Before Year of Return was going viral on the Shaderoom and catching attention on CNN, it was Ghana in December. An annual pilgrimage, where hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians living abroad would return home from the US, UK and all over the world. This was an annual Homecoming or at home what they call -- the month of the Returnees.
In Part 1 of this special series, Adjoa chats with Dr. Akua Ampadu aka Doctor Kukie of the Healing Words Foundation about returning home to visit family, parties, her organization’s impact in Ghana and her plans for the Year of Return. Listen in to find out what excites her most about coming home every year and hear her tips on heading to Ghana this December.
-Dr. Akua Ampadu
[01:37] Our first Ghana trip August 2006 [03:40] When and why did you start going every December? [07:49] The Difference in experiencing Ghana as a child v.s as an adult. [13:32] Introduction to the Healing Words Foundation. [17:42] How Healing Words was initially received in Ghana. [21:14] Akua’s strategy for preparing and managing her weeks back home. [25:49] Thoughts on guides and blogs about Ghana.
__________________ 30:17 What are the best and worst things about Ghana in December? 33:35 Food 35:18 Beaches & scenery outside the city. 37:58 Year of return 2019 44:00 What special activities are you going to get into? 48:10 How much did you pay for your plane ticket? 50:20 How do you negotiate prices when you're home? 51:54 Other ways to get involved in projects or investments.
Resources Mentioned: Healing Words Foundation Global Shapers The Full Circle Festival
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“People may not have a lot of money, but people are happy and that's the beauty of Ghana. There is a joy that I have yet to feel anywhere except for in Ghana.”
Key moments: