Africa Day & Kakum National Park

My first week at the office was "a little work and a lot of play".  We were treated to a tour of Cape Coast on our first day, and learned that May 25th was a continental holiday - Africa Day (no work)!

Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the UN, commented: “On Africa Day, we recognize the people and promise of Africa.  Africa is the world's youngest continent; 70 per cent of the population is under the age of 30. Despite advances in education and economic growth, progress remains fragile, inequalities are widespread and young Africans face major difficulties in finding decent jobs and participating in decision-making.”

Here in Cape Coast (primarily a fishing town), some of the residents have shared their concern regarding childhood education.  Government funded education is available in Ghana through primary school.  After that, many families choose to send their children to work since the long-term benefits of education are less apparent compared to immediate sources of income.  Kakra kakra (little by little), people here are working tirelessly to change the culture.

To celebrate Africa Day, I traveled to Accra with some friends to watch an expedition football (aka soccer) game - Africa XI vs. World XI.  The game was hosted by Michael Essien (popular Chelsea player from Ghana) to raise awareness about peace in Africa.  Several famous players showed up to play.  Unfortunately, World XI won, but I couldn’t tell you the final score as we were hit with an enormous rain storm during the 2^nd half of the game.  It was unbelievable - rivers of water were flowing down the stadium steps!!

Ohene Djan Sports Stadium (Accra)



1st Half - Shine



2nd Half - Rain



Post-Game Party.
"Unless Tomorrow" is a common Ghanaian reply when you inquire about an order.. maybe it will be ready tomorrow

On Friday, the other volunteers and I headed out to camp at the nearby Kakum National Park.  We spent the night and woke early to trek across a series of 7 high-hanging canopy bridges above the forest.  The morning mist created a perfect atmosphere!

On our hike we encountered a range of extraordinary trees, starting with a single Black Ebony tree that supported the entire canopy bridge structure.  You can see in the pictures that some of the trees had roots that extended well over our heads!



Black Ebony Tree



Onyina Tree

Kirsten, Morgan, Nat (our guide), Rachel

 “Ka-Kum” is named after the sound that monkeys make.  We heard a monkey while on our hike, but it was too sly and we never caught a glimpse.  We did however get to play with some monkeys down the road at a monkey sanctuary.  The owners, Dennis and Annette, proudly showed us around their grounds.  What an amazing couple!  They moved to Ghana 8 years ago from Holland where they worked in the restaurant business.  Having no prior experience with animals, they came here and were moved to help endangered animals.  They now raise and breed monkeys, duikers (part of antelope family), snakes, turtles, and more!



Sorry, no bananas





Eeeek!