ONE DAY IN GHANA

West Africa Secondary School
Art Gallery and Pictures
A day in Ghana
"Brain Drain"
Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Secondary

Bright Gavu
West Africa Secondary School
Ghana, West / Africa
18 years
E-mail: brightgavu@excite.com / brightgavu@hotmail.com
web page: http://campus.fortunecity.com/davidson/1100

Although I am a handsome young man I do not know my exact age. Isn’t it a pity? However many people can tell their exact ages. My mother does not know my age and neither does my father; it has been guesswork all round.
Fortunately I have something that gives me consolation. I know the day on which I was born. It is Tuesday. How did I come to know the day? My mother told me that, when was a little younger. I still remember what she said.
One morning I was resting on my mother’s lap repeating the names of the days of the week when she suddenly stopped with beams of smiles all over her face. She then asked me whether I knew the day on which I was born.
“No, Mama”, I replied.
She asked again, “so you don’t know the day on which you were born?” without waiting for an answer. She said lovingly: “ You were born on a Tuesday.”
I was very happy to here this bit of information I smiled at my mother and said to her,” Now I know that I was born on Tuesday at Nyamekrom.”
Nyamekrom is a village in the Kesi District. I was told that I was born in a small hamlet the huts of which could be counted on the fingers of one hand.
Our house is a block building of eight rooms. It has an enclosed verandah with a narrow door leading to it.
At night the whole village is plunged into a thick darkness. Cries of all sorts of creatures are heard, and to anyone unaccustomed to living in the heart of the forest, the experience is a nightmare.
At daytime the village scenery is beautiful and with farms, verdant hills and valleys and steams glittering in the morning sun; The entire village thus throbs with life. And then towards the evening the sun moves majestically to it’s resting place behind the horizon kissing the tops of the trees.
I am proud to be born in the midst of flora and fauna.
I am not the only person born in a village, but the experience i have had in life as a village – born, has made me what I am. These have moulded me into an individual, distinct from all other individuals. I alone can best understand who I am.
I have never stayed away from Nyamekrom for any length of time. I have lived there ever since I was a child but something happened one day which brought a change into my life and which was defined to play a vital role in my life. It is a day I will always remember in my life.
It was the day I stopped lotto. That day my friend Kofi told me, “I myself, am against gambling because i have never found any reason to believe that is not a bad thing. Although a little may do no harm it is likely to become an obsession. A man may then gamble away all he has, just for the chance of getting more.
This man will create for himself an unreal world. Instead of making the best of what he has and concentrating on working hard and saving to secure the future and raise his standard of living gradually, he will make a loss. Through this loss those who take the bet will grow rich. They are usually financially secure and can afford to lose millions he may eventually win.
But if, instead of betting on horses, he invested in a treasure bill, he would have an advantage.”
After having this I decided to make a decision which was based on this saying that, “when everything has been done and the die to stop staking lotto has been cast, no amount of witchery or prayers can prevent me from crossing rubicon to a world of happiness. But having realised from both past and present circumstance that I was gradually being strained of my wealth through lottery, it is evident that stopping lotto will follow as a matte of natural sequence.”
From that day onwards I decided to place every pesewa that I had in a state treasury bill. This has worked a miracle for me helping me set my own private business and enjoying the fruits of my labour. Thanks to Kofi for such good advice.

A DAY IN GHANA

Sent by:

SENYO WORLALI
WEST AFRICA SECONDARY SCHOOL
18 YEARS

On afternoon, I called for Sandy my dog and set off for a walk. I wandered for a little while through the village and decided to go into the forest. There was a small, secluded valley beyond the gorge where I had something gone fishing with my friend, Kwame. It was delightful place, quiet and peaceful. The path led up over a Black Rock and a steady and gradual ascent. It was easy climbing but the descent, however, was a very different matter for jagged masses of rock dropped down like huge uneven steps into the valley's bottom.

