Accra never stops moving. Taxis honk, tro-tros call out their routes, weave through the traffic, and traders fill the streets with color and noise. Yet behind this fast rhythm lie quieter traces of a different kind of movement: the old train stations in Accra that once connected Ghana’s coast to its inland towns.
More than a century ago, Accra’s railway network was the pride of the country’s transport system. Built by the British colonial administration in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the network carried precious cocoa, timber, gold, and passengers between Accra, Kumasi, and Tema. At its height, the railway system in Ghana helped shape the towns and trade routes that still exist today.
Today, most of that network has faded. Roads, okadas and all sorts of ridesharing options have taken over, and many stations were left behind. Some became markets, others storage spaces or shelters. But if you know where to look, the remains of Ghana’s old train system are still visible, hidden among the bustle of modern Accra.
Exploring these sites is a way to understand how the city has changed and how its past continues to live quietly in unexpected corners.
A Short History of Train Stations in Accra
Ghana’s first railway line opened in 1903, linking Accra with Nsawam to transport goods from the interior to the coast. By 1910, Accra’s Central Station stood proudly as the city’s main gateway to the north. Additional lines were built toward Kumasi and Tema, creating a national network that supported colonial trade and later, local passengers.
After independence, new roads and buses began to replace the trains. Over time, maintenance declined and services slowed down. By the 1980s, much of the railway system had fallen silent. In recent years, a few commuter routes have reopened briefly, but large parts of the old network remain forgotten.
Accra Central Station
Completed in 1910, Accra Central Station was once the beating heart of the capital’s transport network. From here, trains departed north toward Kumasi and east to Tema, carrying cocoa, timber, and passengers. It was a proud symbol of Ghana’s connection to the world.
Today the station still stands, though the area around it has completely changed. Market traders fill the platforms, and for years, abandoned train carriages were used as makeshift homes and shops. Limited commuter trains ran between Accra and Tema in the early 2020s, but the service remained irregular. Even so, the building is a recognizable landmark for anyone walking through the busy streets near Makola Market.
The station is located close to Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, easily reached by taxi or tro-tro. Visit during the day, as the area is most active and easier to explore safely.
Achimota Station
Once a key suburban stop on the line to Nsawam, Achimota Station connected one of Accra’s first residential neighborhoods with the city center. During the mid-20th century, commuters relied on it daily to reach schools, offices, and shops.
The building still exists, though its white paint has faded and weeds now grow between the tracks. Around it, Achimota has expanded into a lively neighborhood filled with traffic, shops, and people on the move. Few residents notice the old railway signs that still peek through the greenery, reminders of how quickly Accra grows and changes.
You can find the site near the Achimota Transport Terminal. Locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction.
The Accra–Nsawam Line
This was Ghana’s first railway line, built to move cocoa and goods from the fertile hills of Nsawam to the coast. For decades, it was also an important passenger route linking small towns to the capital.
Some stretches of the line have been revived in recent years, though regular service remains uncertain. Along the route, you can still see old station houses, bridges, and platforms now repurposed as storage areas or roadside stalls. The landscape shifts from urban bustle to green open spaces as you head north, making it a rewarding trip for those curious about Accra’s changing edges.
Tema Station
When Tema Port was developed in the 1950s and 60s, a new railway line linked the port city with Accra. It became one of the busiest routes in Ghana, carrying both commuters and freight.
Today much of the line is quiet. Some stretches have been reclaimed by small workshops and traders, while others are overgrown. Government plans to modernize the corridor are ongoing, aiming to bring back passenger services and ease traffic between the two cities.
Tema lies about 25 kilometers from Accra along the motorway. Once there, you can ask for directions to the old station near the port area, where remnants of the line still tell part of the story.
Hidden Stops and Traces
Across Accra, smaller railway stops once served neighborhoods that have since transformed completely. Some of these places now hide faint reminders of the past:
- Market rows built on top of former tracks
- Old bridges now used by pedestrians
- Straight lines of houses tracing where trains once passed
If you look carefully, you can still spot these traces around Odawna, Kantamanto, and parts of Alajo.
Why Visit the Old Train Stations in Accra?
Exploring Accra’s old train stations is not about finding polished tourist attractions. It is about seeing how the city keeps reinventing itself. These quiet corners reveal the layers of a capital that has always been in motion.
They also connect to Ghana’s creative scene. Artist Ibrahim Mahama, for example, has transformed old train carriages into art installations and educational spaces that invite reflection on memory, industry, and renewal. His projects show that even materials from the past can be reshaped into something new.
Practical Tips
- Visit during daylight hours.
- Go with a local guide or photography group if possible.
- Be respectful, as many of these sites are active markets or neighborhoods.
- Always ask before taking photos of people or property.
The Future of Railway Stations in Accra
Ghana’s government has announced plans to rebuild parts of the railway system, including new commuter and regional lines. Whether these projects succeed or not, the old stations remain powerful symbols of the country’s history. They remind us that Accra has always been a city of movement, where old paths continue to shape new directions.
