The global art world has a new North Star, and it’s pointing directly toward Accra. In 2026, the narrative has shifted from “discovery” to “dominance.” With Ibrahim Mahama recently topping the ArtReview Power 100—the first African artist to ever do so—the Ghanaian artists scene is no longer a peripheral interest; it is a global powerhouse.
For expats living in Ghana or international collectors with a keen eye, investing in Ghanaian artists is a unique opportunity to participate in a cultural renaissance while building a robust alternative asset portfolio. Before you begin your journey, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the landscape by visiting the museums in Accra to understand the historical bedrock of these contemporary movements.
Deep Dives into 3 Top Ghanaian Artists
To invest wisely, one must understand the hands behind the canvas. Here are the titans of the current market and the stories that define the Ghanaian art scene.
Ibrahim Mahama: The Architect of Memory
The artist Ibrahim Mahama at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, July 2024. U.S. Embassy Ghana, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Born in Tamale, Mahama has redefined what visual artworks in Ghana can be. He is best known for his monumental installations where he drapes public buildings in thousands of stitched-together jute sacks.
These sacks, used to transport cocoa and coal, represent the scars of global trade and labor. In 2025 and 2026, his work has evolved to include abandoned railway sleepers and colonial-era documents, turning “waste” into high-value historical commentary.
Ibrahim Mahama’s installation “Torwache” featuring jute sacks, Germany, July 2017. Gerd Eichmann, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mahama isn’t just an artist; he is an institution-builder. By founding the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) and Red Clay, he has created a self-sustaining ecosystem. Investing in a Mahama piece is an investment in the very infrastructure of African art.
Amoako Boafo: The Master of the Gaze
If you are looking for Ghanaian painters who have achieved “rockstar” status at auction, Boafo is the name. His “Black Diaspora” series, characterized by finger-painted skin textures and vibrant, patterned backgrounds, has seen meteoric price appreciation.
Boafo’s technique bypasses the brush, using his fingers to create a sense of intimacy and “soul” in his portraits. His work celebrates Black identity, fashion, and joy, making it some of the most sought-after Ghanaian visual artists and their artworks globally.
Portrait of the artist Amoako Boafo in his studio in Accra, July 2020. Francis Kokoroko, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Boafo’s secondary market is incredibly liquid. His works are fixtures at Christie’s and Sotheby’s, often selling for many times their initial estimates. For an investor, he represents the “Blue Chip” entry point.
Ablade Glover: The Living Legend
No list of visual artists in Ghana is complete without Professor Ablade Glover. Now in his 90s, Glover is the bridge between Ghana’s independence-era modernism and today’s contemporary boom.
Using a palette knife, he creates heavy, impasto “vignettes” of Accra’s crowded markets and bus stations. From a distance, they look like abstract swaths of color; up close, they reveal the pulsing energy of Ghanaian life.
Glover is the “gold standard” for visual artworks in Ghana. His work has a steady, reliable appreciation curve and is a staple in both private homes and corporate collections across West Africa.
Kwesi Botchway: The Contemporary Vanguard
Artist Kwesi Botchway in his studio in Accra, January 2020. Amuzujoe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Botchway is a leader of the younger generation of ghanaian painters. His work often features striking figures with deep purple or blue skin tones, exploring “Blackness” through a surreal, ultra-modern lens.
His paintings often blend traditional African motifs with contemporary high fashion. This “Afropolitan” aesthetic has made him a darling of international galleries like Maruani Mercier and Gallery 1957.
Botchway is currently in that “sweet spot” of a career—internationally recognized but still possessing significant “room to grow” compared to the price ceilings of his older peers.
Other “under the radar” Ghanaian Artists
If you are asked to name visual artists in Ghana who are currently shaping the market, these are the names that should roll off your tongue:
Zohra Opoku: A pioneer in mixed-media and textiles. Her work explores identity and family history, often using photography printed on fabric—a perfect example of visual artworks in Ghana that blend tradition with modern concepts.
Keep an eye on Ife Olowu. While he has roots in the Nigerian diaspora, his influence in the West African digital art space is growing. He is pioneering the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in ghanaian visual artists and their artworks, allowing collectors to “interact” with the painting via their smartphones.
Why Invest in Ghanaian Art Right Now?
