Ghana: Global Gateway Summer 2025 (First Impressions)

Victoria A: The 5 Senses in Legon

As soon as I stepped outside the airport in Accra, I was hit with a wave of warm, humid air—and the sound of life all around me. Street vendors called out, Afrobeat music poured from nearby shops, and the colors were absolutely striking; bright kente cloths, vibrant murals, and different colored taxis darting through traffic.

One of the first things I tasted was jollof rice from our dinner at a local restaurant. It was spicy, savory, and completely unforgettable. I paired it with sweet fried plantains, which balanced the heat perfectly. The smell of grilled meat mixed with spices lingered in the air, making it impossible not to feel hungry all the time.

I felt the texture of handcrafted woven baskets at a local market and watched as a woman expertly bargained over a stack of colorful fabrics. What struck me most was how central greeting is here—every encounter starts with a warm “Akwaaba,” and people genuinely take time to ask how you are.

My “We’re not in Madison anymore” moment happened during a visit to the mall. I was enjoying my time with my friends, and I realized all the stares I received when walking around. Everyone was very friendly with smiles once we made eye contact, but I noticed that I found myself to be different from my environment, and it drew attention to me. And although I was a bit nervous at first, the energy was very welcoming, so I had nothing to fear. I found myself laughing with people I had just met at vendors and shops, feeling a deep connection through communication and community.

What surprised me most about Ghana is the multilingualism—many people speak English, Twi, Ga, and more. I have already started picking up a few words in Twi, and I am learning how much language shapes the way people connect here.

Layah J: “We’re not in Madison Anymore” Moment

I’m no longer in Madison, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity I’ve had. The culture and environment I experienced have been both beautiful and unforgettable. Growing up in the United States, I always had the life I wanted. My mother, a single parent, raised me and gave me everything a little girl could ever dream of. I never had to worry about anything that was the environment I knew.

Coming to Ghana as part of this program has been a complete cultural shock. Walking down the streets, the air is filled with both hope and a sense of lost direction. Ghanaians sell their goods to anyone they possibly can, simply to feed themselves and provide for their families the next day. I’ve seen women sweating and sitting inside small storage spaces, selling beautiful garments, jewelry, and shoes yet often not being approached by anyone. There are few tourists, and many of the locals cannot afford the beautiful pieces displayed before them.

The culture here is vastly different from what I’m used to. In America, we often take what we have for granted throwing away water, juice, or a burger just because we ordered too much or we’re full. Meanwhile, the Ghanaian people are incredibly grateful for whatever they receive. They are simply happy to be alive, healthy, and surrounded by loved ones. Every time I passed by a booth, I was greeted with a smile and a warm “hello.”

One new and surprising thing I learned during my time in this beautiful city is the process of making cocoa, which I found fascinating. It’s like growing a tree; you begin by planting a seed, and it takes years for a cocoa tree to fully develop. Eventually, it blooms into a flower that transforms into a large pod. You must wait until the pod turns yellow before harvesting it. Once harvested, you cut open the pod to find the white cocoa pulp inside. You’re supposed to suck on the pulp without biting into it, as it tastes bitter. After enjoying the pulp, you simply spit it out.