Best Markets for a good Shopping Therapy

in any region In Ghana

The Ghanaian style of shopping is very different from the western style. Markets in Ghana are completely chaotic and fast paced and sometimes do not afford buyers the opportunity to savour their shopping experience.

Despite this shopping at a Ghanaian market, it is a good way to experience culture and immerse one’s self into an unadulterated authentic Ghanaian experience. The commodities that are sold at these markets cannot be named in totally, all manner of sellable ware is found here from fabrics, jewelleries to spices among other attractive tourist commodities. Every major region has a market, this article seeks to expound on these different markets and the commodities that they are known for.

Makola Market - Accra

Makola Market is the biggest open air market in Ghana, located right at the center of the Greater Accra region. Makola Market was constructed in 1924 and acted as the main wholesale and retail market in Accra, a purpose it still serves today. A wide range of products are sold here from cloths, shoes, tools, manufactured and imported food, fresh produce and even car spare parts. 

The market spans several blocks and is one of the main economic centers of Ghana evidenced by the number of people and cars that completely fill every space of the market daily. Makola Market is a site to behold, though it can be quite overwhelming and clustered to be in because of it’s size and the number of people who patronise there. It is made up of alleyways that need to be memorised for efficient shopping, porters carrying huge loads of goods on their head asking for way, track pushers shouting for passage and market women shouting their wares at passers-by inviting them to buy. 

Another reason why shopping at Makola is therapeutic, is it’s proximity to many historical Ghanaian sites such as the Black Star Square and the Black Star Arc.
There is nothing like having a good shopping trip and history lesson all at once. The chaos of being at Makola elevates the experience to one you have probably never had before.

Accra Art Centre

After visiting Makola Market a good place to pass by is the Accra regional centre for culture popularly known as "Accra Art Centre" which is a very short distance away from the market, about 500m away and an 8 minutes walk from the market. 

The Art Centre is situated next the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which is where the First President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has been laid to rest. 

At the Art Centre one can find any type of material or artefact that is symbolic to Ghanaian culture including Kente cloths, traditional wooden sculptures, bead works, bags, earrings and other accessories. 

Shopping here is not as energetic as Makola Market. It is relatively calmer and less crowded.

Here one can interact with local artist who create these artefacts. Shopping here is a good way to support the local economy of the country.

Kejetia Market - Kumasi

Moving away from the Capital city of Accra another great mention for markets in Ghana is the Kumasi Central Market known as "Kejetia Market" in the Ashanti region. It is the largest open air market in region and performs almost the same function Makola does for Accra. 

Apart from the obvious conventional market items sold here, this is a place where one gets to experience Ashanti culture at it’s finest. Here there is a wide array of traditional Ashanti clothing and ornaments to choose from.

Takoradi Market Circle - Takoradi

In the Western Region the best market to visit is the Takoradi Market Circle which is situated in Sekondi-Takoradi, the capital city of the region. 

Regional markets serve as an economic hub for the region and this market serves the same purpose for the people of the Western region. 

Fantes are some of the most polite people in Ghana and a shopping experience at this market will be filled with pleasant interactions with locals in the region.