Before I began to descent, I looked for Sandy, but it had disappeared. So I scrambled down alone, the way was difficult and dangerous but I enjoyed it. It was a desolate place and no sound expect the noise of my own descent and the distant thunder of the Zongo river as it rushed through the narrow gorge and hurled itself down into the valley below.

I reached the foot of the rocks and paused to look around. To my left lied the river and all along its edge stretched of smooth golden bank sand and beyond was a belt of forest. The huge rocks completely enclosed the little valley and made its surroundings beautiful.

I ran across, onto the sand threw my clothes, waded a little way into the river to bath. The water was deliciously cold and I splashed around happily for a while. Feeling refreshed, I dressed and walked a short distant to a point from which I saw the waterfall. It was a splendid sight. The tremendous volume of the water combined with the noise of its descent and was really terrifying, yet only a few hundred meters below, where I stood. The river had spread out and although it was still fast flowing, it was no longer to be feared by me.

For a while I stared fascinated, and went back and threw myself down upon the sand bank which looked friendly and inviting because, the heat had gone out of the day but the sand was still warm. I stretched myself comfortably and began to think of the pleasant things which life had to offer to a young boy like me.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

By: Ofori Sammue
Armed Forces Sec Sch.
Ghana.
osamuel@forces.worldgh.net

A day in my life was when I was call upon to represent the prefect
to give a talk on ‘’Brain Dram’’. It was on 25th may, 2000.
Even though I was not the prefect yet I perform to the extent that many people
though I was the prefect. I started the talk by defining Brain Drain, followed by its
causes , effects and then the solution and this was how it flows.
Brain Drain means main people like doctors graduates, teachers, engineers
etc. leauing the country to work in other countries.
I went on to say we have internal Brain Drain and external Brain Drain.
Internal Brain Drain is the situation whereby people leave establishment like
teaching service and join more lucrative department like banks, where they hope
to get better condition of service.
In stating some of the causes, I said political instability for instance
coup d ‘etat and the acquisition of personal effects like t.v. furniture,
refrigerators,sound systems etc.
Moreover, I said economic hardship that is lack of employment and when all these
causes are not check properly it will lead to lack of scholars in the country and a time
may come when there will be no litrate in this country to steer the economy.
As the saying goes ‘to every remedy there is a solution. Brain Drain can also be solved.
First of all, employment avenue should be created for the young graduates and also the
society should learn to respect knowledge rather money since knowledge is power
Moreover, there should be no delay in thier promotion and there should be improvement
in the processes for recruitment.
Last but not the least, those who have been train and have leaved in foreign countries
could be attracted by offering limited incentives.
At this junture I brought my talk to an end and the whole assembly was so quite simply
because Brain Drain is one of the problems our country is facing.
After the talk, I was promoted to be the asistant boys prefect instead of the class captain
and this has infact being one and the most remarkable day in my life as a student.

