📖 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.
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 JeansBuy10-30 GHS→Sell online80-200 GHS on Tonaton.com or Jiji.com.ghCheck zippers and seams carefully. Look for recognisable brands like Levi's, Lee, and Wrangler which have high resale value.
👕Retro T-ShirtsBuy5-15 GHS→Sell online50-100 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 15-30 USD on eBay for rare printsLook for single-stitch band tees, old sports logos, and unique graphic prints from the 80s and 90s.
👜Leather HandbagsBuy20-50 GHS→Sell online100-250 GHS on Tonaton.comInspect 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 SneakersBuy40-80 GHS→Sell online150-400 GHS on Tonaton.comBe cautious of fakes. Focus on lightly used originals with minimal sole wear. Cleaning them up can significantly increase their value.
💡 TipArrive 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.
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 ClothBuy100-300 GHS per strip→Sell online80-200 USD on Etsy for authentic, handwoven piecesLearn to distinguish between printed (cheaper) and handwoven Kente. Handwoven cloth is heavier and has a distinct texture.
👡Ashanti Leather SandalsBuy30-60 GHS→Sell online150-250 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 40-70 USD on EtsyCheck 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 SymbolsBuy20-100 GHS→Sell online30-80 USD on eBay or Etsy for vintage/well-made piecesLook for older, heavier brass items (known as 'goldweights') which are highly collectible. Newer items are lighter and less detailed.
👚Second-hand ClothingBuy5-25 GHS→Sell online40-100 GHS on Tonaton.comThe thrift section here is extensive but less famous than Kantamanto. Prices can be lower due to less competition from Accra-based resellers.
💡 TipThe 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.
📍Address: John Evans Atta Mills High St, Accra, Ghana
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 & CarvingsBuy50-200 GHS→Sell online50-150 USD on eBay or specialty decor sitesLook for carvings made from heavy, dark wood like ebony. Lighter, softer woods are cheaper and less desirable for export.
📿Antique Trade BeadsBuy10-50 GHS per strand→Sell online100-300 GHS on Tonaton.com; 40-100 USD on Etsy for rare beadLearn to identify valuable Krobo beads and older Venetian trade beads. Look for imperfections and wear, which indicate age and authenticity.
🧺Bolga BasketsBuy80-150 GHS→Sell online60-120 USD on Etsy or fair-trade websitesCheck for tight weaves and a sturdy leather handle. The quality can vary significantly between vendors.
🥁Djembe DrumsBuy100-300 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.
💡 TipNegotiating 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.
💰 What to buy here
🌿Shea Butter & Black SoapBuy10-20 GHS for a large ball→Sell online80-150 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 15-25 USD on Etsy for packaged prBuy 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 & ShitoBuy5-15 GHS per bag/jar→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 FabricsBuy80-150 GHS for a 6-yard piece→Sell online50-90 USD on Etsy or eBayLearn the main brands like GTP and Woodin. Buying in bulk directly from the main distributors in the market can lower the per-piece price.
💡 TipThe 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.
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 SmocksBuy150-250 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 GoodsBuy40-100 GHS→Sell online150-300 GHS on Tonaton.comLook for bags, sandals, and pouches made from dyed goat or cow leather. The craftsmanship is often rustic but authentic and appealing.
🏺Local PotteryBuy10-40 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.
💡 TipThis 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.
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 PartsBuy50-200 GHS→Sell online50-150 USD on eBay for unique itemsBeing 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 HousewaresBuy10-50 GHS→Sell online50-150 GHS on Tonaton.comLook for vintage glassware, ceramic sets, and unique kitchen gadgets that arrive in shipping containers from Europe.
🛢️Decor from Oil & Gas IndustryBuyVaries→Sell onlineVaries on eBayTakoradi is Ghana's oil hub. It's possible to find branded industrial items, signs, or old equipment that can be sold as industrial decor.
💡 TipThe 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.
These categories hide the most undervalued finds at flea markets. Learn what drives their prices — or just scan the item at the stall and get an expert answer.
Well-known flea markets in Ghana include Kantamanto Market (Accra), Kejetia Market (Kumasi) and Accra Arts Centre (Accra). This page lists 6 markets in 4 cities with addresses, opening hours and what to buy there to resell.
When are flea markets open in Ghana?
Most run on weekends. Kantamanto Market: Monday - Saturday: 06:00 - 18:00; Kejetia Market: Monday - Saturday: 07:00 - 18:00; Accra Arts Centre: Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00. Hours change with the season, so check the market's own website before you go.
What can you buy at flea markets in Ghana to resell?
Good finds at these markets include Vintage & Designer Jeans (buy 10-30 GHS, resell 80-200 GHS on Tonaton.com or Jiji.com.gh), Retro T-Shirts (buy 5-15 GHS, resell 50-100 GHS on Jiji.com.gh; 15-30 USD on eBay for rare prints), Leather Handbags (buy 20-50 GHS, resell 100-250 GHS on Tonaton.com) and Brand-name Sneakers (buy 40-80 GHS, resell 150-400 GHS on Tonaton.com). Check what an item actually sold for before you pay — the FlipTip app shows real sold prices from a photo.
Is there a flea market near me in Ghana?
Tap "Nearest to me" on this page to sort the markets by distance from where you are. Markets listed here are in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi.
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