Book review 20: Interim Republic Ghana: the 1st Military Junta (1966-1969) Prof. Nana Essilfie-Conduah

Book 20 is another one of the gifts I received during my visit to Ghana–a place that still lives in my heart. The book in itself pulls me back into the warmth of that journey. I’m often asked why I chose Ghana and whether I would ever return. My answer is simple: I believe the countries I visit choose me. It may sound far-fetched, but that is my truth. 

Ghana  chose me at a time when the world stood still. 

During the pandemic when we were confined to our homes and forced to find normality in uncertainty, fear shaped how we consumed information. News headlines felt like a gamble between grief and hope. Many people still carry that fear today.

In that season, I was balancing grief and the search for peace with my new normal. One day, I reached out online asking people how they were coping. The response humbled me– messages came from Ghana, Nigeria, Germany. We spoke  about the impact of the pandemic and something in me said: Consider Ghana.  

That was the beginning of something beautiful. 

I immersed myself in research– pulling reports from the World Bank, WHO and World Economic Forum. I spoke to Ghanaians across generations:  young,  old, frail and those in the diaspora. They shared honest reflections and encouraged me to visit. My first attempt failed miserably– everything worked against me. I even almost got scammed. 

So I stepped back and surrendered.  

If Ghana wanted me, it would find me.

And in 2023, it did. 

One day, I was looking at my vision board, and a message I had written months earlier stood out. Without hesitation, I emptied my savings and booked the trip. I have never regretted it. Something in me awakened in Ghana–a shift I cannot fully articulate. Traveling does that: it expands your worldview. It changes how you see social issues, political developments and education. Traveling awakens consciousness. 

So, if you ask whether I would visit Ghana again:  yes yes and yes!

This book deepens my curiosity about Ghana’s past–and perhaps it’s because for reasons I cannot yet explain, the future of Ghana feels bright.

Book 20 of 2025.

A very insightful and informative read.

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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