"The 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra, as well," said President Barack Obama after visiting the Ghanaian capital in 2009. Indeed, at that time, and for a few years after, gold, cocoa and crude oil exports led to an economic boom in Ghana. More recently, however, tumbling global crude oil prices took a toll on its finances. But, despite gloomy news stories, there is another market growing that may even draw tourists, thanks to a group of expatriates that wants the country's creativity and hospitality recognized.
As a tourist in Accra, where traffic queues are a daily challenge, getting stuck in one actually gives you plenty of time to look around. Riding along at almost walking pace, you can see infinite examples of roadside creativity, from men making furniture to mothers braiding their daughters' hair. Wandering by, balancing baskets of Nkate cake (Ghanaian peanut brittle) on their heads, are women swathed in fabrics of bright greens and brilliant blues.
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