Ghana Shopping and Districts

(Ghana, GH, Western Africa)

Visitors to Ghana who are looking to shop for locally crafted goods or artwork won't be disappointed. The majority of Ghana's larger towns and cities, national parks and other tourist hotspots can cater for most souvenir shopping needs. If you can't find what you are looking for in Accra, it is worth exploring further afield, as different regions often specialize in different crafts.

Ghana's shops tend to open during the week from 08:00 to 12:00 and then from 14:00 to 17:30. Half-day closing operates on Saturdays. Accra's main shopping centres open from around 09:00 or 10:00 in the morning and close at 21:00. They also open on public holidays, with slightly shorter opening hours, from 12:00 to 18:00.

Where to Shop

Traditional wax-print fabrics in Ghana can be found in abundance at Accra's Makola and Kaneshie markets, as well as in Kumasi. Tailors are generally on hand to make up the item of clothing of your choice at a moment's notice.

The Arts Center in Accra is another great place to browse for souvenirs to take back home and remind you of your time in Ghana. A multitude of stalls sell everything from wooden carvings to brass work and paintings. Likewise, Accra has a number of interesting pottery and craft shops.

Accra also has several large shopping centres, including the Accra Mall, located just a few minutes away from Kotoka International Airport, the A and C Shopping Mall in East Legon, and Maxmart. The larger centres offer an opportunity for one-stop shopping, with cinemas and restaurants on the same site.

Outside of Ghana's capital city, there are just as many opportunities to go shopping. In the northern town of Bolgatanga, visitors should look out for baskets woven out of locally-grown elephant grass. In Aburi, a good variety of wood-carved objects can be found. Around Kumasi, expect to pick up beaded jewellery and traditional fabrics.