These are the things, people, and places that you’ve read about (and some that you’ve never heard of) and they are likely what helped you decide to come home to Ghana for December 2019.

* Shopping*

Shopping, even for individuals who want to disrupt capitalism and its historic preference to uphold white-male-patriarchy, is an essential part of supporting the economies of the global south. It might seem like an infinitesimal contribution, but redistributing the spread of wealth and resources amongst the marginalized can have an infinite impact on the ground.

We should never shy away from digging deeper into where our money goes and from where it came. I think that being home in Africa during this Y.O.R is as good a place and time to start as any. Especially when you think about the natural resources and the labor upon which industrialism and capitalism were built.

Not going to go too heavy in this post, but as I mention in so many of my posts Ghana is full of local small businesses and entrepreneurs. If there is space (and especially if there isn’t space) people will sell any way they can. So although this post will mainly be about the excellent brick-and-mortar shops and brands that are either well established or on the come-up, you can find people to support almost anywhere. That toilet paper I recommended you carry around with you in the last post? You’ll probably find someone selling that in traffic.

This post is a brief rundown of large and small purchases that you might be looking to make, from land and condos down to cute accessories. I’ve whittled it down to just three of each type (so hard!) but I could literally go on and on because the options seem endless. This Ghana:Vim posts also include places that I enjoy because they provide unique shopping experiences.

Accessories + Homewares Brands/Stores

Kaeme

Created by Freda Obeng-Ampofo in 2014 Kaeme (@kaeme) is a beauty brand using all natural and local ingredients. I remember meeting her vending at sundown at Chale Wote a few years back and her energy as she talked about the products was as soothing as the wares themselves.

Oyé Handbags

is both a brand and a standalone store in Dansoman (@oye_gh). The leather and mudcloth or kente backpacks are so well made, as are the clasp purses. I’ll be writing another posts on handbag lines, because there are quite a few awesome one, but wanted to start with Oyé. The vibe is: gift for mom or auntie that you then borrow/steal from time-to-time.

Akooshi

Created by Joshua Tetteh Akooshi (@akooshi_gh ) transforms coconut shell and husk waste into crafts such as bowls, candles and toys. All about that up-cycled life. Plus coconuts are literal LYFE.

Clothing Brands/Stores

Really needs no mention, but still. I’ll mention the fashion line and store (2 in Ghana, 1 in NYC) created by Abrema Erwiah and Rosario Dawson. Studio 189 is literal #goals, and the duo are so lovely and transparent that the standards they’ve set don’t seem insurmountable which is a gift to any dreamer.

The brainchild of Stefania Manfreda, the mini Lokko empire supports creativity and new definitions of family. Concept stores, Lokko House showcases African brands and Elle Lokko specializes in African women-owned brands. The Warehouse Accra (see below) is a space for textile renewal among other things; The Container [Accra] is a contemporary art and performance space which is the entrance to Front/Back, a membership-based bar. If your mind is blown, then I’m right there with you. Meeting the artists/artisans that frequent the spaces is so refreshing. I was floored to find out that it began as a street-ware/T-shirt store around 10 years ago when I was studying in Ghana and I wish I had known it then. The organic trajectory and warmth of the brand is also literal #goals.

AfroDistrict Artist Studio (@afrodistrictpa) is its own style studio responsible for some iconic visuals but the team behind the studio Yayra Agbofa and Kwamena Boison often partner with The Warehouse Accra (next to Lokko House) in “Revival” workshops. As purveyors of thrift and rejuvenation, AfroDistrict sources choice vintage pieces from the Katamanto market, and then gives the garments new life all wrapped in the warm goodness of upcycling and a fly aesthetic.

Food Fast Food/Cafe

KuKun (@kukun_ghana) is a bar, cafe, and co-working space on the edge of Osu headed towards La road. Another establishment with a clean, green, minimalist aesthetic, Kukun also hosts community events and workshops.

Baa x Bean (@baa.bean) franchise from the minds of Tea Baa (which left Osu in early 2019 (come back soon!) but have cultivated a chill vibe providing the eats for The Gallery (Luxury apartments with short-term rental options) in East Legon.

Honeysuckle Pub and Restaurant. OMG don’t let the sports bar vibe fool you, their seafood jollof rice (!?!?) is spot on and plentiful. It feels like Honeysuckle has been around forever (it kind of has by Accra restaurant lifespans) and they’ve expanded to three locations in their journey thus far. So if you’re in East Legon, Labone, or Osu (along Ring Road) then you’re not far from quick, good eats.

Dining

Rockefella’s Sushi and Grill Spot, Osu.
Sushi in Africa felt odd to me the first time I ate it tbh. But Accra is by the sea. #getintoit There are a few sushi and noodle spots in the city, but I liked this one and its atmosphere the most. It was funky in all the best ways.
Au Grand Ecuyer, Osu (along Ring Road East)
Did I mention that we are by the ocean? The fish at Au Grand Ecuyer took me on a journey of epic proportions. The least reason for this being that my mother requested some take-away which was misplaced and then re-ordered after we had already departed. It’s a better story when she tells it. Anyway, the food is worth the exposition and the atmosphere is not fussy.
Coco Lounge, Airport
Coco Lounge’s light and crisp aesthetic is in line with the Yolo Experience brand that brings Carbon Nightclubs dark and edgy vibe. The menu is sort of long but well-curated and delicious, although to be honest, I’m mainly there for the drinks.

Sweets

A few of the places above might have catering availability, but if you want to send a DM to any of the following women-owned desserts-based businesses, then, you’re welcome.

@sweetcakesbyfrimpsey + @sanguine_krave; they can be miracle workers but they may be swamped this holiday season.

Land/Condos

So my only suggestion here is to maybe go in for a timeshare first and then get acclimated. I can’t really recommend working with any particular realtor although I do know a few (cough cough #accraluxuryapartments), but I don’t need y’all looking at me sideways if things don’t work out 👀.

So I’ll just recommend that when it comes to land buying make sure you are going through reputable sources that you have personally vested. We don’t want to replicate history with unlawful land-grabs from individuals and families that might not have the means to fight for what is theirs. Land disputes happen all the time! And if the owners are all for it, then don’t be afraid to play hardball on pricing, but at the same time play fair (to the market).

So to recap: this list is just a peek into the many shopping experiences available in Ghana from the chop bar to the luxury experience. Dip in and out of any of these experiences. And if you come with an openness of heart (sneak peak: tomorrow’s tip!) then you will never feel cheated. Cuz it’s all about the money, but at the same time it isn’t.

~Ohemaa Serwaa

Concrete Guidance: Y.O.R Part 2