I grew up watching James Cagney movies with my dad. One of our favorite lines from one of his favorite movies, White Heat, was exclaimed from the top of a chemical tower: Made it Ma! Top of the World!!! The joy you see in this photo was me exclaiming the same. While Cagney’s character died when the tank exploded after this iconic line, my world came even more alive as the excitement of being in Ghana exploded in my soul. Day One or 1.5 (not sure, it is easy to lose track here) was dedicated to doing an Accra city tour. To get a lay of the land and adjust to a teeny bit of jet lag. Speaking of jet lag, mine is minimal. There is only a four hour time difference so it is really no different to jetting off to Cali.
Hiring a driver allows you to make the best use of your time. I would not recommend that anyone attempt to drive on these streets. Sit back, relax and let the professionals handle it. With that said, our first stop was at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. For $10 cedis (Less than $2 US) you can park your vehicle and have complete access to the grounds. Dedicated to the first President of the Republic of Ghana, the Mausoleum is located on the spot of the former British Colonial Polo Grounds where Nkrumah declared Ghanaian Independence in 1957. Spread out over 5 acres, it contains a museum that gives you an overview of his life, the burial ground of he and his wife Fatiha, and numerous statues and water features.
Museum filled with photos and artifacts from his life 
No pictures allowed inside 
A hero is laid to rest. Just beyond is his wife
Inside the museum are furniture, clothing and other artifacts from his life. I was enthralled by the numerous photos lining the wall showing President Nkrumah with the global leaders of his day including President John F Kennedy, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, a dancing Queen Elizabeth II, and Emperor Haile Selassie. The Mausoleum is a serene and beautiful place in the midst of a chaotic and vibrant city. And check out the hunky male water trumpeters.
I am already feeling more alive and energized than I have in quite some time. Bit by bit my soul is being refreshed in this land of my ancestors. On my mother’s side we are 75% the Akan and Ewe people of Ghana and 25% Burkina Faso (or at least that it what they tell me). Joy of remembrance is bubbling up in my soul. Next stop…Independence Square.
The second largest city square in the world, Independence Square consists of the Independence Arch, Liberation Day Monument, and Black Star Gate. The square is used for parades, Presidential Inaugurations and, on the day I visited, church services. Across a harrowing road of traffic is the infamous Black Star Gate. Commissioned for the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1961, it is probably the most instagrammable site in Accra. After jockeying with other tourist for the money shot, I wandered over to where two gentlemen were sitting. I assumed they were just chillin’ as they tried to stay out of the hot Ghanaian sun. They looked a bit surprised to see me. After speaking to my companion in their native tongue, he asked if I would like to go up to the top. I shouted yes and started running up the stairs before he could change his mind. SEVERAL flights later, I emerged from the warm and safety rail-less staircase to get the most beautiful view of Accra. Being careful not to stumble and fall off the wall, I took in the breathtaking vista – the gorgeous ocean, the bustling city, the practically empty square. Combined with the gentle breeze, I knew I was in Ghanaian heaven. I leapt and laughed and rejoiced. Look at me Ma – I am on the top of the world!!!
ThatTravelingBlackGirl 