Accra

In 1877, after Sir Charles MacCarthy designated Accra as the capital of the British Gold Coast, it began a transformation into a cosmopolitan city. With increased infrastructure development and the expansion of the port, Accra started to grow significantly. The influx of administrative facilities attracted people from various parts of Ghana and beyond, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity.

On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from colonial rule, a momentous event that took place largely in Accra. The celebrations included massive gatherings, speeches, and parades in Accra, laying the foundation for the modern nation state that Ghana is today.

On November 13, 1965, Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah inaugurated the Accra-Tema Motorway, a significant infrastructural development aimed at improving transportation between Accra and Tema. The motorway was designed to facilitate trade and movement, contributing to industrial growth in the region. This development was a key part of Nkrumah’s vision for modernizing Ghana.

On February 24, 1966, a military coup in Accra led by Major General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and the National Liberation Council overthrew the government of President Kwame Nkrumah while he was on a trip to Asia. This marked a significant political shift in Ghana, ending Nkrumah's attempts to establish a socialist state and leading to a period of military rule.

On June 4, 1979, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings initiated a coup in Accra, overthrowing the government. This led to what was termed the 'Housecleaning' exercise, during which corruption was tackled through radical measures. Trials and executions of senior military officers took place in the capital.

On December 31, 1981, Jerry John Rawlings led a successful coup d'état against the government of President Hilla Limann, which took place in Accra. This coup led to the establishment of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and started Rawlings' second term in military power, which lasted until he transitioned to democratic rule in 1992.

On January 7, 2001, John Kufuor was inaugurated as the President of Ghana in a ceremony in Accra. This event marked a peaceful and democratic transition of power, which was significant as it was the first time one democratically elected president succeeded another following a changeover in the political party in power.

In August 2008, Accra was one of the host cities for the MTN Africa Cup of Nations football tournament. The event brought together teams from across the continent and was a significant occasion for Ghana, showcasing its rich football culture and boosting local tourism and infrastructure development in the city.

On July 24, 2012, President John Atta Mills suddenly passed away at a hospital in Accra. As the first sitting president to die in office in Ghana, his death was a significant moment in the country's political history. Vice President John Dramani Mahama succeeded him and continued to lead the country in a peaceful transition.

On June 3, 2014, heavy rainfall in Accra led to severe flooding that affected many parts of the city. The flood caused widespread devastation and also resulted in a tragic gas explosion at a petrol station in downtown Accra, claiming over 150 lives. This event highlighted infrastructure challenges and sparked public discussion on urban planning in Ghana.