Since the nation does not belong to anyone’s father, (**cough cough ex husband** – ariko Mana ndiyenza!) Ghana remains one of my favorite nations in Africa… While it is true that the First African UN Secretary General, one of the coolest African diplomats I recall seeing from childhood, Kofi Annan, was Ghanaian. He is unfortunately often criticized for having had a weak response towards Rwanda in 1994. (NB: Francophones tend to spell Kofi wt 2 “Fs” like Koffi Olomide. Ghana and Côte D’Ivoire – Ivory Coast- share a border and the Akan people, famous for naming children according to the day of the week, span both nations.)
Something else I recently learned. The popular claim that Ghana was the first to gain independence in sub-saharan Africa (“Afrique Noire”/ Black Africa) in 1957 catalyzing the entire continent’s liberation may not be fully correct… Chale, stay with me…
I first thought my professor friend was referring to Liberia, which obtained Independence a century prior. But we agreed it was not from colonization in the “Scramble for Africa” context. It was rather Sudan in 1956, back when there was only 1 Sudan. However Sudan was classified by UN as North Africa. Fun Fact: There are now 2 nations and if I’m not mistaken, South Sudan is East, while Sudan is North —— Praying for peace in the region!
When in Accra, what you first notice are perfectly tailored Kentes. Quickly though, you notice the frightening traffic. I would be as bold as to venture and say, it is worse than New York. I was flabbergasted to see people legit purchase household items like brooms, while IN traffic. Turire se, duseke se? (So then, shall we cry or shall we laugh?) After 1.5 hours in traffic, my bladder screamed for FREEDOM. We found a bathroom on the side of the road, the person operating it, gave us two price options, I naturally opted for the cheaper option and handed her a cedi coin. It is only AFTER handling my business that I found out, the price I selected didn’t include toilet paper. I will spare you the end of this story… In my country they say “Isoni zirisha uburozi” (Timidity makes one eat poison) so too does frugality.
Lastly, Mumbarire ninjire muri Kamere gato. (Forgive me as I make a flesh-related comment): Ghana, what is it that you feed your sons? Do continue…
Love,
Liv
LawyerLiv & Co. 
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