Akwaaba is an Official Welcoming Expression used in Ghana as it means “welcome” in the twi Ghanaian language and the responds is ‘medaase’. It evokes a feeling of love, care, trust, freedom, and honor to the visitor. And with a beautiful smile, you can’t but feel the genuine love that Africa has to offer you.
A photograph I took of my cohort-mate Rosalie enjoying breakfast in Ghana
Our first speaker, Prof. Pashington Obeng, welcomed us with a great speech about the history of Ghana. Even though I am Ghanaian, it was as if I have never been to Ghana. What a refreshing moment to be reminded of the country I belong.
Me and Prof. Pashington Obeng
Kpojiemo (naming ceremony)
Dave receiving his name from the Tribal Elders
The Ga community call naming of a new baby or child Kpojiemo where the ceremony is an opportunity to welcome the child into the community. So in order to make our U.S. team feel part of the community, a naming ceremony was organized for them. As they were given names on the day they were born. Like Dave, born on Saturday, is called Kwame.
Finally, Dr. S. K. Kuwor crowned the day with a lecture on “Formal and Informal Education in Ghana”. He touched on many things like the four major elements of African life. He mentioned balance, sound as the sound of a baby, Rhythm as the progression of sounds, etc.
Tomorrow you can look forward to hearing from Josh, as we finish up our time in Accra and get ready to head to Cape Coast.
– Delali