Ghana

Accra

Art Gallery

Surf Ghana

Surf Ghana is a skateboarding collective with an intent to create social change in Ghana. For four consistent years, we have focused on building a creative and inclusive community that will not be forgotten. Our message is simple: Anything is possible, and through skateboarding, the youth can learn that we are not defined by perceived obstacles, but that we can find meaning in our ability to adapt to them. That is what skateboarding is truly about and for us, it is more than just skateboarding but the synergy between the arts: Music, graffiti, photography, writing, styling, and carpentry as a way to campaign for a healthy body and mind, sound education, and social awareness.


We have travelled to major cities in Ghana to teach skateboarding and this is how we found the best bucket-list meals, affordable spots, and experiences to help you find out what to do, where to go, where to stay, who to be with, and what to eat in Accra.

The kids go Trade Fair to learn skateboarding in a space that is secure and private but in the open street still. It is a fun and inclusive space and a coach is also available to give lessons and guides through the process of skateboarding for an easy ride.

National Theatre is a mix of both Trade Fair and Mile 7 and it has a larger space to contain the gender mix. This year, as the skateboarding scene grew larger the National Theatre was voted the best place to meet all the skateboarding crews without hassles. You will not see any female skateboarder at Mile 7 but you will see them at the National Theatre because of how comfortable the environment is.

Only skateboarders with the shit can skate at Mile 7. It is the ghetto, under an overhead bridge. How can you be a poser and go to Mile 7? That is impossible. There is no coach, only thrashers. It is no man’s land and to skate there you must earn the respect of the hobos who have turned the space to their abode. It is the definition of skate or Die: You either skate well or your board will skid to the main road and get crushed by an oncoming vehicle. That is the end.

Palm Moments is the spanking new alternative restaurant that is on the lips of everyone in the creative community. A slight bamboo and plywood structure built at the pocket of 3rd Otswe Street, Ako Adjei. It is scarcely furnished with a sofa and some chairs barricaded by large outdoor plants. The space is minimal, intimate and can only sit a few group of friends, but the good energy and camaraderie are what makes all and sundry decide it is the best place, fluid to their creative taste, to powwow and get refreshed while at it. This year all roads led to Palm Moments.

As the sun goes over the horizon you see the crews trickling in, reacquainting, eating, drinking and sometimes dancing. It is also the best place to have a block party because out there the ever-growing crowd literally takes over the street.

Alley Bars signature is their well-cooked and timely served meals! It is really a good bistro to eat at. A bonus, it is the place to be every Sunday for the best Afro-house party in Accra. It was created in a Cul-de-sac which means the roof goes on fire when the vibe is right and people start to dance, the vibrancy of the environment sustains the culture of Afro-house music in Accra pretty well.

Purple Pub takes our number one vote of "The Peoples Bar". There is no rule to being at Purple Pub just like skateboarding culture, it is a public place. You make your own table, set your chairs and sit. If you cannot find any because the zone is packed, then you can stand or freestyle if that is what you feel like doing. It is the street literally so, anything goes. The main entertainment is the pool tables, the cold drinks and the Dj. The unique thing is that they have a kitchen open all night long with fried Chicken, rice and yam chips on the menu, which is always a tasty treat.

Kozo is the hype for the best entrepreneurial minds in Accra. It is a well-lit outdoor and indoor premium restaurant and cocktail bar with a nice ambience. The staff are welcoming and available when you need anything and sometimes, at certain places in Accra, that can be too much to ask for. They are famous for their Asian-fusion meals and cabaret on Friday evenings.

Front/Back is top-shelf service, we love to see it. To cut to the chase Front/Back serves the best cocktail and everyone should, while in Accra, go there and try it. Most trippers don't know this secret because they can't even get in; it is a membership-only lay-lowcation. For Front/Back, a guy who knows a guy will come in handy; they already know they have the best drinks in the house so bouncers are there to stop you from going in free to enjoy your life. The music is great, the ambience is a mix of serenity, disco frenzy and the beautiful, stylish and artistic personalities you meet in there will kick your tongue out.

