It is fascinating walking the busy streets of Ghana. From morning until evening, the streets with activity tell how life is in motion, bustling all around, and the perseverance of a country is apparent. Every lead-up to a corner of the street or every lanky body passes you as a part of the breath of the earth and ultimately contributes their part to the evolving atmosphere of culture and purpose.
Whether you're walking along the busy roads of Accra, Kumasi or one of the many growing towns of Ghana, and through the active streets, you will see the aspects of organised chaos — street vendors with colourful displays of fresh produce, artisans working skilfully on their crafts, commuters making their way through heavy traffic, and the occasional notes of sounds in the backdrop that add to the harmony of the activity.
Despite the movement of the multitude of bodies around you, it is a soothing atmosphere. The air, though busy, has a peaceful tempo which is reflective of the strength and resilience of the people. It is calm in its own way — a type of balance within movement and tranquillity, only found in places where culture and people are entwined.
What I find exquisite is witnessing people attending to their life’s work with purpose. Selling items, commuters going to an office, and many who are simply trying to make the day a great day challenge themselves to live their best life. Every job deserves dignity, and it is refreshing to see, picture by picture, the soul of the people and the heartbeat of the economy of Ghana.
They are not just moving bodies in space — each person is connected by visible joys, which come with smiles or simple scattered greeting moments, and when provided a brief moment’s help to a complete stranger. These are the little things that you recognise living on the streets of Ghana — they are not just streets or roads; they are options to navigate a space associated with networks of interaction, existence, and togetherness.
As you walk the streets, you can often feel the moment when you will be acknowledged by a stranger, and you will recognise an ounce of inspiration through accountability and dedication. It is not simply walking or moving — it is the energy, the humanity, and the stories shared by an unprecedented outfit of Ghana that will always live on.