1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 5

Having been revived by an afternoon nap we set off by taxi for Kaneshie market which takes place on 3 floors, the bead sellers being on the first and second floor. The stalls here were very disappointing with only a few strands of old beads for sale. We decided not to buy and hoped that the Koforidua Market would be more promising.

Early the next day we left by a very dilapidated land rover bound for Koforidua at breakneck speed that forced me to spend the whole journey looking at my feet .I managed to hold onto my breakfast. Just! I daren't look up! The bead market here takes place every Thursday. Once in town we opted to stay in the most upmarket hotel here as we felt in need of pampering and air conditioning. Even so our room was only 20 for a night. We did feel privileged as few Ghanaians could afford even this price.

With the rising sun we were out on the side of the road looking for a taxi. Excitement mounting as we anticipated the wonderful beads we'd find! Jumping into a shared taxi we headed into town. Luckily for us the other passenger was going to the market to and was also related to one of the bead sellers. He was an Assembly Man (local councilor) from the Manya -Krobo region and gave us directions to his brother's factory. Sadly our Itinerary didn't allow us to visit but perhaps next time!
Emerging from the taxi we were amazed to see a huge lorry park full of bead sellers some with tables some with just a cloth spread out on the dirt. We were glad we'd both dressed suitably as it wasn't long before we were crouching in the dust searching through piles of loose beads. I was really lucky to discover what I believe is an original Aggrey bead buried in the mass.

I got so carried away that I ended up buying quite a few beads from the first stall holder we came across. This was a mistake.The best way to buy is to visit every stall and work out which beads you want and how much you will pay for them .It really helps to take a note book and note down the prices the traders give (you can usually rely on them inflating' the price by at least 50%). Take your time. Find a local spot (bar) sip a cold beer and then decide what beads you'll buy and how much you will pay for them then go and haggle its great fun, really! If you do come across something very rare don't assume you'll get it for a song. The traders will have an idea of the worth so be realistic or you may go away empty handed. Prices do vary considerably and if you are with a Ghanaian and can get them

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Bead buying trips to Ghana?
We want to hear your view. Write now!