In June 28, 2017, The Finder, a privately owned Ghanaian newspaper published on its front pages a story under the headline, “Foreigners taking over Accra”. According to the paper, the Ghana Real Estates Developers Association (GREDA) is warning of a complete takeover of Accra by foreigners who are acquiring houses from Ghanaians at an alarming rate.
GREDA is reported to have said, “Accra is becoming like Johannesburg; every property which is good is now owned by foreigners and we are moving to the outskirts and becoming watchmen and house boys servicing those properties.”
Indeed, a story like this should concern every well-meaning Ghanaian about the consequences of this phenomenon in the future. This story is enough to awaken the government to do something to correct the situation and stop the complete takeover of Accra by foreigners.
Sadly, we live in a country where there is no properly functioning authority responsible for the sales of land and the regulating of such sales. Every individual sells whatever he has to whoever can afford. Nevertheless, it is sound to suggest that the prime properties in Accra must remain in the hands of Ghanaians and we must not become watchmen and house boys in our own land.
Perhaps, this story reiterates the long-held belief that Ghanaians are their own enemies and suffer from self-hatred. A Ghanaian will prefer to do business with a foreigner over his fellow countryman or woman and will be more willing to release a property to a foreigner than giving that same property over to his fellow Ghanaian. We love foreigners more than our own.
The Ghanaian Hospitality
Ghanaians are very hospitable people. We love foreigners. When they come into this country, we treat them nicely and go all lengths to make them feel welcomed and comfortable. We are a friendly people and a friendly country. Our generous and friendly reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers is perhaps incomparable the world over. It is ingrained in the typical Ghanaian to help foreigners and extend a high level of generosity and courtesy to them. This is what we have come to be known by and defined as a people and country. Our hospitality has become a source of pride.
The Deep Pockets
Owning properties in prime areas in the city of Accra requires significant amounts of money. In prime areas like Cantonments, Labone, Airport Residential Area and others, properties are being sold in dollars and an acre of land in those areas is being bought for $2.5 million. How many Ghanaians have the money to pay for such properties quoted in dollars?
Sadly, the wealthy foreigners have the money to spend and are therefore the highest bidders. Since money talks and answers all things, those who have deep pockets invariably have an advantage over those with shallow pockets. This scenario of a second Johannesburg happening right here in Ghana is as a result of the visitors among us having the deep pockets. They have the money to spend giving them a clear advantage over the ordinary Ghanaian.
A Case of Self-hatred
It is a true assertion that Ghanaians love foreigners more than their fellow countrymen or women. We hate our own and the typical Ghanaian will prefer to do business with a foreigner than a Ghanaian. The Ghanaian is more content to see a foreigner prosper than to see his fellow Ghanaian rise.
Sadly, in order for a Ghanaian not to let people know he owns a choice property, it is likely he will rather give it out to a foreigner than to a fellow Ghanaian for the fear of investigation or victimisation. There are some few Ghanaians in this country who have the money and can buy properties in any location in the city but who may never get the opportunity. As a people we love to see foreigners rise and we pull one another down instead of helping each another. A story is told by a prominent preacher in this country who was in the city of Amsterdam, Holland and lodged in a hotel with a Nigerian worker. After three days, the Nigerian realised the identity of this preacher and approached him requesting for prayers for his fellow Ghanaians. Prior to his arrival, there had been a fight between two Ghanaian workers in that hotel, and as a result, one Ghanaian went to the city authorities to report his fellow Ghanaian worker of his illegal immigration status.
Sadly, we blackmail one another and seek the downfall of our very own. We celebrate others more than our own and hold in higher esteem the achievements of foreigners. We promote foreigners but fight and sabotage other Ghanaians. We rejoice with foreigners, envy our own, and get happy when that of a Ghanaian is destroyed.
The Jewish Example
Ghanaians should emulate Jewish people and nurture love among ourselves and begin to seek the elevation of one another. We must start promoting our own and celebrate the success stories of each other.
The Jewish are very united and connected people who seek the welfare of one another and when you touch one, you touch all, and they will use their strength to come after you. The Jewish do not pull down nor destroy one another.
Let there be the dawn of a new day when it shall be said by all nations that Ghanaians love themselves and eschew self-hatred.
The Fears of Tomorrow
A country in which all of its prime properties are in the hands and control of foreigners is a country in error. It’s a country which has sold out its first born rights and reduced herself to a status of a servant. The rise of this error makes the indigenes servants in their own land instead of princes. A situation where as princes they walk instead of them riding on horses.
Ghanaians should be princes in their own land and not servants. We should control the affairs of things and the best of our land should be in our hands. We shouldn’t become servants in our own land and reduce ourselves to mere onlookers, and at best, watchmen, gardeners and house attendants servicing those properties for the foreigners.
South Africa today is home to xenophobic attacks, where the youths of South Africa accuse and attack foreigners for having taken over their jobs. Ghana mustn’t be like South Africa where the young people of this country will take up stones, sticks, cutlasses or arms to attack foreigners in our land and accuse them of taking over their lands and properties. Should this occur, it will be the darkest day in the history of this country eroding all the gains we have made over the years as a country to be defined as a friendly people and a friendly nation. We must do all we can to avoid such a scenario from materialising. Are we ready to preserve and protect our own and stop this self-hatred?
Charles Anyomi
Email: charlesanyomi@yahoo.com ]]>
People & Lifestyle
Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity
The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.
This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.
Ghana to become eighth African country to approve Elon Musk's Starlink.
It is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/OpJ0dI1WsW— Clovis T (@clovist237) April 27, 2024
Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.
Recently got Starlink, and so far better than any residential internet provider I’ve used in this country tbh
— remi (@alo_aderemi) April 27, 2024
This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.
People & Lifestyle
#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy
The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.
Those saying King Promise should rather win song of the year and not Artiste of the year cuz Patapaa too had one big song, did Patapaa do all this? Greg is winning this, forget the Stonebwoy shouts pic.twitter.com/ICfLI1nBaf
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 27, 2024
Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.
You are telling me King Promise isn't Artiste of the Year? let's be serious 😂pic.twitter.com/k8KDiilWsP
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 26, 2024
The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.
Ur artist of the year our artist of the year my artist of the year their artist of the year @stonebwoy #StonebwoyForAOTY 🔥🔥🔥🔥all this history was made just last year December @GHMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/R0biHkhdEx
— Hernandez Gh✊🏾🔥 (@HernandezGh35) April 27, 2024
People & Lifestyle
‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28
In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)
People & Lifestyle
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024
The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.
This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.
❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024
The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.
People & Lifestyle
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.
Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024
His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.
MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.
Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament
The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.
People & Lifestyle
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.
The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.
While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.
This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.
“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.
If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.
Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.
Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.
Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.
However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.
He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.
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