To begin the day, we awaken from our first overnight stay
at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra. As we both prepared for a departure
breakfast, packed and dressed for shopping and a symposium. We saw breaking
news on the TV that President Barack Obama has been selected for the Nobel
Peace Prize. What a real surprise among us and the world! All around the
cities of Ghana, we got to see the welcoming signs for President Obama
and his family during their July 11, 2009 visit for the Cape Coast Slave
Castle here in Ghana.
It was at 10:30am that we boarded our bus to depart the hotel. We had a moment
of prayer on the bus, and then proceeded through the heavy traffic in Accra.
First, to a money exchange store and then a large shopping mart. A big
experience for many of us were the many peddlers, of merchandise in and
along the streets. While caught in heavy traffic, some of us on the bus,
delighted in the wonderful act work and negotiated purchases with the peddlers
through the bus’ windows. We later arrived at the shopping mart where
we made most of our purchases for the day. Our host, Reggie, was unable
to be on the bus with us so we had the assistance of the driver to guide
us. As we traveled the streets of Accra, we saw many modern residential
and commercial buildings; also contrast with certain areas of poverty.
Following our shopping, we had lunch at a restaurant, as we were running
late for the symposium. Both the food service and the bus through traffic
were slow, resulting in our arriving at the University College of Agriculture
and Environmental Studies Inauguration Symposium event very late.
Indeed, we arrived around 5:30pm in time only for the concluding cocktail and
refreshments. I believe that a few other individuals from First Baptist
Church, who traveled separately to the symposium, will present more information
concerning the event. The theme for the symposium was “Sustainable
Environment for Quality Life.” Rev. DeForest Soaries gave the opening
and closing prayers.
Following the symposium, we again boarded our bus, and began about a two hour
trip to our next city of Koforidua. Our journey took us into the early
evening hours of darkness, and up a steep mountain before arriving at our
most beautiful hotel called the Royal Plaza Hotel. Shortly after having
unboarded the bus around 8pm. We checked out our lovely, individual rooms,
and had dinner. By this time, we all were tired from the day’s activities,
and later went to bed.
Pastor Soaries, Minister Khristi Adams and myself were blessed to attend the opening of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science in Accra, Ghana. The college was sponsored by the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amotia Ofori Panin (who is a member of FBC) who is the king over 1.2 million people who has shown tremendous foresight to focus on preservation of the environment, help create employment and develop intellectual capital to achieve that vision.
Professor Yaa Ntiamoah-Boah presented an impressive case for the need for environmental studies and conservation in Ghana. I was stunned to learn that less than 1% of the forests in Ghana remain intact.
Additionally, Professor Yaa stated that only 20% of waste is disposed of properly and 62% is just discarded in the streets.=2 0You can imagine the negative health implications which stem from the fact that only 20% of the housing stock have proper toilets and plumbing.
Professor Yaa was very clear in the need to protect the environment from negative impact of mining and off-shore oil production. She was quite receptive to fostering the proper business/government partnerships to pursue clean economic growth which was harmonious versus harmful to the environment.
Pastor Soaries provided a stirring summation to the synposium by reminding the group that Ghana is seen as the "Beacon" for the rest of West Africa and there was no reason why Ghana could not have the same economic miracle which occurred in China and India. Pastor also stated that their brothers and sisters in America were eager to assist in this endeavor.
I was blessed to witness this event which reminded me of Proverbs 24:3-4 which states "By wisdom a house is built. Through understanding, it is established and through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures". This verse highlights the importance of attaining wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I believe that it is clear that the Ghanian people will be blessed due to The Okyenhene's wisdom and foresight which clearly was given to him by God.