Starting an online shop in Ghana may sound expensive, but the truth is—you don’t need a lot of money to begin. Thanks to free tools, mobile money, and social media, many Ghanaians are now running online businesses from their homes with small capital. Whether you want to sell clothes, skincare, gadgets, or food, you can launch your own digital store without renting a shop. All you need is a smartphone, internet, and the right plan. This guide will show you how to start an online shop in Ghana—even with little money.
1. Decide What to Sell (Start Small and Focused)
The first step is choosing the right product. Don’t try to sell everything. Instead, start with 1 to 3 products that are in demand and easy to manage. Look around you—what do people need or ask about often? Some profitable low-cost products include:
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Phone accessories
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Ladies’ bags or wigs
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Natural skincare products
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Used clothes (okrika)
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Beads or handmade items
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Snacks or homemade food
Make sure your product is easy to get, doesn’t spoil quickly, and is affordable for your target customer. You can even start with pre-order or dropshipping—only buy items when someone pays, so you don’t hold too much stock.
2. Create a Free Online Presence
Now that you know what to sell, the next step is to set up your shop. You don’t need a fancy website in the beginning. Start simple:
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Use WhatsApp Business: Create a catalog with photos, prices, and delivery options. Set auto-replies to answer customers even when you're offline.
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Open an Instagram or Facebook Page: Post pictures, run ads (even ₵10–₵30 ads), and engage with customers through comments and messages.
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List on free marketplaces: Like Tonaton, Jiji, or even Jumia’s seller program if you’re ready.
When taking product pictures, use good lighting and a clean background. Don’t steal other people’s images—use your phone to take real photos. Honest pictures build trust.
3. Set Up Simple Payment and Delivery Options
Customers will ask: “How do I pay?” and “How will I get it?” So be ready. For payments, use:
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Mobile money (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, etc.)
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Bank transfer (optional)
You don’t need a business account at first—your personal MoMo can work. Just make sure to track all payments clearly.
For delivery:
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Use local riders or apps like Glovo, Bolt Food, or inDriver Delivery
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For wider areas, try Ghana Post or FedEx Ghana
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Or offer “pick-up from location” if you have a safe place customers can meet you
Charge delivery separately or offer “free delivery” in your pricing to attract more sales.
4. Promote Consistently and Build Trust
Even if you have the best product, people won’t buy if they don’t trust you. That’s why you must:
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Post real reviews (screenshots, videos, or thank-you messages from buyers)
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Share behind-the-scenes content (e.g., how you pack or restock)
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Be polite, reply fast, and never scam or delay orders
To get attention, run small paid ads on Facebook or Instagram. With ₵10–₵50, you can reach thousands of Ghanaians in your area. Use catchy photos, clear prices, and strong captions like “Limited Stock” or “Delivery Available Nationwide.” Also, join WhatsApp groups and post in Facebook marketplace sections—but don’t spam.
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Start small, grow steady: Begin with 3 to 5 items, then expand as you get more customers.
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Keep records: Track your sales, profits, and customer details.
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Reinvest your profits: Don’t eat your business money. Use it to buy more stock or run more ads.
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Always provide good service: This will make customers come back and recommend you.
In 2025, starting an online shop in Ghana is not about having big capital—it’s about using your phone wisely, staying consistent, and building trust. With a smart plan and small steps, you can grow a real business right from your living room.
