By Kalani Chai-Andrade
Over the course of six weeks in Ghana, I learned about journalism, photography, the country, and myself. Initially, I was reluctant to join this program. I applied for several internships, and given my financial situation, choosing an unpaid one was difficult. Yet, after speaking with my mentor and Leslie, I knew this internship was a unique opportunity. Looking back now, it was worth every penny.
As I crossed the Atlantic Ocean, I wasn’t overly worried about adjusting. Like Hawai’i, where I grew up, Ghana sits near the equator. I expected the weather to be similar, and, surprisingly, many other things were too. Before the internship even started, I was thrown right into photographing the President’s Cup football match. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a chance to get ahead and immerse myself in the rhythm of Ghanaian sports media. Without that, I wouldn’t have been as prepared for the weeks to come.
When I began my internship, I thought I was only there to photograph sports. However, my first days reminded me I still have much to learn as a journalist overall, and covering sports would only be a small part of my daily work. The team at Joy welcomed me like family. My coworkers constantly checked in and genuinely cared about me. There were challenges, but I couldn’t have asked for a better work environment.
One of my most meaningful days wasn’t spent shooting action. I was walking around Ghana’s boxing hub, Bukom, talking with locals to understand the issues they face daily. I had been eager to cover boxing in Ghana ever since I arrived, and when I finally got the chance, I made the most of it. I spent an entire day in Bukom with a local boxing promoter, who showed me everything, from the newly built fishing harbor to alleys where I saw the struggles of an impoverished society.
Those moments reminded me that beyond sports, I am a journalist first. I wasn’t just interested in the boxers; I wanted to hear their stories, see the conditions they live in, and learn about the culture and community they represent through every match. I’ve never had that kind of access as a photojournalist until this program. I was nervous to be there as an outsider, but I was glad to experience it firsthand.
If Ghana taught me one thing, it’s that there’s something to learn from every opportunity. With every yes, each uncomfortable situation, and every assignment I don’t feel ready for, I move one step closer to the level I want to reach. I’m more certain now than ever that photojournalism is what I want to pursue, and I’m already aiming towards the top.
In the end, the Media in Ghana program wasn’t just about an internship. It was late-night meals with classmates after long days at work, a bus driven by a masterful driver, mornings filled with the smell of fried dough and eggs, and conversations that drifted from work to politics to family, as if it were all one story. It was equal parts chaos and serenity, frustration and joy. I went looking for practice, for something to add to my portfolio, and instead found a place with a lasting impression I never expected. I left with images, yes, but more importantly, with the feeling that I’d been part of something bigger than myself, and that’s the kind of thing you carry long after the plane touches down.