Kumasi, Accra; Ghana
Posted by pertorkelson | Filed under Ghana
Rainy season is here! It’s raining several times a week, and I enjoy this weather, because of the coolness after the raindrops have fallen.
At work the past 2-3 weeks; loads of administrational (office) work and visits to various institutions, departments etc. We have also paid a visit to a home for mentally retarded children outside of Kumasi (Offinso). Four days ago I met a Member of Parliament in the area Aboabo in Kumasi and we discussed about SYDD’s presentation on May 5th, the Zongo (Muslim) community and he also showed me sketches of a very interesting project which he wants to start in Aboabo. Two days ago SYDD bought three sewing machines which are meant for three new female orphans, who are interested in learning the skills.
Presentation (5th of May) – The past weekend SYDD had an official presentation of mosquito nets and students mattresses for the orphans. We had invited politicians, teachers, Islamic leaders, representatives from other organizations and media. In the morning when everyone was finishing the preparations around Adukrom Central Mosque (Nuriya Mosque), where we held our presentation, I and Issah went to the Latex Foam branch office to receive the mattresses that we had bought, which we then transported to the location of our presentation. I was very happy that the presentation was held in Adukrom and that GTV (national TV) was there and did video coverage, because the Zongo community needs loads of exposure to make other Ghanaians realize the importance of not neglecting Zongo forever. The presentation started and selected people held speeches, including myself. I had written a speech a couple of days earlier and memorized it, because I feel that telling the audience something without looking in any papers gives a much better contact with the listeners. My speech included thanks to everyone who had contributed to our presentation, and also the importance of showing concern and care for the orphans (as I see it, the majority of the elders within Zongo are lacking this). Through showing concern and care, the chance is big that the child will receive a good self confidence. After the speeches we distributed the mosquito nets and student mattresses to the children. Seeing them receiving the items made me happy, because I want the needy children in Zongo to be in focus. I found out yesterday, that our presentation will be broadcasted on GTV and radio (nationwide) in a couple of days.
A thing which has encouraged me during the past week is that different people; Member of Parliament, regional directors, high leaders, doctors etc has thanked me for my great work in Kumasi and told me that I have really made an impact on people’s lives. I can feel it in my heart.
Good bye Kumasi! Two days ago I packed my things and went around in Kumasi and said good bye to my friends. The head at Nuriya Islamic School wanted to say good bye to me in the evening, so I went to him and I was given books about Islam, a watch, pens etc (everything from Saudi Arabia). It was a very nice gift and gesture, it came straight from his heart.
Accra – Yesterday I, Abu, Mohammed and Issah flew to Accra and checked in at La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, which is a very nice place. We are staying here one night, and later today I’m leaving Accra, Ghana. It feels strange going to Europe again, as I know how different the lives are here and there. To sum it all up; I’m enormously glad and grateful for everything I have been able to experience during my 7 months here in West Africa, and Ghana is now a part of my life forever.
2 Responses to “Kumasi, Accra; Ghana”
-
Dave Says:
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:17 pmHej Per!
Det är mycket som måste smälta in även för oss som läser.
När kommer du hem till Sverige igen? -
dina Says:
July 16th, 2007 at 11:53 pmi marriad a ghanaian man he left me for a 20 year old girl. He beat me. He was arrested and when he was released he had me summons to court on fabricated charges. My experience with africans is one of opportunist and money seekers.