One of the hippest places in Ghana or Accra, as a matter of fact, is the Oxford Street which is located right at the heart of the city. Osu Oxford Street is a road which stretches for about 2 kilometers and boasts shops, hotels, restaurants, malls and fine dining with an unrivaled nightlife experience which cannot be found anywhere else in the country.
Ghana was part of the British colonies until the 1957, when the country gained its independence. Just like the British Oxford Street, Ghana can also claim of its version of Oxford Street which sports all of the world-class properties of its British counterpart.
At certain times of the year there are street carnivals and parties which feature some of the nation’s top hip hop and hi life artists and colorful masquerades which is a must see. The street becomes extra busy on public holidays and weekends. Holiday season, especially Christmas, is another prime time to visit the Oxford Street. Most shops and malls come alive with nice lights and Christmas decor. The night that precedes the New Year’s Eve should not be spent anywhere in Ghana but the Oxford Street. The Ghanaian Oxford Street is an epitome of what real Ghanaian luxury looks like. The restaurants serve delectable Ghanaian and continental cuisine and make for a good hangout during the Happy Hour. There are several stores that sell luxury ladies, gents and children wear, accessories, bags, electronics and what have you. After (window) shopping you might get lucky in one of the several casinos along the street. Close to the nice buildings are smaller stores that deal in artworks, fruits, watches and perfumes. Because it is visited a lot by tourist and foreigners, there are small stalls which have Ghanaian artifacts and Artworks for sale. Street hawkers also carry huge chunks of fresh fish caught from the nearby Gulf of Guinea.
One of the things the Oxford Street and the suburbs surrounding the street is known for is Luxury Real estate - one can find posh apartments, condos, penthouses and villas on the switch back roads that lead to the main street. Not a bad residential address, if you don't mind the price tag. When in doubt about which time of the year to visit Ghana’s Oxford Street, doubt no more since its accessible all year round.
I, personally, love the Oxford Street for the “car gazing”; it would not be surprising to notice that people who live in the best residential area also drive the best vehicles. Therefore, on any given day, you can find an assorted range of luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, Bentleys and BMWs going up and down the street. Oxford Street is also a hangout for Accra’s hippest people and personalities often heard about in the media. Don't be surprised if you see your favorite African celebrity, dining in one of the several restaurants. Never mind the popular belief that everything there is overpriced due to the influx of foreigners and a section of the general public who are willing to pay more just to hang out in these upscale places.
Though one of Ghana's premier places for luxury shopping and entertainment, Oxford Street is, sadly, losing its shine gradually due to the opening up of other shopping malls and entertainment centers in the capital. Popular ones amongst them are the Accra mall and the Marina mall. Other places of interest close to the Oxford Street is the Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum and Ghana's independence arc. Christiansborg Castle which was formerly Ghana's seat of government. The Oxford Street will serve the bon vivant - any traveler or foreigner well and therefore is highly recommended if you are travelling to Ghana.