Just as many cities in the world are known for their quirks, trends and tourist sites, Accra equally has its very own. Aside from having the best jollof in Africa, Accra has the Labadi weekend parties you cannot afford to miss; the great selection of handmade African fabrics/beads; the country’s political stability, cultural diversity, its unique slave forts/history and its many delicacies. 

The everyday lifestyle in Accra may never be known to the visitor who visits once in a while to tour and explore. That being said, let’s get to know the streets of Accra and what sets Accra aparts from what our able youtubers portray.

TRAFFIC VENDORS

Ghanaians are generally known to be very hospitable, enterprising and hardworking. Sometimes, in conditions that threaten their lives, many individuals find themselves indulging in activities to make ends meet. Under the scorching sun, traffic vendors sell all manner of things from foods like plantain chips, yoghurt, yam; to items such as replicas of Louis Vuitton sunglasses, pillows, artworks, and just about anything you would expect to buy in a market or store. There is absolutely no limit to what you can or cannot get to buy in traffic.

This is quite convenient on a typical day when traffic is intense.  Just imagine sipping on some ice tea while stuck in traffic. The vendors equally have a sweet tone with buyers which is lovely considering the conditions under which they trade. Look out for and potentially patronise our local hardworking vendors should you be stuck in Accra’s mild traffic on your visit.

WOODEN OR METALLIC STRUCTURES AS HOME

Kiosks, the metallic or wooden structures meant to be shops, are homes to individuals who either find it more convenient and can afford it or generally, cannot afford regular rent in Accra as houses for rent can be quite expensive. Therefore, people who cannot afford them opt for these structures. In such situations, their landlords either own the structure (kiosk) or the space on which the structure is placed.

Don’t be deceived by the appearance of these structures! Some of the interior decorations  will take your breath away. Some are fully equipped with air conditioners, tiles, plasma televisions, sound systems…

FREE FOOD AGENDA

Proceeding to the next on the list of what makes Accra Accra. We present to you funerals and weddings. These ceremonies usually happen on the weekends: Saturdays and Sundays. Roads are blocked in order to hold durbars, mount canopies, etc. for the ceremony.

Public opinion concerning this practice is split with some finding it disturbing while others make good use of the opportunity for free food. It’s very simple: Dress up and join the queue to get yourself some free food at the expense of people tying the knot or mourning. Interesting huh? Welcome to Accra!

CHARITY ON THE STREET

On the streets of Accra, apart from finding hawkers and vendors of just about every item you can imagine, you are also very likely to find, along busy streets, beggars. This may be similar to other cities the world over, however, what makes it shockingly different in Accra is the fact, you’re likely to find children are at the forefront of the begging, thus exposing themselves to all forms of danger. According to a research conducted in 2018 by the University of Ghana, these children do so of their own will with little or no external influence or pressure and keep every penny earned for themselves.

In recent years however, the number of children has increased, with the majority of them being travelers from Niger and Chad due to their countries’ instability. These children are seen in large numbers on the streets of Accra seeking some form of help: money, food, clothes. Unfortunately, these children are exposed to many adult predators who recruit them into some forms of illegal activity like armed robbery and prostitution which goes a long way to further deprive them of a proper childhood.

In addition, it is believed by some sections of Ghanaian society that these children/ beggars have employers who drop them in the country and return the money earned from begging to them with some form of conditions or benefits.

Yet again, we can boast of Accra as being one of the most exciting cities with our ever reigning Ghana jollof; locally made special khebabs; and the city traffic which is spiced with hawkers taking advantage to sell snacks and just about everything else. An unbeatable example of such snacks is the famous egg and pepper! You can never be content with just one; you’ll always want more.

Indeed, there are a lot more interesting quirks about Ghana’s city that never sleeps, Accra, than we have covered in this article. You should visit and discover the others. And if you have visited already, and know of some we have not included in this list, let us know in the comments!