The Arts Centre, formally the Centre for National Culture, is where Accra goes to shop for handmade Ghanaian crafts. It sits in the middle of the city next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, so it is easy to add to the independence trail. The centre is a maze of outdoor craft bazaars, a traditional textile market, an indoor market and an art gallery. Stalls sell kente cloth, wooden sculptures, beadwork, leather bags, jewellery, African print clothing and a wide range of souvenirs made from clay, wood, leather and metal. Drums, masks and carved stools are popular, and many sellers will tell you what the symbols mean if you ask. It is a lively, sometimes insistent place, but it is also the most efficient way to see the range of Ghanaian craft in a single morning.
How to shop
Walking in is free, and nobody expects you to buy on the first lap. Take a first pass to see what is on offer, then return to the stalls you liked. Prices are usually negotiable, and a smile and a counter-offer are part of the routine, so start well below the first price and settle somewhere you are happy with.
Quality varies, so look closely at stitching, wood finish and bead work. If you want kente, ask the seller to explain the weave and the pattern names, and be wary of anything that looks machine-printed when you are told it is hand-woven. Carry small cedi notes, because change can be awkward to find.
What to buy
Carved wooden stools and masks, hand-strung beads, leather goods, batik and wax-print cloth, and drums are the classics. Shipping bulky items home is possible but requires planning, so ask what the seller can arrange. For lighter souvenirs, bead bracelets, small wooden animals and printed cloth pack easily. If you want to understand craft before you buy, the National Museum has the real thing in cases, and the Artists Alliance Gallery in Labadi offers a more curated, fixed-price alternative.
Getting there and timing
The centre is in Accra Central, so a ride-hail taxi is the easiest way to arrive, and it is a short walk from the Nkrumah memorial. Go in the morning when the heat is lower and the stalls are fresh, and avoid the middle of the day.
Keep valuables close in the crowded lanes, and politely decline when you do not want to engage. The centre's own hours and any special market days are best checked locally. Allow one to two hours, and combine it with the memorial park, the museum and a meal nearby.
A few more shopping tips
Ask for the price of two or three similar items before you start to haggle, so you know what is reasonable, and consider buying from the same seller if you want several pieces, because you will get a better price. Wrapping and packing help is usually available for a small tip.
If someone offers to guide you through the stalls, agree on any fee in advance, and be polite but firm if you want to browse alone. Leave time for a cold drink afterwards, since the lanes get warm and busy as the morning goes on.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided wander through craft stalls, a textile market, an indoor market and a gallery, with bargaining expected.
Best time
Mornings, when it is cooler and the stalls are busy but not yet crowded.
How long
One to two hours, depending on how much you enjoy bargaining.
Tips
Carry small cedi notes, counter-offer politely, inspect quality closely and keep valuables close in the crowded lanes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Souvenir shoppers and anyone curious about kente, beadwork and wood carving.
- Families
- Fun for children who like colour and drums, though the lanes are busy and holding hands helps.
- Couples
- A good way to pick out one memorable piece together, from a mask to a bolt of cloth.
- Pair with
- Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the National Museum and Osu Castle.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What is the Accra Arts Centre?+
It is the Centre for National Culture, a large complex of craft bazaars, a textile market, an indoor market and an art gallery in central Accra.
Is there an entrance fee?+
Walking around is free. You only pay for what you buy.
Can you bargain at the Arts Centre?+
Yes, bargaining is normal for crafts and cloth. Start low, stay friendly and be willing to walk away.
What should I buy there?+
Kente and print cloth, carved stools and masks, beadwork, leather goods and drums are the classic choices.
Where is it?+
It is in Accra Central, next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Museum.
