Accra is buzzing: from football fever and microfinancing to a brand new green city
If you think Accra is just a political hub, you'd be dead wrong. This city is buzzing, and then some. Whether you're a football fanatic, a fan of good food, or just keen to know what's happening in one of West Africa's most dynamic capitals, Accra has a few stories this week you won't want to miss. I've been living here for years and the city never gets boring. From the high-stakes tension at the Accra Sports Stadium to the boardrooms of international players, here's what's happening right now.
The battle for the crown: Hearts of Oak under fire
Let's start with the most important business: football. Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, or simply Hearts or Phobians to those in the know, is in 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 the air. They managed to scrape a draw, but you could also see the frustration. The gap to the league leaders has shrunk to just one point, I heard from an insider at the club. The title race has really turned into a sprint, and dropping any more points is out of the question. For the fans, it's all or nothing. The atmosphere in the stands was electric, I can tell you that. And that match against Asante Kotoko back in November? That 1-0 home defeat is still fresh in many supporters' minds, a 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 Dutch touch in the city
But Accra is more than just football. The city is increasingly attracting international attention. Take Opportunity International, for instance. The organisation held its global board meeting here recently. That might sound like a dull corporate affair, but it was quite the opposite, a good friend of mine who was there told me. The focus was on female entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers, the very backbone of the Ghanaian economy. They not only celebrated thirty years of operations here, but also finalised 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 look past the Golden Tulip Accra. This hotel, a firm favourite for travellers who appreciate a bit of comfort, has had a fresh lease on life lately. 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 really notice it in the service and the renewed energy in the lobby. A perfect spot to escape the daily chaos of the city with a nice 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 going ahead. An insider familiar with the plans told me that President Mahama has promised to set up a special task force early this year to oversee the development of this new city. And no, just to be clear: Accra remains the capital. But this new city, which will span across the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta regions, is intended to relieve pressure on the overcrowded capital. Government services and key institutions will be relocated 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 fantastic initiative that touched down in Accra. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, decided to celebrate International Women's Day with a special gesture. On March 7th, 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 going. 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 age-old traditions go hand in hand with visions of the future. From the intense pressure on the football clubs 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.