The financial world is increasingly looking at art as a “hard asset” during times of currency volatility. In Ghana, this is amplified by:
Institutional Validation
When the Tate Modern or the Guggenheim buys a Ghanaian artist, the price of every other piece by that artist effectively goes up. In 2026, we are seeing record institutional acquisitions of West African art.
Ghanaian artists are making major waves on the international stage. Names like Ibrahim Mahama, Serge Attukwei Clottey, and Zohra Opoku are also fixtures in global art fairs and auction houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips. Their works frequently gain significant appreciation in value, making Ghanaian art a strong investment opportunity.
The “Accra Effect”
Accra is now a Tier-1 art destination. Accra has become a cultural incubator. The city’s art schools, creative communities, and private art galleries foster talent and experimentation. This concentration of talent and commerce creates a “virtuous cycle” of rising values. Unlike many markets, Ghana’s contemporary art ecosystem grows organically from local culture, resulting in authentic, globally resonant work.
Portfolio Diversification
Art has a low correlation with traditional stock markets. For expats with disposable income, it’s a way to hedge against global economic shifts while owning something beautiful.
As global interest in African art grows, early collectors benefit from long-term value appreciation.
Cultural Relevance and Storytelling
Ghana’s art reflects themes of identity, history, politics, heritage, climate, migration, and modern African life. Collectors are often drawn to the strong narratives, vibrant aesthetics, and cultural depth that characterize contemporary Ghanaian works.
A painting displayed at Gallery 1957 in Accra, October 2023. Maame1Yaa, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Navigating the Business of Ghanaian Art
Investing in Ghanaian artwork requires more than just a checkbook; it requires due diligence.
1. The Power of Provenance
Provenance is the documented history of an artwork’s ownership. In a booming market, “fakes” or “studio-copies” can appear.
- Always demand a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) signed by the artist or their primary representing gallery.
- Check the Chain: If buying from a private collector, ensure there is a clear paper trail from the artist to the current seller. Missing years in a work’s history can decrease its value by 30-50% at international auctions.
2. Exporting and Logistics
If you decide to move your collection out of Ghana, you must navigate the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB).
- Export Permits: Any visual artworks in Ghana intended for export must be cleared. This ensures that “national treasures” stay in the country. Reputable galleries usually handle this paperwork for you (for a fee).
- Shipping: Do not use standard postal services. Use specialized fine art shippers (like DHL Art or local specialists) who provide “crating” and climate-controlled transit. A cracked oil painting is a lost investment.
3. The Secondary Market (Auctions)
While buying from a gallery (the primary market) is great for supporting artists directly, the secondary market (auctions) is where you “realize” your investment. Keep an eye on the Arthouse Contemporary auctions in Lagos or Sotheby’s Modern & Contemporary African Art sales in London to track how your artists are performing.
Pro-Tip: Building a relationship with a gallery owner is better than buying a single “hot” painting. They can give you “first-look” access to an artist’s new series before it hits the public market.
What to Consider When Investing in Ghanaian Art
Before diving into the gallery scene, investors should keep the following in mind:
- Research the Artist: Understanding the artist’s reputation, training, exhibition history, and international exposure helps determine long-term value.
- Buy from Reputable Galleries: Authenticity is critical. Accra’s established galleries provide documentation, provenance, and quality assurance.
- Understand Mediums and Market Trends: Paintings, installations, photography, and mixed-media works vary in both cost and appreciation potential.
- Build Relationships: Collectors who form long-term relationships with galleries often gain first access to sought-after works and early-stage careers.
- Think Long Term: Art appreciates over time. The best investments are made with patience and an understanding of market cycles.
Making Your Mark on the Accra Scene
Investing in Ghanaian artists is more than a financial strategy; it’s a way to weave yourself into the vibrant fabric of your host city.
Whether you are looking for a bold statement piece for your living room at Green Views Residential or a subtle investment to hold for the next decade, the key is to start with curiosity. Attend the openings, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The next Ibrahim Mahama or Amoako Boafo might be hanging in a quiet corner of a local gallery today, waiting for the right eye to find them.
In a city that moves as fast as Accra, the best time to start your collection was yesterday. The second best time? This weekend. Happy hunting—and remember, even if the market fluctuates, a piece you truly love will always pay dividends in daily inspiration.
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