If history held its truths so firmly, why do we encounter challenges in unraveling its depths? If Ghana's independence seemingly rested solely on one man's shoulders, could it be that a woman's influence lurks in the shadows? After all, the age-old adage reminds us that behind every successful man, there stands a woman!

Want to  know  how? In Ghana's Quest for independence in the 1950s,a Ghanaian  business woman arose ,mighty in words and strategic in planning .The introduction of the fifty pesewas  coin in 2007 , saw the confusion on the faces and minds of a lot of Ghanaians. Majority , if not all Ghanaians were wondering what the face of what seems to be a market woman was doing on a national currency, placing her at power with the likes of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah . The confusion continued even till now.  Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey popularly known as Deidei Ashikishan  contributed immensely to  the course of nationhood .

 In 1979, Makola  market was  burnt  down by the ruling government led by the late Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings. The market women, because of their visible role, were forced to bear the brunt of public displeasure provoked by shortages in goods, invisible inflation, decline in terms of trade, corruption  and incompetence.The market women in  a  quest for  independence and  freedom from  suppression by the  ruling  colonialist organized and  campaigned  for  the  election of  Kwame Nkrumah  into power and the brain behind was non other  than Rebecca  Naa Dedei Aryeetey. Rebecca Naa Dedei Aryeetey, widely known as Dedei Ashikishan, was a well known business woman,  and political activist from Ghana who lived from 1923 to 1961. She was the  Chief financier of the Convention People's Party , who out of her sale of flour, sponsored the party relentlessly.

With this history in mind , let's delve into the world of the play, "Makola Queens ". The play is written by Ama Asantewaa Diaka and Nii Dromo Yartey and directed by Dr. Abdul Karim Hakib.  The  play make use of a market setting, specifically the Makola market, which is located in Central Accra in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. It was built in 1924 with women trading in food stuff, clothes, manufactured and imported goods. The market is one of the largest in the country. The characters in the play are predominantly market women , men porters, customers who visit the market regularly, students and their teacher, veteran soldiers, market guards ,tax officers and Naa Dedei's household.

   Join us as we dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana, where traditional music, dance and storytelling intertwine to create a mesmerizing theatrical experience. The Makola Queens play is a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of our  mothers. Get ready to be captivated by the talented cast as they bring live  the colorful characters of Makola Market, from the witty market traders  to the spirited costumers, each character is capable of taking the audience  on a journey filled with drama and heartfelt moments as we honor the legend and tells her story with dynamic choreography, infectious rhythms, authentic costumes. The Makola Queens play promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you are a fan of theatre, music or simply love immersing yourself in diverse culture and history, then this play is a must see!

So, mark your calendars and gather your friends and family for an evening of joy, historical and cultural exploration. Don’t miss out on the Makola Queens play from the 27th  to 29th December 2023 at the Efua Sutherland drama studio in the University of Ghana, where the magic of African traditional performance comes to life on stage. Get your tickets now and be prepared to be swept away into the vibrant world of Makola! WHERE WE HAVE IT ALL!!!

  By: Review crew of the  University of Ghana Theatre Arts student

 ( Makola Queens Production)