Abstract: 1983 was a long and unprecedented year in Ghana. In that year alone, Ghanaians confronted the consequences of political and economic maneuvers such as the introduction of neoliberal economic policies and Nigeria’s expulsion of Ghanaian immigrants. In that year too, Ghanaians experienced one of the worst famines recorded in the nation’s history caused by environmental conditions and careless human actions. The unique Ghanaian experience with food shortage led to the introduction of new vocabularies like ’83 kɔm and Rawlings chain. These words encapsulate the unprecedented and unusual period of food shortages and hunger experienced throughout the country but mostly in Accra and resulted in changes in social behavior surrounding values in hospitality and sustenance. These new vocabularies also evoke sentiments and memories of hardship, suffering, and destitution associated with famine in Ghana’s 1983. This paper presents a historical analysis of the long 1983 in Ghana through the lens of state-owned newspapers like The Peoples’ Daily Graphic, The Mirror as well as region specific newspapers like The Pioneer, The Combat, The People’s Evening News, Nsamankow and The Free Press. I show how, on one hand, the Rawlings regime responded to the food crisis and on the other hand, how Ghanaians responded to official government directives and policies aimed at mitigating the situation. More often than not, Ghanaians pushed back on official measures, leading to the lack of consensus between the regime and population. This lack of consensus contributed to people’s experience of 83 kɔm and explains nuance of Rawlings chain.