Flight to Accra (ACC)

Flying to Accra: tips and information for your trip

Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, Accra has become one of Africa’s most exciting capitals. Home to around two million people, the city boasts beautiful beaches, major landmarks, many museums and galleries, traditional markets and a vibrant nightlife.

You’ll also find no shortage of natural beauty in Ghana. The 540km coastline is lined with rainforests, rocky mountains and sandy beaches. The best way to experience the natural landscape throughout the country is to head to one of the 16 national parks, reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

Often considered as “Africa for beginners”, Ghana is definitely one of the easiest and friendliest countries in Africa. It’s not by chance that the expression you’ll hear the most during your stay and the first word you’ll see on your arrival at Accra airport is “akwaaba”, that means “welcome” in Twi.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight ticket to Accra today and discover Ghana, the jewel of West Africa.

Things to do in and around Accra

1. The Independence Square, the second-largest city square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing, is one of the city’s major landmarks. Here, you’ll admire the main monuments celebrating Ghana’s independence, such as the Independence Arch, the Black Star Monument, also known as Black Star Gate, and the Liberation Day Monument.
   
   
2. Ghana played a major role in the decolonization of Africa. It was under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah that the country, formerly known as The Gold Coast, became the first African colony to gain independence. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum pays homage to Ghana’s first president, and the man who declared independence in 1957. Definitely a must-see to learn more about Ghana’s modern history.
   
   
3. If you want to dive into the country’s rich heritage, head to The National Museum of Ghana and discover brilliant art and crafts from prehistory to modern times. Although a bit harrowing, the slavery exhibition is a must and gives you an idea of the devastating impact of the trade on the people and the region.
   
   
4. Interested in knowing more about the dark history of slavery in Ghana? Then you can visit one of the about forty slave castles concentrated along Ghana’s coast, such as St Georges’ Castle and Cape Coast Castle (around Elmina) or James Fort or Ussher Fort (Accra). These fortified trading posts are still haunting and descending into the dungeons where slaves were kept captive for months is a distressing experience. Despite this, these places have become pilgrimage destinations especially among African-Americans who want to pay homage to their ancestors.
   
   
5. Jamestown district, one of the oldest settlements in Ghana (parts of the Jamestown district date back to the 17th century) and one of the liveliest districts in the city. Among the old forts and the lighthouse, you’ll find the fish market, the harbour dotted with traditional fishing boats, chaotic street markets and food stalls.
   
   
6. A visit to Accra is not complete without a walk along Osu Oxford Street. With a good choice of shops, restaurants and bars it’s the best place to get all your gifts and experience Accra’s vibrant nightlife. Just down the road is Osu Castle, built by the Danes in 1659 and now home to Ghana’s government.
   
   
7. Bojo beach, a slab of Caribbean sand just 5 km from the centre of Accra. To reach the beach, you’ll need to cross the Densu River by canoe, which makes the journey something special. The sand is golden, the water blue and it’s well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. Labadi Beach, also known as La Pleasure Beach, is the most popular beach in Ghana and the place to be on weekends and Wednesday nights, when live bands and reggae artists, as well as disco and pop DJs play around bonfires. With dozens of bars, food stalls and art stores, there’s always something going on. Grab a beer, or a locally-brewed gin, and enjoy your time. Interested in the Rastafarian culture? Then head to Kokrobite Beach, located a few kilometres outside Accra.
   
   
8. Makola market in central Accra is the place to go to have the market experience in Ghana. Everything you could possibly imagine can be bought here: from traditional spices, jars of local Shea butter and Ghanaian cloth to football shirts, second-hand pairs of shoes and other knick-knacks. You prefer indoor department stores? Then head to the Accra Mall housing a range of shops, restaurants, bars and a cinema.
   
   
9. Accra has a vigorous art scene that is constantly growing. Here are some of the coolest venues of the moment: the Nubuke Foundation, dedicated to Ghanaian visual art, culture and heritage, Gallery 1957, the city’s first internationally operating contemporary art gallery, the Artists Alliance Gallery, opened by the Ghanaian artist Ablade Glover, the Foundation for Contemporary Art (FCA), housing a library with more than 800 books about visual arts, Loom, one of Ghana’s premier galleries, and ANO in the Osu district, the Studio Accra, hosting jam sessions, installations and performance exhibitions, the Brazil house, in Jamestown, the headquarters of Accra[dot]Alt, to name just a few.
   
   
10. If you plan to visit the Western Region of Ghana, Axim should be on your list. This coastal town located in the Western Region boasts wonderful beaches and nature that has no equal in Ghana. Beach resorts such as the Lou Moon Lodge and the Busua beach resort are full of entertainment for visitors, along with its sandy beaches. On your way to Axim, stop at Cape Three Points. Known as the “land nearest nowhere”, it’s the land nearest a location in the sea which is at 0 latitude, 0 longitude and 0 altitude (the distance is about 570km). It marks the western end of the Gulf of Guinea. One of the natural attractions you will not want to miss when you visit the Western Region is the Nzulezu Village, located near the village of Beyin, roughly 90km west of Takoradi. The village overlooks Lake Tadane, and is entirely made up of stilts and platforms.
    
    
11. Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss the Kakum National Park, a protected area of rain forest, home to endangered mammals such as forest elephants, bongo antelopes and primates like the Diana monkey. The canopy walkway suspended 30m above the ground provides tree-top views of the forest. The Mole National Park is Ghana’s largest game reserve. Home to a wide range of animals, the park is best-known for its bird species and population of elephants. Protected by a staff of rangers, Mole is a wonderful place to explore the African savannah and bush. Take a safari walk or drive and you’re sure to be swept away by the beauty of this park. The Zaina lodge is located at the park offering accommodation to visitors.
    
