Accra's Hidden Charms: Beyond the Tourist Gaze

Photographer Ron Timehin ventured to Accra, Ghana, to capture the authentic lives of its residents, showcasing aspects often unseen by tourists. His work focuses on a community centered around fishing, highlighting their traditional canoes, daily routines, and the strong sense of pride in their heritage.

Timehin emphasized a collaborative approach, allowing the community to present themselves as they wished. He documented their interactions, the pride of the younger generation, and their close-knit community spirit. This contrasts with his experience of urban detachment in London.

The project, initiated through a partnership with the charity My Runway Group for cultural exchange, involved documenting five communities. Timehin also facilitated a mobile studio for portraits that excluded environmental context.

An exhibition of these images is scheduled for London, with a portion of print sales dedicated to funding a local art center in Ghana. Timehin, who has family in Accra, aims for a follow-up project. He is shortlisted for the Sony World Photography awards 2026.