If you're struggling for gift ideas for this Christmas period, below are a few examples from Ghanaian entrepreneurs that might spark ideas.
Afiakos
Afiakos sources handmade clothing and accessories which blend modern classic styling with ntoma.
Founded by London-based Richmond Osei-Akoto, Afiakos acts as a showcase of the latest fashion items by talented independent creatives from Ghana and other African countries.
Amonu
Amonu is a Ghanaian chocolatier and confectioner established in 2018 in Accra that produces nine flavours of premium chocolate in bars, truffles, and other treats with locally sourced fillings.
The product lines range between dark chocolates (70% and 80%) milk and white chocolates; with various flavours including ginger, lemon, coffee, peanut, white with nibs, sea salt and coconut blends.
We offer delicately wrapped and packaged products in select Akan Adinkra designs, linked to the promotion of choco-tourism, with an understanding of Ghanaian culture.
Amonu’s stockists include: Amonu Chocolate Store, The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Shidaa Sonn Gift Shop, Kotoka International Airport, My Runway Group in London, UK.
Caveman Watches
Caveman Watches is an award-winning Ghanaian brand founded by Anthony Mensah Dzamefe in 2018.
The corporate watch retailer and repairer, which is based in Accra, Adjiringanor plot 81, uses vintage traditional hand assembly technology timepieces for men and women.
According to the Caveman Watches website: “He [Anthony] accumulated massive experience and in-depth knowledge of watchmaking and the global horology industry in that time and decided to take the bold step of challenging the status quo and creating a watch brand that will be the first of its kind in Ghana and Africa.”
Plantain Chutney
Plantain Chutney is a homemade plantain chutney created by husband-and-wife team Simon and Josie Adair in Nailsea, North Somerset, UK.
The new brand combines the pair’s passion for food and their respective British and Ghanaian heritages. Simon is originally from the Dorset and Josie is a British Ghanaian.
The chutney is described as fresh, fruity and flavoursome and a great accompaniment to stews, rice and cous cous.
According to the company's website, it says plantain chutney is "also great with crackers, inside burgers, on flat breads or toast. You can also try adding it to your pasta dishes, soups or sauces for a bit of a lovely twist!”
Wildfleur Blooms
Wildfleur Blooms is a paper flower company in Irvine, California, USA, that was founded by Ama Ramos Pipim.
Ama creates realistic and sustainable hand-sculpted paper floral and botanical blooms as a way of preserving the natural ones.
Tyliswoman
Meet Frances Tufuor, the London-based founder of independent handcrafted jewellery-making business Tyliswoman. Her jewellery is inspired by timeless tradition and modern African cultural symbols and designs.
The range includes statement necklaces, bangle bracelets, earrings and rings and engagement rings and wedding bands.
Frances and her team handcraft these designs using traditional wood carving and metal smelting techniques.
Frances says: “Many of our designs come from our experiences of Africa’s cultural tapestry and our desire to convey our stories with you. The aim is to create jewellery pieces that are a perfect reminder of timeless classics or personalised pieces designed to be treasured forever.”
Afromats
If you are a vinyl record lover, these hand-made vinyl slip mats might make a good gift choice.
Each Afromat has a bespoke hand-drawn design which is then digitally reproduced. The design is then transferred onto the hand-made slipmat using the latest digital printing technologies, highest quality felt materials and vibrant colourful inks.
Afromats began in 2016. London-based founder DJ Yaw Noir was inspired by his love of collecting and playing African vinyl music.
“We wanted to create a slipmat worthy of our records to spin on,” he said. “When you set your Afromats to spin on your record deck, you can see and hear the difference.”
The Copperfruit
Yaa and Maame Mary are the founders of The Copperfruit - a small award-winning family business based in Surrey, UK. The inspiration behind our brand name is the life force and fruitfulness of the distinct copper coloured earth of Africa.
Collaborating with creatives, artisans, farmers and producers means that our ‘made in Ghana products’ are mainly naturally based, eco and environmentally friendly and sustainably produced and maintained. The range includes a range of luxury or FSC eco-friendly gift-wrapping papers, greeting cards, homeware and stationery items designed in-house.
Stockists include: Adorn Me Africa (US), And So To Shop; Diverse Gifts, Brixton; The Stockroom Pop Up Shop, Leatherhead, The Black Card Company; Thortful TruBrand Alliance, Brick Lane and Wakuda. We are also very proud to be found in The Surrey Circle. The company donates its quarterly profits between funding provisions for its partner women's co-operative in Bolgatanga, tree sapling planting in central Ghana and supplies for a local food bank in Surrey.
AOB
AOB is a collection of signature African-inspired prints consisting of dresses, tops, skirts, trousers and scarves. Established by founder Nina Amoo and based in London, these pieces create hybrid looks that combine function, comfort and style.
The prints are custom made and designed in-house, and pays homage to the rich tradition of African Ankara print, woven and dyed textiles.
“We create timeless designs with an emphasis on comfort and versatility using our signature African-inspired prints. Our goal is to help women build highly desirable wardrobes that they will be able to rely on for years to come.
AOB’s vision is to make Ankara one of the go-to prints, transforming it from an occasional trend to a fashion mainstay. Wolf & Badger, Coal Drops Yard, London, UK, www.wolfandbadger.com and Afristyle Lounge, Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana.