Akwaaba: Welcome to Ghana - Reflection from Twi Immersion Program
By Ashley Agyeman, Undergraduate Student, Political Science
Howard University Akan Twi Language & Cultural Immersion in Ghana (HUATG) - Summer 2025
Claps, claps, claps.
Captain: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve just landed in Accra, Ghana. On behalf of the entire crew, thank you for flying with us. It’s been a pleasure having you on board, and we hope to welcome you again soon. Enjoy your stay or safe travels onward.”
Walking out of the airport, along with the loud moist slap I received by the humidity I also felt such a sense of relief and freedom. Arriving in Accra provided me with a sense of comfort, and not because I was on a plane for the 10 hours with nowhere to go but because the people were so kind and welcoming. There is such a gentleness about the airport and Ghana as a whole that I really loved especially coming from a place where it’s the norm to constantly be on go. There was finally a pause. A chance to just breathe and think about now. As I breathed in the air and consumed all the sights around me from the women selling peanuts, water, and chips, to the humming of the traffic I felt like I was in a movie. Driving up to the hotel looking out the window felt like I was seeing the beginning of movies I would watch with my parents growing up. “I can’t believe I’m in Ghana!”
As I reflect on this 3 week long journey we’ve had I’m filled with extreme gratitude to be blessed with such an opportunity. Ghana is where both of my parents grew up and is where many of my family members still live however I haven’t been here since I was 5. It's one thing to know where you're from and hear about it but to see and experience the rich culture firsthand and visit such momental places has been an incredible experience that I will carry with me forever.
Over the course of this program we visited Accra, Kumasi, Tutu (Eastern Region), and Cape Coast. Every area we visited had a different feel that made it unique. Accra, our first stop felt a lot like being in a city where Tutu and Cape Coast had a more suburban feel. Less busy, more nature, animals and homes. Navigating Accra was exciting from riding on the tro-tro for the first time to the layout of the city.
Additionally, while in Accra we visited the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, The Black Star Center, Accra Art Center, and the University of Ghana. Each of these places taught me something new—not just about Ghana’s history, but about myself. At the Kwame Nkrumah Museum I learned so much about Ghana's history and the journey to freedom. Seeing Nkrumah’s speeches, the photos from the early days of Ghana’s freedom, and even the way his story was told made me feel a deep sense of pride. His leadership wasn’t loud but it was intentional and grounded in community. This reminded me of the proverb ”ti koro nkɔ agyina” which means “one head does not go into council” or “two heads are better than one”. At the Black Star Center, I stood under the towering monument that symbolizes Ghana’s independence and the hope of an entire nation. After seeing this monument online, it felt amazing to see it in person. Going to the Art center I was nervous about how overwhelming it might be, and it fulfilled that exactly. This experience was truly like no other, clothing, jewelry, and statues everywhere. This experience taught me about myself and allowed me to practice saying no. All the different sellers wanted me to support their businesses; however, I couldn’t buy everything. Lastly, the University of Ghana was a fantastic experience. Getting to know different students and having conversations about how we are more similar than we are different was incredible.
Overall, this trip has taught me so much about my culture and myself which I will forever be grateful for. The memories we created will live for a lifetime.
Ghana, yεbεhyia.
