plan was never followed through, it illustrated the British vision of how Accra should develop.[citation needed]
In 1948, Ghana remained a colony of Great Britain following World War II. The chief of Osu Alata, Nii Kobina Bonney III, had set up a boycott of European goods across the country due to the rise of prices for essential commodities.[21] At the same time veterans of the war were fighting for their benefits and promised pay.[22] Unarmed ex-servicemen organized a march on Christiansborg Castle, Accra on February 28, 1948. Their plan was to hand a petition to the colonial governor demanding they receive their pay and benefits. Before reaching the castle, the veterans were fired upon, after being ordered by the colonial police chief to disperse. Three of the leaders of the demonstration were killed, including Sergeant Nii Adjetey, who now has a memorial in Accra.[citation needed]
Fry/Treavallion plan
In the Fry/Treavallion plan, a reorganization of the CBD was called for, as well as the development of the coastal region of the city. To reorganize the CBD, the planners decided to superimpose a tight street grid north of Fort Ussher.
To the east of this newly organized CBD, the planners hoped to preserve a broad, open space for a restaurant, country club, and polo and cricket fields. Additionally, the British planners intended to build large numbers of public squares, fountains, and ornamental pools and statues throughout the city, as well as a vast Parliament Complex in the city centre. Lastly, the Fry/Treavallion plan included plans to make the coastal region an extension of the exclusive European neighbourhood of Victoriaborg, and to create a recreational preserve for the elite. However, the British Gold Coast ended before the Fry/Treavallion plan was enacted.
Nkrumah Plan
When Kwame Nkrumah became Ghana's first post-independence Prime Minister in 1957, he created his own plan for Accra's development.[23] Instead of creating spaces to serve the elite, Nkrumah sought to create spaces to inspire pride and nationalism in his people and people throughout Africa.[citation needed]
Rather than creating ornamental fountains and a large Parliament complex, Nkrumah decided to build landmarks such as Independence Square, the State House, and the Organisation of African Unity building, and to refurbish Christianborg Castle. Nkrumah decided to leave the Atlantic coastal region undeveloped, so as to not detract attention from the Community Centre or Independence Square, lending both spaces symbolic significance.[citation needed] The Nkrumah plan did not emphasise order nearly as much as the Fry/Treavallion plan did; whereas the British plan strove to lessen crowding in the commercial district and help relieve the overcrowding of neighbourhoods bordering the CBD, the Nkrumah plan allowed for continued compression of commercial establishments into the CBD, as well as increased migration into Jamestown.[citation needed]
The modern city is centred on the original British, Danish, and Dutch forts and their surrounding communities:
Tourist attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Archives of Ghana and Ghana's central library, the National Theatre, the Accra Centre for National Culture, and the Jamestown Lighthouse.
The Parliament, Supreme Court of Ghana, Black Star Square and the Bank of Ghana are also located in Accra.
The city is also a transportation hub, home to the Kotoka International Airport, and railway links to Tema, Sekondi-Takoradi and Kumasi. Accra has become a location for national and international business conferences, such as the BarCamp Ghana series, organised by GhanaThink Foundation.[24]
Geography
Accra | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Owing to its location in the
Very little variation in temperature occurs throughout the year. The mean monthly temperature ranges from 25.9 °C (78.6 °F) in August (the coolest) to 29.6 °C (85.3 °F) in March (the hottest), with an annual average of 27.6 °C (81.7 °F). The "cooler" months tend to be more
As a coastal city, Accra is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, with population growth putting increasing pressure on the coastal areas.
As Accra is close to the
The maximum wind speed record in Accra is 107.4 km/h (58 knots). Strong winds associated with thunderstorm activity often cause damage to property by removing roofing material. Several areas of Accra experience microclimatic effects. Low-profile drainage basins with a north–south orientation are not as well ventilated as those oriented east–west.
Air is often trapped in pockets over the city, and an insulation effect can give rise to a local increase in air temperature of several degrees. This occurs most notably in the Accra Newtown sports complex areas.
