The Kejetia market offers a whole new dimension to shopping, especially for foreigners. It is a proper taste of local Ghanaian shopping.
To many, shopping is a relaxing and an enjoyable experience. Pacing through the beautiful designs of huge shopping arcades is favorite pastime for some. You may get the chance to purchase a few necessities. Also, a casual leisurely walk through shops, with a bit of window shopping, has its own therapeutic effect. In terms of generating home décor and personal outlook ideas.
Not to talk about taking opportunity to try on some well-designed outfits or shoes on display in top class apparel shops. And better still, to admire yourself in the mirror only to leave the items in the shop because you cannot purchase at that instance. It all adds to the fun of shopping in advanced economies.
The market is the largest of its kind in West Africa
Here, I introduce a new aspect of shopping. It is nothing like what shopping the usual malls and arcades offer, but interesting in its own way. To the Ghanaian indigenes it appears tiring, boring and draining. However, to visitors and tourists, taking a visit to Kejetia market in the Ashanti region of Ghana offers an exciting adventure. Perhaps shopping fanatics including me, are likely to find the peculiar experience of shopping at Kejetia worth exploring.
The Kumasi Central Market, popularly called Kejetia Market is the largest open-air market in the West African sub-region. It is in the city of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region of Ghana. Kumasi is approximately 300 miles north of the Equator and 100 miles north of the Gulf of Guinea. Travelling by land from Accra, Ghana’s capital takes on average 4 to 5 hours, however you can use 30 minutes by air.
Items available at the Market
One can buy everything under the sun from the market. The market space is utterly large and offers anything that shoppers desire. Shops may not appear neatly organized as we know it to be in other parts of the world. But the amazing truth is layout of the kejetia is organized according to items sold.
Hence you will find foodstuffs on one aisle. Similarly clothes, household items, plastic ware, locally manufactured sandals, kente, batik, second-hand wear, cosmetics, jewellery, etc organized in their separate aisle, with well demarcated locations. Shopping in Kejetia market is much easier if you know where to go for the items you need. The market carries real depths in terms of items on offer. One is certain to discover the rarest of African designs in Kente/batik/accessories at the market.
Unlike shops in malls that carry similar items, one can easily find unique designs in fabrics, African prints, accessories, etc when you patiently explore the market stalls.
It is ok to visit on your own. However, it will be helpful to visit the market with a local guide who is familiar with the location and can help you bargain on price and items. Especially for visitors who wish to explore the location and purchase some items.
You may speak to your local relatives/friends/contacts or contact Ghana Tourism Authority for further assistance.
