Accra is buzzing: from footy fever and microfinance to a brand new green city

If you reckon Accra is just another political hub, mate, you've got it wrong. This city is absolutely buzzing. Whether you're a die-hard footy fan, a lover of good food, or just keen to know what's happening in one of West Africa's most dynamic capitals, Accra's got a few stories this week you won't want to miss. I've been here for years, and this place never gets old. From the intense atmosphere at the Accra Sports Stadium to the boardrooms of international players, here's what's going down right now.

The title fight is on: Hearts of Oak under the pump

Let's kick off with the most important stuff: footy. The Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, or just Hearts or the Phobians to the locals, is in a bit of a sticky patch. I was at the Accra Sports Stadium just last month when they took on Bibiani Gold Stars. You could feel the tension in the air. They managed to scrape a draw, but you could also sense the frustration. The gap to the league leaders has shrunk to just one point, I heard from someone in the know at the club. The title race has turned into an all-out sprint, and dropping any more points is going to hurt. For the fans, it's all or nothing. The atmosphere on the terraces was electric, I can tell you. And that match against Asante Kotoko back in November? That 1-0 loss at home still stings for a lot of supporters, a fan told me recently at a bar in Osu. The Accra Sports Stadium is a cauldron on game days, and the next few weeks are going to be absolute crux.

Global players and a touch of European class in town

But Accra's about more than just footy. The city is pulling in more and more international attention. Take Opportunity International, for instance. They held their global board meeting here recently. Sounds like a dusty old conference, right? But a good mate of mine who was there said it was anything but. The chat was all about women in business and smallholder farmers – the real backbone of the Ghanaian economy. They didn't just celebrate 30 years here; they also signed off on solid plans to help even more people access loans and savings products in the coming years. That meeting was at the Mövenpick, but if you're looking to enjoy the finer things in life, you can't go past the Golden Tulip Accra. This hotel, a firm favourite for travellers who like a bit of comfort, has had a bit of a refresh lately. I heard from someone in the local hospitality scene that the management has been taken over directly by the French chain, who have big plans for their African properties. You can really tell in the service and the renewed energy in the lobby. It's a top spot to escape the daily chaos of the city with a decent glass of wine.

Green light for the future: Greater Accra is set to expand

And then there's the big news for the whole region. The government has confirmed the plans for the Green Digital City are going ahead. Someone with inside knowledge told me that President Mahama has promised to set up a special taskforce early this year to oversee the development of this new city. And just to be clear, no, Accra isn't being replaced as the capital. But this new city, which will stretch across the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta regions, is meant to take the pressure off the overcrowded capital. Government services and key institutions will get a new home there. Word in political circles in Accra is that it's a massive project that will completely change the face of the region over the next few decades.

Women at the helm: a flight to remember

Lastly, there was this fantastic initiative that touched down in Accra. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's biggest carrier, decided to celebrate International Women's Day with a special gesture. On March 7, eight flights to various destinations, including Accra, were crewed entirely by women. From the pilots to the ground staff, it was an impressive sight and a powerful statement. The flight from Addis Ababa landed at Kotoka International Airport with a smile and a whole lot of inspiration. It fits right into the picture of a city and a country that's making strides, where women are rolling up their sleeves and keeping the economy ticking over. Whether it's:

• The market women in Makola selling their goods.
• The female entrepreneurs getting support from groups like Opportunity International.
• Or the pilots taking to the skies.

Accra runs on their strength.

In short, Accra is on the move. It's a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions go hand in hand with big visions for the future. From the high-stakes footy league to the blueprints for a brand-new city, it's a place that gets under your skin and stays with you. And if you ask me, the best is yet to come.