Shopping in Ghana is a joy and an art form — not a sterile mall transaction (though those exist too) but a colourful, human experience of bustling markets, skilled artisans, and the friendly back-and-forth of a good bargain. And the things you can buy are genuinely special: hand-woven kente, glass beads strung by craftspeople, beautiful baskets, pure shea butter, carvings and prints — souvenirs with real soul and a story behind each one. Whether you’re hunting gifts or treating yourself, here’s your guide to what to buy, where, and how to do it well.
What to buy: Ghana’s best crafts
Some things you simply have to bring home. Kente cloth is the icon — hand-woven, meaningful and beautiful (find the real thing via our where to buy kente guide). Glass beads make gorgeous, affordable jewellery. Bolga baskets from the north are as practical as they are pretty. Shea butter and black soap are natural skincare treasures. Add adinkra-stamped cloth, wood carvings, drums, batik and vibrant prints, and you’ve a wishlist worth saving suitcase space for.
Where to shop
The best buys come from the right places. The Arts Centre in Accra is the one-stop souvenir hub — crafts from across the country under one roof. The great markets like Makola and Kumasi’s Kejetia are sprawling, sensory adventures. For specific crafts, going to the source is magic — kente in Bonwire, beads in Koforidua, baskets in Bolgatanga. And for contemporary work, Accra’s art galleries showcase a thrilling modern scene, while malls cover everyday needs.
The art of bargaining
At markets and craft stalls, haggling is expected and part of the fun — but it should always stay friendly. Greet the seller first (see our etiquette guide), ask the price, then counter with a smile; settle somewhere in the middle where you both feel good. Don’t be aggressive or grind too hard over small amounts — a few cedis mean more to the artisan than to you. Fixed-price shops, galleries and malls don’t bargain. Carry small cash, and remember a fair price leaves everyone happy.
Buying authentic and fair
For meaningful purchases, buy from the makers or reputable sellers where you can, ask about the piece’s origin and meaning (sellers love to share), and know that hand-made costs more than mass-produced for good reason. Buying directly from artisans and co-ops supports the communities keeping these crafts alive. Check our souvenir price guide so you know roughly what’s fair before you start.
Take home a piece of Ghana
From a length of kente to a jar of shea butter, Ghana’s crafts let you carry the country home — and the experience of buying them, market banter and all, is half the pleasure. Dive into the specific guides above, and weave a shopping morning into your itinerary.
Common questions about shopping in Ghana
What should I buy in Ghana? Kente cloth, glass beads, Bolga baskets, shea butter and black soap, adinkra cloth, wood carvings, drums and vibrant prints.
Where is the best place to shop for souvenirs in Ghana? The Arts Centre in Accra for variety, the big markets like Makola and Kejetia, and the craft source villages for kente, beads and baskets.
Do you bargain in Ghana? Yes — haggling is expected and friendly at markets and craft stalls, but not at fixed-price shops, galleries or malls.
What is the most popular souvenir from Ghana? Kente cloth is the most iconic, along with colourful beads and Bolga baskets.