Monday 14 September 2009

Kwame Nkrumah: the celebrations begin

"While the rest of the world has been improving technology, Ghana has been improving the quality of man's humanity to man."
Maya Angelou

A quote by one of my favourite persons, from her time in Kwame Nkrumah's Ghana. Was she right? Partly yes, as I believe Ghana's legacy today is still the kindness and empathy of its people. However the quote may somewhat take away focus from the many, many other achievements of Kwame Nkrumah as we approach what would have been his 100th birthday.

As we flew in to Accra early Friday morning, I saw my wonderful, well-planned Tema and the Accra-Tema motorway beneath me, both products of Nkrumah's work. All over Accra, we are reminded of this great man's succesful struggle for Ghana's freedom and his vision for the future of Ghana.


Unfortunately, much of the good work has been undone and it'll take us a long way to retrace our steps and get back on track. However, Ghana is still considered a trailblazer, leading the way for other African countries and in the week that he would have turned 100, the fact that we acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of Nkrumah's regime, is in itself a step in the right direction.

Are you celebrating and if so, how? I for one am trying to find a babysitter so I can make use of these tickets.

What can I say, it's good to be back home.

6 comments:

Kajsa Hallberg Adu said...

Hi, seems we (yet again!) think quite alike when it comes to topics as I will be writing about Tema this week (and the motorway, im sure).

Where can I read more on Maya Angelou's days in Ghana..? sounds exciting!

Kajsa Hallberg Adu said...

and welcome home, you have been missed!

Maya Mame said...

Thank you Kajsa, I think those of us who've lived in Tema are reminded of Nkrumah's good work everytime we leave the house, especially when we get on the motorway!

The Author said...

Yay! Welcome back, Maya. I missed you. Sooo true your observations about Nkrumah. In addition to his work on human and race relations, he did so much for Ghana'a technological advancement.

Maya Mame said...

Oh, and Kajsa, you'll find more of Maya Angelou's observations in All God's Children Need Travelling Shoes.

Maya Mame said...

Hi Nana Yaw! It's good to be back! Now let's find time to catch up, and possibly continue discussing the greatness of Nkrumah.

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