Lost in Translation – A Frenchman’s Search for Relief in Ghana
Marc is a French-speaking technician from Côte d’Ivoire, living and working in Accra, Ghana.One weekend, he developed a severe toothache. The pain was sharp and constant, and byMonday morning, he knew he needed a dentist urgently.Marc visited several dental clinics in Accra, but there was a problem: he didn’t speak Englishwell, and none of the clinics had French-speaking staff. He tried to explain his symptoms inbroken English and with hand gestures, but the receptionists and doctors misunderstoodhim. He left each clinic more frustrated and in more pain.Finally, a Togolese friend in Accra told him about a French-speaking dentist in Lomé, justacross the border in Togo. Desperate, Marc made the long journey to Lomé, where — at last— he was able to speak freely, be understood, and treated properly.After the ordeal, Marc couldn’t stop thinking: “Why should someone living in Ghana, rightnext to so many French-speaking countries, have to travel to another country just to findsomeone who understands him?”This experience made Marc realize the urgent need for French language access in Ghana —not just for travelers or diplomats, but for everyday people: workers, students, and patientslike him. That’s why he became a supporter of Les Passerelles Globale, a Ghana-based NGOcommitted to making French language and culture accessible in English-speaking WestAfrica.For people like Marc, Les Passerelles Globale is not just about language — it’s about dignity,health, and being heard.BAHOULI POUWEDEOU
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