Kokomlemle: Ghana’s Thriving Mobile Hub

Once famed for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment spots, Kokomlemle has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years.

Today, it is no longer defined by dancefloors and disco lights, but by mobile phones, accessories, and an ecosystem of repair technicians, retailers, and wholesalers who keep Ghana’s digital lifeline ticking.

Mention Kokomlemle in a conversation today, and the immediate image that comes to mind is that of an area overflowing with mobile phones and their accessories. From flagship models to budget-friendly brands, this urban enclave has become the go-to destination for everything mobile. Whether you’re looking to buy, repair, unlock, or accessorize your phone, Kokomlemle has it all.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Kokomlemle was the heartbeat of Accra’s entertainment scene. Iconic venues like Lido Cinema, Ebony Restaurant, Tip-Toe Gardens, and The Scotch drew crowds day and night. These were the hot spots for party-goers, music lovers, and foodies. Back then, the area was synonymous with fun, leisure, and the highlife culture.

But the times have changed.
Fast forward to today, and the once glittering entertainment haven has evolved into a tech-centric marketplace. Glass showcases line the streets. Corner stores, shops and tabletop stalls fight for space, all offering mobile phones, accessories, and a range of related services. The vibrant nightlife has given way to vibrant trade—Kokomlemle has become Ghana’s “Mobile City.”

Despite the uncoordinated layout—tight alleys, scattered shops, and congested walkways—the area thrives. More than 950 shops and tabletop vendors operate in Kokomlemle, employing over 900 people directly in the mobile phone business. While the space may look chaotic, there’s an undeniable system at work.

It’s a place where you can find every kind of mobile phone — from the oldest models to the latest releases. Mobile phones are everywhere, making them one of the most common items you’ll see. If you’re unsure about what to buy, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. The area has more mobile phone shops than anywhere else in Ghana, with both Ghanaians and foreigners actively trading in phones and accessories business.

As of early 2024, Ghana had about 38.95 million active mobile connections, according to DataReportal and GeoPoll—representing a mobile penetration rate of 113%. By January 2025, this number had increased slightly. With a population of roughly 34 million, the figures highlight the widespread use of multiple SIM cards and devices by many Ghanaians. In this landscape, mobile hubs like Kokomlemle remain vibrant, driven by strong demand for phones, accessories, and repair services.

During a recent visit to Kokomlemle with a friend whose phone needed repairs, I witnessed firsthand the efficiency of this seemingly disordered ecosystem. Beneath the apparent disarray lies a surprisingly well-organized repair network, with a division of labor that rivals formal tech workshops.

Each technician has a specific area of expertise. Some focus solely on screen repairs, others deal with motherboard issues, while some specialize in software problems. There are also those dedicated to unlocking and decoding phones. The rest are involved in selling both brand-new and secondhand mobile phones.

Sylvester Prince, owner of Slytech and a seasoned mobile phone repairer, explained that, “I handle general repairs—screen replacements, charging port issues, Face ID errors—as well as the sale of mobile phone accessories. There are others here who specialize in board-level repairs and can work on nearly any model or brand.” He added that in Kokomlemle’s mobile repair community, each technician tends to specialize in a particular area of repair, making the ecosystem highly skilled and efficient.

He emphasized the structured apprenticeship system that keeps the sector thriving. “It can take two to three years to learn mobile phone repairs, depending on the individual’s commitment. Some people pick it up faster. You just need to stay focused and be sharp,” he said. “This is not a place for wasting time—you have to observe carefully, ask the right questions, and keep moving forward.”

One of the technicians, Kwame, shared his journey: “After Senior High School (SHS), I decided to learn phone repairs. It was my passion, but my mother wasn’t supportive at first. She thought it wasn’t a ‘proper’ job. But today, she’s proud of me. I’ve proven that this trade is both respectable and profitable.”

Kwame said their biggest challenge is stolen phones. “At times, we unknowingly work on stolen devices brought in by customers. But when the police step in, we’re treated as accomplices just because we unlocked or repaired them.”

“There are also individuals who hang around acting as middlemen. They collect phones from customers and bring them to us for repairs. Unfortunately, some of these phones also turn out to be stolen, and that brings us trouble too.”

He said, “Sometimes a phone goes completely dead during repairs, and there’s nothing we can do. When that happens, I try to negotiate with the customer—offer a replacement or help cover the cost. Some understand, others don’t, but we always do our best.”

Ben, a mobile phone and accessories dealer, noted that , “The patronage is high because almost every day, new and more advanced phones are released unto the market. Ghanaians, especially the women, love to keep up with the latest trends—everyone wants the newest phone.”

He added, “On an average day, I sell up to 13 phones along with accessories. On good days—especially during festive seasons and special occasions—I sell even more.”

Joojo, a customer, said, “Without the Circle repairers, we’d be buying new phones all the time. They’re skilled and affordable. The government should support them with training opportunities, even abroad.”

Patrick describes the place as “magic” — because, according to him, there’s no phone that can’t be repaired and no phone part that isn’t available. It’s truly the mobile phone capital of Ghana.

Owusu specializes in selling only chargers and cables. He confidently stated, “If you need a charger or cable for any mobile phone, just come to me—I’ll get it for you.”

He went on to explain how the market is structured, “There are others who sell only phone cases, some deal exclusively in earphones, and others focus on different accessories. The market is really segmented, and each of us plays a specific role. That’s how we all survive.”

All major mobile phone brands have authorized dealers operating in Kokomlemle, with intense competition among them. The area also hosts several smaller brands, making it a diverse and vibrant phone market.

However, there is a need for urban planning and and sanitation strategies are urgently needed to streamline operations and improve the working environment. With support from the Municipal Assembly and stakeholders, Kokomlemle can grow into a more structured, efficient tech district—cementing its reputation as Ghana’s undisputed mobile hub.

The Ministry of Youth Development should add mobile phone repairs to its entrepreneurship programme, equipping technicians with skills to grow businesses, create jobs, and train others.

Additionally, the government can align this initiative with the 24-hour economy policy to boost job creation and economic activity—especially since many of these technicians already operate late into the night.

END

Fiifi NETTEY
MEDIA CONSULTANT,
ACCRA.

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