Ofori Sammue
Armed Forces Sec Sch.
Ghana.
osamuel@forces.worldgh.net

LOVIA ANTI. (3A1).
YAA ASANTEWAA GIRL'S SEC. SCHOOL.
P.O. BOX 1901
KUMASI-GHANA.
SUPERVISING TEACHER: OSCAR DONKOR

.From cradle to grave, man encounters a lot in life. Man's encounters are either bitter or sweet. A day in my life, I believe entails the task ahead of me. The blue skies which gives way to the glorious sun makes a day wonderful.
Although I've enjoyed so many days in my life, a day in my life as I can recall happens to be a Thursday. This day had a lot in store for me. It did not have the task of an ordinary day.
As the sun came from it's bed lazily, I could tell it was going to be a gloomy day. I sat in class already at sea because I didn't understand what was being taught. It was my first day in my new school Cambridge International. I was by then seven years old
I became more confused when I had a question wrong in class during a quiz. Later that day I was awarded some candies by my English teacher for scoring the highest mark in English. I couldn't enjoy the rest of the day that way as the bell went for closing. As we gathered for assembly, the fickle weather had gathered clouds in the sky and just a look could tell you there
was going to be a storm. I waited impatiently for my father to pick me up but I realised that he was not showing up. I then decided to find my way home as I couldn't wait to be seized by the storm
Suddenly, the sky became dark followed by a howling wind with lightning flashing
across. Roofs of buildings were ripped off with the unending rumbling thunder making people run helter skelter. Smaller animals scurried into their holes and I stood in awe. The hustle and bustle made me cry my eyes out. Out of no where, my fathers car pulled by and I stopped crying at that instant and got into the front seat. He then explained that he got caught in a traffic jam. He then gave me a bottle of fanta and some biscuits to soothe my sorrows. I finally got settled emotionally around four o'clock although school closed at three o'clock. Five minutes later it began raining heavily.
We stopped on our way as the downpour was heavy. The chocked gutters had reached dangerous and gushing waters with strong currents flowed from various openings on the streets. Suddenly, we heard a roaring thunder in the distance and saw a sharp flash of lightening which almost shattered the intestines of many people. Soon afterwards, we heard screams and realised that a shopping mall near by had caught fire. The crackling sounds of the blazing inferno sent shivers through the spines of those who had their relatives stuck inside. In there, people were suffocating, screaming, wailing while others forced their out. The scene held the maxime "only the fittest can survive".
In about thirty minutes, we heard the blowing of sirens and saw firemen arrive. Part of the building was blazing with fire when the firemen arrived. They had to wade knee-deep through mud and debris before they could reach the trapped men. The attempts of the firemen were not enough to save the panic stricken people from wondering. Many people died during the fire outbreak and others were injured. We sat in our car with our emotions paralysed by the incidence. We reached home around seven o'clock in the evening. My mother and siblings who could barely wait to see me return from school started throwing questions at me as soon as I reached home. I answered none as I really wasn't listening.
I had my supper and afterwards told them about what I witnessed on our way home . They were all morose after my sad story but I cheered them up by telling them my little achievement at school earlier that day. Later on, they heard more about the fire that took many lives on the news bulletin. After the long and tiring day ,I finally retired to bed. As I went to bed I reminisced about the day's consuming activities. What I never understood and still can't comprehend is how a lot could happen within a short time. I gave a big sigh of relief and dozed off to sleep. What a day it was, a day full of bizarre occurrence.

UP

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Name: Linda Amoako
Class: 2C
School: Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Secondary
Address: P.O.Box 1901
Kumasi
Ghana
Supervising Teacher; Oscar Donkor

There have been many thousands of days in my young life. That is, if I count from the day I was born, I have passed through roughly about six thousand, three hundred and twenty-eight days on the surface of the earth. Many things have happened on each of these days but the one I find most eventful is Friday September 25, 1998, a month and some days after I had finished my last paper in the B.E.C.E.

I woke up with bright rays of sunshine pouring into my room. It was however only 6:30 am in the morning. The sky was a clear bright blue shade of color, the birds were chirping gaily, signifying a wonderful day ahead and there was the most gentle breeze that one can ever experience.

When I woke up, I had this feeling that I was supposed to do something interesting in the course of the day. I then decided to go to town, buy a few things and do a great deal of window-shopping. With this resolution in mind, I finished my house chores, had a nice hot bath and got ready around 10 am. I sat in a taxi, which took me straight to Adum, the somewhat central part of Kumasi.

My conscience prompted me to do my shopping before roaming in town and I was later to be very glad of my decision. My first stop was at Melcom and there, a shoplifter was caught right in front of my eyes. I was so scared I thought I would pass out. That was however not to be the last shock in town. I also witnessed the almost lynching of a suspected thief. He was however saved by policemen as this scene happened near the central prisons. Thinking that I had had enough surprise packages for one day, I decided without much ado, to return home. This was however not to be as the taxi I boarded broke down some three miles from my house. Luckily for me, I was already on the University campus so I walked the rest of the way home.

