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Although separated by many years of independence, Ghana, 62, and Namibia, 29, share a month of common birth independence: the month of March.
Our founder, Osagyefo, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, declaring our independence on March 6, 1957, said that it made sense only if it was related to the total liberation of the African continent. The first president of Namibia, Samuel Shafiishuna, Daniel Nujoma, lovingly called the founder, by a grateful nation, declared his country's independence on March 21, 1990. This was the last African country to gain access to Independence until South Sudan takes over separated from Sudan in July 2011, in line with Osagyefo's commitment to independence. Namibia is a country that takes very seriously its AU membership, celebrating the AU Day as a national holiday, flying the AU flag and playing the anthem of the AU during all official functions.
The history, geography, politics and economy of Namibia must be googlées by anyone who is also interested. This tribute is not going in this direction, but a narration of my love at first sight and how it becomes a longstanding affair …
First meeting
I arrived in Windhoek on a cold morning in July 2014. Even though we had been told that we had to wait for very low temperatures, winter in southern Africa, I was I had completely underestimated the warning and I was hit in the face by a thrill that almost sent me back to Accra! There was no frost but the dry cold I felt was more scathing than most winters I had experienced before in an icy Europe. It was Africa and yet the thermometer told me a different story.
The welcoming part of the High Commission of Ghana and the Namibian Protocol, with diplomatic efficiency, got me through airport formalities and, in no time, I was on the point of installing me at 91 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to defend the interests of my country and the voice of my head of state.
As we headed for the city (the airport is about forty kilometers away), the head of the Chancery took the opportunity to begin her presentation: the presentation of the commission letters / powers, the meeting with the Chief of Protocol, then the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other "courtesies" after the presentation that was only in three days.
Everything seemed so unreal. A few hours earlier, I was in Accra, another ordinary Ghanaian citizen and I was here, now representing the honor and dignity of my country and enjoying all the privileges and honors to represent my country and its president.
I squirmed inside myself, not finding words to accurately describe my emotions – fear and pride jostling for supremacy in me all the time. But the vast expanses of rolling hills and open fields quickly caught my eye and I spent a good part of the road enjoying the unspoiled scenery of the outskirts of Windhoek.
My first impression of the Namibian capital, Windhoek (pronounced "Vindook") and its inhabitants, was very rebaduring. In all my travels in Africa, I had never met men, not women, who looked so Ghanaian, in terms of facial and physical characteristics. When later, I had the opportunity to say a few words to my Namibian hosts, I made this observation for their amusement and even their appreciation.
Diplomacy
Very few people know that there are strict rules governing the conduct of diplomatic representation, which must be followed to the letter – in short, a protocol.
I remember that when President Mahama's appointments were made public and my name was on the list, many people always asked me when I would leave. Very little is known about the Vienna Conventions, the international agreements governing diplomatic relations between States parties.
From the moment a government appoints an envoy, it can take between two and twelve months to take office! I had to wait about three months to get my residence permit in Windhoek.
My presentation of the commission letters was preceded by meetings with the Namibian Chief of Protocol and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, followed by rehearsals of the presentation. Before the presentation, we are not "recognized". You can not drive with the flag of your country on the car and you can not attend official ceremonies either. The meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs aims to alleviate some of these restrictions with the presentation of your "open letters". This allows you to report to your own mission and work in the office, but nothing more; and that is why an early presentation is the most desirable. For my part, I arrived on July 20 and on the 23rd, the presentation ceremony took place.
State ceremonies are often very solemn and dignified, and nothing more than the presentation of credentials or commissions. There is a slight difference between the two: an envoy from a Commonwealth country accredited to another Commonwealth country is a high commissioner and presents commission letters, the others being ambbadadors and credentials. So I went with my commission letters duly signed by President John Dramani Mahama and presented them to his Namibian counterpart, President Hifikepunye Pohamba. Another important document is the reminder letter, which officially ends the tour of a predecessor – in my case, H.E. Major General S.A. Odotei.
Six other envoys presented their letters that day, but it's up to the novice that I first had to present my letters, then respond to the president's remarks / toast – again, another manifestation of the rules … Because I was resident, I had priority over others, no matter how high they were in diplomatic practice. They all resided in Pretoria and were simultaneously accredited to Namibia.
The presentation went very smoothly, but as I approached his commission letter and the reminder letter from my predecessor, President Pohamba looked at me and said "Akwaaba". I was so taken by surprise that my tongue could not find the correct answer from Twi Akan and all I could handle, was "Medaase"! ". I was previously driven to the presidential office complex without the Ghanaian flag, but I left with our black and proud star fluttering proudly …
Love at first sight
It may be an overused cliche, but its reach never diminishes when it is sincere. This is how I can describe my first impression of Namibia – The Land of the Braves – when I moved to 91 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue …
I have traveled many African countries, in fact, all the sub-regions and their capitals, but Windhoek, capital of Namibia, can be described as my favorite African destination. Neat, disciplined, respecting the rules, portable and relaxed, the city of Windhoek is a jewel in Africa. Until about two years ago she had the enviable title of the most beautiful city in Africa. Kigali, Rwanda has recently reached the summit, but they are fighting to regain their place at the top.
It is a very vast country, Ghana can occupy three times its territory, but in terms of human population, the only city of Accra far exceeds that of Namibia. Great cattle breeding country, I joked with them about the fact that they have more cows than humans, which is true and, as you can imagine, a also big meat-eating country!
The discipline
Even though Namibia is as thirsty as any other country in the world, the rules are quite strict and the hours of alcohol sales are regulated. A mark of the social discipline of the country. In each liquor store, signs clearly indicate when you can or can not buy alcoholic beverages …
They will not deliberately jump red lights or honking / pitching indiscriminately, parking poorly or building buildings where they are not supposed to! Even the shantytowns around Katutura (not exactly Nima, but it's the closest approach), post a little order! Namibians love to line up and wait patiently for a service. How many times have I seen senior ministers and other senior officials wait in long waiting lines? Fascinating country. When I was there, Namibia was one of the best Ghanaian professionals in universities and other fields. The Associate Dean of the Faculty of Medicine was a Ghanaian; the dean of law school was a Ghanaian and many others …
Tribute
On the occasion of its 29th anniversary, I pay tribute to the land of the brave and, now that Air Namibia has resumed its flights to Accra, I hope that Ghanaians will enjoy their visit to visit this enchanting country and enjoy its population, its flora, its fauna and much more. destination for leisure or business.
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