One of the most common questions I get from local Uber drivers here in Accra is, “What is your favorite thing about Ghana?” The first few times I had to think and scramble for answers – the mangos, the laid-back culture etc. After a few weeks, however, it dawned on me – without question Read More …
Being out of your element and away from home for over a month really makes you appreciate the little things way more. We take so much of what we have for granted. This trip has made me realize is that I should give thanks for the things I do have and not stress about the Read More …
I took me a while to convince my parents about spending 6 weeks in Africa this summer. I didn’t know I would need to do it again when I got to do some field works with my co-worker. Just the idea of leaving the Media in Ghana group and Accra makes them paranoid. “What if Read More …
English is a fairly universal language. Still, meanings differ from region to region. My coworkers and I struggle to comprehend one another quite frequently, even as we chat in English. It’s most complicated when it comes to terms frequently used in advertising. Examples: key message = headline sub-message = body copy audio-visuals = television commercials Read More …
First and foremost, it’s essential that you emotionally, mentally and physically prepare yourself for what’s to come. Doing laundry in this country is a workout in itself; so skip your exercise regiment for the day (if you’re brave enough to work out in 100% humidity). For emotional and mental preparation, sit down and read a Read More …
We’re told “bring shoes you don’t really care about, pack clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and ladies don’t even bother bringing makeup…” etc. We all started off in an outdoor store like REI or something similar, nervously filling carts with bug spray, hand sanitizer, mosquito nets and so forth. We had that terrifying travel Read More …
77% of Ghanaians have access to contraceptive services, yet the country is still battling an incredibly high rate of adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. 350 out of every 100,000 women who give birth in Ghana die, and as many as 26% of all maternal deaths are adolescents. Increased access to modern contraceptives should Read More …
About a week a go we visited a school in a township area of Ghana. I noticed a stark contrast while visiting the school. While we watched the students preform poems, dances and songs for us, other children, literally a foot away from us watched through a chain-linked fence. The ones behind the fence were Read More …
There are two things I can’t go a day without at home – WiFi and hot showers. Seriously – I’m constantly connected. I admit it isn’t my finest trait, but it’s true. WiFi aside, the other guarantee is that I will take a very long, very hot shower. Both – yes, both – of these Read More …
Last Thursday I was able to get the day off of work and spend it learning about composting through the Utilization of Organic Waste to Improve Agricultural Activity Project (UOWIAP) initiative here in Accra. Living in Oregon you would think I would have a good base knowledge about the wonders of composting, but I learned Read More …
On this particular Thursday, due to a funeral taking place next door, nobody in the office went to work. With the loud noise that would take place and high flow of traffic, calling off work for the day was in everyone’s best interest. Although nobody went to work, one person from the office was asked Read More …
According to Google, and the 2012 population census records, 75% of the population is Christian. Before the trip, I learned that Ghanaians are very religious. The people are strong believers, religious stickers and posters will be everywhere. It is common to see some people preaching on the road or on the trotro about their faith. Read More …
Today at the beach, we were rushed with vendors as usual, but the conversations they have with me are always different. Two guys who went by Raj, and Rainbow asked me where I was from. I told them that I was from Ohio in the United States, like Cleveland and Lebron. They understood, but then Read More …
An article I wrote for the Business and Financial Times about our most recent trip to Kumasi where we were able to visit Lake Bosomtwe, a lake that was formed by a meteor over a million years ago. This spread is fun because it features a photo of Avery and Sean swimming in the lake! Read More …
My first assignment at the Business and Financial Times was to visit the coastal city of Prampram to cover the launch of the airport extension. The new airport will be the largest in Ghana and thus is referred to as ‘Airtropolis’. During my assignment, the journalist I was partnered with had gotten left behind when Read More …