Accra is the administrative and commercial capital of Ghana. The country had its independence in 1957, and is popularly known for its Ashanti culture. Till date, it attracts a huge traffic of tourist from different parts of the world. My stay started upon arrival at the Riviera Beach Hotel. The hotel is situated at the bank of the beach. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and sound of the beach direct from your hotel room. The clapping sound of the ocean and ocean breeze cannot be compared.

I got to meet Riad Eid, the Managing Director of the hotel, a Lebanese businessman living in Accra. He sure was very warm and nice. He told me the hotel was built 30 years ago and from every look it sure needed a remodeling. Riad plans to pull down the entire structure by March 2008 to erect a new and modern Riviera Beach hotel. The hotel stands at an advantage over others, it’s located at an area called the Ministries; it’s close to the famous Independence Square and the Accra National Stadium, the venue for the 2008 African Cup of Nations. A visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park named after the first President of Ghana is a good way to start your vacation. It’s a must place to visit. The monument of this famous ruler and other sculptures welcome you on entering the premises. It cost about GH¢5 (5 New Ghana cedes) and equivalent of $5 to gain entry for tourist. Also close by is the Castle, which houses the Office of the President, John Kofo. Apparently you can walk to a certain distance but sorry no pictures allowed. If you’d like to feel the clashing ocean then you should visit Osekan Resort. The resort is built with high rock wall to resist the strength of the ocean and it looks direct at James Forth. While there, enjoy the peppery taste of Suya (Beef kebab), roasted sausages, a beverage and loud Ghanaian music.  Not so far from this location is High street, Accra’s commercial area. Not so far of is the National Museum, the Art Center and the National theater. Directly opposite the Stadium is the Military cemetery the burial place of Ghana’s comrades.

Riad and I drove around to Osu also called Oxford street by local kids. Osu is known for its shopping activities and lots of foreigners rather patronize living there, since you can get around easily to the shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs, banks, salons to name a few without needing to take a vehicle. Everyone seemed to be walking around; why not I got in the grove as well. I walked down the road looking around; the street was packed and very colorful with a display all sort of attire branded in Ghanaian flag colors, green, red and yellow. It didn’t look too bad. If you love African art, you would find a display of art works for sale as you work down, but you’ve got to be very careful the sellers sure know how to play a fast one on foreigners with the price.

I wanted to be adventitious with food so Solomon “my tour guard” took me to the famous Osu night market. I wonder why it was called night market, from his explanation people mostly came there to buy Kenken a traditional Ghanaian food made from corn. So he got me a wrap and spiced pork meat for about GH¢ 1.7. Which we took back to the hotel, honestly I really can’t understand what was so cool about this meal. The pork was alright but the kenken, it had a sour taste. It’s eaten with local peppery sauce. I found it boring no offence but it just wouldn’t be a second try for me. Around the market square you have push trucks selling fresh coconut. The coconut water was refreshing…..yummy…

If you are a “webbie” like me then you’d find BT internet a place to visit. The cyber café which I would call a “cyber house”, house a hundred computers. It sure is the gig in town. Or you might rather try out Novotel’s chill out bar. Quite a cozy place to relax and use the net and probably have a dive in the pool. If you love a nice lunch outing; Ivy Coffee Shop located at Ringroad Street is styled nicely to give you a very Dutch feel. They are quite a number of hotels with fancy restaurants you can go for dinner. For instances Afia Beach Hotel has an open air restaurant with a touch of African design called Tribes Bar and Restaurant. The hotel is a good get away for business visitors and a romantic place for couples.

I can go on and on telling you nice spots to visit in Accra, but I assure you’d find it rewarding and relaxing. If you intend to do business, the city is becoming very business friendly; there is a huge entrance of foreign companies and business men. When next you think of a vacation, place a thumbnail on Accra.

 More photos from Accra