Ghanaian Folktales: The Story of the 81st Division of the First World War - 20/12/2020

This is a story i learnt on my tour expedition to the Kumasi Military Museum on behalf of the Africaniwa community on a division of the regiment from Gold Coast who fought in the world wars under the British flag in Burma. There were many divisions that fought from Gold Coast which is now Ghana under the British flag our colonial masters however this one caught my attention and inquired about it.

What caught my attention was the fact their divisional badge or flag was symbolized by the spider, Kweku Ananse who is lord of folklores and fairytales from our land, he is well known for his wittiness, cunning nature and been able to overcome every obstacle and winning in almost every single instance because he was highly unpredictable and very much adaptable to all situations and instance, quick to act and thinks on his feet.

And so upon my enquiry as to why the British decided to use that symbol for the division i came to understand that the division was more or less a special force from Gold Coast as at that time, there were military men who may not have had great arsenal at their disposal but always won just like the spider, they relied on nature to fight for them, they used their environment, they use their minds, the use the force of their opponents against them and so that was how come they succeeded.

I am sharing this because i also learnt many are not even aware of our contribution to world war and so i am using this opportunity to enrich my Ghanaian comrades in terms of that knowledge. We also have a heritage and pride to hold. Lets be proud. Long live Ghana, Long live Steemit

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