Accra has a population of 1,661,400 (in 2001). The local language is Ga but Twi (pron. 'ch-wee'), Ewe (pron. ayvay) and Hausa arealso widely spoken (as well as English). Accra has rich western looking buildings and dusty shanty towns. Founded during the 17th century by the Ga people, Accra became the capital of the British Gold Coast in 1877.

Following Ghanaian independence in 1957, Accra became the capital of Ghana. Kotoka International Airport is a major hub, with international connections from North America