What started as a grassroots project has become an integral part of the annual Easter celebrations in Ghana. With amazing aerial displays, music and a jovial atmosphere, the festival grows year after year. The idea behind the festival is to have tandem paragliding jumps for visitors and local people so that they may see the natural beauty of the land in a minimal-impact way.
British national Brett Davies (aka Mr Brights) has devoted his life to surfing. After leaving a top-rung job at the head office of Rip Curl several years ago, he decided to take the plunge and open up his own surf school in Ghana (the second love of his life). A formally trained surf coach and lifeguard mean surfers can’t be in better hands to try out Ghana’s exhilarating waves. Beginners to advanced are welcome, as are children, with boards and equipment naturally provided.
Pippa’s is one of the best gyms in Accra, with a wide range of Life Fitness equipment, air-con, satellite TV and a modern music system. It has a wide variety of activities on offer, including body combat, spinning, pilates, Zumba and modern African dance. For the little ones, there’s a tumble-tots class.
Opened by Marcel Desailly in 2011, this sporting complex has an almost full-sized pitch, plus three five-a-side pitches. For swimmers, there is a pool and a children's pool. You can also play basketball or play football on floodlit pitches.
Bliss is a full-service yoga studio at the luxurious Movenpick Hotel. Every type of yoga session can be found here. Popular with expats.
This FIFA-standard venue hosts national team games and is the home of one of Ghana’s most popular teams, Hearts of Oak. Concerts and other public events are held here too. This is also where the biggest boxing bouts are held.
Anyone interested in hobnobbing with the city’s elite can head to the prestigious Accra Polo Club, located behind the Woolworths building. Originally founded back in 1902, the club is still going strong, attracting moneyed expats from around the world. The polo season starts in September and runs until around Easter. Matches are held every Saturday and Sunday from 3pm. It’s a good chance for anyone new to the sport to learn about polo – local spectators are talkative and will fill you in on the game’s rules and point system. The best bet is simply to turn up – there’s occasionally a charge, especially for the big matches. Several national teams visit Accra every season.
It’s been 80 years since Achimota Golf Club was first opened. Just 10 kilometres outside of Accra city centre, this is a friendly club that is happy to host visitors. The course is an 18-holer with a par of 72.
Discover Time Out original video
