The Greater Accra Region is the currently the most populated region in Ghana with a population of 5,446,237. It is the most influential of Ghana’s sixteen (16) regions, with the regional capital, Accra serving as the nation’s capital and the commercial, administrative and sporting hub of the country.

Two important international gateways, the Kotoka International Airport and Tema Harbour are located in this region.

Situated on a plain in the south-eastern coast of Ghana, Greater Accra is endowed with sandy beaches, luxury hotels, a variety of restaurants, three golf courses, conference and exhibition centres, colourful markets, museums, historical monuments and many more.

The region is the traditional home of the Ga tribe who migrated from lle Ife in south eastern Nigeria in search of food. They celebrate their migration in an annual festival called Homowo.

The Ga Mantse, paramount chief of Accra, has his palace in the city.

Located 30km from Accra, Tema is one of the country’s important industrial and commercial centres, linked to the capital by a world-class motorway. The name Tema comes from the Ga word Toman, which means ‘gourd town’. The town is home to Ghana’s chocolate factory, where chocolate is made from home grown cocoa beans. Large ships and fishing fleets can be viewed at Tema’s bustling harbour. Next to the beach, the Sakumo Ramsar Site has a rich stock of rare birds.

Most sports can be enjoyed in Accra and Tema, including soccer-the nation’s favourite, water sports, horse riding, athletics, boxing, golf, lawn tennis, squash, motor racing and cycling. There are golf courses at Achimota, Sakumono and Tema

Nightlife in Accra is most vibrant on weekends. There is a variety of cinemas, bars, restaurants and casinos to choose from. Colourful food stalls are open till late in most busy areas.

Pan-African Attractions

The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is a striking marble structure marking the last resting place of Ghana’s first President Dr.

Kwame Nkrumah. The George Padmore Research Library is a research and educational Centre for African-American Studies. The Du Bois Centre is dedicated to African-American and Pan-African issues, and houses the grave of African-American scholar William E. B. Du Bois and his wife.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

The Shai Hills Resource Reserve is 50km north-east of Accra on the Tema-Akosombo road. This 22sq. mile reserve is the ancestral home of the Dangme Shai tribe, and is now the protected home of several species of monkeys, antelopes, baboons, birds and reptiles.

Volta River Estuary at Ada

The sleepy town of Ada is home to the most beautiful and serene areas of Ghana. Here, the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean in a splendid array of natural colours of earth, sky and sea. Ada offers the possibility of exploring the many islands and island communities dotted offshore. An exciting combination of water sports, hiking, fishing, and luxury accommodation awaits the domestic and international visitor.

Natural Attractions

• Shai Hills Resource Reserve, on the Accra-Akosombo Road
• Volta Estuary at Ada
• Sakumo Ramsar Site, Tema
• Various beaches.

Heritage and Culture

• Seat of Government, (Flagstaff or Jubilee House), Accra
• National Museum, Accra
• Ga Mantse’s Palace, Accra
• Historical 28th February Street, Accra
• Independence Square, Accra
• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
• George Padmore Research Library
• Centre for National Culture, Accra
• Colourful Markets.