I have come to recognize that the Witness Tree Institute cultivates questions and curiosity through its well-curated and layered activities, thereby requiring self motivation and realizations.
As a member of cohort Boa Me Na Mboa Wo , I was fascinated by each active in our program, and yet I was immediately drawn to a dance out of many, that was performed to welcome the cohort last week.
There was a pause in the drumming and dancing at one point, and then I saw this young boy dressed like a woman emerge from the corner of my eye. He was dressed as a woman and introduced himself as "Amina."
I just liked the way he walked confidently to begin his performance- he was filled with positive energy, enthusiasm and determination- as if he knew what personal impact his dance would have on me.
Gracefully he did the most complicated and emotional dance I have ever seen.
The dance he performed is called "Rain dance" or Bamaya which is common among the Northern people of Ghana. I am a Northerner and therefore the dance accompanied with the rhythm of the drums took my mind back home.
The dance he performed is called the Bamaya dance also known as "Rain dance" which is traditionally performed by the Dagbamba people of the Northern Region of Ghana. I am a Northerner. I come from Tongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Tongo is the capital of Talensi Nabdam District in the Northern part of Ghana.
As this young boy danced, accompanied by the rhythm of northern Ghanaian drumbeats, faded memories stirred. My mind traveled back to my childhood, and HOME.
This experience made me reflect on what I have been missing all these years, and how useful culture can be to us.
Eric Awuni teaches High School math at Ideal College, Accra