Every single day, the streets of Kumasi are bustling with activity. In fact, from dawn till dusk, almost all the streets are lined with a never-ending variety of sellers who turn seemingly simple walkways into active markets, full of creative and lively displays of products, people, and energy. These vendors call out to people constantly, as well as come up with new ways to get someone's attention, so there is always something happening. There is a rhythm to everything – a constant flow of people moving back and forth which represents the boundless energy and determination of the people of Kumasi.
I remember one street market I came across that has stuck with me. This market was unique because both artwork and shoes were being sold on the same stretch of sidewalk. At first sight, it seemed like an odd combination. However, this mixed bag of creativity and commerce turned that short stretch of the sidewalk into a combined open-air gallery and store at the same time.
It was the street art that really captured my eye. Vibrant colours, bold strokes, and meticulous detail stood out against the hectic background of the city. I was immediately drawn into the artwork, drawing closer to it while still surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. As I looked, I began to appreciate the beauty and thought behind each individual piece of art and realised how art could momentarily stop the fast pace of the street.
As I looked around, I noticed how the shoes matched perfectly with the art. They were neatly displayed and stylish and obviously had been carefully selected. The vendor did not simply set up a bunch of products for sale but instead created a scene and told a story. What I witnessed here was pure marketing, as raw and real as it gets, not driven by large billboards or fancy advertising, but rather by creativity, passion and the ability to be present on the street.
This experience reminded me why I enjoy watching the everyday lives of Ghanaians. I am inspired by the way people have the ability to work diligently with whatever they have in hand and convert skills, talents and ideas into opportunity. To me, the streets of Kumasi represent much more than just a place of travel. They are living examples of hard-working people, their resilience and the beauty of people striving to survive on a daily basis.
