12 Unique Souvenirs To Bring Home From Ghana
Are you planning a trip to Ghana and wondering what unique souvenirs to bring back home? As someone who's spent countless hours exploring Ghana's vibrant markets and craft villages, I've put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect memorable pieces that truly capture Ghana's rich cultural heritage.
1. Kente Cloth: Ghana's Royal Textile
What Makes Kente Special
Kente isn't just a fabric – it's a piece of Ghanaian history woven into cloth. Originally worn by Ashanti royalty, each pattern tells a unique story. During my visit to the Bonwire Kente Village near Kumasi, I watched master weavers create these intricate patterns using techniques passed down through generations.
Where to Buy
Bonwire Kente Village (where Kente originated from)
Kumasi Central Market
Art Centre in Accra
Pro tip: Always ask about the meaning behind the patterns – each design has a specific name and significance. Look for authentic pieces with tight weaving and vibrant colors. Prices can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on size and complexity.
2. African Drums
The rhythmic heartbeat of Ghana comes alive in these hand-carved drums. Made from hardwood and goatskin, each djembe has its own unique voice. I'll never forget my first drum-making workshop in Kokrobite, where I learned that the best drums come from specific types of wood that must be carefully selected and carved.
Best Places for Authentic Drums
National Cultural Centre, Kumasi
Art Centre, Accra
Aburi Craft Village
Pro Tip: Many shops can help arrange shipping for larger drums. I recommend checking with your airline about carry-on restrictions if you plan to take it on the plane.
3. Handcrafted Beads
Ghana's bead-making tradition dates back centuries, and the craftsmanship is simply extraordinary. The famous Krobo beads are particularly special – they're made from recycled glass and each design carries deep cultural significance.
Popular Options
Waist beads
Necklaces
Anklets
Bracelets
Pro Tip: Visit the Krobo region to watch the bead-making process and buy directly from artisans. The prices are better, and the experience is unforgettable.
4. Shea Butter Products
Trust me on this one – Ghanaian shea butter is different from what you'll find in your local beauty store back home. Sourced mostly from the northern regions of Ghana, this pure, unrefined shea butter is a miracle worker for your skin.
What to Buy
Raw shea butter
Handmade soaps
Natural skin creams
Where to Buy
Makola Market
Art Centre in Accra
Kumasi Central Market
Pro Tip: Store in a cool place to prevent melting when packaging to take back home. Try to wrap the shea in two plastic bags before putting it in your luggage to avoid soiling your clothes.
5. Traditional Ghanaian Jewelry and Sandals
You can get some beautiful handcrafted jewelry pieces often featuring traditional symbols and designs. You can also get crafted leather sandals, locally known as "ahenema," made for both practical and stylish souvenirs. I still wear the pair I bought from a talented craftsman in Kumasi's central market three years ago!
When buying Jewelry, look for:
Lost-wax brass castings
Gold-weight replicas
Contemporary designs using traditional methods
Where to Buy
Makola Market
Art Centre in Accra
Kumasi Central Market
Pro Tip: Real brass will be heavier than cheap imitations. Test by holding it – quality pieces have a satisfying weight to them. When buying leather sandals, get them slightly snug as the leather will stretch with wear. Depending on where you are buying it, the craftsmen can make custom adjustments on the spot.
6. African Print Fabrics
Beyond Kente, Ghana offers an incredible variety of vibrant printed fabrics. The most popular is the wax print fabric, locally known as "Ankara" or "Dutch wax prints."
Popular Choices with Guaranteed Quality
Woodin fabrics
GTP prints
Vlisco designs
Where to Buy
Vlisco Retail Outlet in Accra Mall, A & C Mall and Osu
Makola Market
Art Centre in Accra
Pro Tip: I always recommend buying a few yards of different prints – they make fantastic table runners, wall hangings, or material for custom clothing.
7. Ghanaian Chocolate and Cocoa Products
As one of the world's top cocoa producers, Ghana offers some of the world's finest cocoa, and local chocolate brands offer unique flavors. The locally-made craft chocolates are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Recommended Purchases
Golden Tree chocolate bars
Raw cocoa powder
Cocoa butter
Artisanal chocolate brands
Handmade truffles
Where to Buy
Supermarkets and Shopping Malls
From street hawkers in the City Traffic
Duty-free shops at the Kotoka Airport
Pro Tip: Try Golden Tree's Ghana Dark Chocolate (if you like dark chocolate) – it's made with 100% Ghanaian cocoa and has a distinct, rich taste you won't find elsewhere.
