Accra is the capital city of Ghana with a population approaching three million.English is the official language of Ghana, but not necessarily the first language for many people. The local language in Accra is Ga, but Twi (pronounced ‘chwee’), Ewe (pronounced ayvay), Hausa, and English are also widely spoken. Accra has rich modern buildings and dusty shanty towns. Founded in the 17th century by the Ga people, Accra became the capital of the British Gold Coast in 1877. Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, Accra became the capital of the newly independent state.Kotoka International Airport(IATA: ACC) is a major hub, with international connections from North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, along with internal connections to Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi, and regional connections to virtually every West African country. In 2018 the new Terminal 3 opened, with the old Terminal 2 being handed over for domestic flights. From the United States, Delta Air Lines operates daily flights directly from New York-JFK. From there, it is possible to connect to all major North, South, and Latin American cities, and the Caribbean. Air Namibia also connects Accra directly with Johannesburg and Namibia. Emirates also operates in the country and Turkish Airlines flies on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.air viva offers flights to Accra from Kumasi, Sunyani, Takoradi and Tamale.British Airways operate a daily service to London Heathrow. Africa World Airlines operates direct flights from Lagos and Abuja to Accra, and most internal Ghana flights. KLM also operates a daily service to Amsterdam, and from there can connect to almost all European destinations. TAP Portugal has a direct service to Lisbon.Since the opening of Terminal 3 it makes more sense to take an official taxi rather than an Uber. Ubers need to pay the GHS10 car park fee (hence are no cheaper than official taxis) and often take ages to arrive. If you don’t have luggage and do want an Uber, walk out of the airport and meet your Uber on the street. As with any taxi in Ghana always agree the price in advance, GHS30 should get you to the city centre.The easiest way to get around Accra is by Uber. Uber cars are usually more comfortable than the worn down taxis of Accra. There are plenty of wifi spots throughout the city (e.g. at any KFC outlet) in case you don’t have mobile data on your phone. The normal rate is at around GHC1 per mile and you don’t need to haggle about the price with the driver. Uprise Travel Ghana phone +233 2 4950 7413 [http://www.http://uprisetravel.com/transport/ is a new Tour company that rent out cars, minivan in Accra and Tamale and a few cars at the Accra and Tamale airport which can bring you directly to Mole National Park and also anywhere across Ghana. Accra’s best attractions are scattered across a relatively wide area, so if you can afford the modest prices the best thing to do is hire a car and driver to take you around. Travel companies offer drivers who double as well-informed guides, which helps as interpretive exhibits and brochures (if you can find them) leave much to be desired.If you need an SUV or a sedan there are plenty of affordable options because even the best drivers earn only about USD15 a day in Accra. You can book directly from Avis and local rental companies at the larger hotels, such as the Golden Tulip, La Palm, or Labadi Beach. Cars are available on short notice but if you want a van or SUV it is best to book ahead. Rates for car and driver are about USD9 an hour. For a US$75 you can book a 10 hour day, but fuel is extra. Rates increase if you leave metro Accra, which is fair because poor roads add to the wear and tear on the vehicle. Toyota Land Cruisers are a popular choice and are widely available.Though the city is fairly spread out, Accra is relatively safe to walk around during the day (and night, in many areas). Watch out for open sewers when walking the streets.To flag a taxi wave your arm with your finger pointed down to the ground. On a busy street you will have many taxis driving past trying to offer you their service by honking at you. There are very few Ghanaian cabs with meters. Never get into a taxi without first asking the fare – you must negotiate how much you are willing to pay before you start the trip. It is generally 3 cedis (GHC3) within the centre of town and GHC5-7 to the airport or Accra Mall from the centre. A rough mileage rate would be GHC1.5 per mile. Try to ask someone local how much a trip to a certain location usually costs. Also make sure to haggle hard as most taxi drivers will often try to charge three times (or more) the going rate to foreigners. Relax, and don’t show urgency. If the first taxi won’t come down on his price, wait for another as they are plentiful. Do have an idea of your route, taxi drivers navigate by landmarks eg roundabouts, traffic lights, petrol stations [not street names, and make sure you have a local simcard in your phone so you can ring someone at your destination and pass the phone to the taxi driver.Taxis do not have to be so private, though, and it’s exceedingly rare for Ghanaians to hire one privately (although they will assume that foreigners want a private one). The rate is in theory one fourth of a private ride, but, again, foreigners taking a private ride tend to get taken for a little extra. It’s more confusing, to be sure, but chances are they are going in the direction they are already headed, and you can just ask if they’re going towards a major landmark, especially a market.The problem with taxis, aside from the constant honking at foreigners, is that they don’t know their way around Accra. No really, they won’t have any idea where you want to go. They can’t figure out maps either. The landmarks used by locals and cab drivers in no way align with those that are relevant to outsiders. Even worse, the cab drivers usually live kind of far outside the city centre, and usually aren’t even familiar with basic neighbourhood names or the biggest attractions like Independence Square! Some useful landmarks that they will know are the major markets, Osu Castle, the Stadium, the financial centre (Cedi Tower), the major traffic circles along Ring Rd, and major street names, from which you can try and direct them to where you want to go. Now, if you don’t already know your way around, it’s tough.The taxis are not metered. The charging system is at the discretion of the driver. She/He will charge based on the distance, nature of the road, heaviness of traffic and perhaps your looks.Trotros are usually very crowded and dilapidated minivans and minibuses that act as the city’s public transit system. They are the cheapest way to travel (fare ranges from GHC0.30-1.00), but can be very slow, especially during rush hour. TroTros travel along well known routes in the city, and stop at various points along the way (some stops have signs, others don’t). The trotro system can take some getting used to, but you can ask a local to help direct you to the right route and bus. There are several large bus and trotro terminals in the city and in the suburbs (in Accra: Tema, Tudu, Kaneshie, Circle, etc

Airport: ACC Kotoka International Airport Cities in Germany

Country: Ghana