Ghana
From Home
Embedded Files
Around the World, From your Couch
Around the World, From your Couch
Akwaba! Our first trip takes us to Ghana, West Africa. Ghana has a rich history, joyful people, and beautiful landscapes. We hope you enjoy the itinerary that includes cultural spots, food, music, dance, natural wonders and historic sites! Be sure to participate in the word cloud at the end of the "trip."
Akwaba! Our first trip takes us to Ghana, West Africa. Ghana has a rich history, joyful people, and beautiful landscapes. We hope you enjoy the itinerary that includes cultural spots, food, music, dance, natural wonders and historic sites! Be sure to participate in the word cloud at the end of the "trip."
Ghana Itinerary .pdfGhana Day by Day Itinerary : From Accra to Cape Coast, then on to the Kakum Forest, your trip is filled with "must-do" highlights from Ghana.
Ghana Day by Day Itinerary : From Accra to Cape Coast, then on to the Kakum Forest, your trip is filled with "must-do" highlights from Ghana.
Hailed as West Africa's golden child, Ghana deserves its place in the sun. One of Africa's great success stories, the country is reaping the benefits of a stable democracy in the form of fast-paced development. And it shows: Ghana is suffused with the most incredible energy.- Lonely Planet
Click on the flag to visit the National tourism page of Ghana.
Language & Greetings:
Language & Greetings:
Ghana is a multilingual country in which about eighty languages are spoken. Of these, English, which was inherited from the colonial era, is the official language and lingua franca. Of the languages indigenous to Ghana, Akan is the most widely spoken. (Wikpedia) Just as important as being able to say hello, it is important to know the handshake culture in Ghana.
Twi is a commonly heard dialect of Ghana. Learn some basic phrases here, and then learn the very fun handshake commonly used in West Africa!
Food:
Food:
Ghanaian food is based on stews/soups and a base starch that is either rice, pounded plantains and yam called Fufu, or a fermented corn based starch called Banku. Ghanaian dishes often include fish, goat or chicken and can be served really spicy with a salsa called sheto. Fresh locally grown fruit including pineapple, banana, and coconut are a favored dessert. Tryout one of the recipes to make your own plantains and beans!
Art:
Art:
Story Telling:
Anansi the spider is an traditional tale from the Ashanti people. Ghanaians are known for their stories and proverbs. In Ghana, oral storytelling is an important part of helping to teach and entertain.
Used in jewelry, carved into furniture or pottery, and a part of cloth design, Adinkra symbols are said to have come from the Ashante kings. Learn more here. Which one do you like most?
Traditional Game: Ampe
A traditional children's game in Ghana, Ampe is a rhythmic game that is said to be the main influence for many jump-rope games that are commonly played in African American cultures .
DANCE & Music :
DANCE & Music :
Connected to storytelling, celebrations, funerals, and day to day enjoyment, dance plays an important role in African culture. Learn about the the Adowa dance of the Ashanti people in Ghana.
Learn some dance moves yourself! African dance requires the whole body, and can be an excellent exercise and spirit booster. What do you notice about the music and rhythm of the moves?
Woven Kente Cloth:
Woven Kente Cloth:
Kente cloth is an important part of Ghanaian culture. Every design has a name and a meaning with each color having significance. Kente cloth is hand woven on looms, and can take months to make. One does not just buy kente to buy kente; it is important to know the meaning, as it helps others know about you. Ashanti kings, queens, and important figures of state in Ghana have worn kente cloth for special occasions since the 12th century. Today, many people see kente cloth as an important symbol of African culture.
You can make your own kente cloth with paper weaving!
Page updated
Report abuse