These two majestic animals represent the honour, dignity and sovereignty of two great African countries: Ghana and Namibia. They adorn, with pride, their Coat of Arms. Now in a unique and creative permutation, they represent the symbolism of the newly formed Ghana-Namibia Friendship Association.
Namibians describe their country as “The Land of the Brave” and a child of the International Community, having been midwifed by the United Nations with Ghana very much one of the birth attendants in the lead up to independence.
Namibians who were dispersed abroad during the liberation struggles remember with nostalgia their sojourn in Ghana as do the Ghanaians who crossed paths with them at that time also recall with fondness the interactions with their Namibian guests.
These “guests” were usually young people in Ghanaian institutions of learning, being prepared for the nation-building responsibilities that would come after liberation. After liberation, those Ghanaians who were privileged to be called upon to provide professional services to the young Republic also formed long-lasting relationships with their Namibian hosts.
Almost three decades after Namibian independence, Ghana and Namibia continue to cooperate in many areas of African development. Ghana did not waste time at all in recognising Namibian sovereignty and was one of the very first countries to open a full diplomatic mission in Windhoek. The Ghana High Commission in Windhoek is also responsible for Botswana.
We often talk about the “body language” between people. Same can apply to countries. The body language between Ghana and Namibia exudes warmth, mutual respect and cooperation.
Ghana’s Mission in Windhoek nestling comfortably on No. 5 Nelson Mandela Avenue, is on land gifted by a generous Namibia.
Another expression of the warmness of the body language is the naming of a street in Windhoek after Ghana’s founding President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. As an intended honour or just a very propitious coincidence, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, sits between two ennobled names: Sam Nujoma Drive and Nelson Mandela Avenue. The residence of the High Commissioner of Ghana was once situated there, at No. 91.
On Wednesday December 13, 2017, a Ghana-Namibia Friendship Association was established to further enhance and burnish this body language between the two countries
I recall when I arrived in Windhoek on a cold July 2014 morning to assume office as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Namibia, it was with such great expectations. Though I had been warned to expect very low temperatures, it being winter in southern Africa, I had completely underrated the warning and so was hit hard in the face by a chill that nearly flew me back to Accra! There was no frost but the dry cold I felt was more biting than many of the winters I had experienced before in freezing Europe. This was Africa and yet the temperature was telling me a different story.
With shivers, quivering lips and chattering teeth, I was whisked through the diplomatic formalities and in no time, I was on my way to take up residence in Windhoek on Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, to represent the interests of my country and the voice of my Head of State.
It all seemed so unreal. A few hours earlier, I had been in Accra, another ordinary Ghanaian citizen and here I was, now representing the honour and dignity of my country, and being accorded all the privileges reserved for “Excellencies”! I squirmed inwardly, not finding the words to exactly describe my emotions: fright and pride jostling for supremacy within me all at once. But the vast expanses of hills and open fields soon engaged my interest and I spent much of the drive enjoying the un-spoilt landscape of the outskirts of Windhoek.
My first impression of the Namibian capital, Windhoek and people was a most reassuring one. In all my African travels, I had never encountered so many people who looked so Ghanaian, in terms of facial and physical attributes. I invented a game in which I tried to place Namibian faces to faces back home! When later I got the opportunity to engage my Namibian hosts, I made that observation to their amusement and indeed appreciation too.
On credential presentation day, I noticed yet again the unique body language between our two countries. As I approached His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba with my Letters of Commission, he looked at me with what I can only describe as a familial welcoming expression and said ‘Akwaaba’. I was so taken by surprise that my tongue could not come up with the appropriate Twi Akan response and all I could manage was ‘Medaase’!” The correct responses being “Yaa Anua” or “Yaa Agya” for elderly man or “Yaa Ana” for elderly lady. He said the “Awaaba” with such genuine affection, I felt at home and included – affection and inclusion, how I was to feel throughout my two-and-half-year tenure as Head of Mission.
Love at first sight may be an over-used cliché but its import never diminishes when the relationship is built on firm ground which is how I can describe my relationship with Namibia the country and Namibians the people from the very first day I arrived to the end of my tenure.
Access to host authorities is crucial in diplomatic practice and I enjoyed it from the very top to all levels. I may have even broken some diplomatic bounds when that body language of accessibility allowed me the informality of referring to the current Namibian First Lady as my “Favorite First Lady” openly at public functions!
What did I take away from Namibia? So much, but that would have to wait as the subject of a future commentary. Being elected Chairman of the Ghana-Namibia Friendship Association brings the great expectations of Akwaaba and Medaase flooding back!
By Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, MOV | Chairman of the Ghana-Namibia Friendship Association, Former High Commissioner of Ghana to Namibia and Botswana
