Observation

This question is on the irony of Nii Tackie’s birth and nationality.

Candidates were expected to discuss the following:

• Relation to the theme of social dysfunction. Other sub themes include corruption, illicit dealings, trickery, opportunism, xenophobia, etc.
• The character identification of Nii as the protagonist, Assistant Manager in the Expense Bank. He is also Mama’s brother.
• Nii’s birth: born in Ghana, Nii bears a Ga name. His tribal marks say he is Nigerian.
• Nii’s nationality: Nii’s parents are Nigerians, so he is Nigerian.
• The irony: Nii’s tribal marks make him unacceptable as Ghanaian, but they do not make him acceptable as Nigerian. Though unmolested in Ghana despite his tribal marks, the marks count for nothing in establishing his Nigerian identity. The real obstacle to the recognition of Nii as Nigerian is his inability to speak the language of his tribe.

Candidates’ efforts here were commendable.