The City Guide: On Tour in Accra With Ghanaian Designer Atto Tetteh
In our experience, people in the creative industries are always a good source of recommendations for the best cultural, culinary and chill spots as they never fail to be inspired by their surroundings. This time around, we’ve asked George Tetteh, designer and founder of Ghanaian brand Atto Tetteh, to take us on a tour of his favourite places in Accra.
After choosing to pursue fashion instead of a career in finance, Atto Tetteh was founded in 2014 with an aim to showcase the warmth and elegance of the African man while incorporating many aspects of Ghanaian heritage into its designs. This includes working with traditional materials such as fugu and kente. “My collections are always inspired by true Ghanaian stories and the stories come from everywhere especially the places you least expect,” he says.
His brand specializes in androgynous pieces that can be worn by men and women alike, and caught the attention of none other than Beyoncé and her stylist Zerina Akers when Atto Tetteh was included on duo’s the list on must-know Black-owned brands.
Read on to discover Tetteh’s daily routine, his favorite restaurants in Accra and the three items he never leaves home without.
George Tetteh, founder and creative director of Atto Tetteh
How would you describe yourself and what you do?
I am a storyteller. I tell my stories through clothes.
What have you missed doing over the past year of the pandemic that you’re looking forward to doing again?
I have really missed traveling.
Where is the most memorable place you’ve been to, and why?
Fort William in Anomabo, Ghana. This is because I have known it for many years and it is my hometown and for all my life, I had never thought of visiting it until recently.
How do you start your day? Do you have a morning routine?
When I wake up, I say a word of prayer, either go to the gym or do a short workout session at home, take a shower and then off to work.
What are your favourite restaurants in Accra, and why?
Le Tandem, Bôndai, Starbites and Buka restaurant. They serve great meals in a serene environment.
Bôndai
Where, or what, would you say is the best-kept secret in the city?
I like having breakfast at Sandra.
Where would you say is the best view in Accra?
The Skybar 25 rooftop has a great view of the city.
Where do you go to unwind?
I go to the Blue Diamond Beach Resort. It has a great beach, good food and good service.
Accra is a very cultural city. Are there any museums, galleries, shows, clubs or markets that you enjoy visiting?
Nubuke Foundation and Gallery 1957 are two of my favorites.
Where do you get the most inspiration from in the city and how does it influence your design process?
My collections are always inspired by true Ghanaian stories and the stories come from everywhere especially the places you least expect. I have been inspired by political figures and school festivals, just to mention a few.
Nubuke Foundation. Photograph by Julien Lanoo
Where is your favourite place to stay, or where would you recommend someone stay on a trip to Accra?
Originally Osu but lately, East Legon is budding very fast and that’s where I would recommend.
Name three things you don’t leave home without
My phone, face mask and my sunglasses.
What is the best part of living in Accra?
Ghana is peaceful and its citizens are hospitable and Accra City moves on a mid tempo.
If you could only wear one piece from Atto Tetteh this season, which one would you choose and why?
The Calculus Shirt [from the S Theorem collection] because it is easy, breezy and has a very interesting print.