Read more about the best Ghanaian chocolate brands to try
8. Wood Carvings
From elaborate masks to decorative stools, Ghanaian wood carving traditions are among the finest in Africa. One of my prized possessions is an Ashanti stool I bought from a third-generation woodcarver in Kumasi.
Best Buys
Traditional masks
Decorative stools
Animal figurines
Decorative panels
Ashanti stools
Where to Buy
The Aburi Craft Village
Art Centre in Accra
Kumasi Central Market
Pro Tip: Look for masks made from “sese” wood – it's naturally resistant to termites and will last longer. The Aburi Craft Village is my go-to spot for wood carvings. The craftsmen there can even customize pieces while you wait!
9. Woven Baskets
The famous "Bolga baskets" from northern Ghana are not just beautiful – they're incredibly durable and practical. These colorful, durable baskets are perfect for shopping, storage, or home decoration. I use mine for everything from grocery shopping to home decoration. These incredibly versatile handwoven bags are sustainable, stylish, and perfect for summer.
Where to Buy
Art Centre in Accra
Makola Market
Osu Oxford Street
Kumasi Central Market
Shopping Tips
Look for tight weaving with no loose ends
Choose baskets with sturdy handles
Expect natural variations in color and pattern
10. Traditional Ghanaian Spices and Seasonings
Take the flavors of Ghana home with you! Local spice blends make wonderful gifts and help you recreate your favorite Ghanaian dishes.
Must-Buy Spices
Shito (hot pepper sauce)
Dry pepper blends
Local curry powders
Traditional soup spice mixes
Where to Buy
Nima Market
Makola Market
Kaneshie Market
Miss Cookies Spices (a Ghanaian Spice Brand I personally love)
Pro Tip: Ask vendors to vacuum-seal your purchases for longer shelf life.
11. Handwoven African Print Fans
You can find some beautiful handmade fans made from colorful African fabrics. These beautiful hand-crafted fans made from traditional African print designs are both decorative and functional. You can use them to keep yourself cool in the hot Accra sun and you can take them back home with you as a decorative piece for your home. The vibrant patterns make these fans a unique and eye-catching souvenir.
Where to Buy
Art Centre in Accra
Osu Oxford Street
Pro Tip: Look for fans with tight fittings and reinforced edges for better durability.
12. Traditional Games
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture is by playing the country's traditional games. These interactive souvenirs provide a hands-on learning experience about Ghana's rich heritage. The joy of these traditional games lies in the cultural exchange that comes with learning them. By bringing home a set, you'll have a tangible way to share Ghana's rich heritage with family and friends.
Games You Can Buy
Oware Board Game
Ludu
Where to Buy
Art Centre in Accra
Osu Oxford Street
Makola Market
Pro Tip: When purchasing an Oware set, look for intricate, handcrafted boards made by local artisans. You can also ask the seller to teach you the rules – most are happy to share a quick game with you!
Shopping Tips
Remember that bargaining is expected in most markets. Start at about half the asking price and negotiate. Always bargain respectfully – it's expected but remember to keep it friendly
Carry cash as many artisans don't accept cards
Ask about the item's origin and examine items carefully before purchase
Visit craft villages early in your trip so you have time to compare prices
Consider weight restrictions for your flight home
Look for fine craftsmanship to support local artisans by buying directly when possible
Conclusion
The best souvenirs tell a story and connect you to the places you've visited. What makes Ghanaian crafts so special is that they're not just tourist trinkets – they're living pieces of culture, made with techniques passed down through generations. Remember to leave extra space in your suitcase when visiting Ghana – you'll need it! Once you start exploring Ghana's markets, you'll find it hard to resist these beautiful treasures!
And don't forget to ask artisans about their craft; many are happy to share the stories and traditions behind their work, making your souvenirs even more meaningful.
Have you visited Ghana? What are your favorite markets to explore? What souvenirs did you bring back? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm Rashida, your not-so-typical travel guide. Join me for laughs, mishaps, and perhaps a questionable decision or two (because let's face it, those always make for the best stories). Learn More
