Kirkwood Community College’s Global Learning Center presented their exhibition on the African country of Ghana. They held this event on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Iowa Hall stage from 11:15 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Ghana students gave a formal presentation on their country.
They presented an assortment of Ghanaian artifacts, such as wood carvings, dolls, kente fabric and more.
One of the presenters, Belinda Asante, agriculture and food processing major, said, “I love Kirkwood!” She also described the people of Iowa as, “very welcoming and friendly.”
Asante described Ghanaians, “very hospitable, and we like to share our culture in a variety of ways.” Asante is a member of the Akan, and shared several details of Ghanian family life and customs.
Located on the east coast of Africa on the Gulf of Benin, Asante said Ghana is something of a world all its own, condensed into an area smaller than Illinois. Though Ghana is united as a single state, with English as it’s official language, she added the country is home to at least 75 different ethnic groups.
Each group has its own customs and culture, speaking 50 local languages throughout. The largest of these groups are the Akan, the Mole-Dagbon and Ewe. Asante said Ghana is one of the first African countries to gain independence from European colonization. Originally known as the “Gold Coast,” Ghana was first colonized by the Portuguese in 1491, but changed hands several times between European powers before finally falling under British rule by the 1850s.
She went on to say that under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkruma, the country gained independence from the British Empire on March 6, 1957, which is now celebrated as Ghana’s Independence Day. Dr. Nkruma became Ghana’s first President and gained the honorary title of Osagyefo – “The Redeemer”. This year, Ghana will celebrate it’s 67th year of independence.
Asante said while Ghana is still dotted with small villages, it sports several urban areas. The two largest cities are Accra, Ghana’s capital, and Kumasi.
A common cultural dress among Ghanaians is the kente: bright, colorful robes with ornate patterns. According to Asante, kente are hand-woven and are worn with golden ornamentation, each pattern having its own unique meaning. Ghana also boasts a broad cuisine, with chicken, pork, fish, eggs and spices as key ingredients, as well as a host of soups and stews.
Ghana quick facts
• The name “Ghana” means “warrior king”
• Diverse population with more than 100 ethnic groups
• Diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, grasslands, and coastal wetlands
• World’s second-largest cocoa producer
Photo via gviusa.com.
Categories: Campus News, News