Climate data for Accra ( Accra International Airport ) 1991–2020, extremes 1936–2020
| |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 36.6 (97.9) |
37.1 (98.8) |
36.5 (97.7) |
38.7 (101.7) |
35.0 (95.0) |
33.5 (92.3) |
32.3 (90.1) |
32.8 (91.0) |
33.9 (93.0) |
34.5 (94.1) |
38.0 (100.4) |
36.0 (96.8) |
38.7 (101.7) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 32.6 (90.7) |
33.0 (91.4) |
33.0 (91.4) |
32.7 (90.9) |
31.8 (89.2) |
29.8 (85.6) |
28.6 (83.5) |
28.4 (83.1) |
29.6 (85.3) |
31.1 (88.0) |
32.1 (89.8) |
32.4 (90.3) |
31.3 (88.3) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 28.5 (83.3) |
29.2 (84.6) |
29.2 (84.6) |
29.0 (84.2) |
28.3 (82.9) |
26.8 (80.2) |
25.9 (78.6) |
25.6 (78.1) |
26.5 (79.7) |
27.5 (81.5) |
28.3 (82.9) |
28.6 (83.5) |
27.8 (82.0) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 24.5 (76.1) |
25.4 (77.7) |
25.4 (77.7) |
25.3 (77.5) |
24.7 (76.5) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.3 (73.9) |
22.9 (73.2) |
23.4 (74.1) |
23.8 (74.8) |
24.6 (76.3) |
24.7 (76.5) |
24.3 (75.7) |
Record low °C (°F) | 15.0 (59.0) |
16.7 (62.1) |
18.9 (66.0) |
19.4 (66.9) |
18.6 (65.5) |
17.8 (64.0) |
17.8 (64.0) |
17.2 (63.0) |
18.3 (64.9) |
19.4 (66.9) |
17.8 (64.0) |
16.7 (62.1) |
15.0 (59.0) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 11.8 (0.46) |
25.5 (1.00) |
61.1 (2.41) |
87.8 (3.46) |
151.4 (5.96) |
189.6 (7.46) |
63.0 (2.48) |
21.0 (0.83) |
42.9 (1.69) |
80.0 (3.15) |
37.2 (1.46) |
27.2 (1.07) |
798.5 (31.44) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 0.8 | 1.6 | 4.1 | 4.7 | 8.3 | 10.2 | 5.4 | 3.6 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 54.1 |
Average relative humidity (%)
|
77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 83 | 81 | 82 | 80 | 80 | 81 |
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 185.9 | 189.7 | 211.9 | 221.2 | 219.4 | 157.9 | 150.8 | 146.8 | 173.0 | 237.6 | 244.9 | 222.7 | 2,361.8 |
Source 1: NOAA[28] | |||||||||||||
Source 2: Deutscher Wetterdienst (extremes 1936–1990, humidity 1952–1967)[29] |
Administration
The administration of Accra occurs at two levels. Strategic initiatives, such as the urban transportation project, are coordinated between district authorities,[30] while local administration is carried out by local government authorities, which are responsible for most local services, such as local planning, local roads and refuse collection within their area of jurisdiction.
The former territory of the Accra Metropolitan District, 199.4 km2 (77.0 sq mi),[4] as it existed before 2008, is now divided into 13 separate local government districts, all governed as municipal assemblies with their own town hall and a municipal executive appointed by the president of the republic. Each municipal assembly is responsible for most local services, such as local planning and refuse collection. The reduced Accra Metropolitan District (also referred to as City of Accra), 20.4 km2 (7.9 sq mi), once comprised the entirety of Accra until the Ledzokuku, Krowor, La Dadekotopon, Ablekuma North, Ablekuma Central, Ablekuma West, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, Ayawaso Central, Ayawaso West, Okaikwei North, and Korley Kottey districts were carved out as separate municipal districts between 2008 and 2019.
Districts
Accra Metropolitan District (City of Accra)
The Accra Metropolitan District is one of the 13 local government districts that contains the historic centre and the primary central business district (CBD) of Accra. To promote efficiency in the administrative machinery and also meet the ever-pressing demands for amenities and essential services, the district is divided into the Ashiedu Keteke, Okaikoi South, and Ablekuma South sub-metropolitan districts.[31]
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, which governs the City of Accra within the boundaries of the
The Ablekuma South sub-metropolitan district covers an area of 6 km2 (2.3 sq mi) and is bordered by the Ablekuma Central and Ablekuma North Municipal Assemblies, and the Ashiedu Keteke sub-metropolitan district.[33] It includes 5 electoral areas: Korle Gonno, Korlebu, Chorkor, Mamprobi, and New Mamprobi.
