It happened one day that a poor Akim-man had to travel from his own
little village to Accra—one of the big towns on the coast. This man
could only speak the language of his own village—which was not
understood by the men of the town. As he approached Accra he met a
great herd of cows. He was surprised at the number of them, and
wondered to whom they could belong. Seeing a man with them he asked
him, “To whom do these cows belong?” The man did not know the language
of the Akim-man, so he replied, “Minū” (I do not understand). The
traveller, however, thought that Minū was the name of the owner of the
cows and exclaimed, “Mr Minū must be very rich.”
He then entered the town. Very soon he saw a fine large building, and
wondered to whom it might belong. The man he asked could not understand
his question so he also answered, “Minū.” “Dear me! What a rich fellow
Mr Minū must be!” cried the Akim-man.
Coming to a still finer building with beautiful gardens round it, he
again asked the owner’s name. Again came the answer, “Minū.” “How
wealthy Mr Minū is,” said our wondering traveller.
Next he came to the beach. There he saw a magnificent steamer being
loaded in the harbour. He was surprised at the great cargo which was
being put on board and inquired of a bystander, “To whom does this fine
vessel belong?” “Minū,” replied the man. “To the Honourable Minū also!
He is the richest man I ever heard of!” cried the Akim-man.
Having finished his business, the Akim-man set out for home. As he
passed down one of the streets of the town he met men carrying a
coffin, and followed by a long procession, all dressed in black. He
asked the name of the dead person, and received the usual reply,
“Minū.” “Poor Mr Minū!” cried the Akim-man. “So he has had to leave all
his wealth and beautiful houses and die just as a poor person would do!
Well, well—in future I will be content with my tiny house and little
money.” And the Akim-man went home quite pleased to his own hut.