Ghana has become wildly popular in recent years for Black travelers as they prioritize culturally relevant travel experiences. Officials of the country have made a concerted effort to attract and engage the African diaspora with its ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiatives since 2019. Both campaigns have proven so successful that other countries on the continent are considering ways to launch similar programs to attract U.S. visitors.
More Americans are moving to Ghana than ever before, but not everyone has the opportunity to call the West African country home. Some travelers prefer the comforts of their home country, while enjoying the best of Ghana as a destination to visit. Others are unable to embark on an expat journey, due to life circumstances.
Many Black travelers who experience joy, freedom and sense of belonging when they travel to African countries want to bring those feelings home. Here are 4 ways to infuse some Ghanaian culture into your at-home life.
Sites In Ghana: Framed Photography
Whether you’re into candid moments or value the beauty of historic architecture, keep your wall art inspiring with photographs from your favorite sites. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional photographer. The best part of a photography project is the memories created and reliving them through your captured moments.
If adding another project to your plate is not in the cards, consider buying the works of creative artists. Your home space will benefit from stunning imagery and your purchase supports the creative community. Elmina, Ghana by Nana Gyesie is a framed print that serves as a stark reminder of one aspect of the history of Black and Brown people.
Fabrics & Textiles
Colorful textiles are to Ghana what leather is to Italy. In other words, you don’t visit Ghana and not, at least, window shop various markets for your favorite patterned fabrics. Buy yards of raw fabric for custom creations or elect to purchase premade home goods. Either way, the vibrant prints will add color and culture to your living spaces.
This Genuine Ghanaian Kente Bench by Diaspora is made from handwoven cloth, strips of silk and cotton. Authentic kente is a cultural cloth of the Asante people originally exclusive to royal courts. Today, this wearable art is one of the most well-known textile exports from Africa. It continues to symbolize cultural affiliations from West Africa across the diaspora. Thus, you will remember the cloth from which you are cut every time you walk past this beautifully-crafted seating.
Symbolic Art
Traditional or symbolic art can instantly upgrade any space and often hold a special meaning. Adinkra symbols, designed by the Akan people of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, represent popular proverbs in West African culture. The symmetric, abstract shapes express important aspects of knowledge and wisdom, in addition to being beautiful art to add to your home.
Add the Bese Saka Adinkra poster art print to your workspace as a reminder of the abundance, power and unity that surrounds you. Bese Saka translates to “sack of cola nuts,” according to adinkra.org. Cola nuts played an important role in the economic life of Ghana as a widely-used cash crop. They also encourage engagement in activities that bring about economic progress. This energizing print, available in multiple sizes, is designed by graphic designer and artist Maxine Moore.
Decorative Accents — Crafted by local artisans in Ghana
Transform bare walls and empty fireplace ledges with accents that nod to your travels and give your interior space life. Decorative baskets, lighting fixtures and other smaller items can take an office or bedroom from ho-hum to HGTV-ready.
Baba Tree’s Bolga fan is handwoven in Ghana by local artisans who earn a fair wage for their craft. Made with ethically sourced straws, these works of art are eco-conscious home decor pieces that double as statement fashion items on hot summer days.
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