Almost all commodities, including luxury items, can be found in the shops and markets. Artefacts from the Ashanti region and northern Ghana can be bought along with attractive handmade gold and silver jewelry. Modern and old African art is also available (although prices are high), in particular, Ashanti stools and brass weights formerly used to measure gold. Earthenware pots, leatherwork, locally woven shirts and
Bolgatanga baskets woven from multi-colored raffia are sold in all the northern markets. Ghana is home to the traditional Kente cloth. Shopping tours are organized by the Ministry
of Tourism (see
General Info).
Shopping hours Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1730; Wed and Sat 0800-1300.
Currency Information:CurrencyCedi (GHC; symbol ￠) = 100 pesewas. Notes are in denominations of ￠20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ￠200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 and 500, 200, 100 and 50 pesewas. The Cedi is pegged to the US Dollar at an adjustable rate.
Currency ExchangeThe exchange rate system has been liberalized and foreign currency is freely available through authorized dealers including banks and foreign exchange bureaux. Cash is exchanged at a more preferential rate than traveller’s cheques.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsCredit cards (mainly American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa) are accepted by leading hotels, restaurants, banks, businesses and some shops. Some banks may give cash advances against leading cards. However, those using credit cards should be aware that credit card fraud is common. In large urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi ATMs are commonplace.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged in large hotels, banks and foreign exchange bureaux.
Banking HoursMon-Thu 0800-1400; Fri 0800-1500.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | ￠18,259.04 |
| $1.00= | ￠9,255.00 |
| €1.00= | ￠12,351.66 |
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