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As the final months of the year approach, a familiar energy of anticipation builds in Ghana. For Ghanaians abroad, the dream of December in GH, is a warm sunshine, family reunions, and party rhythms which is a powerful pull and life time experience you can’t afford to mixed.
But this annual homecoming is also met with a sense of anxiety. The question on many minds is, Will Ghana be ready for us?
This year, the pressure is on. With a record number of diasporas expected to return, let’s take a critical look at the state of key services in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. We asked the simple question: Is the government doing enough to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for its returning family and visitors?
The journey from Kotoka International Airport often provides the first reality check. While major highways are in good shape, the story changes once you enter the city centers and suburban areas.
In Accra, areas like East Legon, Kasoa, and parts of Spintex are known for their frustrating traffic, made worse by potholed roads and ongoing slow-moving construction. In Kumasi, the same can be said for roads around Bantama and Asokwa. The fear for many returnees is that, their precious holiday time will be spent stuck in traffic, rather than with loved ones.
Every day we hear officials at the Ministry of Roads and Highways talking and pointing to several projects to undertake to ensure good roads, but when pressed on whether these projects would be completed before December, the answers is often unclear. The truth is, many returnees will likely face the same challenging road conditions they remember from last year.
Keeping The Lights and Water On
A stable supply of electricity and water is a basic expectation. Unfortunately, the occasional “dumsor” (power outage) and “dum-sa” (water shortage) remain a part of life in many neighborhoods.
The Ghana Water Company and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) revealed promises of improved services during the festive season. However, residents in parts of Cape Coast and Accra report that these outages are already a frequent issue.
For a diaspora family running a full house of guests, an unexpected blackout can disrupt everything from cooking to keeping cool. The government’s assurance is there, but the real test will come when the population in these cities swells in December.
Safety First
Security is another biggest concern. The festive season unfortunately brings a rise in petty crime and opportunistic theft. Areas with high concentrations of visitors and nightlife, like Osu in Accra or Adisadel in Cape Coast, often see an increase in such activities.
Many locals feel that police presence is often reactive rather than proactive. The question remains, Will there be enough visible police men active on duty and community engagement to deter criminals and make everyone feel safe?
The “December in GH” phenomenon is a huge economic booster for Ghana. The money spent by the diasporas supports countless businesses, from hotels to street vendors. In return, the ask is simple, a functioning infrastructure and a secure environment.
Government agencies are aware of this pressure but there is a noticeable gap between their plans and the reality on the ground. The feeling is that not enough urgent, and tangible work is being done now to prepare for the returnees in two months’ time.
So, for our dear brothers and sisters planning their trip, my advice is to come with excitement, but also with patience and awareness. Manage your expectations about traffic, have a backup plan for power or water issues, and remain vigilant about your personal security. Trust no one but yourself.
By: Eunice Adjei