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Second-hand Markets in Ghana
Ghana
A reseller's guide to the top markets
Second-hand Market
📖 Ghana's market scene is a vibrant and chaotic treasure trove for resellers. Known locally as 'Obroni Wawu' or 'Bend Down Boutiques', the trade in second-hand goods, especially clothing, is a massive industry. Beyond textiles, markets offer unique opportunities in handmade crafts, traditional beads, and even electronics parts, providing diverse inventory for selling locally on platforms like Tonaton.com and Jiji.com.gh, or internationally on Etsy and eBay.
6 markets
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Kantamanto Market
📍 Accra
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Address
Central Business District, Accra, Ghana
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Open
Monday - Saturday: 06:00 - 18:00
The largest second-hand clothing market in West Africa, Kantamanto is a sprawling, intense labyrinth of stalls. It's the epicenter for 'Obroni Wawu' (dead white man's clothes) and a must-visit for any textile reseller.
💰 What to buy here
Vintage & Designer Jeans
Buy10-30 GHS
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Sell online80-200 GHS on Tonaton.com or Jiji.com.gh
Check zippers and seams carefully. Look for recognisable brands like Levi's, Lee, and Wrangler which have high resale value.
Retro T-Shirts
Buy5-15 GHS
→
Sell online50-100 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 15-30 USD on eBay for rare prints
Look for single-stitch band tees, old sports logos, and unique graphic prints from the 80s and 90s.
Leather Handbags
Buy20-50 GHS
→
Sell online100-250 GHS on Tonaton.com
Inspect the quality of the leather and check for broken straps or hardware. Unbranded, high-quality leather often sells better than fake designer bags.
Brand-name Sneakers
Buy40-80 GHS
→
Sell online150-400 GHS on Tonaton.com
Be cautious of fakes. Focus on lightly used originals with minimal sole wear. Cleaning them up can significantly increase their value.
Tip:Arrive at dawn (5-6 AM) on a Tuesday or Friday. This is when new bales of clothing are opened, and you'll get first pick of the highest quality items before other resellers.
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Kejetia Market
📍 Kumasi
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Address
Kejetia Road, Kumasi, Ghana
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Open
Monday - Saturday: 07:00 - 18:00
One of the largest open-air markets in West Africa, the redeveloped Kejetia Market is a massive, modern complex with thousands of stalls. It offers everything from food to electronics, with a significant section for second-hand goods and traditional crafts.
💰 What to buy here
Kente Cloth
Buy100-300 GHS per strip
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Sell online80-200 USD on Etsy for authentic, handwoven pieces
Learn to distinguish between printed (cheaper) and handwoven Kente. Handwoven cloth is heavier and has a distinct texture.
Ashanti Leather Sandals
Buy30-60 GHS
→
Sell online150-250 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 40-70 USD on Etsy
Check the quality of the leather and stitching. Custom designs or sizes can be ordered directly from the makers for a better price.
Brass Goods & Adinkra Symbols
Buy20-100 GHS
→
Sell online30-80 USD on eBay or Etsy for vintage/well-made pieces
Look for older, heavier brass items (known as 'goldweights') which are highly collectible. Newer items are lighter and less detailed.
Second-hand Clothing
Buy5-25 GHS
→
Sell online40-100 GHS on Tonaton.com
The thrift section here is extensive but less famous than Kantamanto. Prices can be lower due to less competition from Accra-based resellers.
Tip:The new complex is vast; ask for directions to the specific sections you need (e.g., 'second-hand shoes' or 'kente weavers'). The best deals on crafts are often found by talking directly to the artisans.
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Accra Arts Centre
📍 Accra
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Address
John Evans Atta Mills High St, Accra, Ghana
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Open
Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00
Officially the Centre for National Culture, this is Accra's main tourist market for arts and crafts. It's not a flea market, but a crucial source for resellers focusing on authentic Ghanaian handicrafts.
💰 What to buy here
Wooden Masks & Carvings
Buy50-200 GHS
→
Sell online50-150 USD on eBay or specialty decor sites
Look for carvings made from heavy, dark wood like ebony. Lighter, softer woods are cheaper and less desirable for export.
Antique Trade Beads
Buy10-50 GHS per strand
→
Sell online100-300 GHS on Tonaton.com; 40-100 USD on Etsy for rare bead
Learn to identify valuable Krobo beads and older Venetian trade beads. Look for imperfections and wear, which indicate age and authenticity.
