Nestled in the city, I find solace in a cozy café, enjoying the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the air. Sunlight gently filters through the window, casting a warm glow on the rustic furniture. In this peaceful moment, I reflect on my journey, a life filled with extraordinary experiences.
I wonder sometimes what it would be like to have advance knowledge of the future. Like, if I knew years ago that my desire to be a lawyer would not come to be and I would end up doing a myriad of things that I didn’t even know when I was young to be possible.
Our choices were limited as teenagers in Accra, Ghana in the early 80s. 1983 saw a famine and a mass exodus of the middle class to the UK, leaving us to fend for ourselves. The word creative cannot exist in such circumstances and automatically, we were steered towards careers that would put food on the table.
“I can’t afford to have you treat our customers like royalty,” he said angrily. “The customer is not always right.” I have watched you for some time, and I can’t work with you. You are more interested in pleasing the customer than being loyal to me. “You are fired!” Those three words shook me to my core. I felt completely downcast. I could not imagine that doing the right thing would end up this way.
He had always known that he would celebrate his fiftieth birthday by giving back to the less fortunate, and had discussed it with his wife Clara. He just wasn’t sure how to give back. Until ‘Sintim,’ the dispatch rider who normally delivered his waakye from Asylum down told him his life story.
The sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the cityscape before me. The evening air was tranquil, as if the world itself paused for reflection. In this serene setting, I found myself contemplating my upcoming milestone birthday and the memories and lessons that shaped my life.
Reflections and Dreams: Journeying into Afia Drah’s Mind Read More »
At the age of 45, as I reflect on my journey, I realize that my childhood desire to be the go-to person has manifested in a unique way. I have found fulfillment in mentoring, challenging, inspiring, engaging, and rooting for others. Initially, as a child, I used to think that my name was cheap, as if it was randomly assigned to me by my father from my grandfather’s name. However, as I grew older, I began to feel honored and recognized the significance of carrying my grandfather’s name. Over time, I embraced the role and responsibility associated with the name “Papa,” even though I don’t have biological children. Many consider me a father figure, which initially surprised and unsettled me, but now I have come to appreciate my role in their lives.
Picture this: You’re standing at the edge of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, with nothing but sand dunes as far as the eye can see. The sun is setting, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. You’re filled with a sense of wonder and awe, wondering what other surprises Namibia has in store for you.
Discover Namibia: A Birthday Trip Destination Unlike Any Other Read More »
It was 3 months before my 40th birthday. Taking a walk on the beach, as I so love to do occasionally, I thought how blessed I was to have another year added to my life.
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It’s a privilege to be part of a process that helps clients identify strategies that can lead to a more fulfilling life and uncover a greater sense of freedom and agency. I believe that therapy must involve exploring and integrating clients’ cultural context and identities in understanding their lived experiences and addressing their concerns. My
Erasmus Alexander Kwabla (EAK) Kalitsi, Former Chief Executive of Volta River Authority (VRA) Ten Interesting Things You Should know about EAK When the Ghanaians took over from the British administration of the country, Erasmus was appointed District Commissioner in a number of small cities including, Keta, Sunyani and Sogakope. EAK was the Chief Resettlement Officer
