DISCOVER GHANA
- 1. Airport Residential
- 2. Cantonments & Labone
- 3. Central Accra
- 4. East Legon
- 5. Legon Botanical Gardens
- 6.Osu
Located close to Kotoka International Airport, Airport Residential Area is a relatively quiet and sparsely populated upmarket neighbourhood. A number of embassies are located here, and there is a selection of good shops and restaurants, although they tend to be expensive. More retail options can be found at the Accra Mall nearby. “Airport” as it is commonly known is surrounded by excellent road networks linking it to key business areas, the city centre, and Ghana’s port city, Tema.
Cantonments and Labone are leafy residential areas located next to each other, approximately 5km east of Accra’s city centre. Historically they have been occupied by government officials, academics, wealthy Ghanaians and foreigners. Key international representations in the area include embassies of the United States, France, and China. Some of the best nurseries/kindergartens and schools in Ghana can be found here. In recent years a range of restaurants and convenience stores have opened in this neighbourhood. More entertainment and restaurant options can be found in nearby Osu.
Despite several smaller business districts having been established across Accra, Central Accra is still the administrative and cultural centre of the city. This neighbourhood hosts government ministries, businesses, financial institutions, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the country. Popular tourist attractions in this area include Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the National Museum, the National Theatre, and Accra Stadium.
Located just North of Tetteh Quarshie Interchange and Accra Mall, East Legon is host to many young families as well as executives seeking larger homes at competitive prices. It is one of Accra’s more newly developed areas. This neighbourhood is relatively self-sustaining as it has a good selection of services, transportation and some of Accra’s best international junior to senior schools within a short distance. Traffic volumes and congestion entering and leaving East Legon can be challenging at peak hours.
This leisure facility is close to the University of Ghana and is a beautiful green oasis within the city. It is one of only a handful of nature reserves in Accra. The whole family can take advantage of this park’s offering, which includes a professionally-designed and built children’s play area, canopy walkway, and high rope obstacle course, as well as more traditional activities such as bird watching, jogging, and biking.
Osu is a busy commercial, business and entertainment district. The main road through the area, commonly known as “Oxford Street”, is a 24 hour hub of activity. There are no specific tourist sights on this road, but the constant bustle of hawkers, fast food joints, casinos and more, make it an essential part of any visit to Accra. With its ever-changing restaurant and retail options Osu offers something to suit every taste and budget. Levels of accommodation in this neighbourhood are varied, but options predominantly cater to travellers and businessmen in hostels, hotels, and serviced apartments.
GHANA FACT FILE
Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule when it gained independence from Britain in 1957.
The country is considered one of the safest and most stable in West Africa since its transition to multi-party democracy in 1992. Many international organisations and multinational companies have their West African headquarters here.
Gold, cocoa and oil form the cornerstone of Ghana’s economy. Offshore oil discoveries have helped to fuel an economic boom in the last 10 years, however a combination of fluctuations in international markets, government debt, and a heavy reliance on imported goods, have slowed growth more recently.


- Population: 5 million
- Area: 238,533 sq km (92,098 sq miles)
- Main languages: English & Twi
- Main religions: Christianity, traditional indigenous beliefs, Islam
- Life expectancy: 64 years (men), 66 years (women)
- Currency: Cedi
- Climate: Tropical, with a wet season & a dry season accompanied by desert winds. Temperatures range between 82°F (28°C) & 100°F (38°C). Average humidity is 85%.
LIVING IN GHANA
Our Living in Ghana Guide gives a great overview of what to expect from Ghana’s expat community, leisure options, lifestyle and accommodation, Ghanaian culture, the country’s business environment, and the education system.
To get this FREE guide, and access a wealth of other useful info about life in Ghana, subscribe to our newsletter below.