In Ghana’s Greater Accra Region, the town of Nima is Zongo residential town. The Nima market, a market in the town is what makes the area popular. The name Nima derives from the Ga language and means “city of the King” in its literal sense. In the Ga language, the word for city is mann, while Nii signifies King. However, there have been some opposing viewpoints regarding the name, with some citing the town’s Muslim population to claim that Nima was an allusion to the Arabic term “Ni’ma,” which signifies blessings.
With roots dating back to 1836, The area is regarded as the biggest and one of the oldest Zongo settlements in Ghana. Although it is generally used to refer to the two adjacent towns, the township is frequently referred to as one-half of the twin community, Mamobi-Nima. Muslim people predominate in Nima. However, it demonstrates significant religious and racial variety, like other Zongo communities do (dominated by the Dogon people of Mali, also known as Kaado or kardo). The Church of Pentecost, one of the biggest churches, is situated close to the major road.
The history of Nima is contested by many. One of the dominant stories is that the area was acquired from the Osus by the Odoi Kwaos with intentions to farm. Sometime later, though, it is believed the Odoi Kwaos offered the land to Malam Amadu Futa to be used as a settlement for strangers. The Futa family are, therefore, considered the founders of Nima.
Nima and its surroundings grew as a community for traders from Ghana’s northern regions and from nearby nations like Togo and Burkina Faso. It is a significant trading centre in the city. One of Accra’s biggest and busiest markets is the Nima Market, sometimes referred to as Kasoa Mamudu locally. It is situated along the Al-Waleed Bin Talal Highway.
Wednesdays are market days, and the market is crowded with vendors selling produce, cattle, grains, and cereals. For those who enjoy spices, the Nima Market is a terrific place to go. Many of the sellers there also sell conventional medicines. The Nima Market is frequently visited by those looking for fowls with distinctive or singular colours for particular rites. Shops selling groceries and clothing line the streets that lead to the market from Mamobi. Along with many black market vendors operating on both sides of the street, there is a sizable contingent of forex traders on the street.
A second market with a focus on vegetables is situated in the twin town of Mamobi, two kilometres distant.