Nima, a suburb in the heart of the capital city of Ghana is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and enthralling neighborhoods one can reside in. Though it has been tagged with not the very best of names in recent times (with respect to indiscipline), the magnitude of this perceived assertion is reduced to very little of a fact by folks living in and around this locality.
It is the case that this notion has been widespread through unknown media but certainly, this could be as a result of the irresponsible acts indulged in by the insignificant number of bad nuts among the pool of ambitious, hardworking and morally upright young men and women.
As the sun rises after the morn and awaits dusk before entering the night, Nima turns into a very busy site for doing business. Ranging from the rich to the pauper, the elite through to the illiterates and the ambitious lad or lass to the street boy or girl, there is a strong belief that though the day is anticipated to be a difficult one, they will never relent in making it fruitful.
Vendors and customers alike seem to amaze me with the variety of foods sold and purchased respectively within the community. The existence of these varieties can be attributed to the diverse cultural backgrounds of residents.
Certainly, I can not part ways with you without us both taking a walk through the streets of Nima to spot a handful of these delicacies enjoyed by all; both in and around the neighborhood. Lets take a walk dear!
Waking up every morning to enjoy the-ever-present “Kooko” with “Maasa” or “Pinkaso”, a typical Nima resident awaits noon to thread down the dusty road to fill his/her belly with Hajia Zulai’s tantalizing “Waakye” with a garnish of chopped raw onions, salad and tomatoes. Mmm!
Dusk falls with the ever- reminding thought of enjoying Siirina’s chilled “Burkina” right at the trotro station in the middle of the market. Abooki Labaran is definitely not left out as he smokes his “Balango” at night; ready to be purchased by usually the middle-aged and old folks.
Though my personal favourite is “Kwaaluru”; served with a touch of hot ground pepper and oil poured over it, the presence of Hajia Meimuna brings back thoughts of the appetizing dark-colored “Wasaawasa” sold next to the Kaado mosque.
From the maize-made “Yaroyaro” to the beans-made “Tubaani” spotted right infront of Maalam Wakeelu’s tailoring shop, you can be assured that either of these foods will take you through into the evening before you think of taking any meal even if it was taken as breakfast. The almighty “Tuo Zaafi”, the gari-made “Akyeke” with fish/egg and “Kwaaley” (which is prepared with brown rice) are foods you’ll surely have to taste at least once in your lifetime.
Though these names might not sound pleasant to your ear, you surely have the least of an idea on how sumptuous these foods are, until you finally become cognizant to the irony of these names with respect to their taste after enjoying any at last.
Dear!, as we take a walk back lets pass by Sister Kande’s joint and get some “Fura” and “Bia” to get ourselves refreshed.
Peace!