Night markets in Accra are, to some extent, a thrill. In times of emergencies or perhaps night cravings, these places can be a godsend. Then there are those nocturnal persons who prefer to do most of their activities after dark. You’d be surprised by the number of people trying to beat the odds to purchase items after the sun sets.

There is the perception that items sold in night markets are said to be significantly less expensive than regular prices. Regardless, the inability to properly inspect these items under natural light might be a good reason for a drop in price. What are the odds that these shoes, bags, or clothes purchased will look appealing under natural light? One must be wary, for this reason, to avoid purchasing knock-off products at the price of the original.

In spite of that, the few who may not be familiar with night markets may have some questions about their pros/cons and how they operate. In case you fall in that category, here is your complete guide to night shopping in the alluring city of Accra in Ghana.

• Lapaz

Lapaz is a famous cosmopolitan city considered highly commercial with quite a number of houses for rent and ideally the location for some late night shopping. Usually, street hawkers and vendors display their products and goods along the streets of Lapaz for easy identification. Some items sold include shoes, bags, clothes, appliances, make-up, food, and just about everything else that might be needed.

Public vehicles are equally available during late hours to allow individuals to commute to and from Lapaz and various parts of the city.

• Circle

Circle is by choice the go-to place by many for intercity and cross-country buses operating over long distances. With many of these buses falling in the category of standard and luxury, transportation services at Circle run 24 hours on a regular basis.

The night market, which is ideal to cater to the needs and wants of travellers, has many street vendors and hawkers selling food, clothes, shoes, bags, and electronic devices to the many who arrive or are set to travel during the later hours.

Even though it is very convenient to pack up and join buses at Circle, especially in times of emergencies, also be aware that crime is rife in Circle, so it is highly advised to keep an eye on your belongings at all times, while there, as there is likely to be a few unscrupulous individuals looking to rob you of your belongings at your slightest lapse of attention.

• Osu

The vibrant city of Osu never sleeps! It is famously known for its wild nightlife which attracts both locals and foreigners.

This has presented the opportunity for vendors to run 24-hour services to cater to the needs of the many party ravers and other night owls. As such, the streets of Osu can be seen with many food vendors, and street hawkers selling African fabrics, accessories, and many trinkets and baubles.

Additionally, some supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and pubs, to mention a few, are open for business; therefore, you can swing along to Osu to satisfy your night cravings.

• Tema, Community 2

The Tema, Community 2, market is a well-known and busy place amongst the people who reside in Tema and beyond. The market is mainly for the buying and selling of goods and is open 24 hours during the week. Its convenience is highly patronised by busy workers due to work schedules as well as the slash in prices during the night.

Run mainly by market women, vendors during the day differ from the vendors who sell at night. Items sold are farm produce, appliances, textile materials, and food among many others.

Its vibrant nature coupled with its easy accessibility via various modes of transportation makes it a place to visit for the late night cravings as well. Waakye, kenkey, Smoked fish, indomie, and about everything you can find during working hours are also on display long after the sun sets.

• Ashaiman

With its bustling and vibrant atmosphere, the Ashaiman night market tops the list. Given the city’s population, the night market serves the needs of many workers who use its route on a daily basis or live within its boundaries.

Similar to Circle, Ashaiman has numerous bus terminals that transport people over long and short distances. Vendors who set up shop during the late hours cater to the various needs of these commuters.

Regardless of who these services are likely to please, shopping for clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and so on at the Ashaiman night market is a delight because a good bargain will result in a significant price reduction for the item.

Notably, when one steps out to do some night shopping in Accra, meeting party ravers who are either exhausted from the night’s fun or are equally out shopping late at night is not unusual. Those who are exhausted, generally, seek food and refreshment from street vendors. It’s said that street food tastes different, especially after a wild night.

Noodles, late-night waakye, kelewele, “check check”, smoked fish and banku, yam chips or potato chips usually punctuate a party raver’s night.

The city has many other interesting characteristics that depict the way of life and living, particularly among the locals. Begin by trying out night market and show your support to the late-night vendors.