Ask an Accra mechanic where to find a part for an old Toyota, a Nissan or a Mercedes, and the answer is almost always the same: Abossey Okai. In shops, stalls and warehouses packed close together near Kaneshie, traders sell everything from brake pads to engines, headlights to gearboxes. Some parts are new, many are used, and almost all arrive by container from abroad. The market keeps much of Ghana’s ageing vehicle fleet on the road.
What is sold and where it comes from
Abossey Okai lies west of central Accra, close to Kaneshie and the Kaneshie market area. Its streets are lined with shops and stalls, and parts spill onto the pavements. The market sells parts for cars, buses, trucks and motorbikes. Used parts, known locally as “home used,” are especially popular because they are cheaper than new parts and often of decent quality.
Many parts are imported from Europe, North America and Asia, often stripped from vehicles that were written off or scrapped abroad. Containers arrive at Tema port and are unloaded into warehouses around the market.
Traders, mechanics and buyers
Thousands of traders work in Abossey Okai, from large importers to small stall holders. Many specialise in particular brands or types of parts. Mechanics bring customers or come on their behalf, and middlemen help buyers find specific parts. Bargaining is expected, and knowing a trusted seller helps. Buyers come from across Ghana and from neighbouring countries such as Togo and Burkina Faso, making the market a regional trading hub.
Buyers may encounter fake or poor-quality parts. Experienced customers check part numbers and bring the old part to compare.
Fires, policy and early mornings
Like other crowded markets, Abossey Okai has experienced fires. Narrow lanes and flammable goods make safety a concern. Government policies on vehicle imports and taxes affect the market. Restrictions on salvaged and older cars have been debated by traders and officials. The market supports a large network of jobs, including carriers, transporters and repairers. Many shops open early, and the busiest hours come before midday, when mechanics collect parts for jobs waiting in their workshops.
Abossey Okai is noisy, crowded and confusing to newcomers. For a driver with a broken car and a tight budget, it is usually the first and last stop.
