From the lively trotros of Accra to the red clay streets of Kumasi and the wind-whipped savannahs up north, Ghana greets you with a chorus of rhythms, colors and aromas. Sun-baked markets spill with woven cloth, steaming bowls of jollof, and the scent of roast cocoa — every stall tells a story you can hold in your hands.

Ghanaian souvenirs capture that same warmth: tactile, handcrafted, and rooted in centuries of craft and ceremony.

Whether you’re after textiles, edible treasures, or handcrafted keepsakes, here’s what to buy in Ghana to bring a piece of its rich heritage home with you.

1. Kente cloth

Why pick this up: Kente is Ghana’s most iconic textile — a kaleidoscope of handwoven strips originally from Bonwire and the Ashanti region, worn at ceremonies and treasured as a symbol of identity.
What to look for: Seek handwoven, narrow-strip kente made on traditional looms (not mass-printed imitations). Look for rich silk or cotton blends and authentic patterns like Adwinasa or Obaakofoo, and ask about the village of origin (Bonwire, Anyinam, or Osei Kyeretwie).
Price bracket (2025): GH₵150–GH₵1,200 for full-length, handwoven pieces; smaller scraps or scarves GH₵60–GH₵250.
Where to find it: Bonwire and Koforidua weaving villages, Kejetia Market in Kumasi, and craft stalls in Makola Market (Accra).

2. Bolga basket

Why pick this up: Woven from elephant grass in Bolgatanga, these durable, brightly dyed baskets are practical, lightweight and perfect for market runs or home decor.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving and vibrant color patterns; reinforced rims and leather or woven handles for durability. Larger market baskets and oval “shopping” styles are signature Bolga shapes.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵60–GH₵400 depending on size and finish.
Where to find it: Bolgatanga craft markets, Tamale markets, stalls at National Theatre (Accra) and travel shops in Cape Coast.

3. Krobo powder glass beads

Why pick this up: Krobo beads — made from recycled glass in the Krobo Hills near Odumase — are living pieces of Ghanaian adornment, used for festivals, rites and everyday jewelry.
What to look for: Powder-glass “lanji” beads with layered colors and classic tube or disc shapes; ask the maker about firing methods and patterns to ensure authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵20–GH₵300 depending on size, age and complexity.
Where to find it: Bead workshops in Odumase Krobo, local markets in Accra (Osu, Makola), and artisan stalls in Kumasi.

4. Shea butter and red palm oil skincare

Why pick this up: Raw shea butter from the Northern Region and nutrient-rich red palm oil are natural, locally made staples used in cooking and skincare across Ghana.
What to look for: Unrefined, off-white shea butter with a nutty aroma (avoid overly processed, scented jars); cold-pressed palm oil in sealed bottles.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵10–GH₵80 for shea butter jars; GH₵8–GH₵40 for palm oil bottles.
Where to find it: Tamale and Bolgatanga markets, fair-trade stalls in Accra and Kumasi, and cooperative shops near Mole and Northern Region villages.

5. Ghanaian chocolate and cocoa products

Why pick this up: Ghana is one of the world’s top cocoa producers — bean-to-bar chocolatiers in Accra and beyond are turning local beans into intense, single-origin bars and spreads.
What to look for: Single-origin or single-estate bars that list Ghana cocoa, higher cacao percentages (70%+ for robust flavor), and minimal additives.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵10–GH₵60 per bar depending on maker and cacao percentage.
Where to find it: Specialty chocolate shops in Accra (Osu, East Legon), craft markets in Kumasi, and cocoa farms in the Western and Central regions offering tastings.

6. Akpeteshie (local gin)

Why pick this up: Akpeteshie is a potent spirit distilled from palm wine or sugarcane — a genuine taste of rural Ghana and a traditional celebratory drink.
What to look for: Bottles from reputable distillers with clear labeling; artisanal versions in glass bottles for gifting. Be mindful of strength and origin.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵40–GH₵150 per bottle.
Where to find it: Local distilleries in Eastern and Volta regions, roadside markets, and specialty bars in Accra — check customs rules before flying with spirits.

7. Adinkra cloth and wooden stamps

Why pick this up: Adinkra cloth — stamped with symbolic motifs like Gye Nyame and Sankofa using carved calabash stamps — carries proverbs and meaning unique to Akan culture.
What to look for: Hand-stamped cotton or hand-dyed pieces from Ntonso (near Kumasi), and authentic carved stamps if you want to make your own prints.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵40–GH₵300 for cloth; GH₵30–GH₵150 for carved stamps.
Where to find it: Ntonso craft village, Kumasi craft markets, and artisan stalls in Cape Coast and Accra.

8. Ashanti wooden stool & carved figures

Why pick this up: The carved stool is a sacred Ashanti symbol of authority and craftsmanship; smaller stools and figurines make meaningful decorative pieces.
What to look for: Solid hardwood carvings with smooth finishes and traditional motifs; ask about the wood type and carver’s provenance (Kumasi is famous for this craft).
Price bracket (2025): GH₵200–GH₵1,800 for stools; GH₵50–GH₵600 for smaller figurines.
Where to find it: Kumasi wood-carving quarters, Kejetia Market, and craft stores in the Central Region.

9. Akan brass weights and brassware

Why pick this up: Replicas of Akan gold weights and hand-poured brass bowls or bells are beautiful reminders of Ghana’s metalworking traditions.
What to look for: Well-cast, detailed weights depicting animals or symbols; authentic-looking brassware with a good patina (original weights can be antiques and costly).
Price bracket (2025): GH₵50–GH₵500 depending on size and detail.
Where to find it: Craft markets in Kumasi and Accra, heritage shops around Cape Coast, and specialized metal shops in Nzulezu and nearby artisan hubs.

10. Talking drums and percussion instruments

Why pick this up: A talking drum or stamped djembe offers sound as a souvenir — Ghanaian percussion carries the rhythms of festivals from Tamale to Accra.
What to look for: Quality skin tensioning, hardwood shells and proper rope work; smaller travel-friendly versions are easier to pack.
Price bracket (2025): GH₵150–GH₵900 depending on size and craftsmanship.
Where to find it: Music shops in Accra (Osu-Woxsen area), craft markets in Tamale and Kumasi, and instrument makers in the Northern Region.

Tip: When buying Ghanaian souvenirs, ask about origins and maker names, pack textiles and fragile items carefully, and declare food or spirits at customs — these Ghanaian souvenirs will travel better and tell richer stories at home. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!