City history
A historical exploration of Accra, from its indigenous Ga roots to its role as a modern West African capital.
Chapter one
Indigenous name
"Ants"
Accra is believed to be derived from the Ga word Nkran, meaning ants, likely referring to the bustling movement of people in the area.
Derived from Nkran
The name has been used consistently since the era of British colonial administration.
Chapter two
With the formal establishment of the Gold Coast colony, Greenwich Mean Time was adopted as the standard time for the region.
Chapter three
Accra was officially designated as the capital of the British Gold Coast, centralizing the region's colonial administration.
Accra hosted the ceremonies marking Ghana's independence from British rule, establishing it as a sovereign capital.
Ghana transitioned into a republic, solidifying Accra's role as the political heart of the nation.