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Jingle Bells

Beatrice Johnson - 2nd Runner up and Winner of the Frederick Ato Armah Special Prize for Outstanding Imagination • December 25, 2021

Jingle bells, Jingle bells everyone going up and down to find a perfect gift for his or her loved one. Maame Yaa and her mother were returning from shopping. They were so excited about the celebration of Christmas.

“Mom where should we spend our Christmas holidays this year?" Maame asked

“We will go to Golden Hotel it is a very nice place at Achimota in Accra so get ready we leave this afternoon.” Maame’s mother told her.

 “Cape-Coast to Accra?" asked Maame

 “Oh yes. Do not worry. It will be fun.” Maame’s Mother told her.

 At 1:30pm Maame Yaa and her mother started packing their things.

“Yaa do not forget your swimming costume.” reminded Maame’s mother.

At exactly 3:00 pm Maame Yaa and her mother took a taxi to the bus station.

“Wow look at these big buses!” Maame exclaimed.

“Yes, they are very big. They are of different colours too. Said Maame’s mother. They went to the ticket stand, paid and got two tickets. They boarded the V.I.P. bus to Accra. It took four whole hours before they reached their destination.

They took a taxi straight to the Golden Hotel.

“Mummy, this is a big place.” Maame observed.

 “Yes, it is. Hurry, your Aunty is waiting for us inside.” said Maame’s mother excitedly.

“You never told me that I had an Aunty in Accra.” replied Maame.

When they went inside, they were amazed. Everything looked nice and posh.

“Mummy where is my aunty?" Maame asked anxiously.

“She is over there at the reception.” responded her mother.

The name of Maame Yaa’s Aunt is Georgina, but most call her Jojo affectionately. When Aunty Jojo saw them, she was very excited.

“Sister! I am so happy to see you, oh, you must be my niece Maame Yaa. I am your Aunty Jojo." She introduced herself with a hug.

 

Aunty Jojo gave Maame and her mother their room key and number. The number of their room was 201.

“Aunty Jojo is very kind.” Maame said to her mom.

“That’s how she been since she was a child”. Maame’s mother told her.

The room was very beautiful. It had twin beds, a sitting area, a television, a toilet and bath. Maame Yaa was impressed but she couldn’t quite tell the colour of the room.

“Wow! this is a very lovely room mummy.

” Yes, a good choice and a lovely one too." agreed Maame’s mother.

They unpacked their bags, washed and settled down at the sitting area to watching Tv. But after a few minutes Maame and her mother decided to go to the mall for a stroll as they had sat on the bus for so long.

Achimota mall was not far from the Golden hotel, so they walked, hand in hand. At the mall a Christmas Carol was playing, and everyone could hear it. There were Christmas decorations with pretty multi-coloured lights all over. The mall had a theatre, food court, hair saloon, lots of shops and supermarkets. They entered one of the supermarkets first.

 “Mummy why don’t we go to where the fruits are?" Maame suggested.

“Yes, healthy food first." said Maame’s mother.

On the fruit shelves were apples, watermelons pineapples, oranges, mangoes, grapes and many other kinds.

As they were looking to decide which fruit to buy Maame Yaa saw a girl mopping the floor crying.

Maame felt sad so she walked to the crying girl and asked

“Please what's your name? Why are you crying my friend?"

 “My name is Daniella and I need help” the crying girl replied.

“What do you mean by that?" Maame asked.

 

 “My mother is a drunkard. She has given me to a man who works in the mall in exchange for dresses and money” Daniella explained.

 

Daniella’s mother who is an alcoholic with health issues makes Daniella work very hard and beats her up when Daniella is too tired to work anymore.

The man Daniella works for maltreats her too. He promised to take Daniella to a preparatory school, but he has not. Instead, he makes her come to work at the mall cleaning around.

After Maame Yaa talked with Daniella for some minutes she realized that she has left her mother behind so looked to find her.

 “Where did you go?" Maame’s mother asked.

“I saw a girl crying. It made me sad, so I went to ask her why." Maame told her mother.

 “Let’s forget about that." said Maame’s mother.

But Mamme Yaa was very worried. She could not put the girl out of her mind. After the shopping was done, they walked back to the Golden hotel.

When they settled down, Maame asked her mother, “Mummy is it good to be a drunkard?"

“No, it is not. It is very bad. why do you ask?" Maame’s mother asked back.

 “The girl I met at the mall crying told me her mother is a drunkard and has given her to a man who works at the mall in exchange for dresses and money." Maame told her mom.

