One of the best things about Ghana is the markets. These
markets are the center piece of life in Ghana. They are where everyone shops
for their ingredients but they house so much more than that. Along with piles
of fresh produce from tomatoes to vats of ground nut paste to not so nice
smelling meat, there is often a variety of other things for sale. Items for
sale here seem to be either used clothing items from the Western world or
reject items from Chinese factories. The saying one man’s trash is another man’s
treasure is so true here.
Markets are usually found next to tro-tro stations and
definitely fulfill the fantasy of African markets which has festered in my
brain since reading about them in childhood storybooks. And the market of all
markets is located right here in Kumasi. I still have yet to figure out its
many nuances but Central Market is completely awe-inspiring. It is loud, crowded, and filled to the brim with
merchandise from a huge produce section to a neon meandering pathway filled
with shoes to fabric filled corridors to hairdressers and seamstresses. It is an overwhelming place filled
with so much your eyes don’t know where to look.Your mind wanders down
the winding paths following the basket carrying girl whose eyes caught yours
for a second. Her eyes, much older than her apparent age, gave away so much,
yet nothing at the same time. As she disappears into the bustling crowd you
paint her life story on the metal bowl carried on the head of the lady in front
of you.
I haven’t taken out my camera in the market due to it being
notorious for crime since the amount of people makes criminals conspicuous. But
I took a few pictures in one of the markets in Atonsu a wicked quick walk from
my house. The quality of the images aren't good but here it's hard to take pictures since having a camera is such a frivolous thing, I don't like taking it out.
On Christmas Eve, I accompanied my host mom into Adom, the
name of the area that houses the central market & Kejetia tro-tro station.
It was unbelievably packed with people. Here are some pictures of the crowds
taken from a tro while we were leaving.
I used to dread going to the market with my mom. I would feel so claustrophobic and uncomfortable. I was also afraid that someone would snatch my purse. But I have learned to appreciate it. Plus, the market has the best & most beautiful cloths for cheap :-)
ReplyDeleteMarkets are my favorite here too! Although I think Omani souqs skew a bit more touristy, your pictures are gorgeous though :)
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