Staying in the other countries makes
life interesting and at the same time poses some difficult task to the
Ghanaians out there. Many people have migrated from Ghana in search of better
life but along with them they bring the cultural practices that define their
lifestyle. Below are some of the findings that sought to capture the life of
Ghanaians in the diaspora and how they relate with their country.
Embracing New Opportunities
Ghanaians travel to ‘’developed’’
countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany for
some education or work. For example, the first participant is Kwame, a young
professional who works in Canada; he said that he found employment in the tech
sector after his schooling. But as a new culture is quite hard to cope with, he
enjoys the company of other Ghanaians in Toronto and thus does not feel alone.
Cultural Celebrations
In the following points it is
evidenced that festivals and celebrations act as an essential link with Ghana.
Independence day, Homowo, Aboakyir and many other ceremonies are celebrated in
a country through social gatherings and programmes organised by the Ghanaians
outside the country. Such events comprise of foods, music, and dances like
those practised in the traditional Africa hence promoting unity and
togetherness. Afia now residing in the UK born and raised Ghanaian, created a
show known as the “Ghanaian Night” held on monthly basis where friends come
together and share stories cook Ghanaian delicacies and talk about things back
home.
Technology and Communication
Despite these challenges, it is
reassuring to note that with increased development in the technology the
process of establishing contact with family in Ghana is much easier. Most of
the Ghanaians living in other countries, especially the immigrants tend to use
the social media app, WhatsApp, Face book and other social media connected apps
to express themselves and to be updated with events that takes place in Ghana.
Nana, who lives in the US, very often join family video calls, and thus he can
congratulate on birthdays and weddings, for instance. This technology plays the
role of bringing close and closely related family members who stay far apart.
Supporting Ghana from Afar
The migrants too do all they can to
contribute their quota in the development of their respective communities. Most
contribute towards fundraising efforts for education, health and other physical
infrastructure in Ghana. Some have ventured even further by establishing
companies whose aim is to market Ghana and all things Ghanaian.
An
Integration of Paradigms
This way, Ghanaians living abroad are able to
afford to indigenous culture and at the same time be exposed to other cultures.
They also often turn into cultural messengers but in their new places telling
about tales, customs, meals, etc. By so doing they act as tourist but make the
societies they live in become richer while at the same time maintaining their
Ghanaian culture.
It is a journey of growth, challenge and
sustenance of a link to the Motherland amongst those of the Ghanainian decent
in the diaspora.
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