Learn About Kewunor,
Ghana
Cultural Awareness
There are over 8 languages spoken in Ghana. This is because Ghana is made up of different tribes originating from different areas.
Each region of Ghana has their own language although English is spoken throughout most places.
In Kewunor Village, which is where you will all be staying the main language spoken is ‘Ewe’, but in Azizanya village and Ada Foah just next to Kewunor the main language is Dangme. The community are able to speak both languages as well as English – so there won’t be much of a language barrier.
Ghana is known for its vibrant and friendly people and the area in which you are all residing in is especially safe. The community are extremely welcoming to volunteers and will make you feel right at home straight away.
When in Ghana, ALWAYS use your right hand to greet people.
Useful Phrases
- ‘You are Invited’ used when eating. This means you can eat with them, or that they want to share their food. You just reply thank you.
- ‘Welcome’ This is also used constantly as a form of greeting when you enter a market stall, or even as you walk through the village, all you have to do is just reply thank you.
- ‘Charley’ it’s the Ghanaians version of ‘killo, killa, dude, etc’ eg Charley wossup’ means hey what’s up.
- Yevu- Means; white person. You will hear this everywhere. Please do not be offended when people shout this to you, you will hear this in Kewnor from the little kids, or some adults its not offensive its normal to them, they are happy to see white people as they know you come to help them.
- Blafono-White person. You will hear this in Azizanya and Ada Foah.- do not take offence
- Obroni- White person - you will hear this in Accra - do not take offence
General
Religion
Ghana is mainly a Christian country, and in the village of Kewunor the community is Christian, and they attend their version of church on Sundays.
Food
Avoid anything that is not boiled or fried. Such as Salads, or fruit which does not have a hard shell-like apples or pears.
Ghanians eat with their hands.
Animals
Dogs, cats and goats are seen everywhere around the villages, and are stray, they are left alone to roam free.
Money
Ghanian Cedis can be changed at the airport or in the ‘black market’ you will NOT be able to pay for anything with your card. Ghanians love to haggle for prices its part of their culture never take their first price offer for anything try to haggle for lower.
Tipping
In Accra taxi drivers, tro drivers, guides, any help is usually tipped.