In many folded parts, deep in the cramped closet of the rich-poor City of Accra, you’ll espy a hangar-and-a-half of a house sticking out, like a middle finger, on a dirt-tracked back road with yawning trenches crudely cut into its face by the mocking elements. You’ll see gaping gutters and little wild bush patches festering here and there. You’re also likely to see a termite-gobbled half-board of wood teasing '17-Bedroom House for Sale'!
Now, it didn’t say 17 rooms but 17 bedrooms. Does that reveal anything? Of course! The owner had in mind (assuming their mind was present) a house to live in, and not a public facility. But we know that most families that can count seventeen members are themselves a family of servants in other people’s homes. So, who did you erect this smoke mountain for – a football team? Because its sprawl is uncontrolled enough to hold a playing field. Or did you build it to house one-third of your entombed ego?
Thought your writing was all observation and no criticism ;)
ReplyDeleteIt just kind of, sort of, managed to slip out. ;-)
ReplyDeleteNana Yaw, I think you're forgetting that the Gas (and I can only speak for myself...and every other Ga product out there!) only two generations ago saw no problem in having 9-14 children each. In such circumstances, a 17 bedroom house can only be a sign of good planning!
ReplyDeleteSimple answer, Maya. The house was not built 2 generations ago. It was built just yesterday! Big fams are not just a Ga thing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the builder had plans of a Motel/Hotel/Guest House and had a change of heart or fell on hard times. Any other reason - then he was merely behaving like my people - building to spite
ReplyDelete17 rooms just to spite somebody? Wow!
ReplyDelete