ACCRA, Ghana 2

10.   31 March 2011

Back to Accra

This time I stay at The Rising Phoenix, right on the beach and very close to the town centre. It’s run by an ex rajneeshi who has posted many ‘deep and meaningful’ stories and thoughts about the place. I also found vego meals available too! Then there are the sullen local staff, the rastas looking to latch on to anyone and the many local (and lovely) young men who practice their gymnastics and dancing each evening either on the outdoor dance floor or down on the beach. Get my WAGGGS card stamped eventually, and can now find my way about Accra easily. I just about trip over the Scout Association’s office but it has a notice forbidding the Commissioner from attending until they have been to court tomorrow! I head over to the Lord Baden Powell hall, where it is being set up for a big Evangelist meeting that night, and get directed to a nearby house where “there are scouts there”. I meet two leaders who explain that their Chief Commissioner’s term was up in 2008, but he won’t step down and hold elections. They were of the opinion that as the hall is regularly leased out to Christians that the current Scout hierarchy was ‘on the take’. They said they had appealed to the Africa Region but were not helped (felt that the CC had paid them off too!). I wished them the best of luck with their court case and the following meeting to be held at the Guide HQ. hmm and there I was hoping to get Kyle a Scouting souvenir and found a ‘hornet’s nest’ of unhappiness there.  

FACT: An anglophone country this may be, but their take on naming a business is quite unique. Here’s just a small random sample of ones I’ve seen:

Virgin Lips Bar (drinking spot)

Modern Brains Academy (private school)

God’s Promises have no expiry date (small grocery store, so perhaps his stock does have an expiry date?)

Patience Quickly (hairdresser for fast and slow braiding?

Holy Spirit Workshop (mechanic)

Helpers of Your Joy (Christian singles club) Singles Mingles Picnic (club event)

If God won’t help who will? (small grocery store)

Chicken Licken (yep, take away chicken)

Madame Rakia All People’s Canteen (or madame’s for short)

Shine Out Electrical Enterprises (really just a shack, but such a grand name)

Rubbish Collection - a first in West Africa