Ghana is about to burst through the barrier into the ‘Middle-income lifestyle’ bracket, and share will all the other elite nations of the world culture-reflective leisure activities that all the family can enjoy.

Accra, as the capital city, offers much choice in fun things to do in and around its ever-expanding borders:

7. Visit a church, or even a Mosque. Yes. Friday, Saturday or Sunday, spend the day with a warm, family oriented community. Join in the celebrations or discussions. There’s refreshments for body and soul; and interesting people to meet which could lead to invitations to other gatherings, and an introduction to culture, society and values. The new mosque at Kanda is an experience, so follow protocols and visit. Mega churches, are dotted around: The Fountain Gate Chapel in Pokuase, Action Chapel International on Spintex Road, and any number of smaller churches found around the city, are great places to start.

6. Bojo Beach! Yes, this counts as is just on the outskirts, or even just inside Accra! You should know that Accra is on the coast, but not all beaches are good for a family day out. This is why Bojo beach is so special: it is a few minutes into Aplaku/Kokrobite: you park, then take a ferry boat ride to the little island beach. So cool! Different. When you arrive, it’s well maintained and clean, and they love your feedback, so please speak to the ‘guardians’ and let them know your comments. Lots of activities, or just kick back.

5. Mmofra Place: Love love love this space! So tranquil, a garden, kiddies park, with ecological learning activities, benches, place to picnic and trees to breathe…This is a gem and is perfect for a chilled afternoon.

4. Achimota Mall aka Achimota Retail Centre: not just for shopping…This mall is the most family ‘easy’- its compact, but impactful- with gyms, restaurants, hairdressers, kids play ground, kids hair salon, 7-D cinema, and outdoor music shows during holidays, and some weekends. There’s always something! The kids can wander, shop, eat and watch; and if you hang out long enough, the music will start!

3. Lizzy’s Sports Centre! Great great great for footballing kids, and Swimmers! They have numerous astro-turf pitches, coaches, scouts; and a BIG POOL, for lessons and just splashing. The swimming coaches are excellent, do your research, try a couple, but with the right one you will transform into a dolphin after a session of lessons!

2. LEGON BOTANICAL GARDENS: This is an absolute must! The playground is ‘off the hook’! with trampolines, conopy walks, climbing frames, and more. Plus, it’s a haven for nature-lovers, and the closest we have to a picnic park in Accra. Go there NOW!

1. Your area…Just get up and walk out of your gates…Turn left or right and keep wandering. Explore the area, stray into another area, get lost! Ask a few questions (you know Ghanaians are ultra-hospitable and ready to help), find a spot or little shop to sit and have a drink, or take a coconut by the roadside. Window shop, pick up a few ‘light to carry items’, buy some fresh oranges to suck, try to remember which road you last took…ask more questions, have a local chop bar lunch, sit for a while, watch, breathe life, then keep going… you will retrace your steps eventually, exhilarated and sweaty, smiling at your adventures; or just get an Uber back!