City Guide: Accra

Which team do you support?

The Black Stars. It’s written in the sky.

Do you have a ritual for match day?

Going to Papaye for some good, good rice and broasted chicken (or fish if I’m in the mood), paired with a Club Shandy. A combination of dreams!!!

Is there a pitch in the city that means something to you?

Accra Hockey Pitch! It was founded by Theodosia Salome Okoh: a teacher, artist and avid sports fan who also designed the current iteration of the Ghanaian national flag in 1957.

The most Accra way to watch football?

Any large TV on a side street that screens football matches live for passers by!

What is the best pre-match spot for atmosphere?

The Republic Bar and Grill (Osu). They also have live karaoke on Tuesdays!

Where do you watch football if not at the stadium?

With friends at home or at Beda’s in Old Ashongman.

Where do you tend to go after a game?

Lingering for a little while longer before getting some food at a local check-check (loaded rice) spot. Bonus points if there’s a nearby suya/kyinkyinga (kebab) stall nearby!

The meal you’ve had most often this year, and where?

Fried yam and suya kebab from Flicks and Licks.

A space that makes the city for you?

Vibrate Space in East Legon! It’s a multi-purpose hub that also functions as an outdoor skatepark, music studio, film lab, creative hub and workshop space. They constantly programme incredible community events within a wide range of fields.

Is there a space that has nothing to do with football but has everything to do with how you think?

Africa Film Society (AFS) - A space dedicated to the preservation, curation and promotion of African and Diaspora cinema. It functions as a resource centre offering free community screenings, a curated film library, and a dedicated Arthouse theatre in Accra for cinephiles and filmmakers.

An Accra institution more people should know about?

The Or Foundation - A Non-Profit organisation working at the intersection of environmental justice, education and research. They engage in direct action to manifest regenerative alternatives to the dominant model of overproduction and overconsumption in the fashion industry, and they also organise beach clean-ups for all to get involved!

The classic that hasn’t moved?

Every single Papaye across the whole city.

If you’re not at the ground, what game would you watch and where?

Any match between two West African Nations. I would most likely watch at The Honeysuckle Pub and Restaurant (Labone).

One ‘insider tip’ you’d give a football fan visiting Accra?

As a fan, bring a physical fan! Arrive hydrated! Stay hydrated!

Any other things someone visiting Accra needs to know?

Immersing yourself in camaraderie is one of the best things you can do!