On my return, I learnt that my friend's brother had died and that my own sister had been admitted at the hospital. It was then that I began regretting for going to town on such a horrendous day. The camel's back finally broke when it rained in the evening and our television set was struck down by lightning. My room got soaked and I had the unpleasant task of moping up the water.

I can't fathom how I allowed myself to be deceived by the brightness of the day. I should have remembered that "all that glitters is not gold" and stayed at home. What a day! So far, this has been the most eventful day of my life and one that I'm not sure I'll easily forget.

UP

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Name: Elizabeth Amoh.
School: Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Secondary
Address: P.O.Box 1901
Kumasi
Ghana
Supervising Teacher; Oscar Donkor

One day in my life is a true story that I want to share with the world especially those who are not yet victims.

This is the most painful thing ever happened to me and I never dreamt of becoming a victim of it. I wouldn’t like to share with the whole world but one need to take away pains and sorrows when the need arises. I would be glad if no one feel pity for me because it is bound to happen to everyone on this planet.

26th July is the day that has changed a whole lot of things up to this very moment that I put it on this computer for the whole world to know. I have learnt not to depend on anybody and learnt to love those who fall into it.

It all happened on a faithful Saturday, 26th July 1997, when part of my world fell into the grave. It is a day that will ever stay with me even when I die. That day has destroyed my family reunion between half sisters. My family has split apart till this
very day and year 2000.

It all happened two years staying with my dad and four days to my Basic Education Certificate Examination when I lost my daddy whom I loved so much to some unknown sickness. He was a father of all people and love everyone as he love his own children. Daddy never deserve to die. Death has really given me a big blow on my chest which still hurt and will ever hurt anytime I remember.

I was now developing a fatherly love after so many years apart but death as I call 'Agya Owuo' never gave me the chance at all. I was knocked down by shock when I was told my daddy was dead. I couldn't believe it because he was not sick that very morning when I was leaving to school. How could he have died just like that without saying goodbye or even falling sick.

On that very morning, daddy was rushed to the Washie Hospital after collapsing. He was later transferred to Okomfo Anokye Hospital and was admitted at Ward D5 after vomiting a whole lot of blood. He was given five drips of water but there was no chance in his condition. When his condition became critical, the doctors found out that he had lost a lot of blood and therefore needed some transfusion.. When they went to check through the blood at the bank, there was no blood which fell in his blood group. His children were asked to come for a check up. I was prepared to give all my blood to him if that could save his life but then I was just fourteen and couldn't donate blood and my big sisters were also in Accra. Who was going to sacrifice to save dad's life?

At 3:00 in the afternoon, daddy had to give up the battle and leave. Dad died a difficult and painful death. I had never seen dad crying before, but on that day he wept and said, 'Lord, why am I suffering like this, what wrong have I done to deserve his painful punishment. I give up, so receive my soul" After these words, he place his hand on his chest and closed his eyes. That was the end of his life. "Daddy never deserve to die, he never left well. It shouldn't have been him, O God. how could I pass my exams successfully and who was going to take me to school when my results were in? What will mum do with four children with no work"? This was the questions I pounded over throughout that day. Beloveds, if I'm to tell you this man died think we would weep and weep before my story ends.

As I write this, tears wouldn't give me way because, I know the father that I have lost to death and God knows he was not any kind of man. Anytime I remember of his love and care and service, tears begins to hold my eyes. I can't believe he is no mo
e and never coming back. He can't call me and talk to me. I know he still love us wherever he his.
It isn't easy to forget daddy and this one day is going to remain with me throughout my whole life. It has really shutter my world. I never thought it could happen to me bit it has happened and can happen to you too reading this.

This is a true story which I have tasted the pain and hurt of it and can't describe the pain and hurt on this sheet of paper but I have seen and felt it and would like to tell those who are just like me to have heart because all is not yet lost. We have to feel pity for those who fall into the wicked hands of death for someday, sometime it maybe you. Death would surely visit you and would take someone you really love.

