Explore Ghana
The Upper East Region is where Ghana's craft traditions are still made by hand, in the open, by the people who have always made them. Bolgatanga is the heart of it, and the places gathered here share a common thread: baskets woven from elephant grass, leather goods, smocks, pottery and art, sold and shown by the artisans themselves. If you want to meet makers rather than simply buy souvenirs, this is the corner of Ghana to visit.
They differ in character. Bolgatanga Market is the big, busy central market, held every three days, where crafts sit alongside everyday trading. Bolgatanga Craft Village is a purpose-built craft market and artisan centre, built by the municipal assembly in 2003 and next door to the Upper East Regional Museum, which makes it easy to pair shopping with a little context. Baba Tree Basket Company is a design-led weaving company and artisan community, known for handwoven Bolga baskets, lampshades and wall pieces. Further out in Sirigu, SWOPA — the Sirigu Women's Organisation for Pottery and Art — is a women's cooperative with a visitor centre, gallery, workshop and guesthouse.
Good to know
Plan around the market calendar: Bolgatanga Market runs every three days, so it is worth checking which day it falls on before you travel. Three of these places are in Bolgatanga itself, so you can reasonably see the market, the Craft Village and Baba Tree Basket Company in one trip, while Sirigu is a separate stop in its own right. Ask locally about transport between Bolgatanga and Sirigu, and allow time rather than rushing. Before setting out, confirm opening arrangements directly with each craft centre or cooperative, as community-run sites can vary. Bring cash, a little patience for bargaining, and space in your bag — the baskets are lovely and bulky.
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Attraction · Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga Market is the large central market of Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, held every three days and known for crafts including baskets, leather goods and smocks.
Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D. - Global Photo Archive · Source
Attraction · Bolgatanga
A design-led basket-weaving company and artisan community in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, producing handwoven Bolga baskets, lampshades and wall pieces from elephant grass.
Attraction · Bolgatanga
A craft market and artisan centre in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, built by the municipal assembly in 2003 and adjacent to the Upper East Regional Museum.
Attraction · Sirigu
SWOPA is a women's craft cooperative and community tourism centre in Sirigu, Upper East Region, with a visitor centre, gallery, workshop and guesthouse.