Kanda Highway on Juneteenth 2021

June 19, 2021

Saturday in Accra, Ghana. The first surprise was the main road in the entire town was blocked off where we catch it on Dr. Amil Cabral Street. Police are re-routing people off Independence from there down past the Temple and Ridge Road and on to "downtown" as I call it. That whole stretch is blocked off. Our guards told us there are political visitors from other countries in town today and they need to get around without the hindrance of bad traffic (?). I find that a little hard to believe but then this is Africa. Things like this happen. But the entire eight kilometers or so of the main thoroughfare?

My first thought was that there would be some kind of parade because of Juneteenth. Nope.

Our first errand was to the Dubois Center art market. Lots of stuff is sold there; clothes, paintings, Africa arts and crafts, etc. etc. One booth has bagels. They are just like a bagel ought to be. No surprises buying a bagel there. It will feel and taste like it should. Normal. So, we purchased a bunch. They store just fine in the apartment freezer.

While there, we met the Munk's (new YSA couple), the Angle's (taking over from the Hulet's who are the Accra West Mission mission home couple), saw Sister Hulet (She and her hubby going home to St. George next Wednesday), saw the Neider's again (the Church's Human Rights efforts lead couple here for two weeks), the Kittleson's of course (the Neider chauffeurs) and the Weston's (our dear neighbors here at Alema Court).

Elaine wants to do some painting in the apartment. We got permission to do some touch up and trim work around the place. It needs some brightening up and Elaine is the best person to do that sort of thing. Our next stop for the morning was the Coral Paint store. We hadn't been there before. It was a challenge getting there because of Independence being blocked off for so many kilometers. I get the feeling government leaders are seriously out of touch with their constituents. That is my personal observation only. I haven't met anyone in government and would love to. We found the paint store, talked with a great young man who helped us choose the right "white", brushes, trim tape, and sand paper. Ready.

We had to take Kanda Highway (aka Hilla Liman) home (Independence would have been an option, but noooo, not today). It took longer to get home than usual because............. Independence is totally blocked off and there isn't even a parade or anything good going on to make up for the incredible inconvenience!

While our car made the stop-and-go voyage up the road, I took pictures of the happenings and views along the way and thought I would post them. Just to give you now, and remind me later, what it is like to drive Kanda Highway.

See how many animals you can spot in the pictures.

First, a bike shop, behind the bike and rider. A repair shop would be a good business if the customers could pay for the services.

The sign caught my eye. A worthy motto (just below the red title)

These girls in their colorful clothing passed the car and one of them laughed and stuck her tongue out at me and then turned to her friends and laughed some more. Not sure what the uniforms are for.

The advertising (bank card) is so odd to me and out of place considering the majority of the people one sees on the street. There is a middle class. How big?

The "Cowbell" milk company van. (Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken come to mind).

Satellite dishes, so many people have them.

That is a neighborhood down the alley. Where people live. A lot of people.

Can you see the back end of the goat? (just above the bicycle)

Must be a favorite verse of the owner's. The Old Testament comes alive to me as I see undeveloped countries like this. So different from the states. The beggars, hawkers, vans offering rides, and especially the fishermen, all remind me of Bible times.

This man is washing down the bed of his special vehicle. Good for him! And, this is what many women wear, and how they carry things around.

Do you see the chicken? The man is working in his workshop, right on the side of the road.

I took this one to show the carts men haul around in every town we have visited. A van, motorcycle, cart, bicycle. This cart version is mostly metal. A sturdy one loaded down with those yellow and blue bags. And, the shop is well organized.

The lady and the metal pan on her head is as common as anything.

"Lion of Juda". One is reminded of the Savior every day. See how much the motorcycle is carrying. Two riders on these small 125cc bikes is common.

This shop is really well organized, and inviting actually.

The largest mosque in the country. It has four minarets; only two are in this picture.

Almost home. The big intersection at Achimota and Kanda Highway is up ahead. Maybe the flowers are for a wedding.

The guy in the red shirt is selling newspapers. The ladies up ahead, nuts and bottled water.

This young man and woman in a wheelchair came by our car. They are working their way down the cars parked at the intersection. We gave them a cedi. We give everyone that asks, something.

Going down Dr. Amil Cabral road. A number of embassies are located in this general area. It was surprisingly quiet so I just had to take a picture. The sign behind the street sign reads, "Ethiopian Embassy and Chancery". Way too small for you to read. The Moroccan Embassy is also close by.

As we drive into our apartment complex, a guard opens the door. This smiley face belongs to Daniel. He's about thirty.

This is our ride. Nice and comfortable. I want the truck on the other side. This one belongs to our neighbors, the couple working in the Accra West Mission office; the Fackrell's. He does missionary apartment maintenance and repair work and whatever else is needed, and she is a nurse. I put in for a truck like this and hope it works out.