Fun Ghanaian Style
2April 18, 2013 by oceangirl821
We had our porridge and bread and set out to bid farewell to the Chief and elders. When we got to the palace we did the hand shaking ceremony again. They said we must have a “meal” before we depart the village so they passed around warm bottles of soda (I got pineapple – yay!) and packages of buttery crackers. While we ate the chief asked us to say some words about things we saw in the village and any suggestions or ideas we might have for improving it.
A few of us stood up and talked about how excited we were that almost all the children are getting an education (That’s not the case in some of the countries we’ve been to.), how welcoming the people are, how humbling it was to stay in a place of such need and that it will make us think about things we can do to change the lives of people in need around the world.
One of the elders stood up and talked about all the good things that Fred has been able to do in the village in partnership with SAS voyagers. It was obvious they love Fred. He seemed embarrassed. If he could turn red he would have.
From the palace we went to the village square and were handed our traditional outfits. We went to a nearby building to change into them. I have to be honest – we looked ridiculous. Maybe that was intentional – ha! Our dance instructor and drumming instructor were both there to see us perform…so was the entire village.
We did our dance. We went around in a circle then formed 2 lines then a circle again. All the while doing a very interesting African dance and looking so silly. Everyone was laughing and taking pictures with their cell phones. It was really fun.
Once we were finished we took pictures with the Chief and elders then followed them to the water pump. Construction on the water tank and plumbing had continued through the night and they were hoping to have it finished by the time we left. It wasn’t quite done but much progress had been made. The plumber was there to explain how the system would work. Fred brought markers for us to sign the water tank. They treated us like celebrities. It made us all so happy that we did something tangible to help these wonderful people.
On the way to the bus we passed the building that they’ve acquired for their new clinic. The Chief’s assistant gave us a tour. We were really excited about it. Once we were back on the ship we were all coming up with ideas and contacts to help them get medical equipment and supplies and volunteers to staff the clinic.
That night we got back to the ship which was now in Accra (it moved while we were in Senase). Fred made himself available the next day for anyone who wanted to have lunch. About 9 of us met him and we were trying to decide on a place to eat when he said, “Let’s just go to my house.” We were confused. We didn’t realize he had family in Accra as well!
He took us to his house and we met several of his family members including his 87 year old grandmother. They acted like it was totally normal for 9 foreigners to come walking in expecting to be fed. Guess what we had? Red Red – hurray! We hung out at Fred’s for a little while then he took us to a place called Global Mamas.
Global Mamas is a store where all the goods are made by local women who have formed a co-op and all items are fair trade. This place was awesome. It was a good thing I didn’t have many Ghanaian cedis left.
When it was time to go back to the ship Fred came with us. There’s a man on our ship who works to put water supplies and other infrastructure in villages in Nicaragua. I had been telling this man (Tom) about Fred during breakfast and he asked for Fred’s contact information. When I told Fred he said, “I’d like to meet him today.” So, via email while we were at Fred’s house, I set up a meeting between Fred and Tom back at the ship. They talked for a long time and I’m certain they’ll be in touch in the future.
What a whirlwind this trip was. So much happened in so little time. I really felt like I connected with the people on a different level than I did in any other country. This was the port where I was not just bummed to leave but felt like I was leaving a little piece of my heart.
Sea What I See 
Hello Ray,
Thank you for shiring your journey with me.
Love and miss you be Safe.
XO Steph
Very different culture for real. For some reason this post went to span folder and I have not checked in a couple of weeks.