Welcome to the Pleasure Beach | Accra in pictures

Labadi, a township on the southeast side Accra, capital city of Ghana, may be more down-at-heel than some of its luxurious neighbours, but it is far more vibrant
  
  


Accra gallery: Labadi Pleasure Beach, Accra
Once church is finished on Sunday, Labadi Pleasure Beach fills up with young Ghanaians. The surf is fierce, and sound systems play hilife and hiplife into the night. Beach Road Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-Jones/Observer
Accra gallery: Eric’s Carpentry Shop, Accra
Eric’s Carpentry Shop produces coffins in themes ranging from flour bags to crabs to beer bottles. Price: around $900, export. Labadi Beach, between Burma Camp Road and Ring Road East Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-Jones/Observer
Accra gallery: Labadi Market, Accra
A crab seller in Labadi Market, with a fresh haul from the beach. This mostly female-run market is hawker-free. Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-Jones/Observer
Accra gallery: colonial houses, Accra
Fading colonial houses sit alongside low-rise houses and shops – many painted by the four big mobile phone companies in a fierce battle for market share. Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-jones/Observer
Accra gallery: Herschel Gallery, Accra
Aluminium sculptures by Ghanaian Tei Huagie at the Herschel Gallery, which specialises in west African art. herschelgallery.com Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-Jones/Observer
Accra gallery: Accra Polo Club
A pony at Accra Polo Club, which holds international matches. Ponies are changed between each chukka to prevent heat exhaustion. Liberation Road Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-Jones/Observer
Accra gallery: internet cafe, Accra
An internet cafe, Labadi style. Accra is served by at least six broadband providers – most fail when it rains. Opposite Liberty International School Photograph: Phillipa Leighton-Jones/Observer
Accra gallery: Accra map
Accra map
Illustration: Observer Photograph: Observer
 

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