Accra
From Encyclopædia
Accra, a manufacturing center, is the capital and largest
city of GHANA. Situated on the coastal Accra Plains on the Gulf of Guinea, it has a population of 964,879 (1984). The landscape is primarily flat, with the exception of some notable hills, including Legon, where the
university of Ghana is located. The
Main Streets of the
city radiate from the center and are connected by Ring Road. The temperature varies little from the annual mean of 29 deg C (84 deg F); rainfall
averages 735 mm (29 in) a year, considerably less than the rest of the west African coast. The economy is based upon the busy port and the manufacturing of processed foods, timber and plywood, and clothing. The population is primarily of the GA ethnic group, although it consists of substantial
numbers of AKAN and EWE. Nearly two-thirds are Christian; most of the remainder adhere to Islam or traditional African religions. The site of modern Accra has been occupied for centuries by Ga villages. Between 1650 and 1680 European activity began with the construction of a
castle and two fortified trading posts near the site of present-day Accra. The
city of Accra traces its formation to 1877, when the capital of the British Gold Coast colony was transferred from Cape Coast to Osu, which is one of the Ga villages in the area. In 1898 the Accra Municipal Council was formed to carry out local government functions. Today Accra is a federal area separate from the regions of Ghana.Ronald D. GarstSee also:
AFRICA;
AFRICA, HISTORY OF.Map Location[s]Bawku, Bolgatanga, Wa, Tamale, Yendi, Wenchi, Sunyani, Mampong, Kumasi, Bibiani, Obuasi, Koforidua, Ho, Tema, Accra, Winneba, Cape Coast, Tarkwa, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ankobra, Pra, Tano, Bia,
Lake Volta Volta, Afram, Oti, White Volta, Sisili, Black Volta, Cape Three Points, Gulf of Guinea.
