Mallam Atta; The oldest market in Accra?
Mallam Atta Market at Kokomlemle is arguably the oldest market in Accra.
It was started in 1952 and for many years served as the main market from which other markets such as Kaneshie, Agbogbloshie, Madina and Dome were formed.
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Over the years, the pronunciation of Mallam Atta became Mallata. The market was named after an old man called Mallam Atta who owned the land on which it started.
The market was started by Obaapanyin Afia Anima who later became the Market Queen. She was joined by Madam Yaa Nkatia and Madam Adwoa Nyarkoa.
These women sold mainly plantain and when it was out of season, they sold oranges brought from Ashanti-Akyem in the Ashanti Region, Ahafo (Goaso) in the then Brong Ahafo Region and Sefwi in the Western Region.
Mallam Atta Market is known as a plantain hub because that dominates the food items sold on the market. The prices are said to be cheaper than in other markets.
The market has different stalls on very narrow paths with shops . It also has for sale food items displayed on jute sacks on the floor.
It has clear similarities to other markets in terms of arrangement of food items , female dominance, kayayei (head porters) and truck pushers to help carry food items in and outside the market.
The market also has a butchers shop where beef , lamb and mutton are sold. As soon as potential customers enter, the butchers do everything to draw attention to their meat in order to make good sales .
Mallam Atta Market also has a transport station with tro tros, taxis and other commercial vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers.
A single bolehole and a block of few toilet facilities serve the entire market.
Mallam Atta cannot boast of good sanitation but is by far tidier compared to some markets in Accra.
The market was refurbished by former President John Agyekum Kufuor 20 years ago.
Miss Akosua Wiafewaa , said business at the market was more brisk in times past because of its monopoly.
She says not many people know about the market now because of its location and the existence of other markets.
Ms Wiafewaa said before Obaapanyin Afia Anima died, she hand-picked Nana Dora Adumea to be at the helm of affairs in the market.
She has been selling at the market since 1983 and disclosed that fees charged for the market licence and daily tolls were used to run the market.
caption: Some of the plantain sold at the market put on display and Miss Akosua Wiafewaa secretary of the plaintain sellers association of the market