Pride and Patriotism

Patriotism might be on the rise in the US, but its not the only nation feeling a surge of national pride. In my week in Ghana, I was struck by where and how often the national flag surfaced. Everyone from the smallest baby to the most elderly grandmother seems to be sporting the flag or colors of Ghana these days. Every telephone booth is painted with the red, gold, and green. The black star can be spotted in company logos, on tee shirts, and just about any place else. Teenagers are walking down the street in silly Ghanaian hats and Ghanaian tee shirts. Everyday in Ghana rivals the most intense Fourth of July celebration I have ever witnessed.

Perhaps the most striking example is the number of young couples that can be seen taking wedding photos at the memorial to the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, every weekend. While Nkrumah may not have a perfect political record, he certainly led Ghana into a new era and new beginning. Perhaps this is what draws so many young people to his monument on such an important day of their lives, hope for greater things through unity. In an hour or so I counted 4 couples that came to the museum, park, and monument. They took photos with the structures and toured the museum; looking at photos of Nkrumah with every world leader from Castro to Kennedy.

The only thing more prevalent in Ghana than Ghana is God. Christianity is overt and on display everywhere, from "Blessed be thy Light Tailor" to "His Grace Butchery." I find it a little devisive in a country with a large Muslim population, but I suppose the spirit moves some people.