Alba Kunadu Sumprim the author of “The Imported Ghanaian” has done it again. In her unique satirical writing style, Alba issues necessary social criticism to a lack of change so many have refused to address. Although many chapters made me giggle and planted that silly smile of reminiscing one often gets as they remember the illustrious dreams associated with the great Exodus back to Ghana, I couldn’t help but be dismayed that the only way to survive is to join “them”.
Alba tells of the struggles of the Ghanaian who returns home expecting to be welcomed and embraced as a member of the generation of change but who rather finds that the only modus operandi for survival is to adapt to the “role” they have been ascribed and learn the “Ghanaian logic.”
When the book begins with the departure of Alba’s friend who cannot wait to escape back to abrokyire after a few months of “Ghana woes”, one is hopeful that this story would be one which shows that the beautiful ones have indeed been born. Sadly, this is not the case. Once again, another writer highlights what are seemingly failings in the system.
Alba a product of Kade, in Akyem, the Eastern Region begins her journey as a returning daughter of the land by trying to convince anyone who would listen and dared to suggest otherwise that she is indeed Ghanaian. A few chapters into the book, she quickly discovers that “one is bought at the price at which one sells oneself”. These enlightening words prove to be the truth in a country where the selling price for foreigners far exceeds that of the local people.
Although the chapters of this narrative do not always seem to follow a clear chronological sequence, the cartoon strips are extremely entertaining and simplistic in the way they summarize the goings-on of the “too-known” returnee to whom the gods must constantly issue a reality check. Perhaps the unsystematic and sometimes hard to follow writing style of the author is meant to express the tumultuous fate one experiences as a returnee and even worse a returnee who is recognized as being Ghanaian. Whatever the reason for this style, it does make some chapters hard to follow.
Though I do whole-heartedly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to laugh at their frustrations and who finds humor in the “Dimunitivusmemoritis spray” the god of Forgetfulness has covered our society with, I must warn that some issues are a tad bit exaggerated. The solution the author offers of ‘if you can’t beat them join them’ is also one that I feel is not the appropriate philosophy I would offer people yearning to bring about change.
That said however, this is the perfect book to start thought-provoking dialogue on what needs to be done to push our country to the heights so many desire to see it attain.