If you only have time for one souvenir stop in Accra, make it the Arts Centre. Officially the Centre for National Culture, this sprawling craft market near Jamestown is the city’s one-stop shop for Ghanaian handicrafts — row upon row of kente and batik cloth, beads, carvings, drums, masks, sandals, paintings and bags, all under one roof. It’s colourful, lively and built for bargaining. Here’s how to shop the Accra Arts Centre well — what to buy, what to pay, and how to handle the hustle.
What is the Arts Centre?
The Centre for National Culture (everyone calls it the Arts Centre) is a large, open-air market of craft stalls and workshops in central Accra, near the old Jamestown district and the seafront. It’s the most concentrated place in the country to buy Ghanaian souvenirs and crafts in one go, and you can often watch artisans — carvers, drum-makers, weavers — working on site. Expect a friendly, full-on, haggle-everything atmosphere.
What to buy
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kente & batik cloth | Woven strips, stoles, printed fabric by the yard |
| Glass & trade beads | Bracelets, necklaces, loose beads |
| Woodcarvings & masks | Stools, figures, fertility dolls (akuaba) |
| Drums & instruments | Djembe, talking drums, shakers |
| Bags, sandals & art | Leather goods, paintings, prints |
It’s the easiest place to tick off a whole souvenir list — see our shopping guide for what each craft means.
The art of bargaining here
Prices at the Arts Centre start high — sellers expect tourists and the first quote can be several times the real price. That’s normal: greet warmly, show interest, ask the price, then counter low (around a third to a half) and work to a middle ground with good humour. Walking away almost always brings a better “last price.” Don’t feel rushed or pressured, buy from whoever you connect with, and remember a little goes to a real artisan. Carry small notes and Mobile Money — see our souvenir price guide for fair ranges.
Handling the hustle
The Arts Centre can be pushy — sellers will call you over, walk with you, and be very persuasive. It’s part of the experience, not a threat. A friendly but firm “just looking, thank you” works, and you’re never obliged to buy. Keep your bag in front, take only the cash you need, and you’ll have a fun, rewarding visit.
Tips for visiting
- Go with time, not in a rush — browsing and bargaining is the fun.
- Decide your budget per item before you start.
- Buy at the end once you’ve seen the range and gauged prices.
- Be friendly but firm with persistent sellers.
- Carry small cash & MoMo; no cards here.
The bottom line
The Accra Arts Centre is the capital’s souvenir headquarters — one roof, every Ghanaian craft, and all the friendly chaos of a real market. Come ready to bargain hard and kindly, know roughly what’s fair, and you’ll walk away with kente, beads and carvings (and stories) at a good price. Pair it with our shopping and things to do in Accra guides.
