As sustainability becomes an increasingly important global priority, it is no surprise that humanity is becoming more aware of their environmental impact. From reducing waste to supporting ethical businesses, green markets in Accra are also part of the sustainable projects in Ghana, seeking ways to be more eco-friendly while offering a variety of shopping options for those looking to align their purchases with their environmental values.
Keep reading on if you want to learn more about the eco-conscious shopping scene and discover sustainable products and markets in Ghana.
The Rise of Eco-Conscious Shopping in Ghana
Ghana, with its unique mix of traditional shopping venues and green initiatives, offers a variety of shopping options for those looking to align their purchases with their environmental values.
Ghana, like many other countries in Africa, Ghanaians have sustainability ingrained by culture and tradition (they just don’t know it by the concept of “sustainability”). With its unique mix of traditional markets and green initiatives, there are examples of traditional objects that have been (and are still used) in many Ghanaians day to day lives.
Drums made of calabash
Most are natural objects that have come directly from nature, like the calabash (a fruit) or the kotsa (comes from a plant). However, the growing urbanization, increased consumption, and disposable culture in recent years have brought challenges to the environment.
As awareness of climate change and environmental degradation continues to rise, there has been a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly practices. In response, a number of local businesses, markets, and entrepreneurs have emerged to cater to the demand for sustainable products.
If you are living in Ghana, eco-conscious shopping not only helps reduce waste and carbon footprints but also supports local businesses and artisans. By choosing to shop sustainably, you can contribute to Ghana’s green economy and help promote practices that benefit the environment.
Green Markets in Accra for more conscious shopping
There is a great variety of green markets in Accra where you can shop for fresh produce, organic/local products, and handmade goods. While some markets may not have a formal “eco” designation, there are several that emphasize local, organic, and sustainable options. Here are a few places where you can find eco-conscious shopping options.
Green Butterfly Ghana, the place for local artisans and crafts
At Green Butterfly Ghana they are committed to making a positive and significant socio-economic impact on our local communities while expanding their eco-friendly community in Ghana and beyond.
Their strong social network built over the years presents the backbone that supports and connects Ghanaian artisans with the rest of the world. They strive to create a better future by focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability, civic education, and social welfare. This is also a great place to buy some gifts from Ghana!
Osu Market, a market to support the local economy
While not exclusively focused on eco-friendly products, Osu Market in Accra is a bustling area that offers a variety of goods from local vendors. Here, you can find everything from locally made objects and all kinds of local Ghanaian food options.
We have included this option here because if you want to support local economy, this is a great option to come grocery shopping or having a meal out.
Labone Green Market, to support local brands and producers
The Labone Green Market is a Saturday (9am – 3pm every Saturday) Market where you can get fresh organically grown fruits & vegetables, & gluten free options.
A healthy shopping option – The Farmers Market
The Farmers Market is a chain shop (with shops in Tema, Spintex Rd, East Legon, and Labone) that emphasises family values like honesty and empathy while providing customers with a broad selection of high-quality, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and health foods.
Eco-Conscious Products in Ghana
In addition to farmers’ markets, local bazaars and said green markets in Accra, there is a growing selection of eco-conscious products available in shops across Ghana; sustainable clothing, zero-waste household products, or organic beauty products.
1. Reusable Shopping Bags
Plastic waste is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing Ghana. Many people are trying to switch to reusable shopping bags to help combat this issue.
We can notice this with the rise of brands who dedicate themselves exactly to this. There are now even some vendors in Makola Market who are in the business of selling with reusable bags (see picture below). The issue are actually the consumers who are refusing to return and reuse the bags on subsequent visits.
These are some brands that create reusable bags that you can check out:
- Reusable Bags GH: Is a social enterprise , that contributes to the construction of a plastic-free environment by producing fashionable and reusable bags made in the worlds largest second-hand textile market in Accra.
- Trashy bags: this brand is transforming plastic waste from Ghana’s streets and beaches into stylish, eco-conscious fashion.
- Soko Bags: They specialise in ethically sourced, eco-friendly reusable bags crafted from cotton and jute fibers. They are dedicated to combating the plastic waste crisis while empowering women through sustainable job opportunities.
2. Natural Beauty Products
Shea butter in calabash
Ghana is known for its rich cultural heritage in natural skincare. Local beauty brands often use natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and neem to create eco-friendly beauty products. Not only are these products sustainable, but they also support local farmers who harvest the raw materials sustainably.
An example of such a brand is Africana Skincare ,which offer ancestral African skincare products made with locally sourced ingredients. These products come in biodegradable packaging, such is is the calabash. Opting for a more conscious skincare, that is good for your health and the environment, is also another small step to living more consciously and in harmony with our environment.
3. Sustainable Clothing
Ghana has a growing sustainable fashion scene, with local designers and brands creating beautiful, ethically produced clothing. These designers often use locally sourced fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and traditional Ghanaian prints like kente to produce their garments.
By supporting these brands, not only do you get to wear unique, high-quality clothing but also contribute to fair trade practices and reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion.
Here are some brands you can check out:
- Calcul: A sustainable fashion brand that incorporates natural dyeing and cultural sustainability.
- Kofaya: They buy second-hand clothes in Kantomanto in Accra and blend them with Ghanaian tradition and new-fashion fabrics as a unique upcycling product.
Kente fabrics
4. The Go To Initiative – something to keep your eye on
The Go To Initiative (GTI) was founded with a mission to support African communities, particularly in Ghana, in adopting sustainable practices and achieving environmental justice. By addressing core ESG reporting challenges and fostering sustainable development, GTI has positioned itself as a catalyst for transformative change in Ghana. They have 4 different initiatives:
- goTo Fair
- goTo Class
- goTo Tech
- goTo Live
To learn more visit their website provided above.
