GHANA- The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, HE Gregory Andrews documents on social media some of his experiences exploring different cultures and connecting with Ghanaians.
As he travelled across the country in line with his duties and personal life, he photographs such memorable moments and expresses excitements.
Through the Australian Aid project in Ghana, the diplomat recently visited Godokpe, near Ho in the Volta Region in support of leprosy survivors. He captured the Adaklu Mountain and asserts that even though the trip was short but sweet, he learned a lot.
Adaklu Mountain is a tourist site, known for colourful birds and butterflies, wild bees, palm wine and local gin, locally called akpeteshie. Three kilometres from the foot of the mountain is Kalakpa Resource Reserve, that host antelope, buffalo, bushbuck, baboons, lions and other species of birds and mammals.
Impressed with the neatness and lack of plastic pollution, he wrote, ” If Ghana had a ‘Tidy Towns’ Prize and I were a judge, I would award my vote to the people in Adaklu near Ho. Their proud town is absolutely spotless. No plastic pollution in sight.”
“Leprosy is a preventable, curable but debilitating and stigmatising disease. The last thing it’s survivors need is discrimination. I learned more by spending time this afternoon with survivors in Godokpe in the Volta Region. I’m proud to say that Australian Aid is helping them too. We funded construction of a toilet block which they had been doing without for over 20 years. I know my Minister Marise Payne would be pleased to know Australia’s support is making a difference. ” He added.
He also shared beautiful photos of the swearing-in ceremony of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as President.
Another interesting photo shared by the Commissioner is a cherishable moment with Mr Abu, an artisan who gifted him two gorgeous lions as a token of friendship for the new year.
He recommended Mr Abu by stating, “I admire the cane weaving families with whom we share Josif Bros Tito Avenue. They are very talented people who can make almost anything. If you need some furniture, baskets, lampshades or even a lion, then I recommend dropping by to see if they can help. I’m also going to ask them to make me some kangaroos! “
Now an experienced beads maker, His Excellency made his first recycled beads from scratch. An experience he professes to have never imagined at some stage in his life. He made his beads from Sprite and Guinness bottles with Kwadjo who fires beads and makes and sells them at Ko-Sa Beach Resort.
I couldn’t agree more with the Commissioner that there’s so much to learn and experience in Ghana.
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Renate is a lawyer, publicist, and writer. She believes that education and information is the key to developing and shaping Africa. In her free time, she paints beautiful art pieces on canvas. Renate believes that life is a perception, and you live it the way you perceive it.