Tears fill my eyes as I remember him. May his soul rest in perfect peace. I wish he was here with me now. Sometimes it is hard when friends talk about their daddies and I don't know what to do. Daddy shall forever be in my memory.
This is the end of my one day story which I will never forget.

UP

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Name: Caroline Ohene - Poku
School: Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Secondary
Address: P.O.Box 1901
Kumasi
Ghana
Supervising Teacher; Oscar Donkor

It was clear to me.
I could feel it to the core.
I could sense it in my bone marrow
That his soul had soared like a sparrow.
What a day full of sorrow.

Of bitter memories
Which brings me a painful laughter.
A day that causes moving air to steady,
A whispering air to cease.
You who brought an end to Rogambo,

A sobriquet so like the rainbow.
Ah! a day that has ceased my joy.
What a day to be forgotten,
Bringing streams of tears at each blink.
Rogambo! Rogambo!! I called.

How silent and immobile the day made him.
A day that has left me in sobriety.
On the day of my birth, I heard the death of Rogambo.
I would , if I had a spell
Your life spared.

A day I will never forget,
A day that swept away a name I'll always remember.
Rogambo joined the heavenly choir on that day.
May peace rest on your spirit.
PERFECT PEACE.

UP

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Name: Patricia Broni
Yaa Asantewaa Girls Secondary School
1 Arts 1
Supervisor: Mr. Oscar Donkor.

There is a saying that '' the person who is clearing the path doesn't know that his back is crooked '' That is what happened to me on 24th may 1993 .
It all happened on one faithful evening when I was going for a farewell party of my friend. Because it was late my parents were not happy so they cautioned me never to accept any lift but since I was a starlet I paid deaf ears to their advice and left.
The party started around 5.00pm on a bright mood. I was a waitress so I was elegantly dressed. With all those top men and women around, l thought I was on top of the world and I must confess that I really enjoyed myself. I danced with many of the guest till it was l 2.oo am when the party ended that I realised it was late. The family was so tired and busy that I didn't want to worry them. Moreover I wanted them to have a sound rest, so then I made up my mind to board a taxi home..... just then one of the guest, a well built man with a nice trimmed mustarch and a handsomely dressed man alighted from a private taxi. He offered to give me a lift which I never obliged. We had a very nice conversation and all I could realised was that the man had started to harass me, He stopped there, I was then afraid so I pleaded with him not to do anything stupid to me because I respected my virginity and womanhood, but the man never paid heed to my pleas, so by then I started shouting and screaming for help, just then a taxi cab was passing by so they stopped and asked, after telling them all the story the man denied every allegation, and drove away, the men took me to my house.
When I reached home I could not believe what had happened. I was so ashamed and frustrated that if I had means of erasing what had happened I would.
Had I known is always at last.
So if I had listened to my Parents advice, this would not have happened to me. ''Obedience is better than sacrifice''.

UP

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Name: BERNICE BOAMAH
School: Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Secondary
Address: P.O.Box 1901
Kumasi
Ghana
Supervising Teacher; Oscar Donkor

