Greater Accra Region

Greater Accra Region
—  region  —
Location of Greater Accra Region in Ghana
Country	Ghana
Capital	Accra
Districts	10
Government
• Regional Minister	Hon. Nii Armah Ashitey (NDC)
• Members of Parliament	27
Area
• Total	3,245 km2 (1,253 sq mi)
Area rank	Ranked 10th
Population (2000 Census)
• Total	2,905,726
• Rank	Ranked 2nd
• Density	Bad rounding here900/km2 (Bad rounding here2,300/sq mi)
Time zone	GMT
Area code(s)	030
ISO 3166 code	GH-AA

The Greater Accra Region is the smallest of Ghana's 10 administrative regions in terms of area, occupying a total land surface of 3,245 square kilometres or 1.4 per cent of the total land area of Ghana. In terms of population, however, it is the second most populated region, after the Ashanti Region, with a population of 2,905,726 in 2000, accounting for 15.4 per cent of Ghana’s total population. The Greater Accra region also harbors the seat of government in the capital city of Accra.

History

In 1960, Greater Accra, then referred to as Accra Capital District, was geographically and legally part of the Eastern Region. It was, however, administered separately by the Minister responsible for local government. With effect from 23 July 1982, Greater Accra was created by the Greater Accra Region Law (PNDCL 26) as a legally separate region to include the Ada local council area.

Geography and climate

Location and size

The Greater Accra region is bordered on the north by the Eastern Region, on the east by the Volta Region, on the south by the Gulf of Guinea, and on the west by the Central Region. It is smallest region in the country in total area, and is made up of 10 districts.

Tourism

Parks

• Shai Reserve

Recreation areas

• National Museum
• La Pleasure Beach
• Kokrobite Beach
• Coco Beach Resort
• Cocoloco Beach
• Korle Beach Resort
• Next Door Beach Resort
• Manet Paradise
• Ada Paradise Beach
• Ningo-Prampram Beach
• Rufus Green Parks

National monuments

• National Theater
• Independence Square
• Accra International Conference Center
• Center for National Culture

National historic sites

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
• Osu Castle

Other Tourist Attractions

• Fishing port at Jamestown
• Du Bois Memorial Center for Pan-African Culture
• George Padmore Research Library on African Affairs
• Agblobloshie Market
• Makola Market

Demographics

Population

The center of population of the Greater Accra region is located in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area which comprises the Accra Metropolitan, Tema Metropolitan, Adenta Municipal, Ashaiman Municipal, Ledzokuku-Krowor Municipal, Ga East Municipal, Ga West Municipal, and Ga South Municipal districts

According to the 2000 census, the region had a population of 2,905,726, making it the second most populous (total number of people) region of Ghana behind the Ashanti Region. Owing to in-migration and a high population growth rate, however, the region has the highest population density in the country.

The ethnic groups are African Ghanaians (55%) and others (45%).

Religion

The religious affiliations of the people of the Greater Accra region are below:

• Christian – 83%
• Muslim –10.2%
• Other Religions – 4.6%
• Traditional – 1.4%

Transportation

The Greater Accra region is served by the Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Four National highways – N1, N2, N4 and N6 – and one Regional highway – R40 – pass through the region. In addition, the ECOWAS coastal highway links Accra in the Greater Accra region to other major population centers across the West African coast.

N1 enters the region in Ada to the east and runs west, intersecting the N2 at Tema, the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, and the N6 at Achimota. It passes through Kokrobite and exits the region at Weija where it continues on through the Central Region to Elubo in the Western region. The N2 crosses the Eastern Regional border into Asikuma and runs north entering the Upper East Region, ending at Kulungugu. The N4 heads north from the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, while the N6 originates from Achimota. These highways cut through the northern part of the region and terminate at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

Districts

The political administration of the region is through the local government system. Under this administration system, the region is divided into 10 districts. Each District, Municipal or Metropolitan Area, is administered by a Chief Executive, representing the central government but deriving authority from an Assembly headed by a presiding member elected from among the members themselves.

Districts of Greater Accra

Districts in Greater Accra Region
District	Capital	Population
Accra Metropolitan	Accra	1,695,136 (2000 census)
Tema Metropolitan	Tema	506, 637 (2000 census)
Adenta Municipal	Adenta
Ga East Municipal	Abokobi
Ga West Municipal	Amasaman	548, 011 (2000 census)
Ga South Municipal	Weija
Ashiaman Municipal	Ashiaman
Ledzokuku-Krowor	Teshie-Nungua
Dangme East	Ada Foah	93, 193 (2000 census)
Dangme West	Dodowa	96, 776 (2000 census)

Education

Higher education

Greater Accra has one public four-year institution, the University of Ghana in Accra. In addition, there are number of private universities and university colleges spread through the region.

• Ghana Technology University College, Tesano, Accra
• Islamic University College, East Legon, Accra
• Institute of Professional Studies, East Legon, Accra
• Knutsford College, East Legon, Accra
• Methodist University College, Dansoman, Accra
• Regent University College of Science and Technology, Mataheko, Accra
• Ashesi University College, Labone, Accra
• Central University College, Mataheko, Accra
• Advanced Business College, Kaneshie, Accra
• African University College of Communications, Adabraka, Accra
• Wisconsin International University College, North Legon, Accra
• The Regional Maritime University, Nungua
• Maranatha University College, Sowutuom
• Zenith University College, LA-Behind Ghana Trade Fair Centre, Accra

Sports

• Accra Hearts of Oak, Premier League Football
• Liberty Professionals, Premier League Football
• Great Olympics, Football League