Prologue : Everywhere you go, there is 'Ghana Chocolate.' Do you know we can be just as enthused about Ghana's history and culture as much as we are familiar with Chocolate? Although Ghana and Korea are separated by a vast distance, Ghana and Korea have some striking similarities in history and culture. I met with Edwin from Ghana to explore these similarities in more detail.
Chocolate from Ghana
When Edwin introduced his homeland, Ghana, he asked "Do you know cacao? Yes, Chocolate is made from it. You might think of Ghana Chocolate." Ghana Chocolate is a well known brand to Koreans. Some people say its name originated from the fact that cacao is Ghana's chief export. Ghana is the second largest cacao producer. The cacao cultivation in Ghana started from a sad history. Europeans planted cacao in the Gold coast and succeeded in harvesting it. After that, started to plant cacao throughout the whole of Africa. Chocolate has been made in Ghana since colonial times.
Tearstained Land of Freedom
Edwin talked about Ghana's independence. Ghana was a colony of England, just as Korea was a colony of Japan. Having an eye on the Gold coast, Europeans came to colony of . In the initial trading relationships, Ghanaian gave things of huge value, but Europeans only gave alcohol and things of little value. Finally, Ghana became a British colony. Chanaians wanted to get out of the oppressive situation. They began fighting for independence in 1920, and their goal finally became a reality on March 6, 1957. The first president, Kwame Nkrumah also hated Caucasian control. Asserting African socialism and Pan-Africanism, he led Ghana to join the ranks of the republic.
Kwame Nkruma, the First President in Ghana
Kwame Nkruma dreamed of a unified Africa. Having that dream, he served as a founding member of the Organization of African unity. But, his key idea was rejected by other countries. Facing strong objection, he had to give up his dream. To make matters worse, the price of cacao dropped rapidly. Ghana had maintained good financial standing without dependence on other countries; due to cacao. As the situation changed, demonstrations and revolts led to upheaval throughout the Republic of Ghana. Being frustrated, Nkruma became a hardliner and a despot. His change in policies was backfired. And he was upsurped by military coup. When the hero of independence retired from his position, public sentiments were hostile. Nkruma reminds us of Lee Suneg-man who became a dictator later in Korea. Both presidents became dictators after being recognized as national heroes, studied in the USA and lost popularity deu to their dictatorship.
Ghana on the Road to Democracy
Ghana was politically unstable. Frankly speaking, Ghana experienced four military coups after independence. Furthermore, the first president often called the Lenin of Africa, was an advocate of Russian socialism. After John Agyekum Kufuor became the president in 2000, Ghana was fortunate enough to move toward a smooth transition into democracy. In 2009, Barack Obama chose Ghana as his first country to visit in Africa. They was largely due to Ghana's democracy. Obama emphasized Ghana's need to lead the entire African continent toward Democracy.
Love for Soccer
Ghanaians' love for football is no less than that of Korean. Michael Essien of Chealsea, Sulley Muntary of Inter Milan, and Asamoah Gyan of Al ain FC are all Ghanaians. Everybody who likes soccer knows them. They are players in Ghana's national soccer team, called the Black Star. In the realm of soccer, Ghana is one of top-ranking nations. Edwin said, "I don't like sports, but almost all Ghanaians love football. And they ofter play it." It is not a surprising scene to see children play soccer until sunset in Ghana just like Korean children.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
The educational system in Ghana in very similar to ours. Students in Ghana attend elementary school for six years and middle school and high school for three years, respectively. Afterwards, they go to university.
Edwin finds no difference in the educational system. Nevertheless, there remain some differences. "Above all, people use English in Ghana, but Korean use Korean. The racial makeup id also different between the two countries. The food is very different as well.
Ghana's Food Culture
The food is definitely different. Food varies between different localities in Ghana. But, Ghanaians usually est rice as a stew, boiled with beans or other thing. It is surprising that Korean eat rice as 'bap.' It is not all food is different. Chicken's recipe is somewhat similar to Ghanaians food, chicken with hot sauce like seasoned spicy chicken. Edwin recommended some traditional Ghana foods. One of them is wakkye, a mixture of beans and rice. It has a hot taste, and he said it's to 'kong-bap.'
Epilogue ; What can think of Ghana, Ghana chocolate of the Republic of Ghana? Do you want to know more about Edwin narrated the Ghana story? If so, why don't you read more about Edwin below?
Edwin Story
Edwin is a freshman of Chungnam National University. He is majoring in Computer Engineering. He is 21 years-old. He was born in Ghana and he grew up in the countryside; not far from the Valta River and Accra-thc capital city of Ghana. When he was a child, he was interested in cars and machines. he wanted to become a car mechanic or an engineer. However, influenced by the fact that his older brother became a computer scientist, Edwin naturally had an interest in computer. Now, he is majoring in Computer Engineering. His dream is to become a web designer.
Living in Foreign Country
Edwin speaks Korean fluently. He said he studied Korean in Keimyung University in Daegu. So he doesn't feel uncomfortable in communication situation. What do his classmates think of him? They said Edwin is kind and considerate.
Like many international students, Edwin was helped by many friends to become adjusted to Korean lifestyle and culture. Especially he was helped by friends whom he met in computer club and GP House; a social club operated by students. And his roommate from Ghana is a big support to Edwin.
Being Friends with Koreans
One thing that Edwin wants co share with foreign students is that they must make an effort to have as many Korean friends as possible. "Sometimes I offend my Korean friends because I don't know much about Korean culture. So we must learn Korean culture. Korean culture can be the best learned from Korean friends."
Ghana
Ghana is a coastal state, located in the Gulf of Guinea, in West Africa. Its official name id the Republic of Ghana an the capital id Accra. It has an area of 239,460㎢. The southern shoreline id 539km. The weather os humid and hot. Although the official language is English, there are many different local languaged due to Ghanaians consisting of many tribes. The country was founded on March 6, 1957. Caining a freedom from its colonial history, Chana is now active in politics, econmy, culture, and Pan-Africanism.
cloea7@cnu.ac.kr