The bat at 37 Hospital: tapping the potential

As I alighted at Lapaz, poised for my next escapade on the bustling streets of Accra, little did I know that a queue of epic proportions awaited me a mere 20 metres away.

It was a sight to behold, one that could make even the most patient Ghanaian question the very essence of time.

Opting for a route with zero queues but the longest journey, replete with numerous stops, might have seemed like a dubious decision.

But hey, life’s too short for logical explanations, right?

As I settled into the belly of the trotro, pondering the mysteries of my choices, beads of sweat became my steadfast companions in the sweltering heat.

It was a great relief when the bus finally pulled up at my first stop, “37 first gate”.

Scarcely had I walked a minute when I was greeted by a nostalgic scent reminiscent of the times I traversed this route weekly to get to school.

What remained a mystery to me was whether that aroma emanated from the bats’ bodies or their droppings.

My mind continued to wrestle with this enigma when it dawned on me that if it were the latter, I should hasten my steps and vacate the area under the canopy of tree branches where the bats congregated.

Unfortunately, the lady walking ahead of me fell victim to the aerial onslaught of bat droppings.

She stopped to rub her arms against one of the mahogany trees along the road.

I resolved not to fall victim again on this faithful Monday morning to a “bat shelling.”

The first time I was bombarded was around 2005 en route to a soirée, when two droppings besieged my head and shirt.

On that day, if only I had my way, I would have eradicated them all.

However, today, I view them differently; I appreciate their uniqueness.

After all, where else in Accra do you find our only flying mammalian residents, our daytime stars, enjoying their elevated perch amidst the leafy canopy?

It’s a spectacle that rivals the finest attractions our city has to offer—a true homage to nature’s quirks.

proximity

The narrative of the bats’ proximity to a hospital in a military zone is captivating and adds to their allure.

The tale goes that a Chief from Kyebi, a town about 90 km from Accra, was admitted to the hospital and was accompanied by a few straw-coloured fruit bats.

Regrettably, he passed away, but the bats never returned, their numbers swelling to a million-strong battalion.

Their daily departure and return from their supposed roosting grounds in Winneba are a breathtaking sight, leaving even the most seasoned wildlife photographer in awe.

Their resilience amidst attempts by the military and the hospital to dislodge them is nothing short of enduring.

The bats remain resolute in their determination to stay at that location until their Chief – whom I believe has long been buried – walks out of the hospital.

Considering that the stretch of the Liberation Road where the bats reside is a security zone, fully developing its tourist potential may pose challenges but is not impossible.

Picture this: a covered walkway winding through the Liberation Road, shielding pedestrians from the elements and any unwanted droppings from above.

The covered walkway could even be designed to collect the bat droppings, known as “guano”, to be used as fertiliser.

Bat droppings have a high content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium—the holy trinity of plant development and, apparently, explosive craftsmanship.

This makes every dropping count in the name of science and sustainability.

And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: an observation tower for closer viewing of the bats.

It will be the perfect vantage point for bat enthusiasts, curious students, and scientists alike to witness these nocturnal marvels in all their flapping glory, teaching us valuable lessons in resilience and cohabitation along the way.

These bats that have called Accra home for decades might have something to teach us.

Their resilience, coupled with the historical significance of their roosting grounds, paints a portrait of endurance in the face of adversity—a true testament to the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us.

As I finally reached my destination, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unexpected journey and the newfound perspective it brought.

Accra’s bat colony isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a beacon of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

By embracing and nurturing these natural wonders, we pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Here’s to the bats—and the bright possibilities that flutter in their wake!

The writer is a former CEO, African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya and Council Chairman Family Health University College, Accra