Accra buzzes: from football fever and microfinance to a new green city

If you think Accra is just a political hub, you couldn't be more wrong. This city is buzzing, and I mean really buzzing. Whether you're a football fanatic, a foodie, or just keen to know what's happening in one of West Africa's most dynamic capitals, Accra has served up a few stories this week you won't want to miss. I've been here for years, and this city never gets boring. From the tension inside the Accra Sports Stadium to the boardrooms of global players, here's what's going on right now.

The battle for the crown: Hearts of Oak in the firing line

Let's kick off with the most important business: football. The Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, or simply Hearts or the Phobians to the initiated, is going through a tricky patch. I was at the Accra Sports Stadium just last month when they took on Bibiani Gold Stars. You could feel the tension in your bones. They managed to scrape a draw, but you could also sense the frustration. The gap to the league leaders has shrunk to just a single point, I heard from someone in the know at the club. The title race has turned into a sprint, and dropping any more points now could be fatal. For the fans, it's all or nothing. The atmosphere in the stands was electric, I can tell you. And that match against Asante Kotoko back in November? That 1-0 home defeat is still fresh in many supporters' minds, as one fan told me recently in a bar in Osu. The Accra Sports Stadium is a cauldron on match days, and the coming weeks will be absolutely crucial.

Global players and a touch of European flair in town

But Accra is about more than just football. The city is increasingly drawing international attention. Take Opportunity International, for instance. The organisation recently held its global board meeting here. That might sound like a dusty series of meetings, but a good friend of mine who was there tells me it was anything but. The focus was on female entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers, the very backbone of the Ghanaian economy. They didn't just celebrate their 30th anniversary here; they also signed off on concrete plans to help even more people access credit and savings products in the coming years. That meeting took place at the Mövenpick hotel, but if you're looking to enjoy some of the finer things in life, you can't go past the Golden Tulip Accra. This hotel, a firm favourite with travellers who appreciate a certain standard, has had a fresh lease on life recently. The management has been taken over by the French chain itself, which has big ambitions for its African properties, as I heard from someone working in Ghana's hospitality industry. You can notice it in the service and the renewed energy in the lobby. It's a perfect spot to escape the daily hustle and bustle of the city with a decent glass of wine.

Green light for the future: Greater Accra expands

And then there's the big news for the entire region. The government has confirmed that plans for the Green Digital City are moving forward. An insider familiar with the plans 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 no, just to be clear: Accra will remain the capital. But this new city, which will stretch across the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta regions, is intended to relieve pressure on the overcrowded capital. Government services and key institutions will find a new home there. It's a massive project that will completely transform the face of the region over the coming decades, according to whispers in political circles here in Accra.

Women at the helm: a flight to remember

Finally, a wonderful initiative that touched down in Accra. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, decided to celebrate International Women's Day with a special gesture. On 7th March, eight flights to various destinations, including Accra, were operated 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 perfectly with the image of a city and a country that's making progress, where women are rolling up their sleeves and keeping the economy moving. Whether it's:

• The market women in Makola selling their goods.
• The female entrepreneurs getting support from organisations 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 visions of the future. From the title contenders breathing down each other's necks to the blueprint for a brand-new city: it's a place that gets under your skin and never lets go. And if you ask me, you should keep watching, because the best is yet to come.