Accra Arts and Craft Market returns for second edition with regional flair

The second edition of the the International Accra Arts and Crafts Market has opened at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture in Cantonments with over 30 exhibitors from across Africa participating.

The event, which will run for 10 days features vendors from across West Africa—including Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Benin and Ivory Coast. 

The market showcases a diverse range of handmade goods such as clothing, beads, jewellery, glasswork, vases, hats and pottery designed in different colours and shapes. 

Opening ceremony

The official opening ceremony last Saturday brought together traditional leaders, representatives from government institutions, and enthusiasts of arts and crafts.

It was on the theme "From Local Hands to the International Markets."

 The event featured solidarity messages, drumming and dancing, and a guided tour of the market to view the various artifacts and other African products on display.

 The event also featured an awards presentation to individuals who have supported the initiative since its inception last year. Honorees included the Chief of the Moshie people in Accra, Chief Sulley Issah; the President of Heritage Hands Foundation, Nana Akosua Agyapomaa I and Madame Yameogo Aissatore, owner of Agadez Artisanat in Burkina Faso.

Supporting artisans

 Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, General Manager for Accra Arts and Crafts Market, Adnan Mohammed said building on the success of its first edition, the market aims to support small artisans and help them grow into larger, more established exhibitors. 

He said they are hoping that in three to five years, many of today’s smaller vendors will be showcasing their work internationally, just as international artisans have now come to Ghana to participate.

"Many people leave school or training with valuable skills—but how do they learn to market themselves, interact with customers, and become true professionals? And once they reach that level, how do they transition into export business?"

"That, in essence, is why we are organizing this event. It’s about supporting the journey from learning how to sew or make jewelry, to becoming self-employed, hiring others, and eventually expanding into international markets. That is the progression we aim to support through this initiative," he said.

Promoting tourism

 Deputy Director-in-Charge of Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority, Kofi Attah Kakra Kusi emphasized the economic and cultural importance of promoting tourism, especially through platforms like the Accra Arts and Crafts Market.

He noted that boosting the tourism industry would create jobs, distribute income locally and internationally, and strengthen ties with other African countries through mutual participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.

He highlighted that the Arts and Crafts Market serves as a prelude to "December in GH", a major tourism initiative featuring over 100 events aimed at attracting tourists, the diaspora, and foreign visitors. 

 "For us, we say Ghana is a center of the world and we are calling on the world to come to Ghana in December and be part of the December in GH. This Arts and Craft Market being launched today is going to push also, it is a prelude to December in GH, which of course we've unveiled about 100 plus events."

"We are looking forward for tourists, foreigners, diasporans to come into the country in December and also increase the arrivals so that we can get the expected revenue that the tourism industry wishes to make," he said.

He reiterated Ghana’s position as the "center of the world" and the "gateway to Africa," calling for greater appreciation and promotion of local artisans and SMEs. 

 Preserving culture

 President of the Heritage Hands Foundation, Nana Akosua Agyapomaa Asare I emphasized the importance of preserving Ghanaian culture and traditions in a rapidly changing world.

 She also shared the Foundation’s impact over the past two years, including donating over 150,000 books to 37 public schools, setting up libraries, providing clean water, toilet facilities, and organizing free health screenings for the elderly.

Nana Agyapomaa urged attendees to visit the Foundation’s stand to see their ongoing work and encouraged continued commitment to cultural preservation and community development. 

She concluded by reaffirming the Foundation’s dedication to peace, education, and sustainable development through cultural empowerment.