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Program Links - 1 2824

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Ghana: History and Cultures of the African Diaspora

Program Highlights

Please note: Final arrangements are subject to change

Program Base in Cape Coast

Cape Coast was the ancient capital of the Gold Coast and is now known as the educational capital of Ghana, hosting some of the oldest and best second cycle schools in the country. It also houses Cape Coast Castle, the largest slave castle in the world.

Cape Coast/Elmina Castles

Students visit these famous sites. The experience has a profound effect on most, as they see for themselves the horrors of enslavement. They also come to understand what happens when a country with such an important history is too poor to protect its resources; and what happens when tourism and history converge.

Gwollu Defense Wall

This defense wall was the direct result of the Sisaala people's response to kidnapping. Having tried other methods of self-defense that proved ineffective, the idea of building a solid wall to enclose the whole village was received as a viable idea. A second wall to protect water sources, farms, farmers and animal life finally offered refuge from unwarranted attacks by slave raiders. Students come to appreciate the communal spirit that made it possible for people to donate years of concentrated time and effort to achieve safety.

Ganvie Village

This settlement deepens the discovery of how people with relatively little and comparatively inferior resources fought the slave trade. The people of present day Ganvie are the direct descendants of those who, learning that their attackers tabooed water, decided to adapt to living on water as a way of avoiding kidnapping. Today the people refuse to settle on land and abandon a difficult life. Such is the price they are willing to pay in order not to forget.

Seeing an entire village constructed on water as a defense mechanism against enslavement deeply impacts students. This is especially so when they see the women displaying their wares on canoes and paddling from one house to the other. They also see children paddling to school using the river as others use the land. The 'lovers' lane' on water reminds them that life goes on.

Kakum Forest Reserve

In this beautiful forest, students can stroll across the canopy walkway, suspended some hundreds of feet above the huge trees and take in the natural world. Here they learn about conservation issues and also of the medicinal uses of local plants.