10 Striking Differences Between Nigeria And Ghana

Ghana and Nigeria are two sides of the same coin, many similarities abound especially the lingua Franca being English. In this article, attempts will be made to scrutinize the outstanding differences existing among the two instead of the similarities. The following are the Ten unique points which will inform the novice, enlighten the expert and perfect the stories of Nigeria Ghana relations. 1. The Security Entrance in Bank halls It is a matter of policy from the regulatory body of Nigeria banks to have secured entrance system that will prevent the quick, easy access or movement into bank halls. This initiative was introduced to curb armed robbery attacks in the Nigeria banks. Unlike banks operating in Ghana, the entrance into their bank halls are porous. For example a UBA Nigeria will have a secured entrance but the UBA Ghana will be casual of the door. There is definitely the presence of a policeman in every branch of any bank in both countries. Nigeria has taken a reactive approach to security but Ghana is yet to be proactive in this measure. For me, Ghana should learn fast from Nigeria�s experience and not wait till woes befall them to implement stringent measures on the entrance. Just of late and probably inspired from the terrorist attack on Kenya, UBA Ghana commenced scanning of customers with a handy scanner. Sometimes it is faulty and everyone enters without check. It was not there before but now it is. 2. The Accompaniment used in eating Roasted Corn The preparation of roasted corn in both countries is quite different. After a corn has been roasted in Ghana, it will be dipped into salty water and then given to a customer to chew, The accompaniment is usually coconut in Ghana. Nigeria especially the eastern side will not dip into any salty water, and coconut is a secondary option. The land is blessed with a fruit called �Ube� or pear in English. It comes out during the same season as corn which is raining season. It is also important to note that due to advancement in the agricultural sector in Ghana, corn or maize does is not a seasonal crop anymore. Use of irrigation, corn is available year round. I wish Nigeria farmers can copy this and make corn available year round or perhaps continue the traditional practice so that corn will retain its value. 3. The use of Keke Napep transport system While Nigeria uses Keke Napep as means of transporting humans and goods, Ghana uses it to transport goods. The vehicle is not even noticeable in Ghana because of its insignificant quantity in the country. In parts of Nigeria where it is allowed, the legion of it is terrifying. Most of this drivers or riders were former Okada or motorbike experts who transferred same attitude to this new vehicle. It was introduced as a safety measure but the nuisance has compelled the government to restrict their movements. Their mode of operation is clumsy and their attitude towards fellow road users is an embarrassment to civil society. 4. Working land lines I have written else where about the tragedy of Nigeria�s land lines. Some of the structures are still there but it is dead. Ghana still operates a land line, even before it was sold to Vodafone, it was well managed. The benefits to the economy cannot be overlooked. In many places in Nigeria you will see the evidence of mismanagement in the telecom sector. Internet availability through land lines remains one of the fastest and cheapest in Ghana. Also worth mentioning is the jobs created in that industry. 5. New Sim Card Registration The only requirement for you to obtain a new SIM card legitimately in Ghana is to present a government ID card. No further question. In many cases street vendors are empowered to register new customers and this where crime SIM cards are obtained. It was designed that people who do not have any government ID cards and will never obtain one may be registered since they want to talk. It is also a requirement for one opening a google account to have a valid mobile number. Once a SIM card is obtained without proper identification, a solid foundation has been laid for Internet crime to perpetuate. In Nigeria, the registration of SIM card is a more serious business, in short I consider the registration of SIM card as a biometric process, because not only will your face be captured, but your finger prints will be taken. A thorough bio data will be taken, even asking your maternal identity. Ghana can emulate Nigeria�s intensive approach to this as a nation sincere in combating crime. 6. Time before New Sim Card can Function So you have been subjected to this intensive registration process in Nigeria and you want to make call or use the Internet on your mobile, then you will be told that it will take till 6pm for it to work. A SIM card purchased and registered in Nigeria will not work at once, there is a waiting moment. The reason for this delay is hard to come by, but that is the case, It used not to be like that. In Ghana it starts at once. No need to delay when the power has been given to you to express yourself everywhere you go. Feel free! 7. Road Block System The police are there to maintain law and order, and also provide security to people but the type of road blocks differs in both nations. In Ghana, it is called barrier. In many instances you are notified with a road assign of a police barrier ahead of you. Then you see a neat set of police officers, a red plastic road block or metal in some areas. Sometimes with a reflective police jacket hanging on it. Then they gently greet you and you switch in the inner lights if in the night and if there is feeling of suspicion which is usually not the case, a search may be conducted or other demands required. I wish to state here that Ghana police also like stopping cars with Nigeria plate numbers a lot just to find fault, or frustrate and extort. The Nigeria road block system looks like a war zone, you will notice leaves on the road, then you will see fire in small pots burning, then you will see heaps of sand bags, these road blocks are constructed in such a way that you see one on the left, another on the right, then another on the left while passing through this check point of harassment. So your movement in most road blocks is made in zig zag pattern. 8. Gas used in frying Akara or Kose This has never occurred in contemporary Nigeria society and will never happen if trends remain same. Why will a woman frying Akara use gas? even in Aso rock where President Good luck lives, it will never happen. Nigeria supplies gas to Ghana via the West African gas pipe line project and Ghana uses it to generate electricity and also fry Akara or Kose. Many small chop bars in Ghana use gas to cook their food. Dependence on firewood or kerosene is minimal unlike in Nigeria where majority of the people avoid the high cost of gas. 9. Mode of Admission into University. Do you want to enter a university in Nigeria, then be prepared for the following exams- WASSCE, NECO, JAMB, University aptitude test set by the respective colleges. One more thing, your admission is not strictly dependent on your good grades. You need connection, who you know and not what you scored will take you in. Ghana is quite simple, just your valid WASSCE results is sufficient for you to gain admission. No further exam, not who you know, not how much you can bribe with but your brains alone. 10. Use of Sirens In Ghana the sound of sirens are usually heard when a fire service vehicle is rushing to save a situation. It could be fire outbreak or a collapse structure or any form of emergency requiring their service. Another source of sirens sound on the road is from the National ambulance. In their bid to save life, or convey the injured to hospital, sirens are heard to inform road users of the critical moment so that they give way and free access is granted. Few times it could be the President. In Nigeria, just make little money and you have a pick up truck and another car. You are qualified and ready to move like a head of state. You go and apply for military police with AK47 and they will follow you up and down causing harm to innocent Nigerians and driving recklessly on the road. Imagine what happens when many road users are using sirens with mobile force with them and then there is heavy traffic because nobody will bow to the other. Every politician in power, top government officials are also with their escorts, moving in their convoy. For me every Nigerian is equal and must be accorded same security, they have shared our security personals among the so called elites and everyone moves on the road with sirens. Conclusion If you have taken your time to read the entire analysis, I hope you have picked one or two points. You will bear me witness that if every difference is enunciated here, we may fall asleep while reading this but I end with one experience a Nigerian novice in Ghana had, he saw an Elderly man and greeted him politely �Well done�. The elderly fellow was provoked and demanded what he has done to merit such compliment. To him, that was not a greeting but to the Nigerian young man, he has demonstrated respect.