Ghana offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty on West Africa's Gold Coast. From the historic slave castles of Cape Coast to the vibrant markets of Accra and the wildlife of Mole National Park, Ghana welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and diverse experiences. This English-speaking nation combines beaches, rainforests, and centuries of fascinating heritage.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kente Cloth
Iconic handwoven cloth with interlocking patterns in gold, green, and red, originating from the Ashanti region. Each pattern carries symbolic meaning related to proverbs, history, and royalty.
Price: $20-200
Where: Bonwire Village, Kejetia Market Kumasi, Makola Market Accra
Ankara (Dutch Wax Print) Fabric
Vibrant printed cotton fabric sold by the yard, used for dresses, shirts, and accessories. Sold at markets throughout Accra and Kumasi in dozens of patterns.
Price: $5-15 per yard
Where: Makola Market, Kumasi Kejetia Market
Adinkra-Stamped Cloth
Cotton fabric hand-stamped with traditional Akan Adinkra symbols using calabash stamps and natural black dye. Each symbol carries spiritual and philosophical meaning.
Price: $15-50
Where: Ntonso Village near Kumasi, craft markets
Krobo Glass Beads
Colorful recycled-glass beads made by the Krobo people using ancient powder-glass technique. Used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings with vivid geometric designs.
Price: $5-40
Where: Cedi Bead Factory Odumase Krobo, Koforidua Bead Market
Carved Stools and Figurines
Hand-carved wooden Asante stools symbolizing power and ancestry, alongside fertility dolls (Akuaba) and abstract figurines. Master carvers work in Kumasi's craft village.
Price: $15-80
Where: Kumasi Cultural Centre, Accra Arts Centre
Ghanaian Chocolate
Single-origin dark chocolate made from Ghana's world-famous Forastero cocoa beans. Brands like Omanhene and '57 Chocolate use locally grown cacao for premium bars.
Price: $5-20
Where: Koala Supermarket, Accra Mall, gift shops
Bolgatanga Woven Baskets
Brightly colored hand-woven straw baskets and hats from the Upper East Region, crafted by the Frafra people using elephant grass in traditional geometric patterns.
Price: $10-35
Where: Accra Arts Centre, Bolgatanga market, airport shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Makola Market
Accra's largest and most vibrant open-air market selling everything from fresh produce and textiles to household goods and traditional medicines. A sensory overload of colors and sounds representing authentic Ghanaian commerce.
Where: Central Accra, near High Street
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Kejetia Market
Claimed to be West Africa's largest market with over 10,000 stalls. The new multi-story structure houses organized sections while outdoor areas maintain traditional market energy. Best selection of kente cloth and crafts.
Where: Central Kumasi
Hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Accra Arts Centre
Purpose-built craft market showcasing Ghanaian artisans selling wood carvings, beads, textiles, masks, and jewelry. Bargaining expected but prices are reasonable for quality crafts. Tourist-friendly environment.
Where: Off Liberation Road, Accra
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Koforidua Bead Market
Ghana's premier bead market where Krobo women trade handmade powder-glass beads in dazzling colors. Held every Saturday, it draws traders and collectors from across the region.
Where: Koforidua, Eastern Region
Hours: Saturday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Kumasi Cultural Centre Market
Artisan market adjacent to the National Cultural Centre where you can watch weavers, woodcarvers, and kente weavers at work and purchase directly. Authentic crafts with demonstrations.
Where: Cultural Centre, Kumasi
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Oxford Street (Osu)
Accra's most popular shopping and entertainment strip lined with restaurants, boutiques, craft shops, and pharmacies. Great for Ankara fashion boutiques, beauty products, and casual browsing in an upscale neighborhood.
Best for: Fashion, souvenirs, nightlife, dining
East Legon
Accra's affluent suburb with modern malls, international brands, home décor stores, and gourmet supermarkets. A&C Mall anchors this area popular with expatriates and Accra's professional class.
Best for: International brands, supermarkets, home goods
Airport City
Modern commercial district near Kotoka Airport with offices, chain restaurants, and the Accra Mall. Convenient for last-minute shopping before departure with duty-free options.
Best for: Convenience shopping, duty-free, international chains
Kumasi's Adum District
Kumasi's busy commercial heart surrounding Kejetia Market, packed with fabric shops, electronics vendors, and street food. Best for kente cloth and Ashanti cultural items at competitive prices.
Best for: Kente cloth, traditional crafts, fabric
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Accra Mall
Accra's flagship shopping destination with over 60 stores including Shoprite, Game electronics, fashion brands, restaurants, and a cinema. Located in Airport City with reliable parking and AC throughout.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
A&C Mall
Popular East Legon mall anchored by Shoprite grocery and featuring clothing stores, electronics, a food court, and banking. Convenient for residents of east Accra and expats.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
West Hills Mall
Large mall in Weija on the western outskirts of Accra serving the growing western suburbs. Features Shoprite, Melcom department store, fast food chains, and family entertainment.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Kumasi City Mall
Kumasi's modern mall with anchor stores, fast food outlets, a cinema, and banking facilities. A popular gathering spot for Kumasi's middle class and contrast to the traditional Kejetia Market nearby.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Always bargain in traditional markets like Makola, Kejetia, and Accra Arts Centre — it is expected and part of the experience
Start at 40-50% of the asking price and negotiate upward toward a fair middle ground
Prices in malls and supermarkets are fixed — bargaining is inappropriate there
Be respectful and friendly; aggressive bargaining offends and ends negotiations
Walk away slowly if the price doesn't suit you — vendors often call you back with a better offer
Buy multiple items from one vendor to negotiate a package price
Morning shopping often yields better deals as vendors want to make their first sale of the day (good luck sales)
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cultural artifacts and antiques over 50 years old require export permits — check with Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Kente cloth and crafts are freely exported.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund program for tourists currently available in Ghana
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances on departure include 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 1 liter spirits, gifts up to $200 in value
Shipping: DHL and FedEx operate from Accra and Kumasi for international shipping of purchases. Allow 7-14 days. Wrap delicate crafts carefully.