Communities within the Okaikoi South sub-metropolitan district include Darkuman, New Fadama, Kaneshie, Bubiashie, and Avenor.[34] The sub-metro has 8 electoral areas namely Awudome, Goten, Kaatsean, Mukose, Bubuashie, Bubui, Avenor and Kaneshie.
The Ashiedu Keteke sub-metropolitan district covers the Central Business District (CBD) and as such the hub of major commercial activities within the Metropolis. Major markets include Makola, Agbogbloshie, and Kwasiodwaso. There are 8 electoral areas namely Ngleshie, Mudor, Kinka, Nmlitsagonno, Amamomo, Korle Wonkon, and Korle Dudor.[35]
Ledzekuku Municipal District
The Ledzekuku Municipal District, with its administrative capital at Teshie, covers an estimated area of 31.3 km2 (12.1 sq mi).[1]
Krowor Municipal District
The Krowor Municipal District was carved out of the Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal District in 2018. Its administrative capital is Nungua.[36]
La Dadekotopon Municipal District
The La Dadekotopon Municipal District, with its administrative capital at La, was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2012.[37] The Kotoka International Airport, Airport City, Accra Mall, and the US Embassy are located within the district, which covers an area of 32 km2 (12 sq mi).[1] Other communities within this district include Cantonments, Labone, and Burma Camp.
Ablekuma North Municipal District
The Ablekuma North Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2018 with an administrative capital at Darkuman Kokompe.[38]
Ablekuma Central Municipal District
The Ablekuma Central Municipal District covers a total land area of 8.8 km2 (3.4 sq mi).[1] Its administrative capital is Lartebiokorshie.
Ablekuma West Municipal District
The Ablekuma West Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2018 and its administrative capital is Dansoman.[39]
Ayawaso East Municipal District
The Ayawaso East Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2018 and its administrative capital is Nima.
Ayawaso North Municipal District
The Ayawaso North Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2018 and its administrative capital is Accra Newtown.[39]
Ayawaso Central Municipal District
The Ayawaso Central Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District with an administrative capital being Kokomlemle.[40]
Ayawaso West Municipal District
The Ayawaso West Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District and its administrative capital is Dzorwulu.
Okaikwei North Municipal District
Korley Kottey Municipal District
The Korley Klottey Municipal District was carved out of the Accra Metropolitan District in 2019 and covers an area of 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) [1] Some of the communities within the district include Osu, Ringway Estates, Asylum Down, North Ridge, West Ridge, Ministries, Gold Coast City, North Adabraka, and Tudu. There are 9 electoral areas namely Osu Doku, Ringway Estates, Kinkawe, Osu Alata, Asylum Down, North Adabraka, Tudu, Odorna/Sahara, and Official Town.
Cityscape
Accra Central
The Ring Road, extending from the Korle Lagoon in the west, north to Kwame Nkrumah Circle, following east to the juncture of Independence Avenue, and continuing on to Osu, forms a ring around the oldest districts of Accra, and separates central Accra from the outlying suburbs.
Central Accra includes the CBD, which consists of the historic districts of Usshertown, Tudu, Victoriaborg, West Ridge, and East Ridge, as well as the historic residential districts of Jamestown, Adabraka, Asylum Down, North Ridge and Christiansborg/Osu.
Although satellite business districts such as the Airport City have been established across the city, Central Accra remains the administrative and cultural centre of Accra, hosting government ministries, hotels, businesses, and financial institutions.
Central Accra's principal attractions include the
Accra North
Northern Accra is a residential and business district. The area contains the "37" Military Hospital,
Geographically, the areas north of Ring Road West and Central, east of Winneba/Graphic Road, west of Liberation Road, and the districts just north and south of the Kwame Nkrumah motorway are regarded as Northern Accra. Some areas North of Accra include, Ashongnman, Madina, Haatso, North and West Legon and others.
Accra East
Eastern Accra is largely residential and geographically north of Ring Road East, stretching as far north as Kwame Nkrumah Motorway; the district is bordered to the west by Liberation Road.