Tuesday, 26th July 1999, was the happiest day in my life. I had just arrived from my formal school for my results and was very happy; I was overjoyed and flabbergasted at my excellent performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination. I knew I would excel because I was determined to pass whatever may be the case. My aim was to achieve a higher grade in order to enroll in one of the best Senior Secondary Schools for a brighter future.
My matrilineal home was an informal one in which no good thing was expected from because it was like a tradition to our predecessors that no girl could pass to the higher level of education. Because of this all and sundry were astonished at my performance in the examination because it seemed that I had broken the curse on our family. I became the cynosure of the town. Relatives came from far and near to summon in our house to see the lucky girl. Whilst the people were murmuring and giggling among themselves, we saw a posh car approaching the entrance of our gate. Everybody was eager to see the person in that latest ride. As we were all facing the direction of the car. There came out a very elegant lady dressed in very expensive attire walking majestically toward the crowd, This woman was no other person but my beloved mother who had travelled over 10years without anyone hearing from her. Everyone was astounded but at the same time happy at my mothers arrival. The news was immediately broke to he
and she shed tears of joy, She told us that she was very happy at my performance but that was not the main motive why she came. She had come to reconcile her marriage with my daddy because she was going through agony for being the cause of the divorce.
Readers, I hope you were in my shoes to know how I was feeling. Indeed God answers prayers that was exactly what I was worried about everyday because broken home is one of the main factors which lead the children astray. I thanked my stars for helping me through this mystery. They made preparations for the renewal of their marriage which was going to take place by 1 week time. I was asked to dress up for outing with my dearest parent for the celebration of both my success and the re-union.
We went out and came very late tired and exhausted around 12.00pm. I went straight to bed and thanked God for the breakthrough of my family. Brethren the Lord is a prayer answering God for the breakthrough of my family. Brethren the Lord is a prayer answering God who does things great and small. He is doing mightier works than this and I know that even if you wretched like a church mouse, he will see you through only if you trust him, He is going to do marvelous things till you reach the apex of life.

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Name: Abigail Anthony
School: Yaa Asantewaa Girls' Secondary
Address: P.O.Box 1901
Kumasi
Ghana
Supervising Teacher; Oscar Donkor

Life is such that at a particular time, there is happiness and at another time, there's sadness. As I sit down and read my magazine, I can recall something, which I think, was the happiest and funniest day in my life, which was dated on 25th May 1999.
One fine Saturday, the weather was so cool that, when I woke up early in the morning I nearly felt asleep again but because it was a weekend, I couldn't go to bed for second time. I then washed down within a few minutes. I wore my pair of trousers with a sea blue shirt. All of a suddenly heard the phone ring , I picked the phone and fortunately for me it was my sweet mum. She told me that , uncle Ben who lived at Cape Coast had cordially invited me to his engagement ceremony which would take place at Oyster Bay Hotel. I hurriedly said bye to my mum since I was in a rush to witness the scene.
My younger brother Louis entered the sitting room when I hanged the phone. I told him "Mum just called and she said Uncle Ben has invited me to his engagement and therefore I need to be present by 12; 00 noon" At 10;00am, I left the house for Cape Coast, went to the transport yard, paid my ticket and entered the bus. In a few minutes time, we were at the bus stop where I alighted at uncle Ben's house. Infact, he was really very happy to see me because it had been a long time since he saw me. Uncle Ben then gave me newly made dress necklace, ring and a black pair of shoe.
We bordered a car and off we went to Oyster Bay hotel where the engagement was being held. Almost all the family members and friends were present to view the ceremony. Also, some special guest were invited, the Megastar band was invited to give us some music to cheer us up. When it was 12;00noon, the program started, we all sat comfortably in armed chairs.
A Pastor was asked to pray and after the prayers, the head of the family welcome us warmly. He introduced the bridegroom, the guest and the other important friends invited to witness the occasion. Later on, a woman whom I wasn't familiar with placed the bride, accompanied by her sister, came to where we had all gathered and then, a ring on her hand by a woman whom I wasn't familiar with. All this while, the Megaster Band was playing some nice music which made me really excited. People were busily dancing, whiles others were chatting. I looked at the scene as I sipped my soft drink. Later on we were served with rice with chicken stew which I did enjoy very much. Biscuits and toffees were also in abundance.
The ceremony ended around 5pm and still people were dancing and loitering about. All of a sudden, I sow a very huge and big men with mask and pointed faces playing around. I laughed and laughed till I started sneezing and weeping as well. I wiped off my tears, took my hand bag and went straight away to my uncle. Actually , I really made friends with students from other schools and shared ideas.
I asked permission from uncle Ben that I wanted to leave since the atmosphere was becoming dark gradually. He then introduced me to his wife Bernice. She smiled to me and I also smiled back. Bernice gave me lots of presents. I thanked them and wished them a happy marriage.
I reached home at 7;00pm , Infact I was really happy.