Markets in Ghana

Ghana's markets are where the country does its living. They are places to shop, certainly, but also to eat, argue, laugh, catch up and watch a whole region pass by in an afternoon. Some are vast and famous, like Makola Market in Accra and Kejetia Market in Kumasi, which trades Monday to Saturday. Others are quieter and more local, such as Akatsi Market in the Volta Region or Dwenase Market in Sefwi Wiawso.

What these places share is that they are working markets, not staged attractions. What differs is rhythm and speciality. Bolgatanga Market in the Upper East Region meets every three days and is known for baskets, leather goods and smocks, while Koforidua Beads Market gathers on Thursdays beside Jubilee Park. Adidome Market trades on Tuesdays and Fridays, Akim Oda Market mainly in foodstuffs on Mondays and Thursdays, and Anyanui Market on Wednesdays by the Volta River estuary. Dzemeni Fish Market follows a five-day cycle, and Aflao Market serves cross-border trade with Togo.

Some are more than shopping. The Accra Arts Centre is Ghana's largest arts and crafts marketplace, with free entry, and the Albert Bosomtwi Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi has a fish market beside its canoe basin. Come curious, come early, and bring small notes.