Want to know the 15 best secrets about the history of Ghana’s capital city, Accra that most people don’t know? If your answer is YES! Keep reading and pay attention. In this second post on the series of Accra’s history, what are we going to discover?
Accra
1) The Ga people, who came to the region in the 13th century, were the first to establish Accra. 2) The Ga word "Nkran," which means "ants," is where the name "Accra" originates. 3) In the 17th and 18th centuries, Accra served as a significant hub for the transatlantic slave trade. 4) Throughout the colonial era, the city was occupied by the Danish, Dutch, British, and Portuguese at various points. 5) In 1877, Accra was chosen as the colony's capital. 6) Ghana, with Accra as its capital, became the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from colonial authority in 1957. 7) Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, made a substantial contribution to the fight for independence and the growth of Accra as a modern metropolis. 8) The Osu Castle, Independence Square, and Jamestown Lighthouse are just a few of the historic sites in Accra. 9) The city's population has increased significantly over the past few decades, going from less than 100,000 in the 1950s to over 2 million now. 10) Accra has experienced difficulties with the development of its infrastructure, including problems with transportation, water supply, and garbage management. 11) There are numerous festivals and events in the city honoring Ghanaian music, dance, and visual arts. 12) Accra is renowned for its bustling markets, which include the well-known Makola Market. 13) Accra is home to the University of Ghana, one of the oldest and most regarded universities in West Africa. 14) Accra experiences a tropical climate, with daily highs and lows of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). 15) There is a strong culinary legacy in the city, with a wide range of recipes using yams, cassava, and plantains as indigenous ingredients. Jollof rice, banku, and waakye are common fare.
History
Who knew Accra, Ghana, had so many tricks under its sleeve? Accra has a rich and complicated history that is just waiting to be unearthed, from its humble beginnings as a Ga people settlement to its role in the transatlantic slave trade and the war for independence.