Right beside the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is the famous Accra culture art centre. We love this place and visit it often because it is a vortex of artisans ranging from gold and silversmiths drum makers, woodcarvers, tailors, painters, bag makers and dealers of all sorts of African sculptures and textiles. To fulfil our appetite for customization and interior decoration we go to the culture centre. At a lonely corner is a vinyl collector with an amazing catalogue. On Major Laizer’s last trip to Accra he went there and could not believe his eyes, he went away with blessings.

Most top cat chat happens at Nate Barbers Place and they are not called the Hairmasters for anything, they do what they have to do to get your hair styled as you want it done. Don't want to take it from us because we are just random skateboarders? Then ask Wizkid or R2bees and other known personalities that prefer Nate for hair grooming whenever they’re in Accra. The place is basically a celebrity barbershop with services that also caters to the young and stylish who wish to rock the best hairstyles, one thing though; it is strictly by appointment.

Blessed Beauty Salon is the favourite salon of bloggers and influencers in Accra. You can never catch us slipping with a weird hairdo, everything from dreadlocks, braids, high cornrows and ponytails we get it done at Blessed Beauty.

When the Video of Naomi Campbell going into Lokko House surfaced on Instagram everyone was like why Lokko House out of the entire trendy concept stores in Accra? Because Lokko House has been the backbone of alternative street art culture for a good number of years, giving the Accra creative scene a platform and space to showcase highbrow fashion and streetwear gears either through the Lokko House Concept store or through the warehouse where most photo and art exhibitions take place.

The sunset show was a musical concert performed by Moses Sumney during the special viewing of James Barnor Retrospective exhibition at the brand new Nubuke Foundation art gallery, and that cemented Nubuke's idea to create an environment that supports youth inclusivity in the culture and arts sector. Literally, everyone in the creative industry was there to see the exhibition and start a dialogue about the direction Accra art industry is heading to. Nubuke Foundation is an artist’s art gallery because it leads the conversation of decolonisation, powered by a team of seasoned curators with a vibrant youthful support system. That is why we love it, we feel part of it.

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Exploring Accra with Surf Ghana Collective

Azekel

Since collaborating with Massive Attack and Gorillaz, multidisciplinary artist 

Azekel Adesuyi moved from Nigeria to east London with his family at the age of five, and has since lived in Accra and Aburi too. From a young age, the musician taught himself how to play the guitar and keyboard, before later making his foray into songwriting and producing.

Earlier this month, he dropped his latest music video 

a collaboration with Kwesi Arthur. Building on his most recent successes, the musician was also featured on COLORS, where he performed his unreleased track 

As an artist who's travelled and lived in different areas within Ghana, Adesuyi knows Accra, the capital city, well. Ghana is a popular destination in December – one that Trippin has 

. In this guide, Adesuyi lists the top must-visit spots in Accra for the winter holidays.

The Aburi Crafts Centre is a village with many shops to check out. Lots of local woodwork and artisans crafting there while you shop. We shot the video Dupė with Kwesi Arthur here. It’s a must to check out when in Aburi. Very warm, welcoming families there with amazing work, [who] don’t aggressively try to sell you stuff.

A serene beach where the people and vibe are great. If you’re really trying to relax, it’s a perfect spot to go to. I shot the cover of my song Palm Wine Dreamz here. Filled with long, sandy beaches with coconut trees, and fishermen with their boats and nets, [this] is a perfect place to relax in and be away from the busy city.

A dope, spacious non-profit gallery in Ghana with a lot of progressive contemporary African art shown there, located at East Legon. Nubuke hosts programmes ranging from art exhibitions, poetry and drama, to music and film shows.

One of the leading streetwear culture brands in Ghana. Dope clothes and vibe with rapid growth. Throughout December to early Jan. it’s filled with different events with music, arts, street culture and collaborations. Kwesi Arthur put me on to them.

