Accra - The Paradise of Africa

Accra is the capital city of Ghana and its named is derived from the word "Nkran" which means "ants". It is interesting but peculiar at the same time that how can a big cosmopolitan be named after tiny insects.

The people from Ghana tribe were the first to settle in Accra. They migrated from their early settlement which was at Ayawaso. According to the Ghanaa people, Accra was a perfect site for starting a new colonization as they never had an opportunity to flourish back in their original settlement due to their rivals, Akawamu people. 

At the beginning, Accra’s economy was not as prosperous as it should have been. It did not have a prominent trading center but the early settlers lived a better life. Ports at Prampram, Ada, Dodowa and Akusa were well-known in the region. Nonetheless, Accra became a popular slave trade center amongst the Europeans who has established forts near the city. These forts were Ussher Fort and James Fort. However, the area became a popular slave trade center until 1807 when the slave trade ended. By the end of 17th century, the city saw a great change as the foreigners include Danish, British, French, Dutch, Swedish and Portuguese settled and built forts in the town.

In 1928, Accra saw a drastic change in its economy as it became the main exporter of cocoa. Another influential factor about the city was the good water pipeline system which, as a result, brought in many migrants. In the 20th century, the city saw development which strengthened its roots in Ghana making it one of the significant destinations. The city saw even more prosperity under the rule of Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg. He introduced several reforms, built bridge athwart the Korle Lagoon and established schools and hospitals. The city today provides a good living standard compelling a large number of migrants to board Accra flights.

Currently, Accra is one of the tourists’ destinations in Ghana. Some of the main attractions in the city include the National Museum of Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Archives of Ghana and many more. Tourists who grab cheap flights to Accra also admire touring Ghana's central library, the National Theatre, Accra Centre for National Culture, a lighthouse and the National Sports Stadium.