A lot has happened in Ghana since I've been away from my blog. The last time I checked in, I was the proud citizen of an impoverished 'Third World' country. Fast forward one month and Ghana is now being touted as a "middle income" country". In case, you are wondering where the TARDIS that took us to the year 2100 is parked, it has something to do with re-working (fudging ?) by the Ghana Statistical Service in what is called 're-basing'. I would love to take you through a thorough exploration of re-basing but to be honest, it is all a tad over my head. For an in-depth analysis, check out the Ghana Statistical Service newsletter here. My main question is why someone forgot to tell my paycheck about the change from Third World to Middle Income status.
Hmm...upon closer reflection, there may actually be something to this middle income reality. I have noticed:
- The number of Range Rovers burning my retinas at night have gone up exponentially
- Luxury apartments are springing up everywhere
- Marina Mall by the airport is nearing completion
- The Hilton Hotel is apparently "Coming soon".
However, I also look around me and still see mounds of rubbish, desperate people begging outside churches and a complete lack of access to toilet facilities for a significant proportion of people in Ghana's capital. *Sigh* it all still feels pretty 'Third World' to me.
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| The caption for this 2006 picture from the BBC website says "...Here, residents in Nima in Ghana's capital, show how debris is spoiling their community." Source: www.bbc.co.uk. |
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