Tropical conditions

Following three successful days focussed on Amankwatia, including the two meetings about the project then the visit to the village, it was time yesterday to return to Accra and then back to Stephen's home in Tema.  Tema is the main commercial port of Ghana and lies about 25km East of Accra itself, roughly half an hour's drive from the airport.

Asante Kings

Before we left Kumasi, we were able to do a little sight-seeing and visited Manhyia Palace, formerly the home of the Asante royal family but now a museum.  Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside the museum but we were able to get a good insight into the way in which the kingdom was established from the 17th Century onwards, taking in much of modern-day Ghana and also part of Cote d'Ivoire to the west.  We also learnt something of the opposition faced by the kingdom from the colonialists, not least the United Kingdom from Georgian times onwards.  Along with the slave trade, the main reason for the colonial interest was gold (hence Ghana's colonial name, Gold Coast) and the exhibition included plenty of information about this.

Former palace of the Asante Kings, Kumasi

The current king has been 'on the stool' for fifteen years and there was also a photographic exhibition to celebrate this too; the anniversary itself was 10 days ago when there was a large gathering, broadcast nationally (I heard some of this on the radio whilst travelling back from the Synod at Nyakrom).

As we left the palace to travel to the airport, several large groups were gathering to visit the king or one of his immediate subordinates.  Many of these meetings would be to settle disputes over the rights to particular pieces of land.  Most of those attending were dressed in black: the party losing the case must dress in black, those who are successful are allowed to dress in white to signify the outcome.  Most arrive dressed in black to save having to get changed afterwards in case they lose.

Rain!

The rainy season is now starting across the country.  Due to the varying landscape and climatic conditions this starts earlier in the forest region, Kumasi is located, and we were treated to a substantial downpour which lasted about an hour whilst we were waiting at the airport.  Passengers on the inbound flight were kept on board for about 20-25 minutes to allow the rain to pass after the aircraft had taxied in.

Tropical downpour at Kumasi

After a smooth flight, it was quite a contrast in temperature (perhaps 5C or more hotter, the rain in Kumasi having lowered the temperature) when we arrived at Accra.  On arrival at Stephen's home, we had a mid-afternoon snack of fresh coconut, drinking the juice and then scooping out the soft flesh to eat.  We then sat outside on the balcony as night fell as there was a welcome breeze.  We were forced to retreat inside this turned into a second significant downpour complete with electric storm which went on for a good couple of hours.

Humidity....this bottle of chilled water had
only been out of the 'fridge for a few minutes.
You can see the condensation has already
built up quickly on the outside.

Tuesday

This morning we were planning to visit parts of Accra, but workmen have arrived to replace the garage doors, so Stephen needed to stay around to ensure the work is completed satisfactorily.  I have been spending some time thinking about the assignment I need to write on my return and also starting to pack my luggage for the journey home tomorrow night.

As an aside, I gather that several people have commented on my lack of hat in a picture taken last week when I was stood in the sun: I had just removed it for the photograph.  I can assure you that I have been nowhere without my hat, and it became a topic of discussion amongst my hosts in Winneba.  The hat isn't the only thing I need, I don't go anywhere without some bottled water, a hanky (for mopping my brow), some hand sanitiser and insect repellent spray.

Five essentials