 “What? Did she tell you her name?" asked Maame’s mother.

“Yes, she did. Her name is Daniella." Maame replied.

Maame Yaa’s mother also got so worried.

“Can we help her?" Maame pleaded with her mother.

“Yes, we can." Said Maame’s mother.

 Just then, they heard a knock on the door,

“Mummy, should I open the door?" Maame asked.

“No. Wait and let me open it myself.” Maame’s mother responded.

 When Maame Yaa's mother open the door, it was Aunty Jojo.

“Jojo come inside.” welcomed Maame’s mother.

“Sister, how are you?" Aunty Jojo wanted to know.

“Aren’t you supposed to be on duty? Maame’s mother asked.

 “I took a break, so I decided to come check on you.” said Aunty Jojo.

 Aunty Jojo noticed Maame Yaa, and her mother were not cheerful.

“Sister what’s wrong?” Aunty Jojo asked, very concerned.

“We want to help a girl who works at the mall.” Maame’s mother told her.

“Do you mean Daniella? She is a very good girl, but her father is very wicked. He does not take care of her.” said Auntie Jojo.

 “How did you know Aunty?” Maame Yaa asked in surprise.

“Everybody who works here at the Hotel knows her.” said Aunty Jojo.

 “She told me she needs help." Said Maame.

“What do you mean?" Aunty Jojo asked.

 Maame Yaa and her mother told Aunty Jojo the whole story of Daniella.

“We must help her.” Aunty Jojo agreed.

"But how?" Maame asked.

"Let's go to bed. We shall think of how in the morning." Aunty Jojo said and bid Maame Yaa and her mother good night.

"Good night, Sister, good night Maame. "

When Maame Yaa went to lie down in bed, she could not sleep right away so she prayed for God to help them help Daniella. After praying she closed her eyes and slept.

 

Aunty Jojo came up to see Maame and her mother after breakfast the next morning, so they find a way to help Daniella.

“First we report to the police.” Maame’s Mother suggested

So Maame Yaa's mother and Aunty Jojo went to the nearby police station to make a report. Maame waited in their room at the Goden hotel and said another prayer.

Her Aunty Jojo went to look for the man who has been taking care of Daniella. Luckily for them they were able to find Daniella’s mother.

 “Are you Daniella’s Mother? "  Maame’s mother asked.

 “Yes” said Daniella’s mother.

Maame’s mother and Daniella’s Mother had a conversation. Maame's mother adviced Daniella’s mother not to drink alcohol again. Daniella's mother agreed to get help so she can stop drinking. 

The police arrested the man who maltreats Daniella, and she was given back to her mother.

 

Finally, Daniella was freed from child labour.

"Back at the Golden hotel” Daniella said,

"Thank you Maame Yaa." “Do not worry” Maame Yaa replied with a big smile.

Later Maame’s mother booked a room for Daniella and her mother to spend their Christmas holidays. After spending their holidays, Daniella’s mother went on treatment so that she will stop drinking.

 The relationship between Daniella and Mamme Yaa grew stronger, so did that of their mothers.

 

Just as Santa Claus jumps down to every chimney to give a child a gift or grant their wishes or desires. That’s the same way every child should be treated. We shouldn’t discriminate on any child due to their colours, disability, age or ethnicity.

 

At Christmas time, Maame Yaa showed her love to Daniella so she will be free from child labour and now she is living her life like every child must live.

Let’s celebrate this Christmas with love and let all children persevere. Jingle bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle! Jingle! jingle! 

Esi's Blog

The Days: A Review

By Esi Arhin • June 3, 2023
Ama Ata Aidoo's The Days , a picture book for children is a delight to read. Illustrated by Albert Buete Puplumpu, the book offers relatable descriptions of days of the week and their unique characters in a fun way. The theme of differences and similarities resonates clearly. The author employs the use of rhythm, rhyme, repetition and imagery to deploy the story. In comparison to how days behave, it plays on the characteristics of animals and things to enforce its message while encouraging children in an unsuspecting way to apply their mathematical skills. The simplicity of style and subject makes it an easy read for young children. At the same time, it holds a certain appeal for adults because of the subliminal meaning portrayed for those who understand the battles fought in daily existence. This book explores the possibilities in each day, painting a picture of life and its unpredictability in general. It assures the young that differences are normal and in fact to be expected. For adult readers it reinforces our knowledge and understanding of daily life challenges, leaving a sense of balance. The performance potential it holds is most exciting. Each day's character stares the imagination and evokes an actor in the reader. The colourful illustrations depict familiar images in ethereal bliss, typically that of the old village wall. The front cover captures the theme beautifully. It shows the different characters of days by seamlessly fusing together colours symbolizing the differences in days. The illustrations are very effective in enhancing the story. Although "Each day has hours of ten, ten and four..." "All the days are not equal" indeed. Children are sure to be entertained and learn about diversity. I'm enamored! The Days is far more than a good read. Children, gather round!

