Accra a century ago: life in Ghana before independence – in pictures
Founded in 1922, Deo Gratias is the oldest photography studio still in operation in Accra. As the city celebrates 60 years of independence this week, an ANO Institute of Contemporary Arts festival is displaying the studio’s photos of life in the 1920s and 1930s
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A procession of Gold Coast troops on Empire Day, 1930. The inaugural exhibition at ANO’s new space, Accra: Portraits of a City runs from 4 March – 1 April 2017Photograph: All images: Deo Gratias Studio
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The Gold Coast central post office, Accra, 1930
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Members of Dormitory 2B Achimota school, 1929
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A procession of senior students of the Accra Royal school during the Empire Day celebrations. In the background is the lighthouse, the Bible House, and the current M&G pharmaceutical company building
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Achimota School Boxing club, 1933, photographed by Deo Gratias founder JK Bruce Vanderpuije
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The Korle-Bu laundry
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Siblings after Sunday church service, 1934
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The central police headquarters of the motor traffic transport unit, on the corner of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue and Kinbu Street, 1935
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Adorso House, Jamestown, 1929. The residence of the Vanderpuije family was also a popular spot for wedding photos
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Colonial authorities and guests look on as competitors prepare to set sail for a regatta in James Town Harbour, 1960
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