Summary

The article outlines six unique advantages of living in a third-world country like Ghana, contrasting them with the realities of more advanced countries.

Abstract

The author reflects on the distinct privileges enjoyed in Ghana, a third-world country, which may not be as prevalent in advanced nations. These privileges include a hands-on approach to science in daily life, such as naturally preserving food and constructing temperature-regulating buildings. Residents engage in regular physical activity through manual labor and commuting, negating the need for gym memberships. Strong communal bonds are fostered through shared outdoor spaces and activities. A heightened sense of caution is necessary due to less reliable emergency services, leading to the adoption of traditional first-aid methods. The high cost of internet services results in fewer digital distractions, allowing for a more focused lifestyle. Lastly, the cash-based economy helps residents avoid unnecessary debt, promoting a lifestyle grounded in living within one's means.

Opinions

The author envies the infrastructure and social support systems of advanced countries but acknowledges the unique benefits of living in a third-world country.
There is an appreciation for the practical application of science in everyday activities, which may be less common in technologically advanced societies.
The article suggests that manual labor and less reliance on technology lead to healthier lifestyles and stronger community ties.
The author points out that the lack of efficient emergency services fosters a culture of caution and self-reliance, with a reliance on ancestral knowledge for first aid.
High internet costs in Ghana are seen as a blessing in disguise, as they limit digital distractions and the constant barrage of notifications.
The cash-based economy is perceived as a safeguard against accumulating unnecessary debt, promoting financial prudence.
While acknowledging the challenges faced in Ghana, such as inadequate education, healthcare, and access to water, the author expresses a preference for a life that blends aspects of both developed and developing worlds.
The author expresses a reluctance to immigrate to advanced countries due to the potential for mistreatment and the value placed on the unique lifestyle and privileges available in their home country.

6 Proud Privileges You’re Guaranteed To Enjoy in a Third-world Country (Like Ghana)

That you may not get in many advanced countries

Life is funny: what some see as a privilege, others call their rights. What some see as dream scenarios, others regard as part of everyday life.

When I watch movies and read books about life in some places, I marvel at how different things are from what I’ve known most of my life.

I envy cities with dedicated bike lanes; I envy countries with unemployment benefits for their citizens; I envy governments that provide some social support to their people.

It’s safe to say those goodies are pipe dreams in my home country — and many lower-income countries. But that’s the ordinary life for some citizens in advanced countries.

However, people in these third-world countries also enjoy some cool privileges in their own right, simple privileges that people in advanced countries may never get. Here are a few.

Practical application of science in everyday activities

The average household here relies more on nature than technology to solve everyday challenges.

From stringing their laundry on dry lines in the sun to drying, salting, or smoking fish and meat to preserve them, you can’t not admire the practical application of science.

Yes, the fridge and the drier are not alien devices. But smoking, for instance, gives the meat a distinct taste that ice can’t match.

Many buildings don’t use air-conditioning, yet they’re constructed to regulate the temperature all year round. This is especially seen away from the big cities.

Free (but compulsory) exercise without gym memberships

Many people here understand that you can only go to some places on foot and do some tasks manually. Those physically disposed to do that enjoy the added benefits of moving the body.

For example, those still engaged in peasant farming sometimes trek miles to their farms and back. The road to the farm is often inaccessible by truck.

Some people weed their lawns with a cutlass and not a lawnmower. Some local meals require tons of human effort: pounding, grinding, mixing, etc., to prepare. Many households have to walk a few blocks to cart water to their homes.

Some of these activities may sound so last century, even unheard of to the younger generation. But they’re a massive form of exercise for those who indulge in them.

These people will hardly have to spend a penny on gym membership to stay fit.

Cool communal bonds under the moon

While some people now live in cities within cities — fortified walled and gated homes are par for some high-end neighborhoods. Some of these residents don’t get to see their next-door neighbors.

But for countless others, the compound house system is king.

And on evenings and weekends, you can always meet with your next-door neighbors to enjoy some evening breeze on the compound, swatting away mosquitoes and admiring fireflies.

Did I mention the entertainment from chirping crickets and croaking frogs? That’s what I look forward to the most with my neighbors.

An overdose of caution

Emergency services work nowhere near as well as they should. Bad roads and inaccessible neighborhoods are two popular contributors that further worsen the situation.

Knowing this, you learn to become that wee bit more careful about what you do, where you go, and how you carry yourself around.

But even better, you also learn some unorthodox first-aid tips our ancestors passed down to us. Examples are drinking palm oil if you ingest anything suspiciously poisonous, stopping blood clots with the tears of a plantain branch, to name only two examples. (Disclaimer: none of this is intended as medical advice.)

Fewer ‘smart’ distractions

Internet costs here are criminally expensive. You have to pay through your nose for some dodgy 3G internet connectivity. If you want a faster connection, you’re going to pay even more for 4G.

Against this background, many people with smartphones don’t leave their mobile data on all day for unlimited updates from social media. Nor do they enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi. No, no.

I know many people who only go online for business, and after that, they’re back offline. They don’t want to outspend their internet bandwidth for the month by leaving their data connection on all day.

Also, because smart devices are now catching on, many people don’t have to put up with these gadgets and other listening devices that keep you connected. It’s normal to be without an Amazon Echo and Alexa devices.

Unlike people in the advanced countries, many here have subscribed to far fewer services without feeling left out, and consequently, get fewer notifications on their gadgets.

But in places where people have five retail subscriptions on average, four streaming services, and an assortment of payment services and passes, there’s bound to be some work in keeping up with everything, hasn’t there?

Or tell me, how do you navigate such a connected life with minimum distractions? At least we have a limited application of those services here. We’re less connected. We’re also less distracted.

Potential to stay out of ‘bad’ debt

I say ‘bad’ debt like Robert Kiyosaki explains. The needless debt you take on because of your lifestyle. The one you spend forever paying off.

The system here is mainly cash and carry.

Unless you’re on the Government payroll, very few retailers will give you their goods on credit, so you pay in installments. Even then, it’s not all plain-sailing.

Do you want an iPhone 13? Pay cash and pick one up from the shop. You’ll be lucky to have a telco tie you to a two-year contract. Want to drive the all-new Audi A8? Again, how much cash do you have in the bank?

Barring a few exceptional cases, you’d be lucky to get a gadget without paying the entire sum outright. Even if you got one, the interest rate would dissuade you from signing on the dotted line. Yes, it’s that’s terrible.

But here’s the flip side: for most ordinary Janes and Joes, you’re forced to live within your means. There’s little temptation to rack up any unnecessary debt on the latest 8k curved TV + interest + extra charges for delayed payment. Okay, enough of the finance jargon. I never liked those in school, anyway.

Am I saying life here is better? Not at all. Well, there’s nothing like better. It all depends on everyone’s tastes and some subjective metrics.

See, there’s still a lot of room for improvement: education, healthcare, and access to water are frustratingly appalling. Would I rather have the life of a more advanced country?

Ermm, let’s say some aspects of that, with a blend of what I have here. I’m done enough wishful thinking writing this piece.

This hand is what nature has dealt me, and I’ve got to make the best of it. Here. I can’t just take my passport and travel to any country visa-free like many other nationals get to enjoy. Good for you folks.

Unlike some of my friends, I’m unwilling to pay thousands of dollars to facilitate some immigration process to an advanced country and subject myself to random checks and queries by law enforcement. Or the mistreatment of many immigrants in some of these countries.

But there’s a lot I can learn from life in the developed world — and I’m already picking up bits — that I can adapt to suit my conditions here.

Coupled with these privileges I enjoy here, life can only get incredibly better.

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