Hey Everyone,
Sorry I haven't been writing. I think whats holding me back is how difficult it is to truly encapsulate Ghana on paper. This is not only because of how beautiful it is (and it is), but also because of the devestaingly poor that exist in Ghana too. Just like the United States, Ghana is losing its middle class. Where I live, in Labone, and where I go to school both and look and feel like a tropical paradise. The streets are lined with palm trees sheltering lime green coconuts and the branches look like outstrecthed arms waving with the breeze. Mango trees, banana trees, and papaya trees all peak over neighboring fences bearing infant fruit that is not yet ripe for picking. "In February" my homestay dad reassures me.
This affluent area, despite its distinct differences, still reminds me of home. The streets are paved, the students have ipods, and their is a general sense of security you get from all the smiling faces and warm greetings. The landscapes shows the work of skilled eyes, and even the bases of the trees are painted white to blend with the fences.
Everyone says hello, whether it is the security guard for the school or a student you've never met. There is just a certain sense of community and empathy here that I find so refreshing! This area feels like a cozy cocoon that gently beckons you inside and tucks you away from the other side of Accra. In fact, I only see glimpses of Ghanian life in Accra that is experienced by the majority . more to come

In Accra!

Ma Chi!!( Good Morning in Twi),
I hope you are all enjoying life in the states whatever you may be doing. As you know I am know in Accra!! Greater Accra is one of the 10 regions located in Ghana. By this point much has happened that has shown me what life for Ghanians is like.

Accra is a beautiful city with paved roads, lots of traffic and street vendors at every major intersection. It is currently the dry season, so in the morning a thick fog seems to overtake the sun. The fog is actually dust from the Northern region, which is called the Hammatan. In Accra the streets are lined with Palm trees and the homes are very simmilar to houses in the United States. For instance, the family that I live with in Labrone (about a 15 min walk from school) have a 2 story house, 3 bathrooms, a tv, running water, and other common amenities we have in the US.

Ashesi (pronounced Eshesi) is a private University with around 300 students. 30% of the students are foreign to Ghana, but they usually come from other African nations like Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia. At Ashesi there are oly 3 majors: Business Administration (the most popular), Computer Science, and Mangement & Information Systems (kind of a combination of the 2) All of the students are very friendly and curious about why us Abruni's (the endearing term for white people) have chosen to study in Ghana.

I haven't enrolled in classes yet, but I am thinking of taking 6 (i know its a lot). The classes are International Trade and Policy, Intro to Twi (pronouched Tchwi, the most common Ghanian language), Women & Gender in African Literature, Social Theory, Conflict in African States, and Leadership 4.


This is kind of a jumbled mess, but I have to leave for class. Later today I will return and update this with pictures and better descriptions so you can get a real feel for Accra.

OO you might want to know this

Some information about when I'm going and the program might be useful too right?
I'm going to Accra, Ghana on January 8 and Orientation starts January 9.
I'm going through CIEE, the Center of International Educational Exchange
I'll start classes on January 14. So far, Im scheduled to be taking:

Twi Language for Beginners
The goal of this course is to give students a basic knowledge of Twi, Ghana’s most commonly spoken language. The course is organized specifically for program participants. Students interested in studying another Ghanaian or African language may do so, but must still enroll in the Twi language course.

Comparative Politics
Both economic (market) and political (state) forces shape outcomes in African politics. Choices made by African states regarding international economic affairs are especially important. The interplay of domestic and international economic and political forces has increased in importance in recent years. This course introduces students to issues facing
African states, using an interdisciplinary approach to interpret them. Using specific cases, social/political processes in Africa are examined with respect to the shaping and changing of (1) identities and nationhood; (2) expectations and rules; and (3) demands and effects of political institutions.

Economic Development in Africa
This course discusses both the theory and practice of economic development. Focusing on the realities faced in Africa, this course analyzes ever changing development paradigms, from import substitution in the 1950’s to structural adjustment policies in the 1990’s. Discussions on globalization, agriculture and land reform, gender and poverty, economic growth theories, and aid policies will occur. Students are asked to conduct projects in the local environment, including interacting with traditional traders, business owners, and members of government.

History: Africa in the International Setting
The course provides a survey of Africa’s integration into the global system and examines the impact of the integration on Africa. It also examines how Africa has fared in the comity of nations. The course introduces students to the different historical stages of Africa’s integration into the global system, the complex processes involved in each historical stage of integration, and the results of the integration. Further, the course lays the foundations for a much better appreciation of Africa’s complex and multifarious problems, and hopefully creates the basis for thoughtful suggestions for solutions to them.

Political Science: Conflicts in African States
This course introduces students to basic concepts of conflict and conflict resolution, and how they apply to various aspects of conflicts in contemporary Africa. There is in-depth study of selected conflicts to bring into sharper focus the theoretical underpinnings and make comparative analysis possible. Ethnic conflicts and the child soldier phenomenon in the African context will be given special consideration. Through this course, students develop a better understanding of the backgrounds, dynamics, and modes of resolving various contemporary African conflicts. More significantly, through their assigned readings, internet research, and group activities, students are encouraged to develop alternative strategies for resolving these conflicts

I have Mid-Semester Exams Mar 3 - 7
and a Mid Semester Break Mar 10 – 14<- so if you want to get vaccinated for yellow fever and hop on over for a visit, let me know ;-) Classes will Resume Mar 17 I have my Final Exams May 5 – 9 and I head home on May 9

About the University:
Asheshi University is one of the newest university's in Ghana. It is a private institution. According to CIEE

Ashesi University

As one of newest higher education institutions in Ghana, Ashesi University seeks to nurture excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship in pursuit of its mission “to train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within [its] students the values of life-long learning, concern for others, and the courage to think in a bold and enterprising way.” Ashesi University is accredited by Ghana’s National Accreditation Board.

Thats more than enough info for know. Peace!

Hello All

Hello friends family and random passerbys that may or may not exist

This will be my blog for my trip to Ghana. Ghana, How crazy is that huh?
Just to keep y'all informed, I'll give you some background about Ghana, Accra (where I'll be living) and more nerdy stuff.

Ghana is in West Africa and neighbors the Ivory Coast to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.

Ghana as a whole has a population of 22,931,299
Accra, which is the capital of Ghana, has 2,096,653 residents.

Like the US, Ghana also has a two party electoral system and a president who is elected every four years. They have a stable government, and fair presidential/parliamentry elections since 1992.

Their government is relatively decentralized so many people are involved in the government. As a result, their have been many grassroots movements (always a good thing).

Ghana is a heavily indebted poor country, which in development terms mean they are grouped with 37 other countries into a category that has the highest debt owed to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, to UN organizations that suck, essentially.

Despite the debt, Ghana has had much success for an African country. They have had political stability since 1982 and direct many of their government policies to development projects. I am super excited to see how all this works


If your a nerd like I am ;) feel free to check out this article that explains how Ghana's public sector is leading the battle to form a stable middle class by 2015: http://allafrica.com/stories/200712210330.html