February 15, 2011 By Freedes
The Centre For National Culture in Accra, Ghana, is better known simply as “The Arts Centre”. It is situated right next to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where the Kwame Nkrumah Museum is. There you will find what is virtually the tourist heaven of Ghana. My goodness, it has got everything from woven Kente cloth, wooden sculptures, earrings and other fashion accessories, the latest in African Attire fashion and arts and crafts from all over Ghana.
There is so much to see that you will literally hyperventilate when you get there. There is a never ending array of goods in numerous stalls that you may not even be able to shop, try outfits and haggle in one day. In fact I had to make 2 trips to the Art’s Centre before I was fully satisfied with what I wanted to buy.
And what can you get for your money? Let’s just say that the value you place on a prized item is what you pay for it. I am not a natural haggler, but I have my sister to thank for the bargains I made. And it is all about doing your research on the ground to know what the market price is. If something appears over priced, I can guarantee you, a stroll to another stall around the corner will reveal just how much an item’s price has been inflated. And the vendors are savvy street sellers, they will negotiate until you get tired, so be prepared for a challenge.
When I think about which items from the Art’s centre really caught my eye, I would have to say the woven pictures as shown in the photos.
There were some pictures of jazz bands, some of Adinkra symbols and some of mothers carrying babies on their backs, Baby Bjorn, step aside because nothing beats a simple cloth and baby tucked in close on your back.
Where is the Arts Centre located? As far as the address goes, I wouldn’t have a clue as most people in Accra will drive on a road and will not be able to tell you it’s name, except for where it is coming from, and where it is going. Never the less, my best attempt at giving directions is that the Arts Centre is located on the High Street. That is the road that takes you through James Town (which I should visit on me next trip) and past all the swanky banks. Once you see a significant land mark, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, directly opposite the white high court buildings, you are there!
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