Easter

The entries over the last month have been more of a travelog, than a blog about living in Ghana. There has been little happening on the project, so I have taken advantage of the free time. I shall be leaving Ghana in the next five months and I still have a few more things to do and see.

Easter was a bit of a mix. An opportunity to say goodbye to volunteers who will be leaving Ghana before me, a couple of days relaxation and good food at Big Milly's Backyard on Kokrobite Beach and a trip to the Boti Falls (unfortunately barely a trickle after a very dry fortnight) with Dan and his brother and sister. We seem to be very popular at the moment with a continuous run of family and friends visiting over April.

Ghanaians

I was recently asked to describe Ghanaians by somebody coming here in the near future. After saying how fortunate I was to be here and how welcoming and friendly Ghanaians are, I fell back on the words of the 'Imported Ghanaian' for some rather less flattering views. Alba Kunadu Sumprim is a lady with Ghanaian parents, who was brought up in the UK before moving to Ghana. In her book, The Imported Ghanaian she lists a number of Ghanaian characteristics. Of course, I couldn't possibly say whether I agree with her views!

1. Ghanaians know everything and are always right.
2. Ghanaians answer a question with another question or a reply that has nothing to do with the original question asked.
3. Ghanaians are no respecters of time.
4. Ghanaians love to tell people to exercise patience but to get any results and quickly you have to shout and get upset.

5. Ghanaians will do anything for you – as long as you are not Ghanaian.
6. Ghanaians are snobs and will quickly look down on anyone they do not consider to be worthy.
7. The surest way to test your popularity is to keel over and die. Ghanaians love funerals. It’s the number one form of entertainment.
8. Though a peaceful people, it doesn’t take much to offend Ghanaians.
9. Ghanaians are very honest but they rarely mean what they say or say what they mean.
10.Ghanaians don’t like to say no, any other word but no. They prefer words such as ‘yes’, ‘we’ll see’, ‘go and come’ or other combinations of words which always end up meaning no.

11. Ghanaians rarely listen to anything properly. When a Ghanaian doesn’t understand something, they seldom ask for clarification and will do what they want.
12. Ghanaians are very religious. Church is the second biggest form of entertainment.
13. Ghanaians don’t like taking responsibility; they prefer to rely on or blame someone else.
14. Ghanaians will always feel free to butt into your business and dish out advice, even if unwanted.
15. Ghanaians take themselves too seriously, even though they generate humorous situations, at times frustrating, at every turn.