Day 3 + 4

Yesterday was nonstop and I'm already behind on my blogging. But here's a recap:

The students and I were given 3 lectures by professors and experts in various aspects of Ghanaian history and culture. Prof Akosua Adoma Perbi of the University of Ghana gave an unbelievable history of Ghana in an one hour span, covering political and social organizations, religion, slavery and the slave trade, colonial rule, independence and nationalism. She ended by teaching us a short gospel tune.

Daniel Appiah Adjei was the second speaker, a playwright and part of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana. He lectured on the connections between religion and culture in Ghana. His thesis, being that religion and culture are inextricably linked, and that every aspect of Ghanian culture is inspired by a religious point of view. There are 3 dominant religions: Western Christianity, Islam and "traditional." Followers of Christianity make up 62% of the 28 million Ghanian population.
The final lecturer spoke of arts and entertainment in Ghana, as well as tourism and food. (Although I've been grubbing on Jollof, which is well-known Ghanaian rice dish, fu fu is still a must try.)

After the lectures on campus, we took a walk around our neighborhood. Bright and intricate printed dresses served as middle school uniforms, amazing fresh mango and pineapple were available on every corner, and waves and smiles were offered from everyone.

Today we visited Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's memorial and museum. There is one magnificent statue of him pointed in the distance, among rows of warriors, guarding his massive temple where he and his wive's bodies lie. Another, older statue of Nkrumah is displayed in parts. The head was decapitated during a military coup to take over his presidency. There is also a museum of some books and artifacts. Pictures of him with W.E.B. DuBois, JFK, Fidel Castro, and leaders of India, Malaysia, China, and many, many other places. The tour guide spoke proudly of Nkrumah's legacy in Ghana, championing independence for his people and country, and leading it's first political party.

We had lunch sitting on the beach, watching horses, live performers and children play and swim. Now, I'm off to meet M.anifest, a famous Ghanaian hiplife artist for a beach party.