Obama paraphernalia has taken over Ghana’s markets

Obama paraphernalia has taken over Ghana’s markets
Audrey Micah, Ghanadot

Accra, July 9, Ghanadot - At the central business district of the capital, traders despite the weather are busily selling paraphernalia of US President Barack Obama and Ghana’s John Atta Mills. Traders say Obama’s visit to the country is extraordinary since he (Obama) could choose from any country, but chose Ghana.

Business has taken off progressively and though some complained business was slow, some say they are making more than they did when former President George Bush visited the country.

At Accra's main tourist market, Auntie Abena sells flags and key holders in Ghana's red, yellow, and green colours. She has jewellery made from shells and rolls of the country's traditional Kente cloth.

She said business started picking up since yesterday and has not changed, she told Ghanadot that she sold more than GHC 100 only yesterday and she is sure she will sell more today.

According to her, business is better for her as people come in groups to buy from her and she is sure that she will make money from President Obama’s visit.

But nothing is selling faster than Barack Obama T-shirts. Some have Mr. Obama's face inside the presidential seal.

Others include first lady Michelle Obama and their children Sasha and Malia above the title "America's New First Family." Some also have variety of portraits of the US first family for sale at reasonable prices

"It's the best thing. Because he is coming here, a lot of tourists will be coming here. And the name of Ghana is also going higher," she said. "So it brings more tourists to this place because people will find out why he came here."

Tourism is Ghana's fourth largest foreign currency earner behind gold, cocoa, and timber. Tourism earned the country $1.4 billion last year. The government is expecting as much as a 20 percent increase from the Obama visit.

Ghanadot