Prices of ‘Jakpa’ clothes increase at Kantamanto

Prices of clothing used in cold climates continue to increase at the Kantamanto Market in Accra as more people ‘jakpa’.

‘Jakpa’, a Nigerian slang that means to escape, flee, or disappear quickly from a situation, has become a popular slang among Ghanaian youth as more young people seek greener pastures abroad.

Gloves, beanies (woollen hats), boots, sweaters and winter jackets are on high demand and vendors, particularly those with ‘first selection’ goods are cashing in.

In the past weeks, this reporter has monitored the patronage of these clothes in Kantamanto, the country’s biggest second-hand clothing market.

The market has over the years been known as a hub of good second-hand clothing deals, attracting patronage from people from all over the country and neighbouring countries as well.

Vendors with sales agents
Vendors of these clothes who do not have shops by the roadside have employed agents by the main road who constantly shout “winter jackets, winter boots” to call buyers looking for these clothes.

Once you make eye contact or show interest, these agents lead you to the stalls that sell these clothes within the market.

One of the shops this reporter was led to had a variety of winter jackets for children and adults with prices ranging from GH₵300 to GH₵500.

The price depended on the thickness and material used for the jackets. For adult winter jackets, the seller wouldn’t accept any amount below GH₵400. For woollen sweaters, the cheapest was GH₵100.

One trader said her goods were ‘first selection’.
“These are not the ones you see on the floor or the types with stains and tears. If you travel, you will see I gave you value for money,’’ she explained cheekily as this reporter tried to beat the prices further down.

Last Tuesday, another vendor, who had a variety of winter boots, gloves and hats also tried to convince this reporter about why his wares were highly priced.

“You see this bale there,” pointing to one at the corner of his shop. “This small bale is over GH₵20,000. If I don’t sell them at these prices, I will make a loss. These are original store-reject boots. Getting one at GH₵350 is a good buy.”

He went on to explain that they were similar types of boots that were being sold in boutiques at GH₵1000 and more.

“Take a good look at them madam, these boots, unless you set them on fire,” he said in Twi.

‘Bend down boutiques’
Prices of these clothes sold in the typical ‘bend down boutique’ style are relatively cheaper compared to the ones sold in the sheds.

For GH₵50, one may get a decent winter jacket for children and GH₵ 150 for adults. Prices of beanies, scarfs and gloves were also cheaper compared to the sheds.

Buyers must however be vigilant as some had tears which were not easily recognisable at the time of buying and stains that wouldn’t go away after washing.

Tips for buying clothes in Kantamanto
One of the sales agents, Kwaku Asare, who led this reporter to a number of shops explained that buyers must “open their eyes’’ when they visit Kantamanto for clothing.

“Madam, aha diɛ, Obiaa ayɛ shi ooh (Everyone is hot),” he said in Twi.
 He explained that it was easier to get good bargains if one knew the corners well.

“Some people ignore us because they think we are “gorro boys” who will dupe them. If you tell us your budget and what you are looking for, we can lead you to some very good deals. Also, if you are not comfortable dealing with us, you can walk through the market and ask for prices before making a decision. This takes a lot of time so be patient,” he explained.

Mr Asare said initially he was an agent for a shop that sold sportswear but now calls customers for winter clothes due to the increase in demand.

He said around this period, most of the customers were students who had gained admission into universities abroad.

When customers make purchases, he is paid a commission by the vendors and also earns tips from some customers like this reporter who he took round the market.
To earn more income, he also posts pictures of what he describes as “Instagram wears” on his WhatsApp status and delivers at a fee to people who can’t come to the market.

Buying clothes for travel
In an interview with The Mirror, Ms Lydia Esenam Adzimah, an international education consultant at Woori Africa, Canada, explained that from experience, it was unnecessary to stock many of such clothes when travelling.

She said these clothes take up a lot of space in the luggage and so people shouldn’t buy a lot.

“You can get a couple of these clothes as you are likely to get some at cheaper prices at thrift stores and warehouse sales here. Usually, after March, the weather is not cold till November and during that period, winter clothes are put on sales,” she explained.

Ms Adzimah however said if one was travelling around October, when winter was looming, it was advisable to buy these clothes from Ghana as they become expensive abroad.

“Staying warm doesn’t necessarily require the heavy winter coats, you must learn how to layer. You can get a couple of gloves, scarves and socks to keep warm.”
She advised that rather than packing a lot of winter clothes, it would be better to pack dry spices and some food items which are scarce at the destination of the traveller.

 Writer’s email: efiaamoakoa2@gmail.com