The Program

AKWAABA....WELCOME !!!!!!!

The Travel to Ghana Program is a three-week program which will provide participants with an opportunity to experience the socio-cultural and economic life of Ghana first hand, while enhancing their personal, academic, or professional goals. They will experience the ancient, and richly-textured traditional culture of Ghana, characterized by pomp and pageantry on the one hand, and the friendly, warm and hospitable welcome of the Ghanaian people on the other.

Location

Ghana, previously called the Gold Coast, was famous for the abundant supply of gold in the region. It is a lush tropical paradise located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Occupying a land area of about 300,000 square kilometers, Ghana is divided into 10 regions - Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Volta, Upper East and Upper West. The capital, Accra, located at the coast, is a bustling metropolis of over one million people. Accra is the center of the administrative, financial and legal institutions of the country. Ghana is an ideal place for lovers of nature, wildlife, art and craft, African culture and tradition

European contact started with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century at Elmina. They were followed later by the Danes, Dutch, English etc. The forts and castles which were built for trade, later became the centers of the slave trade, missionary and colonial government activities. The castles have been designated part of the West African Museum Complex by UNESCO.

The present boundaries of Ghana (240,000 sq. km) were carved out in the 19th century by European powers during the Scramble and partition of Africa. Until the present boundaries took shape, Ghana was an aggregation of independent states and kingdoms. In 1874, the British proclaimed southern Ghana a crown colony, and in 1876, moved the capital from Cape Coast to Accra. On 7th February 1957, the Ghana Independence Act received Royal Assent, and on 6th March, 1957, Ghana was proclaimed an independent, sovereign nation. Thus, Ghana became the first African country south of the Sahara to attain independence from colonial rule with the Black Star as its symbol, the Black Star Line as its national shipping line.

This West African country, bounded on the east by Togo, on the north by Burkina Faso, on the west by Cote d'Ivoire, and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, was the torchbearer of African independence, Pan-Africanism and university education. The Kwame Nkrumah Masoleum, the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Center, The Padmore Library, and other important historic sites, showcase the contribution of Africans and the African Diaspora to the historical development of Pan-Africanism and decolonization of Africa.

Ghana country provides a unique setting for the study of African history and culture, environment, arts and theatre, education and African religion.

Program Description

This is a distinctive educational initiative aimed at getting participants to experience, learn in, and about African culture. In short, the mission is to provide opportunity for people to experience life in Ghana. The real strength of this program abroad lies in getting out and meeting Ghanaians, seeing various sides in the country. The program includes several field trips to the forts and castles that dot Ghana's coastline (Accra, Winneba, Apam, Cape Coast, Elmina, Sekondi), the Asantehene's Palace at Manhyia, Kumasi, the centre for Kente weaving at Bonwire, artists' markets, the Kakum National Park, and Makola market, among several others. Participants will also be exposed to African theatre, drumming and dancing at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon.

Prior to departure, participants will be given a 2-day intensive classroom orientation on Ghana.

Lodging and Accomodations: Students will travel in a group, stay in hotels and hostels, and will likely share rooms with other students.

Costs: $2,190 for three credits tuition. Students will also pay a travel package of about $1,500 for some meals, lodging, entrance fees, guides, and intra-country transport.

International airfare is estimated at $1600.

Contact Edmund Abaka @ (305) 284-3702 or e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]