Adventures in Ghana: St Valentines

A strange phenomenon of Ghana when the commercialisation of Christmas has not really taken off but St Valentine’s Day is taken on in a very serious way, beyond the realms of any western country. So much so that 3 random people of various ages and genders within the Municipal office which was the first Office I visited on St Valentine’s Day greeted me and wished a Happy Valentine’s day all before 9am. People use phone credit to wish people a Happy Valentine’s day… in Ghana it would seem the essence of Valentine’s Day is lost… Hannah and I both received chocolate from Hananah and Agete our neighbours (both female) and Redwana proudly showed off her daughter dressed in red all over for the occasion (including sporting a rather cute pair of red and white spotted (‘over the nappy’) pants alongside the valentines gift from her husband to be. If that wasn’t enough, at about 4pm I was invited to a goat meat party by Richard another neighbour who was inviting his friends over and their girlfriends. I was told I could also take my Valentine should I so desire… I promised to take Helen and Boris the dog…who then proceeded to abandoned me (Boris not Helen)… typical male. A Goat meat part comprises of a whole goat slaughtered on the day, skinned and cut into bit and roasted and then you just help yourself with toothpicks Helen and I had a lovely time, albeit rather late and alcohol fuelled for a school night. I can confirm my view of goat meat has not changed. It’s still far too chewy for my liking. It was going around like a washing machine in my mouth…I am surprised I didn’t vomit. Am sure the cat enjoyed it though…