Accra offers a wide range of souvenirs rooted in local materials and craft skills. You can find handwoven textiles, carved woodwork, tasty packaged foods, and contemporary prints across the city.

This guide covers items commonly sold around Accra, not a single shop or street. The suggestions focus on things made locally or strongly associated with the city, and on how to judge quality and pack them for travel.

1. Kente cloth

• Why it’s worth buying: Kente is handwoven and carries color combinations that often have cultural meanings. Small kente pieces work well as scarves, table runners, or framed fabric art.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $20–$200
• How to spot a good one: Check for tight, even weaving and strong, consistent color across the pattern.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Buy narrow strips or a folded scarf rather than a full-length cloth to save space.

2. Bolga basket (woven bag)

• Why it’s worth buying: These baskets are sturdy, lightweight, and useful as beach bags or storage at home. Each one is handwoven, so patterns and color choices vary.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $15–$80
• How to spot a good one: Look for tight weave, secure stitching at the handles, and no loose strands.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Nest smaller baskets inside larger ones or pad them between clothes.

3. Adinkra-printed textiles or stamps

• Why it’s worth buying: Adinkra symbols tell short stories and make attractive wall hangings or tablecloths. Stamps let you customize plain fabric with traditional motifs.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Symbols should print clearly and show slight irregularities if stamped by hand.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold textiles flat and wrap any wooden stamps in clothing to cushion them.

4. Ghanaian chocolate bars

• Why it’s worth buying: Ghana supplies much of the world’s cocoa, and local bars often highlight single-origin beans or local flavors. Packaged chocolate makes a straightforward edible souvenir.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Read the label for cocoa percentage and clear origin information.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep bars in a cool compartment of your carry-on to avoid melting.

5. Kuli-kuli (roasted peanut snack)

• Why it’s worth buying: Kuli-kuli is a crunchy, shelf-stable peanut snack common in markets and food stalls. It’s a different souvenir than candy and shows local taste.
• Where to look: markets.
• Price range: $2–$8
• How to spot a good one: Fresh kuli-kuli has even color and a dry, crisp texture without any off smell.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Transfer to a sealed bag or vacuum pack to keep it fresh in transit.

6. Shito and other bottled condiments

• Why it’s worth buying: Bottled hot sauces and spice pastes capture local flavor and last a long time when sealed. They’re great for cooks who want an edible reminder.
• Where to look: food halls.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Check for sealed lids, ingredient lists, and clear production or best-before dates.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place bottles in sealed plastic bags and wrap them in soft clothing to prevent leaks.

7. Beaded jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Beads are lightweight, colorful, and often hand-strung into bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. They make compact, wearable mementos.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $5–$60
• How to spot a good one: Examine stringing quality, secure clasps, and uniform bead holes for durability.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Lay necklaces flat in a small pouch to avoid tangling.

8. Carved wood figures or utensils

• Why it’s worth buying: Many artisans carve spoons, bowls, or figures from local woods, producing functional or decorative pieces. They show traditional carving styles.
• Where to look: independent shops.
• Price range: $10–$100
• How to spot a good one: A smooth finish, no splinters, and steady proportions suggest careful workmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap wood in layers of clothing and keep it toward the top of your bag.

9. Artisanal sea salt

• Why it’s worth buying: Locally harvested sea salt has a slightly different mineral profile and is useful in the kitchen. Small jars are travel-friendly.
• Where to look: co-ops.
• Price range: $3–$10
• How to spot a good one: Crystals should be clean and consistent; packaging should list harvest or producer details.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use vacuum-sealed bags or screw-top jars inside plastic to avoid spills.

10. Small ceramics or pottery

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand-thrown cups, bowls, and small plates often show local glazing techniques and work well as everyday pieces.
• Where to look: galleries.
• Price range: $12–$60
• How to spot a good one: Inspect for even glaze, no hairline cracks, and a stable base.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or soft clothing and carry them on board if possible.

11. Prints and posters by local artists

• Why it’s worth buying: Contemporary prints capture Accra’s visual culture and are easy to frame at home. They support practicing artists directly.
• Where to look: artist studios.
• Price range: $8–$50
• How to spot a good one: Choose work printed on archival paper with clear artist credit and edition notes.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints in a rigid tube or slide them flat between books to avoid creases.

12. Calabash bowls or carved gourds

• Why it’s worth buying: Calabashes have traditional uses as bowls or cups and often show hand-carved decoration. They are lightweight when dried.
• Where to look: market stalls.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check for smooth, sealed interiors and no lingering odors.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Cushion calabashes with clothing and keep them in your carry-on to reduce pressure damage.

Quick buying tips for Accra

• Carry small bills and coins; many stalls prefer cash over cards for small purchases.
• Politely haggle where appropriate; start about 20–30% below the asking price.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing, then place them toward the top of luggage.
• Many shops offer international shipping; ask before purchase about costs and timing.
• Look for ‘made locally’ tags, artisan signatures, or materials sourced nearby for authenticity.
• Pack food and liquid souvenirs in sealed containers; declare liquids per airline rules.

Where to shop in Accra

Shopping spreads across markets, street-front stores, and small galleries, so plan time for multiple areas. Central markets offer the widest selection and lowest prices, while galleries and museum shops tend to carry higher-quality craft and design items.

• Makola Market — a central market for textiles, household goods, and inexpensive souvenirs.
• Accra Arts Centre — open-air stalls and craft sellers specializing in woodwork, textiles, and beadwork.
• Osu (Oxford Street) — street-facing shops and boutiques that stock design items and fashion accessories.
• Jamestown historic district — find traditional crafts and artist studios near the waterfront.
• Labadi Beach and nearby stalls — good spot for baskets, shells, and coastal salts sold by the shore.
• National Museum area — museum shop offerings, books, and curated art reproductions.
• Kaneshie Market — practical place to buy packaged foods, spices, and everyday crafts.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap, glossy ‘authentic’ textiles sold with no maker information; they are often machine-made.
• Mass-produced trinkets stamped ‘handmade’ because they lack durable materials or true craftsmanship.
• Overpriced items near major tourist sites that haven’t been compared with market prices.
• Unfinished carvings or rough metalwork that show poor tool control and weak joints.
• Food sold without sealed packaging or clear dates, which can spoil in transit.
• Plastic knockoffs of designer goods labeled as craftsmanship; they rarely last.

If you only buy three things

Kente cloth — it represents Ghanaian textile tradition and works as a versatile keepsake.
Ghanaian chocolate — easy to pack and a direct taste of local cocoa production.
Bolga basket — durable, practical, and useful long after the trip ends.

FAQ

1. What is Accra known for making?
   Accra is known for textiles like kente and adinkra, handwoven baskets, and beadwork. Woodcarving and contemporary crafts also have strong local traditions. Cocoa-based products are another prominent local output.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Accra?
   Packaged Ghanaian chocolate, bottled sauces like shito, artisanal sea salt, and sealed peanut snacks make reliable edible souvenirs. Choose items with clear labels and sealed packaging for travel safety.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Accra?
   Prices vary widely: markets and street stalls are generally inexpensive, while galleries and museum shops charge more. Handcrafted pieces cost more than mass-produced trinkets, so decide which level of authenticity you want.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Accra?
   Printed posters or small packaged foods are the easiest to pack; they are flat or shelf-stable. Textiles folded flat also travel without trouble.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Ask the seller about the maker and production method, check for labels or signatures, and look for natural materials. Buying from co-ops, artist studios, or museum shops increases the chances the item is locally made.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

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!

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