You’ve seen them everywhere — the beautiful, durably woven straw baskets sold across Ghana and exported worldwide. They all come from one place: Bolgatanga, the craft capital of the Upper East, where weaving from tough elephant grass is a centuries-old skill and a livelihood for thousands. “Bolga baskets” are among the best souvenirs you can buy in Ghana — practical, gorgeous and genuinely local. Here’s where to buy them, how they’re made, what to pay, and how to get them home.
What are Bolga baskets?
Bolga baskets are hand-woven from “veta vera” (elephant grass), a tough straw the weavers twist, dye in vivid colours, and weave into tight, hard-wearing shapes — round shoppers, U-shaped market baskets, bowls, bicycle baskets and bolga hats, usually finished with a leather-wrapped handle. They’re strong, flexible and beautiful, and weaving them is a major cottage industry across the Upper East Region, especially around Bolgatanga and the surrounding villages.
Where to buy them
| Place | Note |
|---|---|
| Bolgatanga Market | The source — best range & prices |
| Bolga craft villages | Buy direct from weavers |
| Accra Arts Centre | Convenient, but pricier (bargain) |
| Craft shops & markets nationwide | Found across the country |
For the best choice and price, buy at the source in Bolgatanga — ideally on a market day, or direct from a weaving village where you can meet the makers. Elsewhere in Ghana you’ll find them at the Arts Centre and craft shops, but at a markup.
What to pay
At the source, a standard Bolga basket typically runs GH₵80–250 depending on size, weave tightness and whether it has a leather handle; large or finely worked pieces cost more. Prices rise the further from Bolga you buy, and the Arts Centre will quote high to tourists — so bargain. See our souvenir price guide for fair ranges.
Getting them home
The good news: baskets are light and squashable — you can gently flatten them for packing and they spring back. For lots of them, or larger pieces, many weavers and exporters in Bolga can arrange shipping. They make superb, useful gifts (laundry baskets, planters, shoppers) that carry a real story.
Tips for buying Bolga baskets
- Buy in Bolgatanga for the best range, price and authenticity.
- Check the weave — tighter is stronger and better quality.
- Bargain at markets and especially the Arts Centre.
- Buy direct from weavers where you can, to support them fairly.
- Pack them squashed; they reshape easily.
The bottom line
Bolga baskets are one of Ghana’s finest, most practical souvenirs — and buying them at the source in Bolgatanga means the best price, the widest choice, and your money in the weaver’s hands. Check the weave, bargain kindly, squash them into your bag, and you’ll have a beautiful, useful piece of the Upper East at home. Plan more with our shopping and Upper East guides.
