Things To Do
in Ashaiman
Ashaiman is a densely populated, fast-growing suburban town east of Accra and adjacent to Tema, known for its lively markets, informal economy, and youthful population. The town has a strong community feel with colorful street life, busy chop bars and frequent outdoor trading along its main roads. Ashaiman is a practical base for exploring Tema’s industrial port, nearby beaches and reserves while offering an authentic slice of everyday Ghanaian urban life.
Visitors should expect energetic streets, friendly vendors, and straightforward access to Accra’s attractions by road.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Ashaiman Market, where the vibrant colors of fresh produce and textiles greet you. Engage with local vendors who offer a variety of goods, from handcrafted jewelry to traditional Ghanaian attire. As you wander through the stalls, savor the aromas of street food being prepared right before your eyes.
After exploring the market, take a short walk to the nearby Denu Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Here, you can enjoy the gentle waves and perhaps indulge in some local seafood delicacies from beachside vendors. Take a moment to soak up the sun and mingle with friendly locals enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
As the sun sets, return to Ashaiman and head to a local eatery to experience authentic Ghanaian cuisine. Try the popular jollof rice or banku with tilapia while enjoying the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. Finish your evening with a stroll through the streets, soaking in the vibrant nightlife of the town.
Begin your day by visiting the nearby Nungua Traditional Area, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the Ga people. Participate in a traditional drumming workshop, where local musicians teach you the basics of their rhythmic art. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the significance of music in Ghanaian culture.
After the workshop, head to the Ghana National Museum to further explore the cultural heritage of the nation. The museum features various artifacts, textiles, and art that tell the story of Ghana's past. Take your time to absorb the rich narratives presented and interact with knowledgeable guides.
In the evening, return to Ashaiman and find a cozy spot for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you share stories with new friends over a delicious meal. Consider trying local specialties while enjoying live performances by local artists.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee or beverage | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $1-3 |
| 🚌Trotro (shared minibus) fare | $0.20-0.70 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / basic hotel per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic everyday Ghanaian urban life and friendly local interactions.
- Affordable food, street markets and easy access to nearby beaches and reserves.
- Close to Tema and Accra for broader cultural and transport links.
- Lively street photography and market scenes for visitors interested in local culture.
- Busy, crowded streets with limited tourist infrastructure.
- Risk of petty crime if precautions aren't taken; limited nightlife compared to Accra.
- Basic healthcare and services in town—serious care may require travel to Accra or Tema.
- Road congestion and occasional flooding during heavy rains can disrupt travel.
- "Maakye" - Good morning (Twi)
- "Medaase" - Thank you (Twi)
- "Ɛte sɛn?" - How are you? (Twi)
- "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please (Twi)
- "Kafra" - Excuse me / Sorry (Ga)
- "Wobɛtumi afa kwan?" - Can you help me? (Twi)
Places to Visit in Ashaiman
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant scenes of daily commerce, colorful produce, textured fabrics and dynamic street portraits—best shot in the morning when trade is busiest.
Look for colorful walls, hand-painted signs and lively street scenes that capture the town’s character and community life.
Early-morning light and returning fishing boats make dramatic coastal images; photo the fishermen, nets and weathered boats for strong compositions.
Scenic rock formations, savannah landscapes and wildlife provide nature photography opportunities a short drive from Ashaiman.
Food in Ashaiman
Ashaiman Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular breakfast made of rice and beans cooked together, usually served with gari, spaghetti, boiled egg, fried plantain and pepper sauce; widely available at Ashaiman market stalls.
Must-Try!
A fermented corn dough served with spicy pepper sauce (shito), fried fish and sometimes soup; a coastal specialty you can find at local vendors and near fishing beaches.
Spicy fried plantain cubes seasoned with ginger and chili—great as a snack or side dish sold by street vendors in evenings.
Tomato-based one-pot rice often served with chicken, beef or fish and a side salad; common at celebration plates and everyday eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The community’s main market with early-morning traders selling waakye, kenkey, fresh produce, cooked stews and snacks; ideal for immersive street-food sampling.
Near the beaches you’ll find grilled fish stands and seafood platters—great for fresh catches and coastal flavors during an afternoon visit.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people politely with a handshake and a smile—use local greetings and address elders first. Showing respect to elders is important in social interactions.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors and children; many will pose if asked politely.
Dress modestly in public spaces—casual clothing is fine but avoid overly revealing outfits in conservative neighborhoods. Public displays of affection may be frowned upon.
Haggling is normal in markets—start below the asking price and negotiate politely; if you decline, do so respectfully to maintain goodwill.
Safety
Tipping in Ashaiman
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—small tips (1–5 GHS) for helpful porters, good restaurant service or tour guides are common. For taxis, round up the fare or add a small amount for convenience.
Cash in Ghanaian cedi (GHS) is widely used, especially for markets and small eateries. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash) is very common and often accepted. Credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but are less reliable in small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy afternoon or evening downpours, occasional flooding in low-lying streets, humid conditions and fewer clear-sky photography days; pack a waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothes.
Intermittent rains with warm temperatures; outdoor plans are still possible but keep rain contingencies and allow extra travel time for muddy or congested roads.
Cooler mornings and dusty winds from the Sahara (harmattan) that reduce humidity and visibility; bring layers for cool mornings and protect camera gear from dust.
Hotter, humid conditions with plenty of sunshine—good for beach time but bring sun protection, stay hydrated and avoid the mid-afternoon heat.
Ashaiman at Night
Hiking in Ashaiman
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About an hour from Ashaiman, this reserve offers easy to moderate hikes, granite outcrops, wildlife viewing (baboons, antelope) and scenic panoramas—suitable for a half-day trip.
A 1–1.5 hour drive from Ashaiman to the Aburi area offers hilltop walks, cooler air and landscaped gardens; combine with a visit to local craft markets for a full-day outing.
Airports
How to reach Ashaiman by plane.
Accra's main international airport, approximately 30–50 minutes by car from Ashaiman depending on traffic; most international arrivals and departures occur here.
Tema does not have major commercial flights but is an industrial port area close to Ashaiman; air access is limited to private or charter services—road travel is the usual connection.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ashaiman has a large youthful population—many residents are young workers, traders and students contributing to a lively street culture.
The town hosts people from various Ghanaian ethnic groups (Ga-Adangbe, Akan, Ewe, and migrants from the north) creating a multicultural urban mix.
A significant portion of the population works in informal trading, crafts, small-scale services and transport.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and community games are common and a major social activity; catching a local match gives insight into community life.
Ghana has a tradition in boxing and athletics, and informal boxing gyms and training sessions can be found in towns and community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ashaiman.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (beans, plantain, yams, vegetable stews) but many dishes include fish or meat. Ask for 'no fish/no meat' and specify ingredients—staples like waakye with vegetable stew or kelewele can work well.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible with careful ordering (plain rice, stewed vegetables, gari and beans). Confirm that sauces are free of fish stock or shrimp (common in coastal cooking).
If you have allergies, communicate clearly and eat at established stalls where ingredients are visible. Halal-certified outlets are less common—ask locally for Muslim-run eateries if required.