A legendary Ghana highlife, Afrobeat label. Essiebons is home to Ebo Taylor, C. K. Mann and many more. I used this studio during my time living in Ghana. A great vibe, tucked away in East Legon. It’s away from the business of Accra so it’s great to create in silence, and [there’s] great local food close by.

Snazzy bar restaurant in Ghana, up in the sky and the tallest building in West Africa! Food is expensive, but the vibe and experience is up there.

It’s a very cool bar, club and members club with amazing music, food and art from Africa and its diaspora. Dope music and fly people. They throw some of the most fire parties with all the who’s who partying under one roof.

A spiritual and historic place in Ghana, [there’s] a lot of energy here. With sites of where slavery happened, it’s a very emotional place. The Cape Coast Castle used to hold enslaved Africans prior to them being transported to the Americas or the Caribbean. The sun, sea, weather, life and culture there is unmatched.

Accra: 8 Places to Visit in December with Azekel

Jude Lartey is a creative force from Ghana.

Not confined to just one label, Lartey effortlessly shifts between roles as an art director, fashion stylist and photographer for some of the most cutting-edge brands, magazines and artists. A self-taught multi-hyphenate, Lartey's work explores the intersection between fashion, culture and identity. His visuals have a cinematic quality to them, and he often draws inspiration from the vibrant, evolving landscape of Accra’s creative scene.

, was featured in the LAFA Gallery’s Young Artist Series – a vital platform for emerging talent in Ghana. The collection offers a glimpse into the daily lives of a small fishing community.

As someone who moves across several different practices and therefore various spaces within Accra's creative scene, Lartey has a vast amount of insider knowledge on the cultural spaces that artists frequent. Below, he reveals a selection of hidden gems and hotspots within the Ghanaian capital, particularly those that are providing the youths of Accra with a common meeting point.

Heritage Brewery offers an exceptional experience for sports and beer enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to sample a variety of freshly brewed beers while enjoying a range of activities. Including traditional African board games and live sports broadcasts of football, boxing and NBA games.

Vine Accra is an ideal spot to spend quality time with loved ones over a delicious weekend lunch or brunch, boasting a charming atmosphere and mouth-watering cuisine that is sure to impress.

Bella Afrik offers a wonderful atmosphere both during the day and at night, making it an ideal spot to savour their delicious Italian pizzas and other dishes – especially on a Sunday evening.

Homemade by Gene is a culinary gem that boasts an impressive array of mouth-watering dishes, with the added bonus of a daily updated menu that ensures a fresh and exciting experience for its patrons.

Free The Youth, a significant streetwear brand, is a dynamic collective of young creatives. It's dedicated to empowering Ghanaian and all African youth by bridging the gap between local and global art scenes through innovative Ghanaian-inspired street-style fashion and culture.

Republic Bar is an exceptional street bar that consistently delivers a fantastic atmosphere with music and drinks, particularly on their highly recommended Tuesday karaoke night, which is definitely worth experiencing.

Front/Back is the ultimate destination for a fantastic Friday evening into the weekend nights, offering an incredible combination of an art gallery, restaurant, and bar. All in one vibrant location, complete with a lively atmosphere and diverse music selection.

South Village is a fantastic venue that offers an incredible warehouse club experience with live music, featuring diverse and talented DJ sets. A go-to destination for creatives and those who identify with the alt scene.

LAFA gallery space is providing a fantastic platform for emerging talents in Ghana. Their Young Artist Series just showcased [my] body of work, ‘Land of the Morees’, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of a small fishing community. This exhibition is open until 12 September [2024], so be sure to catch it if you're in Accra.

The Arts Centre is a must-visit destination, offering an incredibly diverse collection of Ghanaian and African cultural, historical and traditional treasures that are sure to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the region's heritage.

Nubuke Foundation is a vital visual art and cultural gallery space that plays a crucial role in preserving, recording and promoting contemporary arts and culture. It provides a wide range of programmes that support Ghana's rich arts, culture and heritage, and empowers Ghanaian artists to thrive in their practice.

Nubuke Foundation

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