Navrongo Calls

By Esi Arhin • September 5, 2022
Navrongo, the capital town of the Kassena-Nankani district lies south of Paga, the main border crossing between Ghana and Burkina Faso. It sits at the tropical Savannah belt, Upper East of Ghana. I first made my way there sometime in September 2002 through a friend who couldn’t believe I had lived all 27 years of my life in southern Ghana, never having traveled up north. He insisted I needed the exposure and so he dragged me with him. He said I had not lived If I had not seen the sun rise on the Tono dam. So, one fine morning at 5:00 am, I jumped into his pick-up truck, and we headed up north where he had made a home away from fanteland. It was the longest road trip I had ever embarked on at the time, 15 hours on the road to be precise. Takeaway the breaks we took at Kumasi, Kintapo and Tamale. I barely noticed the hours pass as we chatted all the way with the company of Fela Kuti and Bob Marley playing in the background on repeat. To this day, the ride to Navrongo remains one of the fondest memories I have of traveling Ghana for work or leisure. This part of the country is home to two ethnic groups, the Kassims and the Nakanas. Historically, it is said that these two ethnic groups have had relative independence because the Ashantis didn't invade them. However certain treaties established by the British in 1898 an Anglo-French convention came up with an agreement to divide the lands. The Kassims and Nankanas were subsequently separated from their relatives who today live across the border, Burkina Faso. Older indigens of Navrongo know it as Navoro, which means (to put your foot down on soft ground). Today, the town is indeed soft ground to live and explore what new opportunities it has to offer, including access to tertiary education locally. The siting of Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences campus to the township has brought much warmth to the once laid back and very quiet town. Yet, it still remains relatively calm in comparison to Bolgatanga which is 30 kilometers away by road, about 40 minutes’ drive. It is an important market town in the area. The people are mainly subsistence farmers and rearers of cattle and goat. Navrongo is known for its famous mud-built cathedral and grotto, Our Lady of Seven Sorrows. Although it doesn't haven many formally designated places of tourist attraction, it is by its character a great attraction. The warmth of the people, the native architecture, fabrics, the market, the guinea fowl joints, the easy connection between humans and cattle in full glare, make up a total unique culture for experiencing. Marked places of interests in addition to the mud-built cathedral are the Tono dam, which is one of the largest agricultural dams in West Africa, also the first ever solar plantation and the health research centre. It is awesome to watch the sun rise ever so gracefully on the Tono dam.The rising of the sun is said to symbolise the journey of the sun in the sky. At about 5:00 am one morning my host and I set off on a drive to see the famous sunrise on Tono dam. The joy of watching the sunrise on the dam is next to none, with nature at its best early morning. The sun’s golden rays added a burnt orange colour to the smoky clouds. A small ball of light emerged from the sky at first. It then slowly starts to get bigger and illuminate. As if on cue birds began to chirp in glorification of the glow of the orange goddess. Its beauty is beyond description, I cannot do it justice. Suddenly, out of the blue it bursts out into a gleaming ball expanding at a moment's look. The first rays are gentle and soft on the eyes. It is a rare joy, eternally etched in memory. I have seen many a sunrise over the years but this one was magnificent, just as my host promised. It was worth every bit of the journey. One thing I found most fascinating is the hand production of ethnic fabrics by the women of Navorongo. They grow and eat their own food. They make their own beer(pito), their own beauty products from largely local materials. They build their homes with their bare hands also with local materials. They made ordinary what appeared phenomenal to me. There are some fairly decent guest houses and lodges to stay in, especially for low budget travelers. Moving around is not difficult, there are taxies and motor cars available for hire as well as collective rides. For a fun night, there are lots of drinking spots and bars to hang out and dig into some well spiced charcoal grilled guinea fowl or beef kebabs. You may sample grilled guinea fowl in as many grilling spots as you like. That is a sport in itself. I've had several opportunities to return to Navrongo after my first visit. With each visit the land and it’s people grow on me. Memories of Navrongo call. Nearly two decades after my first trip there, my heart still misses a beat at the mention of her name. Could it also be that the face of that handsome Kassim man still smiles on me?
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