Accra is buzzing: From football fever and microfinancing to a new green city

If you think Accra is just a political hub, you've got it wrong. This city is buzzing, and like you wouldn't believe. Whether you're a football fanatic, a foodie, or just want 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 here for years and the city never gets boring. From the tension at the Accra Sports Stadium to the boardrooms of international players, here's what's happening now.

The fight for the crown: Hearts of Oak in the line of fire

Let's start with the most important matter: football. The Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club, or simply Hearts or the Phobians for the initiated, is in a tricky patch. I was there myself last month at the Accra Sports Stadium 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 see the frustration. The gap with the league leaders has shrunk to just one point, I heard from an insider at the club. The title race has really become a sprint and every point dropped is one too many. 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 in November? That 0-1 loss at home was still on many supporters' minds, a fan told me recently at a bar in Osu. The Accra Sports Stadium is a cauldron on match days, and the coming weeks will be crucial.

Global players and a touch of Dutch hospitality in the city

But Accra is more than just football. The city is also attracting more and more international attention. Take Opportunity International, for instance. The organisation held its global board meeting here recently. That might sound like a dusty boardroom affair, but a good friend of mine who was there said it was quite the opposite. It was all about female entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers – the backbone of the Ghanaian economy. Not only did they celebrate thirty years of operations here, but 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, but if you're looking to enjoy the finer things in life, you can't go past the Golden Tulip Accra. This hotel, a staple for travellers accustomed to a certain standard, has had a fresh lease on life lately. Management has been taken over directly by the French chain itself, which has big plans 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. A great spot to escape the daily hustle and bustle of the city with a good 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 task force early this year to oversee the development of this new city. And no, to be clear: Accra remains the capital. But this new city, which will span across the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta regions, is meant to relieve 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 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 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 load 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 for the future. From the hot breath on the necks of the football clubs to the blueprint for a brand-new city: it's a place that gets into your heart and never lets go. And I'd say: stay tuned, because the best is yet to come.