I’ve been to many markets in different countries, but there’s nothing quite like Makola market! It’s huge and stretches for miles, including the surrounding streets —which is also very typical of Accra markets. You can find everything from grains to meat, clothes, and souvenirs! Prices are also reasonably cheap, but don’t forget to bring your best bargaining skills with you! I always wanted to visit Makola Market when I was a kid. People would return from the market with so many amazing finds and I just couldn’t wait to experience what it was like! One day, after begging my aunt for weeks, she finally agreed to take me.
I did everything to hide how overwhelmed I was with vendors calling out to us to buy their products from every corner. My aunt could see right through my brave face! I stomped my blue glitter jelly shoes into a messy puddle of mud, trash and leaked car engine oils and pretended not to care! I didn’t want the attention. I wanted to look bold like I knew what I was doing!
When my aunt smiled at the market women, I smiled at them too. When she pretended not to hear the vendors calling her to their stalls, I did the same. I would listen to my aunt bargain as I stood quietly on the side trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I remember being so proud of myself that I made it through and excited about all the things I brought home with me!
The memories came flooding in when I walked through the stalls at Makola again three months ago. Nothing had changed. I had my swapped my blue jelly sandals for converse sneakers. Vendors were still enticing people to come and check out the goods at their stalls. “My dear, my sister, come and see!” and everyone insisted they had the best price until you started to walk away.
…This time I captured and saved my memories on iPhone to share with you!
Makola Market Accra
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