By Samantha Lorenzo I’ve always dreamed of visiting Africa. My entire life has been (and continues to be) shaped by the various influences that cross my path, such as music, art, books, and cuisine – many of which stem from a wide array of African cultures. While although I acknowledge the roots from which these Read More …
We visited really a cool market in Accra during the second week called the Art Centre. This is a great place to come and buy souvenirs or some new outfits. We ended up running into a really cool man who goes by Colin Powell, named after the former Secretary of State. He has a shop in the market Read More …
I had the amazing opportunity of doing a story for Joy News about a little baby who needed heart surgery after being diagnosed with a congenital heart condition. Baby Mufeedah Anfaani and her family were so sweet and resilient. They needed to travel all the way to India to get the surgery, that she needed and Read More …
I got the lead while out reporting on the COVID-19 mandates in Accra with my colleague Thelma. We called up an uber and were surprised when our driver was a woman. Thelma and I asked her about her experience in a male-dominated workforce and how the job affected her family life. She was hesitant to talk about Read More …
The startling sound of my alarm woke me up at 5 a.m. last Friday morning, the windows covered in condensation. It was time to take a weekend trip to explore the Volta Region. We are a small group of six this year due to the pandemic. In past years, groups of students were as large as 20. Read More …
As they say, all good things must come to an end. As my short-lived stay in Ghana finally came to an end, I was engulfed with a variety of mixed emotions. In the span of one month, I had nothing but the best of times and made great memories in the land of Gold. Suddenly Read More …
“With great power, comes great responsibility,” A saying that has been repeated over and over again by one of my favorite superheroes, Spiderman. A saying that I keep in mind every time I do journalism. I didn’t think about it, at least not fully, until I was asked about why I do journalism by a high Read More …
My heart skipped a bit when I received the confirmation text from Shasha Marley, Ghanaian international Reggae superstar, that he would be visiting me at our residence in East Legon, Ghana. I instantly knew I had landed a scoop interview with the African music icon, revered in the Reggae world, having performed internationally for decades including in Read More …
It has been a little over a week since I got back. It really has taken me a while to process and take in the experience. Looking back now, I didn’t realize how fast the time would go, and how much I would learn. One of the biggest takeaways from this trip is the conversations I Read More …
Take a walk around the streets of Accra, and you will easily spot the handwoven strips of silk and cotton cloth popularly referred to as ‘Kente’ either being sold on the side of the road or donned by various Ghanaians with pride and swagger. Its origin remains contested, depending on who you ask. Though most people believe Read More …
Starting a new job is nerve-racking. Starting a job in a new country is even more terrifying. Innova DDB made it easy to get into the groove of things. I remember my very first day I didn’t really know what to do, and I sat in silence much of the time. The second day I met Joanna (who Read More …
My earliest memory of Africa was a negative stereotype, reflecting a small dismal part of what represents the continent. When I was little, I used to see commercials of starving children and small villages. I never knew which part of Africa the correspondent or missionary was in, but I watched with wide eyes taking in one singular Read More …
The end has come. Five of some of the best weeks of my life are coming to an end, and it’s time to say goodbye to this magnificent country. I sit here, just a few hours away from boarding my flight back to the United States, contemplating what I learned most by going on this trip. Read More …
When weaving kente fabric, each stitch matters. Each row works with the others to create a pattern. Colors wind into each row to become a reflection of unity. This is a metaphor for my internship at Asasse Radio. Each person has the skill to contribute. There is more to finding the story. There is finding Read More …
Waking up early has always been a struggle for me. I snooze non-stop, and I’m completely groggy without my caffeine. That all goes away when a trip comes my way. I’m excited, I’m energized, and nothing beats that feeling. It’s knowing I’m gonna experience something new and amazing. This feeling was at full force when Read More …