By Julia Elinam Ama Nani (UNIMAC-IJ Faculty of Journalism Gmail:julianani875@gmail.com)
Rawlings Park, formerly known as Makola Number One Market, has been a pivotal commercial hub in Accra since its establishment in 1924. The area gained significant prominence as a bustling market until its demolition in 1979 during the regime of the late Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings. This drastic measure aimed to combat economic malpractice and corruption, which were believed to be rampant among the market women at the time. The transformation of the market into a lorry park marked a significant shift in its purpose, yet it remains a crucial part of Accra’s commercial and transport landscape.
Today, Rawlings Park is a shared space where traders and drivers coexist, each group navigating the complexities and challenges of their dual use of the area. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, traders and drivers continue to operate, often finding ways to adapt to the shared environment.
One trader, who has been selling in the park for five years, expressed her frustrations: “We’ve sold here for five years. It is very disturbing. When people are buying our goods and the drivers park here, they leave because of the distraction from the drivers. It would be better if they separate us from them.” Her sentiments are echoed by many who find the constant movement of vehicles disruptive to their business.
Another trader, who has been operating for about a decade, highlighted the financial constraints that keep her in the park: “I’m not comfortable here but I don’t have money to get my own store. We rather feel like we are disturbing the drivers because this is mainly a car park. By the grace of God, we have gotten the opportunity to be here, but they still have a good relationship with us. We won’t go anywhere; we like it here.”
Despite the challenges, some traders see the shared space as an opportunity to attract more customers. “Big cars used to park here, but now the taxi drivers park here, so it’s better now. Even sometimes when they park here, their passengers buy some of the things I’m selling. They don’t park here for long, so it’s okay. This is now a car park. This is not what I want, but this is the current situation, so I will manage it,” said one trader optimistically.
Drivers also have their perspectives on the situation. A driver at the park shared his view: “It does not disturb me. This is because, in some cases, people buy a lot of things here and board our cars when they are ready to leave, so it does not disturb me; rather, it helps me a lot. We have a good relationship with the traders.”
Rawlings Park remains a vital part of Accra’s commercial and transport landscape, underscoring the necessity for proactive measures to improve its functionality. Enhancing the infrastructure and organizing the space more effectively could benefit both traders and drivers, allowing them to coexist more harmoniously and boosting economic activity in the area.
As Accra continues to grow and develop, the story of Rawlings Park serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, who continue to find ways to thrive despite challenging circumstances.
