In this post, I'll share my recent experience visiting Ghana during the holiday. My aunt had meticulously planned this family reunion trip for the past two to three years, with the primary goal of reconnecting with our ancestral roots. Our journey took us through three significant cities in Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.
In Accra, Ghana's capital, we explored the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to Ghana's first president. We also visited the iconic Black Star Gate and Independence Square, symbols of Ghana's freedom and national pride. Our next stop was Kumasi, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Kejetia Market, one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa. We also had the privilege of visiting Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom.
Cape Coast, our final destination, left an indelible mark on our hearts. We toured the historic Cape Coast Castle, a sobering reminder of the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, we participated in a traditional naming ceremony, deepening our connection to Ghanaian culture.
The most poignant moment of the trip was our visit to the Last Bath, a small river just outside Cape Coast. This site holds profound significance as the place where our ancestors had their final bath before being forcibly transported to the New World. Walking on the same ground as my forebears was an intensely emotional and heartwarming experience.
Throughout our journey, I was struck by the warmth and joy of the Ghanaian people, especially the children and young adults who greeted us with enthusiasm. During a walk through Jamestown, Ghana, I even had the opportunity to play basketball with some local youth, an experience that left a lasting impression.
This trip opened my eyes to the immense potential in Ghana. While the country may not have the same level of infrastructure and resources as the United States, the people possess an indomitable spirit and a strong drive for progress. I noticed several empty basketball courts, which sparked an idea for the future of Outside J Family.
In the coming years, possibly within the next 5-10 years depending on our organization's growth, I envision expanding Outside J tournaments and clinics to Ghana and potentially other parts of Africa. This initiative would aim to build infrastructure, create opportunities for Ghanaian youth to play organized basketball, and potentially provide pathways for talented players to join U.S. or international teams.
Thank you for following along with this blog post about my transformative journey to Ghana. I'm excited to share more updates in the future, so stay tuned for upcoming posts from Outside J Family!
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