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Some Harsh Realities
For many, Ghana
is that beacon of respite on the African continent, where the weary might escape the throes
of their existing realities in the West, however, for those of us who have
heeded the full extent of the invitation implied by Mr. Rawling’s speech and the
present Joseph Project, we have we have come to terms with a different reality
once our visas expired. The extent of our welcome generally ends after the 3
months allowed for our visit. From that time on, an African born in the
Diaspora must validate his or her stay. There are several categories that one
might fall under, whether it be student, employee or investor; American,
European or Diplomat, but there are no provisions for Repatriates. As
mentioned, the Ministry of Tourism has incorporated Diasporian Affairs into its
title, but this is not to say that that office hears our concerns or renders
remedy to our grievances. There is no existing extension of the government that
caters to the needs of Repatriates, nor are there any provisions made to assist
us in our transition. Instead, we must apply to one of the above categories
and make the best of what we have. As with any group of migrants, there are a
few who have the strength and the wherewithal to land on their feet and hit the
ground running, but the bulk of us come with our families, babies, and elders in
tow, needing a little more assistance in the transition. No consideration is
made for the way we were expelled from our land, depleted by our oppressors and
are now starting over, with our meager life savings, faced with all kinds of
uncertainties. Instead, we are thrust into the sea, refugees, expected to swim
with the sharks.
For this reason
many have repatriated only to have their dreams shattered. Greater than 75% of
those who have embarked upon their voyage home, to Africa, via Ghana, have left,
more spent than they arrived and totally disenchanted by their experience. Of
those that have endured the harsh realities, we have bore down and sought deep
within ourselves for the drive to survive. Half of us have persevered, thanks
to our youthfulness, determination and support from outside, while the other
half have suffered destitute conditions, with no means of strength in a country
already overwhelmed by its own problems.
The fact is, you
are welcome. Akwaaba! Ghana sincerely extends her hands to curious Africans
born in the Diaspora, willing and able to tour Ghana, just don’t expect any more
than that. Repatriates must realize that they are returning to a neo-colonial
state. Black operated, white owned. This is not the Ghana
of Nkrumah. Your thinking must be modified prior to your arrival, to ensure your
successful repatriation. Each individual should design a plan that will sustain
you and your dependents for 3-5 years. This notion of coming home to retire in
paradise must be replaced with a ‘lace-up-your-boots’ mentality. As
Repatriates, we have our work cut out for us. Not only do we have to learn how
to survive in an entirely different matrix, but we must erect the necessary
institutions that will ensure our children and succeeding Repatriates aren’t
subjected to existing harsh conditions. Schools, ‘alternative’ healing centers
and safe dwellings for our elderly are our primary concerns. It rest upon our
shoulders to provide these institutions for ourselves, reflective of the
standards we have learned while exposed to vast information and examples in the
West. This work of Nation-building will only be realized by the cooperative
efforts of Africans throughout the globe. Our collective economic strength is
sufficient to address the needs of existing Repatriates and prepare for the ever
increasing flocks of Africans relocating to the continent. For those planning
to repatriate, please find a sponsor(s) from among your friends and family, that
can individually or collectively put together a stipend to assist in your
initial years. For those who recognize the necessity of repatriation, but are
not immediately prepared to do so, please sponsor a Repatriate.
Many will read this
and resign themselves to the lesser fate of their oppressors, rather than take
this road laden with challenges unspeakable. That is an unfortunate
consequence, but that I am willing to risk if it will better prepare those
steadfast and unwavering Repatriates with the information necessary to ready
your mind, body and soul for this reality. For those determined to claim their
birthright, I trust you will deposit this information in the banks of your mind,
where it will be invested wisely, yielding a more resilient, more indomitable
force, as is necessary for us, as Repatriates, to become, less we become
extinct. In the words of Fidel Castro, “Patra o Muerte, Venceremos”
(Motherland or Death, We Shall Win.)
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