THIS IS HOME

Abraham Atta in a pose with Sylvester Stallone

Like many other towns or settlements, it has a fascinating history unbeknownst to many. (Check Wikipedia). Its early settlers built the town on a foundation of love. Basically for family members who wanted to engage in one economic activity or the other. A home for the weary traveler to catch their breath or spend the night if necessary. This is ASHAI’s TOWN. Known to many as ASHAIMAN. Often mis-spelt as “ASHIAMAN”

The town has seen some unprecedented events capping the love with which the frames of the town was built on. In other words, it has had its fair share of problems. The town has been in the past severely marred by the activities of some recalcitrant youth. But like they say, “every saint has a past and every sinner has a future”. The future of the town wasn’t resting on the dictates of a few boisterous young men and woman who early on had plunged the town into an abyss.

The coming in of free compulsory education saw a surge in school enrollment in the early nineties. A new secondary school meant pupils from public schools whose folks couldn’t afford to take them to other regions for secondary education had an option than to stay at home.

A sprawling artisanal enclave popularly referred to as "fitter line" gave way to many who desired other than formal education to learn a trade. Trading activities have replaced what hitherto was a huge impenetrable slum of drug addicts and thriving network of prostitution.

Pick pockets, mafias, junkies, festooned the streets, imposing an unofficial curfew in some areas. But like the sinner with a future, the streets are safe and surprisingly calm even in the wee hours of the day.

The town has and is witnessing a drastic change in infrastructure.  Modernized private school, clinics and private hospitals to augment what used to be the only health center. Old buildings are being replaced with high rise multi-functioning buildings inhabited by local and international institutions. GCB which used to be the only bank in the town now faces keen competition with several others. What fascinates many is the availability of food at any time of the day. From “Hausa koko” (porridge) to the most sophisticated of meals are found in what used to be a dreaded town. Night life is amazing. People sit out in pubs and open spaces to blow off some steam after a long day’s work largely because of the will power of the people and the presence of a strong policing force.

At the center of it is a hive of cocooning talents yet to be birthed into professional medical practitioners, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, footballers, and comedians who lighten the mood of weary tenants though a few have been heard of locally and internationally. StoneBwoy who has been made the official ambassador for sanitation, Abraham Atta, Thomas Teye Partey and the list is endless  Like the great baobab tree with several branches, Ashaiman has several settlements: Lebanon, Jericho, Middle East, Zenu, Official Town, Night Market, Asensu Bar, Roman Down, “Tabooo”(wooden) line, Tulaku, Christian Village, New Town and many others. This should give you an idea of how big a place Ashaiman is.  A cosmopolitan area of some sort. Home to all tribes and creed of more than 350,000 making it the fourth largest cosmopolitan city in Ghana after Accra city, Kumasi and Sekondi- Takoradi

Fans at Ashaiman to The World Concert

Suffice to say, Ashaiman has evolved over the years from a hell hole to a charming place. Like the phoenix, it rose out of the ashes. It has nurtured thousands of people playing several important roles in the country though they want to be modest about it.

Living in Ashaiman sharpens your survival skills and disposition. You learn to tolerate and be tolerated. Respect is reciprocated but never undermine anyone.

Ashaiman could appeal to many as a destination to be avoided. An indigent piece of land without any hope. However, in spite of how others see or call it, THIS IS HOME.