Bolga Baskets
Buy80-150 GHS
→
Sell online60-120 USD on Etsy or fair-trade websites
Check for tight weaves and a sturdy leather handle. The quality can vary significantly between vendors.
Djembe Drums
Buy100-300 GHS
→
Sell online80-200 USD on eBay (shipping is a challenge)
Focus on smaller, more decorative drums that are easier and cheaper to ship internationally. Check the skin for tears.
Tip:Negotiating is essential and expected. The first price quoted is often double or triple the final price. Buying multiple items from one vendor gives you much stronger bargaining power.
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Makola Market
📍 Accra
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Address
Kojo Thompson Rd, Accra, Ghana
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Open
Daily: 06:00 - 19:00
Makola is a vast, chaotic and quintessential West African market where you can find almost anything. While known for new goods and food, its labyrinthine alleys hide vendors selling traditional items perfect for resale.
💰 What to buy here
Shea Butter & Black Soap
Buy10-20 GHS for a large ball
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Sell online80-150 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 15-25 USD on Etsy for packaged pr
Buy raw, unprocessed shea butter (it's yellowish) directly from the women who produce it. It has a higher perceived value for international buyers.
Local Spices & Shito
Buy5-15 GHS per bag/jar
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Sell online50-80 GHS on Tonaton.com (for well-packaged jars)
Reselling food items requires proper packaging and labeling. Focus on dried spices like Grains of Paradise (Hwentia) which are easy to ship.
African Wax Print Fabrics
Buy80-150 GHS for a 6-yard piece
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Sell online50-90 USD on Etsy or eBay
Learn the main brands like GTP and Woodin. Buying in bulk directly from the main distributors in the market can lower the per-piece price.
Tip:The market is a maze. Ask vendors for directions to the specific section you need, for example, the bead sellers or fabric importers. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the intense weekend crowds.
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Tamale Central Market
📍 Tamale
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Address
Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
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Open
Daily: 07:00 - 18:00
The largest market in Northern Ghana, Tamale Central Market is the hub for traditional northern crafts and goods. It's less tourist-focused, offering more authentic items and potentially better prices.
💰 What to buy here
Fugu/Batakari Smocks
Buy150-250 GHS
→
Sell online350-500 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 80-150 USD on Etsy.
Authentic Fugu is hand-woven from thick cotton strips. Look for intricate embroidery and quality stitching, which indicate a high-value piece.
Northern Leather Goods
Buy40-100 GHS
→
Sell online150-300 GHS on Tonaton.com
Look for bags, sandals, and pouches made from dyed goat or cow leather. The craftsmanship is often rustic but authentic and appealing.
Local Pottery
Buy10-40 GHS
→
Sell online80-150 GHS on Jiji.com.gh (local pickup only)
These items are beautiful but difficult to ship. This is a category best suited for local resale or for resellers who can arrange bulk freight.
Tip:This is the best place in the country to source Fugu/Batakari smocks. Buy directly from the weavers' cooperatives on the market's edge for the best quality and price.
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Market Circle
📍 Takoradi
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Address
Market Circle, Takoradi, Ghana
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Open
Daily: 07:00 - 18:00
The commercial heart of the Western Region, Takoradi's market is famous for its unique circular design. As a major port city, it's a good place to find a mix of imported second-hand goods and local products.
💰 What to buy here
Maritime Antiques & Ship Parts
Buy50-200 GHS
→
Sell online50-150 USD on eBay for unique items
Being a port city, you can sometimes find old lanterns, compasses, or other brass items from decommissioned ships. This is a niche but profitable category.
Imported Second-hand Housewares
Buy10-50 GHS
→
Sell online50-150 GHS on Tonaton.com
Look for vintage glassware, ceramic sets, and unique kitchen gadgets that arrive in shipping containers from Europe.
Decor from Oil & Gas Industry
BuyVaries
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Sell onlineVaries on eBay
Takoradi is Ghana's oil hub. It's possible to find branded industrial items, signs, or old equipment that can be sold as industrial decor.
Tip:The circular layout can be disorienting. Use the central roundabout as a landmark. The outer rings tend to have more specialized shops, while the inner circle is more general goods.