Accra West
Western Accra is largely a residential and business area. Whilst geographically less expansive than the northern and eastern reaches of the city as a result of the large saltponds of Tettegu and Aplaku, it nonetheless boasts one of Accra's most important landmarks, the
Geographically, the areas west of Ring Road West, extending as far west as the saltponds and south of Graphic Road, are considered Accra West.[41]
Demographics
The period between 1960 and 1970 saw rapid industrialization and expansion in Accra's manufacturing and commercial sectors. This contributed to high
Distribution and density
The gross density of population for the Accra Metropolitan Area in 2000 was 10.03 persons per hectare, compared to 6.23 per hectare in 1970. The highest densities were recorded in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, with an overall average of 69.3 persons per hectare. At the community level, densities exceeding 250 persons per hectare occurred mostly in the immigrant and depressed areas in the oldest parts of Accra, such as Accra New Town, Nima, Jamestown and Usshertown. In higher-income areas, densities ranged between 17.5 and 40 persons per hectare.
Population distribution by age and gender
Accra's population is a very youthful one, with 56% of the population being under 24 years of age. This predominance of young people is not expected to decline in the foreseeable future. Fifty-one percent (51%) of the population are females, and the remaining 49% males. This gives a males-to-females ratio of 1:1.04. The greater number of females is a reflection of the nationwide trend, where the estimated ratio of males to females is 1:1.03.[43]
Migration
Decentralization is expected to reduce the migration rates in Accra. An assessment of the extent of migration to Accra, based on present locality and gender, reveals that 45% of residents in Accra are African immigrants from countries across the African continent.
Housing
Parts of Central Accra comprise a mixture of very low-density development with under-used service infrastructure on the one hand, high-density development and overstretched infrastructure services on the other. The growth of Accra has led to the neglect of some of the old settlements, whilst efforts are being made to provide the newly developing suburban areas with services and infrastructure to cater for the needs of the middle-income earners. Peripheral residential development in Accra barely has sufficient infrastructure to support it. There are also large numbers of uncompleted houses, interspersed with pockets of undeveloped land, which are often subject of litigation, due to the inability of organisations and individuals who own them to complete or develop them due to lack of funds. Housing can be grouped into three broad categories: the low-income, middle-income and high-income areas. The low-income housing areas comprise Osu, Jamestown, Adedenkpo, Chorkor, La, Teshie, Nungua, Sukura, Kwashieman, Odorkor, Bubiashie, Abeka, Nima, Maamobi and Chorkor. Altogether, these areas accommodate about 58% of Accra's total population. Most of Accra's informal businesses are located in low-income areas.
Almost all low-income areas are built up with little room for expansion. This is particularly so in the areas of the inner city. The middle-income areas of Accra are predominantly populated by Ghanaian citizens and business, administrative and professional families. Much of the housing in these areas has been provided by state, parastatal and private sector organisations and individuals. The middle-income areas include Dansoman Estates, North Kaneshie Estates, Asylum Down, Kanda Estates, Abelempke, Achimota, Adenta and Tesano. Usually, these areas, unlike the low-income areas, are planned developments, but are in need of infrastructure services. Building materials and general housing conditions are of better quality. The middle-income group comprises 32% of the city's population of which are Ghanaian citizens make up. The high-income areas provide housing for the remaining 10% of the population of which Ghanaian citizens also make up. They include areas like North Ridge and West Ridge, Ringway Estates, north Labone Estates, Airport Residential Area, Roman Ridge, East Legon.
These areas are all planned and have well developed infrastructure with spacious and landscaped ground in sharp contrast with, particularly, the low-income areas. Buildings are usually built with
Economy
In 2008, the World Bank estimated that Accra's economy only constituted around US$3 billion of Ghana's total gross domestic product (GDP).[46] The economically active population of Accra is estimated to be 823,327.
Accra is a centre for manufacturing, marketing, finance, insurance, and transportation. Its financial sector incorporates a central bank, nine commercial banks (with 81 branches), four development banks (with 19 branches), four merchant banks (with seven branches), three discount houses, one home finance mortgage bank, multiple
There are over 50,506 identified residential properties in Accra, and about 4,054 commercial/industrial/mixed properties, with a total rateable value of GH¢13,849,014.
