Earlier today, I moderated another book club session organized by Afrika Nzuri Publishers. The 93rd session, staged as part of the implementation of the Turning Pages initiative, took place at Kivu Noir Café in Kigali. For the 15th time, we turned the pages of the book titled Six Hours in Accra.
During the interactive session, we toured Accra without leaving our chairs. Through the power of imagination, we roamed the streets of the capital of Ghana and interacted with members of our host communities. As I always say, there is magic in books.
The content of this book sparked our imagination and reignited our curiosity. Through vivid descriptions and personal reflections, we captured the spirit of the residents of Accra and felt the heartbeat of their bustling city.
After downing a bowl of Hausa koko oatmeal at RockWoods African Restaurant, we strolled on Ring Road Central all the way to the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange. From the interchange, we dropped by Makola Market en route to the Black Star Gate.
Lunch break took place at Labadi Beach. When the tour resumed, we headed to a neighborhood known as Tudu, within the Accra Metropolitan District. While in the hood, we interacted with future soccer stars and gave them words of encouragement.
Between walking under the scotching sun and playing soccer on a dusty street, we traced the genesis of the spark that ignited Africa's independence struggle and the rebirth of Pan Africanism.
As the discussion picked up steam, we revisited the past and put history into perspective. In the process, we examined what transpired in the aftermath of the Second World War and the ensuing momentum in the decolonization movements across Africa. Furthermore, the magical pages of exploration provided a glimpse into modern Accra as a tourist destination.