Family

I have often commented on the importance of family in this African Blog. Although I missed everyone while I was away visiting Ghana, it was amazing to note how fast our Grandson had grown in such a short time. Last Thursday evening I saw him eat for the first time, as up and until then he had only been fed milk. His physical growth is matched by his development and coordination. He has now found his hands, and wants to explore everything that is within his reach. This is coupled with a healthy and determined fascination with his own hands, which he holds together and in sight. yes family are important, but maybe, just maybe we only realise just how important they are, as and when our grandchildren start to arrive. The sense of family togetherness appeared to be stronger in Ghana. Close links are maintained including generations living together. This may be as much about economics as social values. When compared to average earnings, property prices are high. Poverty is widespread and the gap between the have and the have nots appears to be growing. Maybe under these circumstances social integration is borne out of necessity. Even if this is the case; the strong family bonds are self evident. It is not just about economics and social circumstance, it is also about family and core values. The same can be said about the close social bonds between widespread friendship networks. Although this latter point may have a lot to do with the inherent friendliness of the Ghanaian people.