π Accra's 'Second-hand Market' scene is a vibrant hub for resellers, with Kantamanto Market standing out as arguably the largest second-hand clothing market in West Africa. Here, resellers can unearth everything from designer clothing and rare fabrics to shoes, spare parts, and household decorations, often sourced from Europe, North America, and Asia. The key to success lies in arriving at dawn when new bales are opened, offering the best selection and prices. Makola Market, while not exclusively second-hand, is a massive commercial center where resellers can find a vast array of goods, including imported fabrics, beauty products, and household supplies. The Accra Arts Centre, on the other hand, specializes in authentic Ghanaian arts and crafts, textiles, carvings, and jewelry, providing uni
3 markets
πKantamanto Market
π Accra
π
Address
Central Business District, Accra, Ghana
π
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.
π° What to buy here
πVintage & Designer Jeans
Buy10-30 GHSβSell 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.
πRetro T-Shirts
Buy5-15 GHSβSell 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.
πLeather Handbags
Buy20-50 GHSβSell 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.
πBrand-name Sneakers
Buy40-80 GHSβSell 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.
Address
John Evans Atta Mills High St, Accra, Ghana
π
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.
π° What to buy here
πWooden Masks & Carvings
Buy50-200 GHSβSell 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.
πΏAntique Trade Beads
Buy10-50 GHS per strandβSell 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.
π§ΊBolga Baskets
Buy80-150 GHSβSell 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.
π₯Djembe Drums
Buy100-300 GHSβSell 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.
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.
π° What to buy here
πΏShea Butter & Black Soap
Buy10-20 GHS for a large ballβSell 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.
πΆοΈLocal Spices & Shito
Buy5-15 GHS per bag/jarβSell 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.
π¨African Wax Print Fabrics
Buy80-150 GHS for a 6-yard pieceβSell 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.