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Groceries in Ghana: Complete Guide for Newcomers and Expats
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Markets vs Supermarkets in Ghana
- Local Foods vs Imported Groceries
- Common Grocery Prices in Ghana
- Major Grocery and Supermarket Chains in Ghana
- How to Pay for Groceries in Ghana
- Tips for Shopping and Haggling
- Average Weekly and Monthly Grocery Costs
- How Grocery Shopping in Ghana Compares to the US and UK
- Legal Disclaimer
Introduction
Grocery shopping in Ghana combines modern convenience with traditional market culture. Whether you visit a supermarket in Accra or a busy open air market in Kumasi, you will notice that groceries in Ghana offer a wide mix of local produce, imported goods, and fresh foods. For newcomers, learning where to shop, how to pay, and what prices to expect makes settling into daily life much easier.
Markets vs Supermarkets in Ghana
Open air markets such as Makola, Kaneshie, Kejetia, or Tema Community markets are where many locals shop for fresh produce and staples. These markets offer excellent prices and a wide range of choices but require patience, cash, and negotiation. Crowds are common, and vendors sell produce by bowls or baskets rather than packaged weights.
Supermarkets provide a different experience. Major chains like Melcom, MaxMart, Game, and Shoprite offer fixed prices, receipts, trolleys, and imported products. These stores attract expats and commuters who prefer convenience and predictable pricing. Supermarkets also accept more payment methods than markets, which rely heavily on cash.
Local Foods vs Imported Groceries
Most markets specialize in fresh, locally grown foods such as plantains, cassava, yams, tomatoes, onions, chilies, okra, garden eggs, and seasonal fruits. Fresh tilapia, goat, chicken, and beef are also widely available. Local staples such as gari, banku mix, kenkey ingredients, and millet flour are affordable and easy to find.
Imported goods are more common in supermarkets and include cereals, cooking oil, pasta, dairy products, snacks, and specialty items. These items cost more due to import fees and transport. Groceries in Ghana therefore offer both budget friendly options from markets and higher priced imported goods in larger stores.
Common Grocery Prices in Ghana
Below are typical prices you may see when buying groceries in Ghana. All USD conversions are approximate. For the most accurate real time exchange rates, you can use our Ghana to USD Currency Converter.
| Item | Price in Ghana (GH₵) | Approx. Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (1 kg imported) | GH₵20 to GH₵30 | $1.60 to $2.40 |
| Cooking Oil (1 to 2 liters) | GH₵40 to GH₵60 | $3.20 to $4.80 |
| Tomatoes (per kg) | GH₵6 to GH₵8 | $0.48 to $0.64 |
| Onions (per kg) | GH₵20 to GH₵36 | $1.60 to $2.88 |
| Chicken (per kg) | GH₵35 to GH₵50 | $2.80 to $4.00 |
| Eggs (dozen) | GH₵20 to GH₵30 | $1.60 to $2.40 |
| Bread (loaf) | GH₵5 to GH₵7 | $0.40 to $0.56 |
| Fresh greens (per bunch) | GH₵5 to GH₵10 | $0.40 to $0.80 |
Note: Local Ghanaian staples are significantly more affordable than imported items. Supermarket prices tend to be higher than market prices because supermarkets stock imported goods and offer fixed price convenience.
You can always convert today’s cedi prices into dollars using our: Currency Converter tool.
Major Grocery and Supermarket Chains in Ghana
Below are the most common grocery chains in Ghana, including example branches and payment options.
| Store | Example Location | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Melcom | Melcom Plus, North Kaneshie, Accra or branches nationwide | Cash, mobile money, some branches accept cards |
| Shoprite | Accra Mall, Tetteh Quarshie | Cash, card, sometimes mobile money |
| MaxMart | MaxMart 37, Liberation Road, Accra | Cash, some branches accept card and mobile money |
| Game | Accra Mall, Spintex Road | Cash, card, some mobile money support |
| Palace Supermarket | Palace Mall, Spintex Road | Cash, card, some mobile money |
These supermarkets provide fixed prices, imported products, and a more predictable shopping experience. They are useful when you want convenience or specific international brands.
How to Pay for Groceries in Ghana
Payment methods depend on where you shop. Open air markets rely mostly on cash. Vendors rarely have change, so carrying smaller bills helps. Mobile money is growing quickly and many sellers now accept MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, or AirtelTigo transfers. Supermarkets accept cash, cards, and often mobile money.
For newcomers, the best approach is a combination of cash and mobile money. Always verify card acceptance before checking out, because some branches only take cash.
Tips for Shopping and Haggling
- Greet vendors politely. It creates better rapport.
- Haggling is expected in markets. Offer a lower price and negotiate respectfully.
- Inspect produce carefully and ask for replacements if needed.
- Use a crossbody bag and stay aware of your surroundings in crowded markets.
- Bring your own bags or baskets because some markets do not provide packaging.
Average Weekly and Monthly Grocery Costs
The average cost of groceries in Ghana depends on your diet and preference for local or imported goods. A single person who shops mostly at markets might spend GH₵200 to GH₵300 per week. Those who prefer supermarkets and imported foods might spend GH₵1,000 to GH₵1,500 per month. A family of four may spend GH₵2,500 to GH₵4,000 each month.
How Grocery Shopping in Ghana Compares to the US and UK
Staples such as bread, rice, chicken, and eggs are often cheaper in Ghana than in the US or UK. Imported goods, however, usually cost more due to logistics and customs fees. Markets offer better prices and fresher produce than supermarkets but require bargaining and comfort with busy environments. Supermarkets provide a familiar experience for expats and take multiple payment options.
For more helpful guides about daily life, you can visit our cost of living comparison page.