Hand Painted Signs in Ghana

Art is everywhere in Ghana, there are some great hand painted signs throughout the country, for little stores, barber shops, beauty salons, chop bars, traditional medicine men, and spots. Boats and houses are also painted with care. It is sometimes easier to take photos of signs than people in Ghana, so here is a small collection I took on a recent visit. The photos were taken in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Elmina and Akosombo

Hand-painted signs are a dying art in Africa as color printing becomes cheaper and more widely available. However, the ubiquitous cell phone companies that daub houses vibrant pinks, greens and yellows throughout the continent have added extra color to even the most remote villages.The verdict is out as to whether this is a good or a bad thing. Local folks enjoy a free coat of paint on their homes and shops, but it's garish to say the least.