the cities could be seen externally to not think it was Christmas time. In Melcom, the only supermarket in Swedru, there was some over-priced Christmas decorations and Christmas chocolates to buy. Generally, you can see (plastic) Christmas trees and decorations in only rich families. Otherwise, it is Christmas on the 24th to go to church and making party on the 25th (Christmas is celebrated in Ghana on December 25). From Christ child born here in Germany in the evening, they have never heard of. Neither the Santa Claus, nor anything atmospheric, which is German for us for Christmas was to be found. I wished my family on the morning of the 25th Merry Christmas. Although they have replied, but I had not addressed, would have nothing from them. My host father is gone from the house in the morning, I have not received it until the evening to face. It also did not where did it go, let alone when he comes back - as it actually happens quite often. Therefore I have decided the family to give even in the absence of the father, her gift. Especially for my host brothers and sisters it was a DVD with several movies on it. It was a collection of Hollywood movies. I wanted to offer some variety to the local (in my opinion just bad) films. As a gift for the whole family, I bought a kettle. As it often is tea in the morning, I found the appropriate (as an energy saving measure). They have certainly very happy about it. From them there was not a gift, but what I have expected that. By evening was Christmas a day like any other. At 5 pm clock we wanted to go to Winneba, where the older sister of my host mother is living. When we finally drove off around 7:30, I thought that we to be late for dinner. But that was not so, for only about an hour after our arrival we got something. The party was initially touted it to sit on plastic chairs in front of the house and wait for the food. As far as authorizing the loud music, you could talk with others. Note to the music: There were of course played the same five hits, one in Ghana always get heard. I was the only white was regarded as a special guest and got out of Coke or a glass of gin, mind on an empty stomach. When it was finally dinner (pasta salad and chicken), it was also the highlight of the evening. It has in fact organized a dance competition. Only one for children, then one for the adults. I had to take care of me at first only once so that my name was removed from the list of participants of the adults again. They had never asked me to write as a participant. It is often the case that you are treated as white as a showpiece. To my astonishment, the children (average 10 years old) in a different class than the adults. Not that the adults had no discretion - I do not think there is a Ghana without tact - but the children have offered a really good show. Unfortunately the lighting was too poor to take photos or video. After this event, it also went to the end and at half past 12 we broke again in the direction Swedru. At home you have something turned on the TV and my host mother (slightly drunk) would have almost stayed in my room on the ground. The emphasis here is rather "in my room," as "on the ground". Sleeping on the bare ground is not uncommon. After my host father had shooed her into bed, we are all gone to bed - my host brothers and sisters in the living room watching TV .. I and my mosquito netting - as on any normal day to ... Merry Christmas!
the presidential elections which took place on December 7, has been feverishly opposed throughout Ghana. Even before the election it was clear that there is a head-to-head race would be two major parties - namely, the incumbent party, the NPP (New Patriotic Party) and the opposition, the NDC (National Democratic Congress). The NDC was once ever in power, but that was some years ago. for both parties was run a large advertising hype. The streets were hung huge election posters that seemed beside the shabby stalls rather pretentious and out of place. At least once a day, a van drove through the city, its loading area was full of NPP supporters. Equipped with trumpets and drums, they were shouting through the streets and have been heard from afar. From time to time we also saw equipped with large megaphones, jeeps, which should convince the people with election slogans. In the larger cities, there were still huge added mass events, which were of course supported with a lot of loud music. Of these great events, I am absent for security reasons. On television, there was much about it but to see the commercials as the various parties. In addition to regular commercials, there was also a music video, which was a bit strange. In Germany, you are in life never rapping leader (Angela Merkel) to present. The lack of talent would be one thing, but generally it would make them seem completely untrustworthy. Well, but here is Ghana ...
to the election itself: the public authorities were very tense and ready for anything. Some teams of international observers were on site. If this election without excesses come to an end, for all of West Africa, Ghana would be a great role model. Of the embassies and the Foreign Office were still extremely currencies. Our volunteer organization, has advised us on the day of the election not to leave the house to provide ourselves with the necessary food and not even once with the Neighbors to speak. When the day finally came, the city was deserted. I left, despite the (probably exaggerated warnings) the house and went with another volunteer colleague to a nearby polling station to observe the action. Of course we are not blind started walking, but since you already knew at the time that there were no major incidents, we went out and even have to take some pictures. The polling station was guarded by a (well-built) female police officer and four or five staff members were responsible for the correct procedures. Unfortunately, most people were already very early in the morning was when dialing, so we could actually took place not observed, namely there was no more. The cop was so nice and told us and how the individual steps of the electoral process went from Amsterdam. Actually, the system is no different than in Germany, but to prevent that someone is cheating, and possibly twice, and selected, you have his little finger in a black liquid (most likely ink) plug, which turns the nail for at least a week dark . Officials such as firefighters or police officers had two days earlier chosen because they had the actual election day on call. were on the third day after the election finally announce the final figures. The result was, as predicted, very close - unfortunately so scarce that there was no clear majority for either party. This meant in turn that on 28 December had to be elected again. Many people were very disappointed, but it remained quiet. Also very disappointed that there was no result, my host mother. Even in the time before the election, people bought a less material in their business because they feared for their money, which would be after a change of government, possibly less value. As had extended the period of "uncertainty" with the 2nd choice now, they could not normally benefit from the upcoming holiday season. During the period up to 28 December, one of the elections barely spoken. In radio and television while still running the commercials, but we did speak with excitement to the air. On December 28 we were not Swedru (home town) as we drove through New Year's Eve at a beach resort (see blog entry "New Year"). There you have only occasionally heard anything from people who came from outside. One concern, however, had a radio, so we asked again and again to the intermediate level. Even in this election, it seemed again very pleased to be very close. Against later it was learned that in northern Ghana in a village, the polling stations were attacked and sabotaged the ballot boxes and stolen. For this reason, then be re-elected, but to Fortunately, only in the said village. The new date was 2 January. As is already in front of it turned out, the NDC was minimal front, and even if everyone had voted in the village for the NPP, the projection would not have been obtained. NDC won the runoff election with 50.23% final. Both parties have subsequently accused each other of voter intimidation. "According to the Electoral Commission but there was not enough evidence of manipulation in order to declare the election invalid. Another told me that there was a coup attempt on the part of NPPs, by disseminating bogus numbers. For details, but I could not learn. Now, at least the whole election fever back around and we are excited about what the NDC will honor their promise ...
