Book Review - Ghana Must Go

Per Wikipedia History:

“Many Nigerians began moving to Ghana after Ghana became the first independent country in the region in 1957. Also in the late 70s many Ghanaians moved to Nigeria as economic migrants. The relationship became sour for various reasons. Thus, under former Ghanaian president Busia's Aliens Compliance Order, Nigerians among other immigrants were forced to leave Ghana as they made up a significant percentage of Ghana's large undocumented population. The official reason for deportation was failing to comply with the immigration laws of the country. In 1983, Nigeria retaliated and deported up to 1 million Ghanaian and other African immigrants when Ghana was facing severe drought and economic problems.”

The Ghanaians that returned carried what became known as “Ghana Must Go” bags:

https://annechia.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/fancy-ghana-must-go-bags.jpg

http://tmghlive.com/louis-vuitton-sells-ghana-must-go-bags-for-300/#.VkDU1IRLHGg

These things are everywhere in Ghana.  Conveniently, they can carry a lot.  Inconveniently, they are difficult to carry and are, not surprisingly, heavy.  Some locals joke that they’re called “Help me carry my bag” bags because older women are often dragging around the bags. 

Interestingly, on the last trip to the US, I was getting off the plane from Accra in Frankfurt and the line was moving painfully slow.  What was causing the delay? A woman pushing her bag down the aisle.  I asked if she needed help with the bag, thinking that I’d carry it down the jet bridge to a cart.  Instead, it was interpreted as me carrying the bag through immigration, security, and to her next gate.  I didn’t mind, after all – what’s the point of all the push ups if not to help a lady carry her bag?  Plus, it was easier to justify the beer and pretzel at 7AM after carrying a giant bag for the previous 30 minutes across Frankfurt airport.

Any way, what’s the point of the Ghana Must Go title?  Well, if you Google it, you’ll notice that the first thing that comes up is actually a book.  I recently finished the book and figured I’d share my impressions. 

I came across the book for the first time in a store in Accra, and it wasn’t until I did some more research that I learned it has actually received a number of awards worldwide. 

The book is about the family of Kweku (Kway Koo) Sai (sigh) and how they all react to his death. The book takes place in the US and Ghana.  For those that do read it and wonder how accurate it is, it’s very accurate.  One doesn’t need to be Ghanaian to appreciate the humor as the author does a good job of explaining some of the traditional “customs” in order for all readers to enjoy it.  For example, you can find yourself challenged to have Ghanaians follow your directions without adding their own interpretation.  Take your shirts to the laundry – “No Starch”.  Pick up your shirts from the laundry – “I said No Starch”  “Yes, but it’s better this way.” 

 The book also has a good glossary at the beginning that helps with pronunciation of names.

All in all, I found it particularly entertaining given my familiarity with Accra and Ghana, but I don’t think living in Accra is a prerequisite to enjoy it yourself.