Instant reflections of life in Ghana today

Thursday, December 28^th 2023

First today this – from the Independent online

“Groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have been trying to spread for years from the Sahara Desert — the Sahel — into the West African coastal states. Militants once were believed to want to use coastal nations like Benin, Togo and Ghana as bases for attacks on Sahel governments. Now militancy is taking root. Last year, the World Bank invested $450 million in a five-year project aimed at reaching some 4,600 border communities in northern Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Togo. It will be focused on preventing the spread of conflict by strengthening local institutions and economic opportunities. But residents say development projects take too much time to materialize. In the meantime, militants are winning in the realm of public perception. Jihadis enter impoverished villages promising to build roads and hospitals if they come to power, residents say.”

In Ghana we are well aware of the dangers around us. So far, by God’s grace we have been free from extremists, and we see this as one of the blessings of God. But we are not whistling in the dark! We are ever vigilant, constantly in prayer and very thankful for our protection. As this article shows, we need it. Countries either side of us are not so fortunate.

This from an online portal – 

“Christmas in Ghana is celebrated in various ways from the 20th of December to the first week of January. Ghanaians spend time with their loved ones and attend church to thank God for protecting and providing for them throughout the year.”

Much like us then, although with a much greater religious element. Ghana is a very religious nation.  How do you we say “Merry Christmas” in Ghana? During the festive period, Ghanaians frequently say ‘Afishapa’ to one another. The phrase is derived from Akan, one of the nation’s most widely used languages, and interprets as ‘Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.’ Egbona hee” and “egogo vo” are common greetings on Christmas Eve which also translates as ‘Christ is coming, he is near.’ 

So from this page – “Afishapa” to you all

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