Specialities
Ghana is most famous for its Ashanti crafts. These include:
- Kente: A brightly coloured and geometric patterned cloth, worn for centuries by the Ashanti people
- Stools: Crescent shaped stools have been intricately adorned for a variety of ceremonies and purposes. The Ashanti believe that the stool is the receptacle of the soul.
- Fertility Figures: Wooden carvings used by Akan women to aid with fertility.
Of course other Ghanaian tribes also sell a number of local specialities, including:
- Beads: The Krobo are famous for their ceramic and clay beads. Selling them without good reason is however frowned upon.
- Batik Cloth: Brightly coloured wax cloth, introduced to Ghana by people from Niger
- Woven Baskets: The Frafra women are known for woven elephant grass baskets, sold throughout the country.
- Pottery: Clay pots come originally from the village of Sirigu, but are now sold widely throughout Ghana
Shopping Areas
There is a good range of shopping opportunities located throughout the city. Products for sale often include local crafts, imports from West Africa more broadly and a few international retailers.
- Accra Mall: Best for higher end products
- Osu and Oxford Street: Craft vendors line the roadside, while higher end shops are found indoors.
- Centre for National Culture: A series of crafts featuring local talent.
Markets
- Makola Market: A sprawling area - one of the largest in West Africa - filled with everything from trinkets to fish. Approach with time to spare!
- Kejetia Market: Not located in Accra, but one of West Africa's largest and oldest markets
- Centre for National Arts and Culture Handicraft Market: Sells a huge variety of products from all over West Africa
Supermarkets
There is a range in the types of supermarkets available.
The most western option is Shoprite - a grocery store chain from South Africa. There are five locations in the broader Accra region, including one at the Accra mall and one on Oxford Street.
Alternatively, there are a number of smaller and locally owned grocery stores selling a variety of goods throughout Accra. You can also buy a lot of produce in the markets and on the street.