The children here are even more candid than those in North America. Calling out to you with a large smile "Abruni" which means white person. At which I respond in Twi "Abibini"- black person, and watch as they laugh at a Westener speaking their native language...badly! They haven't been taught the mantra of "do not talk to strangers" and fear seems absent in their open attitude to visitors. Seeing this encourages me to be the same.
People are more calm and laid back here. They seem to take life's challenges as they come to them. Not responding to the stress of life as a North American would, with worry and high blood pressure. But through trust. Trust that things will work themselves out with time. They are also much more passionate. When they are happy, they are very happy and when they argue...they are very liberal! They do not hold back emotions or grudges. Things which I think make life more stressful for those in our society. This is my outsiders opinion and I hope to learn more as I continue to absorb the culture.
The Ghanaians have a total different outlook on politics when compared with Western society. Democracy is totally fresh, new, and exiting to the people here. The latest election results were announced on Saturday. There was unconcealed passion in the faces of the young and the old. People ran down the streets chanting and singing. Not only because they loved the candidate, but because they had a part in creating it. They believe in the power of democracy to help them become stronger. Very dissimilar to the jaded North American view. I would argue that the government can change a country’s situation only if it is given allowance by its people. If people have faith in their leader and follow, the country will become stronger together. I guess this is simple in theory. But in Canada with less then 45% of the population voting and fewer that are really passionate, it seems that this goal is intangible. We need someone who can inspire people, get them interested in their democracy again, someone that they can believe in.
Saying this the government is far from perfect. One of my friends past through a police checkpoint in rural Ghana. They searched his things and one of the officers removed his camera. When my friend asked for his camera back the officer refused asking for his "Christmas present". So he gave him 10 cedi and got his camera back. Unfortunately this seems not to be an exception to the rule, but rather the standard. The police get paid so little they are very susceptible to temptation and bribery.
I am enjoying Ghana and the lessons it offers. The culture shock is awesome, and I look forward to the coming weeks.
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