Ghanaian capital Accra now a Monopoly game
The Accra edition of Monopoly is being heralded as an educational tool for personal finance and some say it will even foster tourism and a Ghanaian national identity. It's also still a game to play and enjoy.
Ghanaian Monopoly fans win and lose around an Accra board
It's almost a whole new board game. Ghanaians can now play Ghanaian Monopoly. In the game originally invented in the US, players buy properties, develop them with houses and hotels, and bankrupt their opponents with rent. Many Ghanaian fans recall moving their tokens around a board with the sites of London. Now they can stride from ruin to riches among the landmarks of Accra.
Ghanaian national hero now on Monopoly board
In 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African state to win independence. The country did so under nationalist leader Kwame Nkrumah. He became prime minister and the country's first president.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Nkrumah is a national hero in Ghana. Statues of him are scattered across the country. His face appears on stamps and bank notes and this interchange is named Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
Monopoly status for Kwame Nkrumah Circle
Kwame Nkrumah Circle is just one of the desirable properties tempting players as they move around the board of the new Accra edition of Monopoly.
Accra Mall
The Accra Mall is located in the heart of the Ghanaian capital and is one of its largest department stores.
Monopoly Mall
Malls can be choice real estate. Here the Accra Mall is waiting for a player to develop it. Which buyer is waiting to pounce?
African Regent Hotel
The African Regent Hotel is not too far from the Accra Mall and lies a convenient distance from Kotoka International Airport.
Monopoly Hotel
Good facilities nearby for discerning, well-heeled paying guests. Maybe an ideal spot for a Monopoly hotel?
Fidelity Bank
High street banks are among the "everyday places" which the makers of the Accra edition of Monopoly included in the game.
Banking on Monopoly
It's claimed that Monopoly has proven to be a great tool for people learning about personal finance. The African distributors say the game can also help enforce family and ethical values.
Just a game?
First invented in 1903, Monopoly has had an enduring appeal. At the launch of the Accra edition, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dzifa Gomashie (center) said that the game would showcase Accra to the rest of the world. "There is the need for Africans, especially Ghanaians to continue to believe in ourselves," she said. Monopoly, it appears, has always been more than just a game.