Focus on Ghana

The idea of African-Americans leaving America for Africa is not a new one. However, it has resurfaced strongly in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the disparate impact of the novel corona virus on our community. Some have begun to look for another “home” where racism will not be such a defining feature of daily life. In 2019, Ghana made a call for African Americans to return home and now the “what if” is moving towards a “when and how to” for some families. Ghana has offered some incentives and a promise of dual citizenship. It is a serious decision and it’s important to get to know as much about the country and its people as possible.

Ghana is perhaps the African country that Black Americans are most familiar with. We know of Kwame Nkrumh, who became the first President of Independent Ghana in 1957 (many of us know or have met at least one Kwame). Kwame Nkrumah also has a more personal relationship with the U.S. as he received his education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. In 1945, he met W.E.B. Dubois; scholar, author, and Pan-Africanist. Their relationship was to culminate in DuBois’ move to Ghana in 1961. He is buried there and the W.E.B. Dubois Memorial Center where his books and historical items are stored, is not to be missed.

We have learned a bit about Kente cloth and it’s central role in the Asante society. Our high school and college graduates have adopted it as part of their graduate wear. We’ve also come to appreciate the complexity of the many proverbs in Ghana through Adinkra cloth and the adinkra stamps, some of which we are able to offer through Zawadi.

Our Soccer fans have bravely cheered the Black Stars, one of the highly rated national football teams in Africa during the world cup or drunk their excellent local brews, and, of course, there’s fufu, made from cassava and shared with a spicy sauce sometimes with dried fish.

In short, Ghana has a lot to offer.

For the present, moving to Ghana is a decision that cannot be acted upon because there is no air traffic. So while you’re waiting, get to know more about Ghana and its culture.

Zawadi would like to offer a small taste of some of the items from the country, once known as the Gold Coast.

Enjoy them and dream as you wait.