Experience in Accra, Ghana by Felix

What is it like to live in Accra? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Accra being the capital city is a lively place to abode especially as a foreigner. Ghanaians from all parts of the 10-regions strive to step foot in Accra. Accra is the major market outlet for all products ranging from textiles to agric produce,entertainments, foods etc. The city is endowed with well designed and built towers . Most primary industries in the country have stationed their headoffices in Accra. The city is the perfect place to live whenever you visit Ghana cos of the wonderful hotels and restaurants.

What is the student lifestyle like in Accra?

Fortunately, Accra isn't landlocked hence leisure time and holidays could be spent at the beach. Students in the city have varying opportunities of interning in different companies since hundreds of industries/companies are stationed here. International students have the opportunity to visit glamorous textile shops where varying ghanaian clothings are available at affordable prices.

How much does it cost to live in Accra?

The cost of living in Accra is relatively higher as compared to the other 9-regions in the area of rent/accommodation, utility charges but considerably low in terms of fresh/local foods.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Accra? Is there any advice you can give?

The difficulty in finding an accommodation is subject to the area where the accommodation is being sought. It is far easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to find an affordable accommodation in residential parts of the city. I will advice one to book a short term stay in a hotel in city and whiles s/he is in the city, you can visit various neighbourhoods and see for yourself the preferred area.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Accra is the homeland of the "Ga" tribe thus the prominent local food is "Ga-Kenkey". Thus delicacy is best eaten with grounded pepper or "shito" with fried fish/any other sourxe of protein. This food is best consumed when the weather is hot since it calls for large volumes of potable xhilled water after consumption. There are several other local meals in the city as well as international meals-widely preferred is Pizza.
I am an addict of Boiled yam with tomato/garden-egg/cocoyam leave stew. I can hardly do without this tempting meal. You are bound to have sweet dreams when you take this meal for supper. Give it a try whenever you are in Accra and you will attest to this incontrovertible fact.

What places would you recommend visiting in Accra?

Tema is the popular industrial area in Accra and Ghana.Thus you will wish to visit Tema to see the various manufacturing companies and their mode of operation.
Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Museleum, Peace Park, Osu Castle are few of the wonderful sites you will have to visit when you are in the city.

Is it good to eat out in Accra? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I am not a fun of eating out thus it will be quite difficult to recommend a spot.

Is the nightlife good in Accra? Where is good to go?

When you have your private car to visit areas, the night life is amazing. Anything else will be a nightmare cos of the thick traffic you will have to endure to get to your destination.
There are a couple of night clubs in the city but will not be able to recommend one as i am not a fun of it either.

What advice would you give future students heading to Accra?

Come to Ghana with an expectant heart and mind. Be ready to endure some days of light-outs as this is a usual phenomena in the city. Come along with your dancing shoes as we can boast of ground breaking intrumentals and music.