Sectors of the economy
The sectors of Accra's economy consist of the primary, secondary (manufacturing, electricity, gas, water, construction) and tertiary sectors (supermarkets, shopping malls, hotel, restaurant, transportation, storage, communication, financial intermediation, real estate service, public administration, education, health and other social services). The tertiary service sector is the city's largest, employing about 531,670 people. The second-largest, the secondary sector, employs 22.34% of the labour force, or around 183,934 people. 12.2% of the city's workforce are reportedly unemployed, totalling around 114,198 people.[49]
Primary sector
Accra's smallest economic sector, the primary sector, employs approximately 91,556 people. The predominant economic activities are fishery and urban agriculture, with fishery accounting for 78% of production labour. Urban agriculture in Accra centres on the growth of vegetables, several crops and poultry. The fishery industry is the most important sub-sector, with 10% of the catch being exported and the rest consumed locally. The industry is characterised by extreme seasonableness, operating primarily between June and September. Although most deep-water Atlantic fishing around Accra takes place in the June–September period, fishery operations take place close to the shore throughout the year, and there are clear indications of the depletion of fish stocks in the near future. Fishing operations are most prominent at the Jamestown, La, Teshie, Nungua and Chorkor fishing shores.
Education
Pre-school
Pre-school comprises nursery and kindergarten. In 2001, there were 7,923 children (3,893 girls and 4,030 boys) in
Primary school
Primary school enrolment of girls is higher than that of boys.[50] In 2010, the enrollment rate at primary school level was 95%.[50]
Junior high school (JHS)
The Junior High School is part of Ghana's basic education program. Its nationwide implementation began on 29 September 1987.
In the 2001/2002 academic year, 61,080 pupils had enrolled in Accra, representing 57.17% of the 129,467 school-age 12–to-14-year-olds. In 2010, the enrolment rate at Junior high school level was 95%.[50] The ratio of girls is also higher at this level.[50]
Senior high school (SHS)
The transition rate between junior high and senior high school increased from 30 per cent in 1990 to 50 per cent in 2001. The number of students grew by 23,102 between 1990 and 2005, an increase of about 2,310 a year, since 2010 the senior high school enrolment rate has been 95%.[50]
A number of notable public secondary schools lie on the outskirts of Accra:
Universities
The
Institution | Location | Public/Private | Affiliation |
---|---|---|---|
University of Ghana (Legon) | Legon | Public | |
Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) | Cantonments | Private | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology |
Regional Maritime University (RMU) | Nungua | Private | University of Ghana |
Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) |
Tesano | Public | |
Islamic University College (ICUG) | East Legon | Private | University of Ghana |
Knutsford University College (Knutsford) | East Legon | Private | University of Ghana |
Methodist University College (MUCG) | Dansoman | Private | University of Ghana |
Regent University College of Science and Technology (Regent) | Mataheko | Private | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology |
Ashesi University (Ashesi) | Berekuso | Private | University of Cape Coast |
Heritage Christian College |
Amasaman | Private | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology |
Central University College (Central) |
Mataheko/Miotso | Private | University of Cape Coast |
Zenith University College (ZUC) | La, Trade Fair | Private | University of Cape Coast |
Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) |
Ridge | Public | University of Ghana |
Accra Technical University(ATU) |
Tudu | Public | |
Advanced Business University College (ABUC) | Kaneshie | Private | University of Education, Winneba |
Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) | Achimota | Public | |
The University of Professional Studies (UPS) | Legon | Public | |
National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) | Cantonments | Public | University of Ghana |
Valley View University (VVU) | Oyibi | Private | |
African University College of Communications (AUCC) | Adabraka | Private | University of Ghana |
University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) |
East-Legon | Public | Accra |
Academic City University College (ACUC) | Haatso | Private | |
Pentecost University (Pentvars) | Sowutuom | Private | |
Wisconsin International University College, Ghana | North Legon | Private | |
Webster University, Ghana | East Legon | Private |
Healthcare
Hospitals
See List of hospitals in the Greater Accra Region.
Environment
Water
As a growing city, Accra has a water supply and scarcity challenge.[53] Water access uses a patchwork of different delivery processes.[53]
Pollution
Accra as a rapidly growing city, with lots of vehicles and other urban pollution sources, has also an increasing amount of air pollution and
Air pollution varies seasonally, but the average measure PM2.5 average concentration of 49.5 μg/m3.[56] Live monitoring of air pollution is done at three sites in the city of Accra.[57] A 2021 review by the Environmental Protection Agency in Ghana found that the levels were well exceeding both national and international standards for health.[58]
Plastic management is also an increasing challenge.
