Nana is an important character in Ama Ata Aidoo's play "Dilemma of a Ghost." She is the mother of the protagonist, Ato, and her age is significant to the story. Nana is described as an elderly woman who has a hard time getting around. In the play, Ato tells his wife Eulalie that Nana is "about eighty-five," indicating that she is in her mid-eighties. This age is significant because it implies that Nana is a product of a different era, where traditional beliefs and customs were more prevalent. Nana's age also plays a significant role in her relationship with Ato and Eulalie, as they often struggle to communicate and understand each other due to generational differences.
Furthermore, Nana's age represents the cultural and social changes that Ghana went through in the 20th century. Nana represents the older generation, who are trying to cling onto traditional beliefs and ways of life, while Ato and Eulalie represent the younger generation, who are more influenced by Western culture and values. Thus, Nana's age serves as a metaphor for the cultural conflict that exists within the play. Her character provides insight into the changes Ghana has undergone in the past century and highlights the struggle that exists between traditional and modern values.
In conclusion, Nana's age is a crucial aspect of her character in "Dilemma of a Ghost." It represents a cultural shift that Ghana has undergone in the past century, and her character serves as a metaphor for the generational and cultural conflict that exists within the play.