The capital city of Ghana came alive in a whole new way last Friday night as the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), launched the maiden edition of “Accra by Night” — a bold and immersive initiative designed to reintroduce Ghanaians and visitors alike to the city’s rich cultural heartbeat and electrifying nightlife.
The night tour, the first of its kind in Ghana, aimed to promote domestic tourism, expand the country’s creative economy, and reposition Accra as a vibrant night-time destination in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy vision.
At exactly 8 p.m., the Accra Tourist Information Centre served as the departure point as a GTA-branded double-decker bus whisked patrons through the glowing cityscape. The route took in major landmarks — Independence Avenue, the Ministries enclave, historic James Town, Atta Mills High Street, and ultimately Osu — offering participants a rare opportunity to experience Accra through an after-dark lens.
The first stop was the iconic Jamestown Lighthouse, a century-old beacon that has stood witness to the city’s maritime past. From there, the group proceeded to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum — the resting place of Ghana’s founding President and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah — where history met reverence under the night sky.
The tour also included a visit to Nationalism Park for a panoramic city view, before descending into the bustling Osu Night Market. The market, renowned for its vibrant street life, cuisine, and craft stalls, gave participants a taste — quite literally — of Ghana’s nocturnal culture. The tour wrapped up with spirited stops at the Republic Bar and Purple Pub, where guests enjoyed live music, dancing, and traditional foods until 3 a.m.
To ensure the comfort and safety of all involved, a security detail from the Ghana Police Service was present throughout the entire route.
A transformative step in tourism
In her remarks at the official launch, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, heralded “Accra by Night” as a landmark development in the country’s tourism evolution.
“It is a great pleasure to join you tonight for the maiden edition of the night tour, which we call Accra by Night, an exciting addition to Ghana’s growing tourism offerings and a true celebration of our city’s distinct energy, culture and creativity,” she said.
The Minister stressed the initiative’s broader economic and cultural implications: “Accra is a thriving hub for culture, creativity, innovation and governance during the day. By night, it transforms into something equally magical, alive with music, food, art and the authentic spirit of the Ghanaian people.”
She was optimistic about its potential to generate income and visibility for creatives, small businesses, and service providers: “This is not just about nightlife,” she explained. “It is about creating economic opportunity, celebrating our culture and building a sustainable, inclusive creative economy.”
Aligning with the 24-Hour Economy
Echoing the Minister’s vision, Professor Kobi Mensah, CEO of the GTDC, emphasised the initiative’s alignment with national goals.
“You know, President John Dramani Mahama has talked about the 24-hour economy. As tourism leaders, we must find ways to plug into that vision to help expand this country’s economy. That’s what this night tour is about,” he noted.
Professor Mensah also acknowledged that Ghana’s night economy had long been misunderstood or overlooked — a perception “Accra by Night” seeks to change. “We’re breaking down stigma and showing that nightlife can be safe, culturally rich, and economically productive,” he said.
The launch event served not only as a showcase of the capital’s charm after dark but also as a call to action. Minister Gomashie encouraged creatives, entrepreneurs and digital storytellers to embrace the movement by documenting and sharing their experiences using a dedicated hashtag, helping to promote Accra’s nightlife to global audiences.
