From food to fabric: top 5 activities

Reggae Night at Labadi Beach: To get a taste of Ghanaian nightlife and relax on the beach, head to Reggae Night at Labadi Beach on Wednesdays which is perfect for hanging out with a group of friends and listening to live music. The energy of the performers, the dancers and the crowd is what makes these events so memorable.

Fabric Shopping: There is a wealth of beautiful Ghanian fabrics available for purchase at Makola Market and Global Mamas. Head to the former for better prices, selection and to see where locals shop for fabric and other goods. For fair trade fabric, jewelry and other souvenirs, Global Mamas in Osu is the place to go. While a little pricier, the products are beautifully made and the fabric is printed with original designs.

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park: Ghana’s former president is immortalized in this well-preserved memorial. The museum inside is full of artifacts and documents from his life, but make sure to spend time on the grounds of the memorial itself. Wander around in the area near the fountains and keep an eye out for peacocks.

Explore the food scene: Though NYU Accra has a meal plan, make sure to explore local food options. For the best Ghanaian food, check out the chop bars on the side of the road that serve fufu, a starchy staple food made from cassava, during lunch. If you’re getting tired of red red, a popular type of black-eyed pea stew, check out Zion Thai Restaurant or Bosphorus. The Thai food and Turkish food, respectively, is a welcome change from the dining hall, and the food is excellent.

Republic and other bars: One of the most popular bars for expats, students and locals is The Republic Bar, in the heart of Osu. All the liquor and cocktails are locally made from akpeteshie, which comes from  sugar cane. Sit outside and watch the crowd of people, and make sure to try the food. There is a whole slew of bars also in Osu including Firefly and Epo’s Spot, which are great for cheering on the Black Stars.