    
12. The Eastern Region of Ghana is dominated by Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. This region is also home to the Boti Falls, a twin waterfall referred to as female and male. It’s located 17km north-east of Koforidua, the eastern regional capital, it’s just around 30 minutes’ drive from Koforidua and about 90 minutes from Accra depending on the means of transportation. The Wli waterfalls attract tourists from all over the world. It is the highest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa, with a lower and an upper falls. Located 20km from Hohoe in the Volta region, locally known as “Agumatsa”, meaning “Allow Me to Flow”, it’s approximately 280km from the capital of Accra.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Kotoka International Airport, which is 8 km from Accra, Ghana’s capital.
• Currency: The currency in Ghana is the Cedi (GHS). US dollars are widely accepted in restaurants and stores, especially in cities. Cash is the best way to pay for your purchases, avoid using credit cards. Contact your bank before leaving to be sure cards will work overseas. If you need to exchange money, go to banks or official exchange bureaus, never allow individuals to exchange money for you.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The dialling code for Ghana is +233. In the event of an emergency, dial 193. Ghana offers a fairly limited access to 3G networks in the main cities such as Accra, Cape Coast and Kumasi. This service is normally paid for and visitors of some selected hotels can get connected for free. You can personally connect to the internet by purchasing a Mi-Fi (battery-powered router) from any of the internet service providers nationwide. It is fast, reliable and easily accessible.
• Electric sockets: Ghana uses 220V power, so if you are bringing a blow dryer, electric shaver, laptop or any other electrical appliance, you may need to purchase a “step down” transformer.
• Travel information: All visitors to Ghana must be in possession of valid passports with not less than six months’ validity and a visa. The visa is issued by any Ghana Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad.
• Vaccination: You should be vaccinated against Yellow Fever; no other vaccinations are mandatory.

Dos and don'ts

• If you plan visiting some villages, please dress respectfully and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts. Also remember not to hand something to someone or receive something with your left hand, disrespect the elderly or take photographs of people without their permission.
• Always bargain if you go shopping in local market or need a taxi. Here is how it works: the seller announces a price, you reply saying that it’s too expensive and make a counter-offer (usual half of the price), then discuss until the two of you agree on the price and everyone is happy.
• Transportation:
  • Tro: used by 70% of Ghanaian commuters, tro are the most popular form of transport for work and shopping. 
  • The minibuses are operated by a driver and conductor (who collects money, shouts out the destination and can also be called “mate”). Passengers can board a vehicle either at the station or anywhere else along the route. 
  • STC is the main bus company in Ghana offering transportation between many different cities. You will likely have to pay a fee for your luggage based on its weight.
  • Taxi: Accra has thousands of taxis, but watch out because not all of the taxi drivers are licensed. 
  • Uber: whether you’re headed to work, the airport, or out on the town. All you need to do is to download the app and Uber connects you with a reliable ride in minutes.
• Tipping: Ghanaian workers appreciate your tips very much. The average hospitality worker likely makes less than $2.00 per day; the tips supplement their salary. If the service is good and your needs are attended to promptly and efficiently, a tip or gratuity of 10% is exceptionally adequate.
• Do not forget your insect repellent.
• Although there are more than 30 local languages, English is the official language in Ghana. English is widely spoken in the cities, but in some rural areas people may only speak their tribal language. Twi is the most widely spoken local language.

Basic vocabulary in Twi:

• Welcome: Akwaaba
• How are you? Eti sen?
• Good morning : Me ma wo akye
• Good afternoon: Me ma wo aha
• Good evening: Me ma wo adwo
• Good night: Da yie
• Goodbye: Nante yiye
• Yes: Aane
• No: Daabi
• Do you speak English? Woka borofo kasa?
• Hello: Agoo
• What’s your name? Wodiin de sen?
• How much? Wa ye sen?
• Sorry: Kose
• Thank you: Medaase
• Help: Boa me

Cultural events

• Independence Day (6 march): marked by a range of festivities across the country, the day is highlighted by street parties and a national parade of schoolchildren and security personnel at the Black Star Square in Accra. Every year, the president delivers a speech of solidarity to Ghanaians.
• The Chale Wote street art festival: attended every year by thousands of Ghana-based and international artists and taking place in Jamestown’s old town. The festival includes a showcase of arts, crafts with a rich display of culture, providing a platform to showcase talents.
• Homowo Festival: This is celebrated by the Ga people who are mainly residents of Accra. The festival starts in the month of May with the planting of crops before the rainy season starts. The people celebrate Homowo in remembrance of the famine that once happened in their history in precolonial Ghana.

When to go to Accra, Ghana?

The dry season runs from November to March, it’s the easiest and best moment to travel around. The best moment for wildlife viewing is from December to April, when animals gather at water holes.

What to eat?

• Each meal consists of a main starch (in the form of fermented maize meal, yam, plantain or rice) with a meat, stew or soup accompaniment.
• The national dish is fufu, which is a pounded ball of starches plopped in a large bowl of soup. Other must-eats: light soup with fufu, which is a tomato based soup, typically served with some sort of meat or fish. Groundnut soup is also very good, served in the same manner. An alternative to soups and stews is red-red, (fried sweet plantains with red beans, in palm oil), or palava sauce (egg & spinach) and yam chips. Other traditional foods include: kenkey (fermented corn dough) with fried fish and shito (hot pepper, ginger, dried shrimps fried in tomato paste with additional spices)
• Made by Accra Brewery Ltd, Club is arguably Ghana’s most popular and ubiquitous beer. Star and Ruut Extra are good competitors. Ghana’s first Cassava-based beer—and super tasty— is available at many bars and restaurants.
• You are strongly advised to use bottled water only, and not water from the tap.