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

day 1
Exploring Local Markets
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Cultural Heritage Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Ashaiman Market

Vibrant scenes of daily commerce, colorful produce, textured fabrics and dynamic street portraits—best shot in the morning when trade is busiest.

Street Murals and Neighborhood Streets

Look for colorful walls, hand-painted signs and lively street scenes that capture the town’s character and community life.

Tema Harbour and Fishing Beaches

Early-morning light and returning fishing boats make dramatic coastal images; photo the fishermen, nets and weathered boats for strong compositions.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve (nearby)

Scenic rock formations, savannah landscapes and wildlife provide nature photography opportunities a short drive from Ashaiman.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ashaiman

Cuisine around Ashaiman reflects wider Ghanaian coastal and urban foodways: starchy staples like rice and cassava, spicy stews, grilled fish, and abundant street food. Meals are hearty, often served at open-air chop bars or market stalls where recipes are simple, fresh and affordable. Expect palm oil and pepper-based flavors, tropical fruits and seafood. Eating with locals is a great way to explore the culture and try menu items you might not otherwise order.

Ashaiman Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Waakye

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!

Kenkey and Fried Fish

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.

Kelewele

Spicy fried plantain cubes seasoned with ginger and chili—great as a snack or side dish sold by street vendors in evenings.

Jollof Rice

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

Ashaiman Market

The community’s main market with early-morning traders selling waakye, kenkey, fresh produce, cooked stews and snacks; ideal for immersive street-food sampling.

Beachfront Food Stalls (Teshie/Labadi area)

Near the beaches you’ll find grilled fish stands and seafood platters—great for fresh catches and coastal flavors during an afternoon visit.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ashaiman has a tropical wet and dry climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round (typically mid-20s to low-30s °C). There are two rainy seasons (major rains April–June and minor rains September–November) and a dry harmattan period (December–February) when dusty winds cool mornings. Humidity is high for much of the year, especially during and after rains; expect hot afternoons and warm nights.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

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.

Photography Courtesy

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors and children; many will pose if asked politely.

Dress and Conduct

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.

Bartering and Buying

Haggling is normal in markets—start below the asking price and negotiate politely; if you decline, do so respectfully to maintain goodwill.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ashaiman is generally safe during the day but like many urban areas there is a risk of petty theft, pickpocketing and occasional street crime—keep valuables out of sight and avoid flashing expensive gear. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas; use taxis or arrange rides with trusted drivers. Be cautious when photographing and ask permission when appropriate. Be mindful of traffic when crossing roads and use licensed transport options when possible.

Tipping in Ashaiman

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Long Rainy Season (April–June)

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.

Short Rainy Season (September–November)

Intermittent rains with warm temperatures; outdoor plans are still possible but keep rain contingencies and allow extra travel time for muddy or congested roads.

Harmattan / Dry Season (December–February)

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.

Dry Hot Season (July–August)

Hotter, humid conditions with plenty of sunshine—good for beach time but bring sun protection, stay hydrated and avoid the mid-afternoon heat.

Nightlife Guide

Ashaiman at Night

Nightlife in Ashaiman is local and community-focused: small bars, live music venues, street-side joints and informal gatherings where highlife and contemporary Afrobeat are played. For larger clubs, more extensive nightlife and late-night dining head to nearby Tema or Accra. If you plan to enjoy nightlife locally, travel in a group, use a reliable taxi, and keep valuables secure.

Hiking in Ashaiman

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

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.

Aburi Hills and Botanical Gardens

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.

Kotoka International Airport (ACC)

Accra's main international airport, approximately 30–50 minutes by car from Ashaiman depending on traffic; most international arrivals and departures occur here.

Tema (local airstrip / heli)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central Ashaiman is walkable for short trips—markets and neighborhood streets are best explored on foot. However, sidewalks can be inconsistent and roads busy, so exercise caution when walking; for longer distances and to reach beaches or reserves, use a trotro or taxi.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Urban Residents

Ashaiman has a large youthful population—many residents are young workers, traders and students contributing to a lively street culture.

Ethnically Diverse Communities

The town hosts people from various Ghanaian ethnic groups (Ga-Adangbe, Akan, Ewe, and migrants from the north) creating a multicultural urban mix.

Informal Traders and Artisans

A significant portion of the population works in informal trading, crafts, small-scale services and transport.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

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.

Boxing and Athletics

Ghana has a tradition in boxing and athletics, and informal boxing gyms and training sessions can be found in towns and community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic around Ashaiman can be congested, especially during morning and evening rush hours with many commuter trotros, taxis and private vehicles. Public transport is primarily shared minibuses (trotros) and taxis; there is no metro rail directly in Ashaiman, so allow extra time for road travel to Accra or Tema. Road conditions vary—some streets may be potholed or flooded during heavy rains.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ashaiman.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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).

Food allergies / Halal

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Ashaiman has local clinics and health centers that provide basic primary care and treatment for common ailments. For more serious medical issues, hospitals and specialist services are available in nearby Tema and Accra (15–45 minutes by car depending on traffic). Travelers should have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and consider carrying basic medications, mosquito repellent and water purification options.

Discover Ghana

Read more in our Ghana 2025 Travel Guide.

Ghana Travel Guide