Encounter with a Hawker at Independence Beach

Accra people love their beaches. The sandy recreational facilities are usually crowded during weekends and public holidays. However, I showed up at the Independence Beach before the arrival of most beach goers.

The Independence Beach is sandwiched between the Black Star Square and the turbulent waves of the Atlantic. Has someone else noticed that the Atlantic is rougher than the Indian Ocean? Or is it only the Gulf of Guinea which has bigger and stronger waves?

As I strolled around, a number of hawkers did their best to persuade me to buy stuff I didn’t even need. The more I ignored them, the harder they tried to attract my attention. Speaking of attention, one of them was selling Africa-themed necklaces that caught my eye.

I don’t wear necklaces and similar accessories, but I have friends and family members who love anything that flaunts their African identity. I knew they would appreciate gifts procured from a hustler plying his craft on the sandy beaches of Accra.

Like it was the case at Makola Market earlier, I offered half of the seller’s asking price. When he turned down my offer, I walked away. He followed me, refusing to let go. After another round of negotiations, we reached an agreement.

"Where is my receipt?" I asked him after paying. "Where are you from?" He posed a question of his own instead of issuing the demanded piece of paper. Before I responded, he put the money in the pockets of his black leather jacket and disappeared. "Who wears a heavy jacket on such a hot day?" I wondered.