Accra - History

There is some evidence that there were human settlements along what was then the Gold Coast, dating back 30,000 to 40,000 years. It is well documented that around the twelfth century, the ancestors of present day Ghanaians migrated from parts of the northern areas of what is today Ghana. This occurred at the time of the fall of the Ghana Empire, a prosperous kingdom incorporating parts of present day Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal.

The first Europeans to arrive in Ghana in the fifteenth century were the Portuguese, who were interested in gold. With its discovery and that of other items in sufficient quantities, the Portuguese decided to build magnificent forts and castles along the coast to further their business interests. These trade posts were constructed in such a way as to serve as fortifications against other European seafarers, who wanted to follow their footsteps. The first castle, The Elmina ("The Mine") Castle, was built to handle their trading activities. Although the search for gold was foremost in their minds, slave trading gradually gained ground and became the most lucrative business. This infamous trade became so attractive, that in the late sixteenth century the Dutch, British, Danes and Germans also became major participants. For nearly two hundred and fifty years the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Danes competed in the slave trade industry, which managed an annual average of over 10 000 slaves. By the end of the slave trade era, in the nineteenth century, the Europeans had constructed several castles and forts along the length of the then Gold Coast.

Until its independence from British colonial rule on 6 March 1957, Ghana was called the "Gold Coast", a name given it by early Portuguese explorers who first set foot on the shores of the country in the fifteenth century. In 1992, after 11 years of military rule, the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC), handed over administration of the country to an elected government with constitutional rule and a multi-party parliamentary system. This development has revealed broad support by political parties for continuing economic reforms, placing greater emphasis on commitment to private sector development. The change of government has significantly bolstered international interest in Ghana. Its rich history centers on the once-great Ashanti empire, which rose to power during the late 17th century and continued to prosper as a center of the 18th century slave trade. The Ashanti capital, Kumasi, was during this period one of the finest and most advanced cities in Africa, and the Ashanti state even employed significant numbers of Europeans as advisors and administrators.

Accra was founded in the 15th century by Ga settlers, who began a profitable trade with the Portuguese in the 16th century. A thriving trade in slaves, gold, and palm oil followed into the next few centuries, and the Ga's trading partners expanded to include the Danish, Dutch, and the British. The Ga, Akwamu, and the Asante all fought to control Accra, and though the Asante were eventually the victors, they lost Accra after much fighting to the British. The British captured Accra in 1874, and in 1877, Accra was made the capital of the Gold Coast Colony. Today, there's much to do and see in Accra. Aside from the open air markets, with their stacks of vibrant-colored fabrics, traditional medicines, Asante crafts, and leather goods, there's the National Museum of Ghana with its excellent exhibits and displays of Ghaniain history and culture. 

You can learn more about Ghanaian music and dance at the Greater Accra Centre for National Culture, while a stop at the W.E.B. Dubois Memorial Centre of Pan-African Culture is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about pan-Africanism, or DuBois's writing, some of which are gathered here. As Accra is located along the Atlantic Coast, a short drive east of the city will bring you to several beaches and resorts. Coco Beach may be a more pleasant beach, but La Pleasure Beach, formerly known as Labadi Beach, is the hip place where young Ghanaians hang out. It's especially crowded on weekends. 

Much of the attraction of Ghana is based upon its legacy a center of gold, and ivory. However, Ghana also possesses one of the best game reserves in West Africa, a multitude of good beaches, and plenty of hospitality. The European presence in Ghana is also marked by the multitude of colonial forts that dot its coastline--strongholds that anchored the European trade in gold, ivory, and slaves. Although Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast, was largely considered a British territory, it wasn't until 1900 that the British succeeded in defeating the Ashanti and the area's other strong kingdoms.

Most of Ghana's 17 million people practice either Christianity or Islam, which are prevalent depending on the region. Christianity prospers in the south, while Islam dominates the rural north. Local religions also endure in Ghana, and are often practiced syncreticaly with the mainstream religions.