Green spaces
Rapidly growing population and construction within the city has been resulting in a reduction in Urban green space.[63] A 2021 study of low income communities in the city found increasing concern and desire among these communities for urban green spaces for recreation and health.[64] A 2018 study of greenspaces in the city, found the ones that do exist are important for mammal biodiversity in the city.[65]
Transportation
Accra is on the Atlantic coast but it has not served as a port city since the 1950s. Instead, the Port of Tema, about 29 km to the east along the Atlantic coast, was developed for deepwater shipping to and from Ghana as it can accommodate larger ships; the port opened in 1961.[66] Tema is part of the metropolitan area of Accra.
Transport within Accra includes roads and rails, and an international airport
Rapid transit
Public transports exist between Accra and major cities such as
;In 2003, the
Accra is served by the Aayalolo bus system, which was inaugurated in November 2016. It was initially planned as a bus rapid transit with dedicated lanes, but because these lanes were not provided it was renamed Quality Bus System (QBS).
An agreement was signed in 2019 to build a five line, 194 km (121 mi), automated, elevated light railway metro system called
Accra is connected by railway line to
Aviation
Accra is served by
Taxis
Accra has an extensive
Tro tros and buses
By far the most common form of transport in Accra, tro tros (minibuses or cargo vans modified for passenger transport) is the third biggest, and second most efficient and cost-effective way of getting around the city. The buses are typically minibuses or vans. Some of the most popular models used as tro tros are Nissan Urvan 15-seaters and Mercedes Benz Sprinter or D 309 vans. Trotros are typically decorated with decals such as flags of various countries or (local and international) soccer teams, popular sayings, proverbs (in English or local languages) or Bible verses. Trotros pick up and offload passengers at designated bus stops along their regular routes. Tro tros will also usually offload at undesignated locations along the route, by passenger request. Most routes commence and terminate at large urban transport terminals such as the Neoplan station or the Achimota Transport Terminal.[71]
Sport
Another notable club is Accra Lions FC, which also plays in the Accra Sports Stadium.[75]
Accra is home to the
Boxing is also popular, with many former world champions coming out of Ghana, including Azumah Nelson, Joshua Clottey, and Ike Quartey.
Accra will host the 2023 African Games.
Places of worship
-
Christ the King Parish in Accra (Catholic Church)
-
All Saints church in Adabraka
-
Accra Wesley Cathedral is one of the oldest church buildings in Ghana
-
The St. Augustine Anglican Church is located in Sahara, Dansoman
-
Anglican Diocese of Accra — ST. Mary the Virgin Church
Among the
Notable places of worship in the city include the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Osu, Holy Spirit Cathedral, the Ghana National Mosque, the Madina Mosque, and the Accra Ghana Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Culture
Tourism in Ghana accounted for 1,087,000 international tourist arrivals in 2011.[77] Accra is the Greater Accra region's tourist hub, sporting a wide variety of hotels, monuments, museums and nightclubs. The city has three
The Du Bois Centre houses a research library and gallery of manuscripts, as well as the graves of its namesake, the scholar
The
Accra furthermore hosts the
The city's foremost historical site is the Jamestown area, which contains the
Other sites of note include the
Accra has an Atlantic beachfront and the most popular of the city's beaches is
Ghana's film industry is growing. Its first documentary addressing the impacts of climate change premiered in Accra on 14 October 2022.[79] The Ghana Youth Film Program is a compilation film of 12 documentary short films made youth from across Ghana aged 18 to 30. It participated in the United Nations climate summit, COP27, on 9 November 2022.
Twin towns – sister cities
Accra has four official
City | Province / Region / State | Nation | Year | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
Johannesburg | Gauteng | [81] | ||
Sterling | Connecticut | [80] | ||
Washington | District of Columbia
|
2006 | [82] | |
Columbia | South Carolina | [83] | ||
Columbus | Ohio | 2015 | ||
Chattanooga | Tennessee | 2024 | [84] |
UNESCO World Book
In October 2022, Accra was named by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Book Capital for 2023.[85][86][87][88]
See also
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Bibliography
External links
- "Accra Night Life Still Dey Pap", Afrosages.com, 22 January 2020