Community Raiding at Tema Community 3- I am a Victim

It is sad that as a nation, the people we refer to as future leaders have been reduced to common way side thieves.  As is characteristic of every holiday in Ghana, beaches were the place to be this AU holiday, and the Sakumono beach was no exception. But unfortunately, as is the usual way to end all beach parties at night, a group of boys were on the loose snatching handbags and phones. But this time, there was an unusual confidence and impunity to which they went about it, and I was a victim.

 Just as I got off the taxi last night, at about 7:00pm, on my way back from visiting a couple of friends, I was attacked by a group of hoodlums and hooligans. Small boys, mostly in their late teens. The sad part about it was, the taxi from which I dropped off containing three men sped off with my change of 7 cedis, 50 pesewas. And neighbors looked on amusingly with folded hands and prompting others to take a look as and when new episodes happened. I struggled with them a bit, but they began striking the handle of the handbag with the intention to cut it and eventually striking my finger. And at that moment, another guy appeared from behind, ruffling through my pockets. I let go, now being fully aware I could have been stabbed by this guy.

 I stood there for a minute unable to decide what to do and eventually decided to trace up the street with a brick in my hand. I found the handbag a few meters away empty, well almost, my sanitary pad was still intact. I decided to go home, get a torch and hopefully find my ID cards. Whilst returning another group rushed up to me with the aim to rob as well. I threw the bag at the face of their leader, yelling angrily and asking him what else he wanted to steal after they had already taken everything away. He began mumbling something and his colleagues pulled him away! I still have no idea where I got that courage since I knew at the back of mind that they could stab me at the least. But thinking about it now, it more like anger.

I return some minutes later with two guys from the area to search for my IDs. We found pieces of my make-up bag, a few lips sticks and glosses as well as my face powder hoping to search more thoroughly the next morning. I noticed a few other people searching with torches and picking up what was left of their items. This was more of a community raid, than the normal pick- pocketing we are aware of. And of course, the police arrived in their cars with sirens about 30 minutes after everything went down. We are not surprised, right?

This morning at about 5:50am, I went to check; nothing found, except for my handkerchief, more lip gloss and empty make- up bag. Oh my gush, my make- up apparatus; years of investments; I bought the foundation less than 2 days ago! Oh no, my Apple Earpods, they are worth over a 100 cedis! Body Splash!! And I almost forgot, my 6 weeks old Samsung Galaxy core prime; plus 4 years old HTC wildfire s with over 70 cedis worth credit from my work.

 Well, I’m more shocked at the actions of the taxi driver and passengers, as well as that of the on- lookers. I thought we were supposed to be our brother’s keeper; in this case a sister. What went wrong? As for the kids involved, the least said, the better.

Ghana my motherland, and Africa, on the broader sense, is this how we marked African Union Day? Where are we headed, do we even have an idea? Are even headed anywhere at all?

And oh, it was Dumsor, so JDM,  you owe me an Iphone 6. I will be expecting that call,[Wink].