Recently while in the streets of Ghana, I encountered a coconut seller and it gave me pause. I stopped at a point to admire the hardwork of one individual. But also that of countless others who wake up each day to try and earn a living on those streets. I was reminded that every sale is tied to a story of hardwork and perseverance.
As I watched him crack coconuts with finesse and people his way through customers with smiles, I realized, how much energy and persistence it took to do this over and over again. More importantly, it’s more than just selling coconuts. It’s about providing value rather and finding dignity in one’s labor no matter how small.
Ghana has always existed in a context where marketplaces exist everywhere, from merely existing in markets squares to dirt constructors of a roadside market. Often streets become market spaces, allowing people to earn income for themselves and their family which is one of the vibrant elements that makes our melting point unique.
The power that individuals accumulate together when they decide to step onto the street and “do something” is really powerful. Whether a seller of coconuts, restaurants, or street vendors selling puppies, all of them remind us that all development come through dedication and effort. They teach us the essence of work.
And while those working on the street have always had their jobs cut out for them, and rightly so. Each cut coconut, each rice ball sold, or each transportation service, has a narrative of perseverance. For me, they are the heroes of our community who move in silence while the hustle of their story exemplify the hardy attribute to keep it moving.