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Accra is the capital city of Ghana and is located along the Atlantic coast of the country. Among the major cities on the African continent, Accra stands out as one of the most important and influential. It serves as the nation's economic and administrative hub, acting as the center of Ghana's transportation, manufacturing, and communication networks. Since its foundation, Accra has been a city of significant importance, symbolizing the rich cultural history and vibrant future of Ghana. It is renowned for its stunning colonial-era architecture, lively markets such as Makola Market, local landmarks like Osu Castle, and modern structures such as the National Theatre.
The last population and housing census in Ghana was conducted in 2010 with the next one scheduled for 2021. According to the 2010 census, Accra had a population of 2,291,352. The city is very diverse with over 40 different ethnic groups. The majority of the population is of African descent while a small minority is of non-African descent. As per the 2010 census, about 71.2% of the population identified as Christian, 17.6% as Muslim, 5.2% followed Traditional religions, while 5.3% had no religious affiliation. The city is linguistically diverse with over 40 languages spoken, including Ga, Akan, Ewe, and English, which is the official language. The city is also home to the University of Ghana, the oldest and largest of the thirteen Ghanaian universities and tertiary institutions. In terms of administration, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly is responsible for the overall governance of the city.
Accra is governed by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), which is part of 16 local government assemblies within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). The AMA is led by a Metropolitan Chief Executive, who is appointed by the President of Ghana and approved by the AMA members. The AMA is responsible for the overall administration of the metropolis and the formulation and implementation of plans, programs, and strategies that promote the growth and development of the metropolis. It oversees the provision of public services and infrastructure, as well as the implementation of policies in areas such as health, education, social services, housing, environmental and waste management, and economic development.
Accra is the economic powerhouse of Ghana, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. The city is a major center for trade, manufacturing, finance, technology, transportation, tourism, and real estate. It hosts the headquarters of many international companies and organizations, and is the main center for Ghana's banking and finance industry. Accra's vibrant markets, particularly the Makola Market, are central to daily business and trade. The city's economy continues to grow and diversify, with sectors such as information technology, telecommunications, and real estate showing significant growth.
Accra has seen significant infrastructure development in recent years. The government, in collaboration with private partners, has launched numerous projects to improve transportation, housing, sanitation, and digital connectivity. Key projects include the expansion of the Kotoka International Airport, construction of new roads and interchanges, and development of affordable housing units. The city also boasts of a well-established telecommunications infrastructure, with widespread mobile penetration and growing access to high-speed internet.