No place in Accra has a stronger magnetic pull on the youth than Osu. It is one of Ghana’s most popular and dynamic cultural hotspots, with people of all ages flocking to its streets for its restaurants, cafes, clubs, casinos, fast food joints, and boutiques.
Osu is a suburb of Accra, close to the city center. It was historically a settlement of close-knit coastal fishing communities inhabited by the Ga ethnic group. It has, however, evolved into a network of cosmopolitan neighborhoods. The majority of activity revolves around Oxford Street, the main thoroughfare that runs through the district’s heart. This street, on the other hand, is nothing like London’s favorite shopping destination, as it runs through a predominantly residential area with a good number of stores and office complexes on either side of the road.
Because of the density and variety of activities available, this compact community is Ghana’s premier cultural destination. It has seafood restaurants, cinemas, street food stalls, and art and craft stalls all within walking distance of one another. It should also be fairly simple to get there. To get to Danquah Circle on the Ring Road, you can drive, take a taxi, use Uber, or take a trotro (public minibus). This major intersection is one of many entrances to Osu.
Nightlife
Many Osu students enjoy spending their evenings at the Republic Bar. Their potent cocktails will have you dancing under the stars all night long to the live band or spiritual afro-house and funk sets from some of Accra’s best DJs. Shake off the week’s stress at clubs like Bella Roma, Venus, Carbon, and Twist (just a few minutes outside Osu) to the latest local and international hits with some of Accra’s coolest people. Kona Bar and Grill is the best live music venue in Osu.
Every Wednesday, Kacey Moore and DJ Mitchy host their open mic session. At this creative talent incubator, aspiring singers, rappers, instrumentalists, and poets come to be discovered.
Fashion
Despite its fast-paced reputation, you can also enjoy the town for its mellow and relaxed moments. Take a scenic walk down Oxford Street and observe Accra’s buzzing energy, or do some leisurely shopping and maybe pick up a memento or two.
The bright and iridescent colors of the paintings and clothing for sale on the side of the road brighten the streets of Osu. Christie Brown and Elle Lokko, for example, specialize in contemporary fashion from well-known local brands such as AAKS, Sophie Zinga, and Charlotte Privee. The clothing available for purchase ranges from casual comic t-shirts to bespoke gowns and suits, pendants, rings, and other accessories.
Food and Drinks
Check out any of the numerous local and international restaurants and eateries. Relax and reflect in Pinocchio or Frankie’s cafes for a light brunch or ice cream. You could also go to Tea Baa, a small and cozy restaurant with the best zesty cold teas and an eclectic, African-inspired décor that will warm you up. Buka Restaurant and Chez Clarisse are two other Osu eateries where you can purchase traditional Ghanaian dishes such as fufu and goat soup. Local street food such as banku, kenkey with grilled tilapia, crabs, oysters, and octopus can be found at the night market. The market is open daily beginning at 6 p.m.
It is primarily a food market and resembles a bazaar. Fishermen from nearby communities like Ladabi and Jamestown come here to sell their catch in sheds lit by colored lights and kerosene lamps. The original fishing settlements are also good places to learn about Ga culture and see how it has been influenced by British colonial culture in architecture.
