GHANA TO THE WORLD 2022 SUMMER SCHOOL

Ghana to the World (GTW), summer school was a dream, virtually launched on October 6, 2021. The four weeks summer school in the month of June is designed for participants to study and obtain credit, learn about Ghana and Africa as well as experience fun activities on the green campus of the University of Ghana.

The dream became a reality through the unflinching support of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Professor Gordon Awandare. The tireless efforts of the staff of the International Programmes Office (IPO) led by the Dean, Professor Eric Osei-Assibey and the GTW Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Cyrelene Amoah-Boampong welcomed participants from the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and South Africa to warm and rainy Accra in June 2022.

The atmosphere was jubilant as the first airport pickup was done and several sets of participants arrived on the University of Ghana campus. This was followed by a welcome dinner by the Dean and Senior University Management represented by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA), Professor Gordon Awandare amidst the warm hospitality of Ghana epitomized by dancing and good cheer. The mood was set for student to undertake their summer adventure and they looked forward to the diversity of academic, social, and cultural stimulation that is GTW.

The maiden edition of GTW did not disappoint. The days started with service-learning opportunities. Participants experienced community engagement through diverse organizations such as Action Aid, UG Basic School, UG Hospital, Ark Foundation, CEGENSA and Fafali Organization. Volunteering was interspersed with cultural and regional tours that saw participants visit a slave market at Assin Manso, then to experience the canopy walk at Kakum National Park and relive man’s inhumanity to man at the Elmina slave castle. GTW students experienced the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean before taking in one of Ghana’s artistic landscapes at the Bisa Abrewa museum and then cooling off again at the Boti waterfalls.

Beyond the regional cultural tours, GTW participants engaged with Ghana’s economic life at the Makola market and immersed themselves in the rich, diverse, legendary culture of Ghana through a cultural day, an Accra city tour, beach trips and an exploration of the night life in Accra. “A Day in the Village” was a transformatory experience for participants who were enthralled by the rustic, traditional setting in the village of Pokrom. They were delighted to be instructed in the preparation of several traditional meals showcasing the culinary skills of rural Ghana.

All too soon the month of June came to an end and the closing ceremony on June 30, 2022, was emotional for IPO staff and GTW participants. Students felt the summer school was educative, impactful, rewarding and fun. It showcased Ghana and gave them a glimpse into the African continent that had been a mystery for so long. Many looked forward to returning to GTW 2023.