Happy Independence Day Ghana

Today is a very significant day in Ghana and I am happy to celebrate this day with my fellow Ghanaians. I am celebrating today because I am an African and that I have had a taste of Ghana. Therefore, I cannot remain silent on this particular day and for the reasons of the Awakening Africans theme. Before, I chant my celebratory songs and wish Ghana a glorious independence day ‘’eti sen’’ on this beautiful day.

According to UNIFIL, on the 6th of March 1957 the ‘’West African country Ghana gained independence from British rule’’. The Gold Coast known as Ghana was the first to gain independence from European colonialism. This marks as a significant day because African people were emancipated. 

Chale

‘’Revolutions are brought about by men, by men who think as men of action and and as men of thought’’- Kwame Nkrumah 

It is so fitting to reference Kwame Nkrumah in my case to support his words based on my observations when I visited Ghana. 

I have said this before I visited Ghana. I spent some time reading about the country. I did this to mentally prepare myself and to make the most of my visit. 

The one aspect of my research I can never forget is when I had a lengthy conversation with Nana Achampong. He said ‘’my dear don’t come with any expectations and take Ghana as you see it’’. I held on tight to those words and did just that. I believe Nana’s words set the tone for my amazing stay in Ghana.  Nana ignited the Pan-Africanist in me, for me to embrace Ghana even before my arrival. 

Now that part ‘’by men who think as men of action’’,on arrival my heart was already open. It was my soul that unlocked this aspect. Best believe it when they tell you Ghanaians are hardworking, let’s call them men of action. I won’t get into the gruesome details however, I encountered challenges at the airport. I was arrested by the immigration officers. That’s a story on its own however, if I tell you how I felt Ghana embrace me will amaze you. I just made one phone call and an army of people came to my rescue. I still don’t know how that happened so swiftly.

All I remember was ‘’calm down sister and welcome to West Africa’’. I smiled and I am still smiling. I stand amazed at how much community still exists in Ghana. It was the men of the country that took action and took it upon themselves to rescue me. 

That is what we need in Africa, community and to act on the struggles that our communities are faced with. I was helped by strangers and will forever remain grateful. 

Lastly, ‘’as men of thought’’ this I call alignment and purpose. Visiting Ghana redefined my purpose and alignment. I needed to encounter the patriotic Ghanaians for me to redefine the African dream. I needed to mingle with the ladies of Makola market selling fabrics and mommies selling fufu in the evening. I needed to see the hawkers. I refer to them as entrepreneurs sleeping outside their stalls at midnight. For me to be one with Africa. It was a breathtaking encounter.

Based on my observations the one thing I believe I still need to do is give more Ghanaians a voice. To speak truth power and give their realities a voice. 

Before, I say goodbye. Days after my arrival I met up with my good friend Nana. He asked ‘’have they referred to you as obroni yet’’. I said yes at the airport and we both laughed. 

I hope that Ghana finds me again, signing out storyteller and solo traveler here.

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