Experience in Accra, Ghana by GORDON GUGGISBERG

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

it is amazing living or to live in Accra, where every opportunity is possible for you, the rich culture of the Ghana , Accra is also where you see every part of the people from different parts of Ghana live there, it is also where the big programs , big musicians and movie actors live. Accra is the capital city of Ghana and the seat of the president, it is the city that every Ghanaian would love to stay.There is low crime and safety is assured. living in Accra is awesome, there are several beaches to visit with the most popular called Labadi beach resort. A cool atmosphere to think in the morning and Afternoon but very entertaining in the evenings and on special occasions. People in Ghana are known for their Hospitality like wise those in Accra. Transportation is very cheap and so for food and accommodation. For foreigners, leaving in Accra would be the best ever visit to any West African city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Accra?

Student life is of the best. Students leaving in Accra are exposed to several means of discount during purchase of goods with the mere mentioning of being a student. As i stated above, transportation, accommodation and food is cheap in Accra and hence makes student life very easy to live in Accra. On the side of entertainment, there are several clubs which stretch across the length and breadth of the city. For those who love night markets, there is a night market too.

How much does it cost to live in Accra?

Leaving expenses in Accra ranges from 20 GHS to 50 GHS which is equivalent to 11 euros to 18 euros per day depending on ones spending habits. It can be less if on spends less in a day.

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

Finding accommodation is not difficult for a student or a tourist since there are numerous hostels and Guest houses available. There are also companies whom one can contact for a very good accommodation at a less price. Prices of accommodation though differs from nearness to the city center and caliber of people leaving in the area and also whether furnished or not. I would just say one should mostly contact the appropriate person when searching for accommodation. A friend in Ghana will do with that.

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

There are several local dishes that would let you bite your tongue. Though there are some continental foods like spaghetti and Pizza, Fufu, kenkey, Banku, waakye and Beans are the favorite for most people in Ghana and Accra as well. However, most foreigners enjoy beans and Gari ( grilled cassava) with red oil and fried plantain or sometimes what we call ''Jollof Rice''. My favorite is Fufu and Palmnut soup.

What places would you recommend visiting in Accra?

I would first recommend our own the Kwame Nkrumah museum. This place is the burial place of the first President of Ghana. It has preserved Artifacts of the late president and history of Ghana's independence. Next would be the Art center where various art and calved items portraying most of the tribes in Ghana are sold. Next is the Independence Square where the first speech by the first president of Ghana was made and has become a ceremonial grounds in Ghana. Other places include, National Theater, James fort, Parliament house, Kaneshie and Accra central Markets (Makola) and the Labadi Beach.

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

It is a very normal thing to do in Accra since there are a lot of food venders (chop bars) scattered in Accra. Eating outside in Accra is pleasant since hygiene is key in sitting up such places. The best for local foods is Asanka Locals and for continental, i will recommend Kempinski Hotel, Movinpick Hotel, Holiday inn.

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

Accra is a City that never sleeps. There are always programme going on around. Security as first class and low crime rate too. There are also many pubs (joints) to visit and a lot of clubs to go for and pleasure.

What advice would you give future students heading to Accra?

All i would say is that, it is Africa and weather is different so one should be cautious of that. Also one should take a yellow fever injection and anti malaria prescriptions before leaving. Anyone who plans to visit our greatest Greater Accra would not love to come back again. Have fun and enjoy.