How to send a cake from New Jersey to Accra
A Ghanaian app hints at the potential and problems of Africa’s diaspora
Some years ago Christian Kofi Adu Vanlare wanted to buy a “really big birthday cake” for his uncle, the family patriarch, who was turning 88. But there was a problem. Mr Vanlare lives in New Jersey on America’s east coast. His uncle lives in Accra, Ghana’s capital. Icing and sponge do not travel well, and simple things like organising a cake can be onerous in a bustling African city. Various cousins said they were too busy to procure a gateau.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Cake for the patriarch”
Middle East & Africa October 12th 2024
- Israel has these four options for attacking Iran
- Iran’s leader must choose how to fight his war with Israel
- The threat of an Israeli attack is reviving Iranian nationalism
- Israel’s invasion of Lebanon may bolster support for Hizbullah
- How to send a cake from New Jersey to Accra
- South Africa’s coalition government has improved the vibes
From the October 12th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionDiscover more
America boosts Israel’s missile shield. What did it get in return?
The THAAD battery could indicate Israeli restraint on Iran
Just inside Lebanon, Israeli soldiers debate how far to go
They are 2km inside the country, but prepared to go farther
Israel has these four options for attacking Iran
Its politicians, and some generals, are gung-ho that the moment has come
Iran’s leader must choose how to fight his war with Israel
Hardliners may force the supreme leader to escalate the conflict with Israel
The threat of an Israeli attack is reviving Iranian nationalism
Iranians fear their country is being dragged into war
Israel’s invasion of Lebanon may bolster support for Hizbullah
The group is deeply embedded in Lebanese politics and society