A Place like No Other

Diana Naalo-Eng Saame, wife of Ghana's deputy head of mission, Alfred G. Saame [Women of China/Fan Wenjun]

Diana Naalo-Eng Saame, wife of Ghana's deputy head of mission, Alfred G. Saame, says it is her honor to reside in China with her husband, and to help represent her country in the world's second-largest economy. "I cherish my role of assisting my husband in promoting Ghana-China relations," Saame tells Women of China.

Aside from the language barrier, Saame says she has few obstacles to overcome as a resident of China. "Chinese people are like Ghanaians," she says. "Despite barriers, due to differences in our languages, Chinese are friendly and welcoming, which makes me feel at home in China. I consider communication to be an important factor in maintaining good relationships; therefore, I realize there's a need for me to attend Chinese lessons."

What is her impression of China? "(It) is like no other country I have ever visited. Before my husband was appointed to his current position in China, he worked at Ghanaian Embassies in Russia, Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso. These countries are also very interesting, but living in China is something special to me. The accomplishments, which Chinese people have achieved in the past few years, are something we admire and aspire to. For me, the experiences I have gained in China have truly opened my eyes. Ghanaians believe Chinese people are hardworking and determined. I admire that. China's rapid development is a sign of its people's determination and hard work," Saame says.

She is especially impressed by the world-famous Great Wall of China. "It still baffles me how the Great Wall was constructed with people's hands. The sections of the wall demonstrate Chinese people's patriotism."

Although China and Ghana are situated on different continents, some things in China remind Saame of her homeland. For example, the food and culture in Guangzhou (capital of southern China's Guangdong Province) are similar to those of Ghana. "Guangzhou is a place that often reminds me of my home country. The locals use the same spices (as Ghanaians), and they opt for a more pescetarian diet, like we do in Ghana," Saame explains.

The two countries have a similar concept of "family," Saame adds. "Family is very important in both China and Ghana. Family members discuss everyday chores in their lives, and every important decision must have final approval from the family's members.

"In a Ghanaian family, in the past, a couple might have 7 to 10 children. But now, the Ghanaian Government is educating the citizens on family planning, like the Chinese Government did a few decades ago, to push Ghanaians to have fewer children. I believe this is necessary … People should be aware of the importance of having as many children as they can afford to look after and put (through) school … Opting to have smaller families is a positive change in my country, especially in many cities," Saame says.

Ghana, often referred to as "the gateway to West Africa," established diplomatic relations with China in 1960. Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China. Friendly relations between the two countries date back to Ghana's declaration of independence.

"Our first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, forged strong relations with (then)-Chairman Mao Zedong and (then)-Premier Zhou Enlai. That friendship has constantly been deepened by the two countries' communications and cooperation in politics, the economy, technological trade and cultural exchanges. Ghana values its relationship with China, which has brought mutual benefits to both countries," Saame says.

The Ghanaian Embassy plays a significant role in promoting Ghana to people from around the world, she adds. The diplomats, and their spouses, participate in various activities, such as conferences and cultural exchanges in various regions of China. On March 6 each year, the Ghanaian Embassy hosts a celebration to mark Ghana's Independence Day. During the celebration, the embassy highlights Ghana-China relations.

Saame is optimistic about the future of Ghana-China relations and cooperation. "I would like to encourage Chinese people, especially experts and business expatriates, to share their knowledge with Ghanaians, and to invest in Ghana, because our country is a place with attractive tourist sites, enriched history and culture, and conducive investment environment with mouthwatering delicacies and hospitable and friendly people," she says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly July 2014 Issue)