By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, is marking 148 years since it officially became the seat of administration in 1877. From its beginnings as a coastal Ga settlement, through the upheavals of colonialism, to its role today as the economic and cultural powerhouse of the nation, Accra’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and reinvention.
How Accra became the capital
Before Accra rose to prominence, Cape Coast was the capital of the British Gold Coast colony. However, in the 1870s, Cape Coast faced growing challenges: outbreaks of malaria, political instability, and strained relations between colonial administrators and local chiefs.
Accra, by contrast, offered several advantages. Situated along the Gulf of Guinea, it was a strategic trading hub with access to both coastal and inland markets. Its dry coastal climate was deemed healthier than the humid environment of Cape Coast. Moreover, the construction of railways linking Accra to the interior — especially to the cocoa- and gold-producing regions — strengthened its economic importance.
In 1877, the British colonial administration formally moved its headquarters from Cape Coast to Accra, setting the stage for the city’s transformation into Ghana’s capital.
A city of independence and identity
Accra remained the capital when Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. Under President Kwame Nkrumah, Accra became a symbol of Pan-Africanism, hosting liberation movements, African leaders, and global dignitaries.
Landmarks such as Independence Arch, Black Star Square, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum stand as reminders of that historic era and continue to define Accra’s identity as the center of Ghana’s national story.
Growth into a metropolis
From a modest town of fishing communities like James Town, Ussher Town, and Osu, Accra has grown into a sprawling metropolis of over 5.5 million people (2021 PHC). It is the headquarters of government ministries, Parliament, the Presidency, multinational corporations, embassies, universities, and major financial institutions.
Accra is also a cultural mosaic, home to vibrant markets like Makola, nightlife in Osu and East Legon, and an evolving creative arts industry with global reach. Its diverse architecture — colonial forts, modern skyscrapers, and sprawling suburbs — reflects both its layered history and rapid modernization.
Challenges of growth
But Accra’s rapid expansion has also come with challenges. Traffic congestion, flooding, waste management, and housing shortages test city managers daily. The government and partners are tackling these issues through initiatives like the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, aimed at upgrading drainage, sanitation, and urban transport.
Looking ahead to 150 years
With 2027 set to mark 150 years since Accra became the capital, preparations for Accra’s 150th anniversary are not yet outlined. But historians, cultural institutions, and city authorities envision a celebration that will highlight not only Accra’s past but also its role in shaping Ghana’s future.
A symbol of Ghana’s journey
Accra at 148 is more than just a city — it is the living record of Ghana’s evolution. From colonial capital to independence hub, and now a modern metropolis, it embodies the resilience of its people and their aspirations for the future.
