In the halls of Accra College of Education, two students from different villages in Ghana's Eastern region formed a strong bond.
Kwasi, from the mountains of Akwapim, and me, from Akim Asuboa North, met in school and became close friends despite living and studying in different residences and in different classes.
What created this tight friendship? Our friendship developed through a shared interest; We both love to laugh. We respect the power of humor, and above all the virtues of generosity.
Whenever I visited Kwasi and a mutual friend, Adjibolosoo, Kwasi would start the fun with the phrase "Wo le kotoku na'ejo." When we ask for a translation he would say, "You don't know why it's going on," thereby prompting laughter. Kwasi would affectionately shout my nickname "Sitho” anytime he saw me. This would also result in uncontrollable laughter. We found it easy to laugh.
In 2020, Kwasi and I were stationed at Valley View University basic school to fulfill our teaching practice obligations. Then there was the National COVID-19 lockdown, and we were all supposed to leave for our respective homes.
While other students traveled back to the comfort of their homes, Kwasi and I stayed behind and struggled to find a place to live.
The lockdown made it hard for us to go out shopping for food and also socialize with others.
Madam Vera Lowas, who lived on the Valley View University campus with her husband welcomed us into their home. In the evenings and weekends, we played games like Ahurihuri, Ludu, and Oware. We discussed life issues and the state of the world. Together Kwasi and I learned the power of Gracious Space through the kindness of strangers, our shared struggles, joys, and friendship.
On the 23rd of July, 2020, which was the day before my birthday, Kwasi said, "Setho, Tomorrow is your birthday, how is it going to be?" I responded ,"The birthday is locked down, until further notice. Corona Virus Firi yen so ko, ( Corona Virus get away from us!). This was a popular song we both enjoyed singing during the the lockdown .
This is an example of how we comforted each other and survived the lockdown.
After COVID-19, we were both coincidentally re-posted to the same town and the same school for our Ghana National Service. I taught in the Junior High and he taught in the 6th grade.
Ghana Education Service posted us both to the same district as permanent teachers but i later asked for a transfer to a school where music is an elective and valued subject. I would also be allowed to establish a choir.
Though I am now physically distanced from Kwasi due to this transfer, we stayed in touch.
Kwasi joined Witness Tree Institute Ghana (WTIG), connecting American and Ghanaian educators and encouraged me to apply to the 2025 program.
Considering the power of Gracious space, I feel the idea of humanity has shown me more. Kwasi could have kept this great opportunity of learning to himself but he shared that with me to also benefit, and guess what ? The benefit and self development this program has brought to me is just unbelievable. I never thought I could break the barrier of speaking out loud in public but now I do . This friendship of ours reminds me of two local Ghanaian proverbs:
- "Yonko bi sen nua"_ (Some friends are more than siblings).
- _"Hu Mani so mame nti na atewen mienu nante"_ (Two deer walk together for mutual support).
Come to think of this also
What spirit do you carry or bring on board when you see strangers?
How do you treat strangers?
How do you behave in every settings you find yourself?
How do you relate interpersonally with others?
These are questions to reflect on from our story to consider how one can hold gracious space for others.
Seth is a music teacher at Battor Senior High School, Volta region, Ghana.