Accra, Ghana | August 2019
Hey World! I took the trip of a lifetime and traveled to Accra, Ghana for my 35th birthday/vacation! I left New York on August 14th and arrived on the 15th for an 11 day voyage I will never forget! I feel so fortunate and blessed to be able to experience The Year of Return and Chale Wote (more on that later) in the Motherland. Thank you God!
Traveling to the Motherland | August 14th
From slave ships to world business class 1A... #IAmMyAncestorsWildestDream #400years
Arriving in Accra, Ghana | August 15th
I'm Home!
All Smiles! Hello Africa!
Day 1 | August 16th
I was ready to hit the Accra streets!
My hosts from Location Accra, Nana and Victoria, took me to a fave spot of theirs for some local cuisine. I ate fufu for the first time! Fufu is a staple food made from cassava and plantains. I also had fresh baked salmon, goat, cow liver, and cow intestines in a tomato based stew. Bruh... cow intestines IS chitlins. This is not up for debate! Sharing a meal in a huge bowl with family and friends and eating with your hands is customary.
After grabbing some grub, we hit up Serenity Beach. It is truly serene!
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Next, we went to La Tawala Beach Resort and took in the artwork and waves!
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The boy got his own MONEY! lol
Day 2 | August 17th
When a tour of the five star Labadi Beach Hotel leads you to "Old Town Road"...
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Wonder why Labadi Beach Hotel is THE place to stay when you visit Accra, Ghana? It's a 5 star hotel that has welcomed presidents, royalty, dignitaries and celebrities as their guests!
Later that evening... I got dolled up and headed to the MMG Foundation Homecoming Dinner and Dance Gala in honor of Marcus Mosiah Garvey at Accra International Conference Center. My custom dress and earrings are from African Queen Boutique @africanqueen_nyc in Brooklyn, and my shoes are GX by @gwenstefani.
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It was at the gala that I realized Colored People Time also known as CPT is embedded in the Black ass genes of all African people regardless of your geographical location. This realization and reality is NOT up for debate. The MMG dinner was “supposed” to start at 5pm. It started at 7:30pm. The VIP ticket that my soror Annabelle got me for the Miss Heritage Global beauty pageant was “supposed” to start at 7pm, the red carpet at 6pm. It started shortly after 10pm.
Nevertheless, I had an amazing time in honor of a great man for a greater cause - the dinner was a fundraiser for the Marcus Garvey Memorial Centre in Ghana.
Nevertheless, I had an amazing time in honor of a great man for a greater cause - the dinner was a fundraiser for the Marcus Garvey Memorial Centre in Ghana.
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After the gala, I stopped by the Miss Heritage Global beauty pageant that was located at The Dome adjacent to the AIC Center. Thanks Annabelle Renee for the VIP ticket! Miss Latvia won Miss Heritage Global!
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Day 3 | August 18th
Sunday was an easy, breezy day! I ate a delicious brunch, listened to the waves roll in at Labadi Beach, and hung out with model, Prince Henry @princehenry._ and designer Nana Fihankra @nanayawbaff! We visited one of Nana's church members, strolled through Accra Mall, and went with Prince to his fittings session at Riohs Originate, a fashion design school in Accra. Later that day, I also got a deep tissue massage at Labadi Beach Hotel's spa. It was a relaxing way to end a chill day!
Day 4 | August 19th
On Day 4, I walked through Independence Square aka Black Star Square and took pics on top of the Freedom and Justice monument. The views from the monument are amazing! Later on, we took a ride through Old Accra and walked through the Jamestown fishing community. Bible House, which is located in Jamestown, distributed bibles in Ghana and throughout all of Africa, and it's right across the street from the James Fort Prison, a slave trading post that was built by the British in 1673. It also served as a prison from colonial times up until 2008. Oh yeah, the image of White Jesus aka Cesare Borgia is still very prevalent throughout Accra. You see his face plastered everywhere - from the back of vans to billboards.
Across the street from the lighthouse and James Fort Prison is the Ngleshie Alata Mantse Palace. There is a football (soccer) field out front where young kids were playing an intense but friendly match. A couple of young boys ran up and took a pic with me, and I gave them hi-fives! They were so adorable! At the palace, Mr. Nartey who is the registrar, gave us a brief history.
After that we went to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and I received a VIP tour of the grounds. We also stopped by W.E.B. Dubois Center. Check out the video and pics below for adventures of Day 4 in Accra!
Across the street from the lighthouse and James Fort Prison is the Ngleshie Alata Mantse Palace. There is a football (soccer) field out front where young kids were playing an intense but friendly match. A couple of young boys ran up and took a pic with me, and I gave them hi-fives! They were so adorable! At the palace, Mr. Nartey who is the registrar, gave us a brief history.
After that we went to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and I received a VIP tour of the grounds. We also stopped by W.E.B. Dubois Center. Check out the video and pics below for adventures of Day 4 in Accra!
Independence Square
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Jamestown | The Lighthouse and Fishing Community
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The Bible House, Fort James Prison, and Ussher Fort
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Ngleshie Alata Mantse Palace
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W.E.B. Dubois Memorial Centre for Pan-Africa Culture - Ghana
Day 5 | August 20th
Kakum National Park
We knew the 20th would be a heavy day so we started at Kakum National Park to have some fun before the day grew serious and somber. Kakum is on the southern coast of Ghana situated on 145 square miles of lush rainforest. There are two levels you have to walk up to get to the narrow canopy walkway that connects seven treetops. If you're used to walking in incline, not afraid of heights or with a big group that can slow you down, you can finish the entire trail in under 30 minutes.
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I survived Kakum!
Elmina Castle
I toured Elmina Castle on August 20, 2019 - exactly 400 years since the first slave ship, White Lion, arrived in Jamestown, VA.
Elmina Castle was erected by the Portuguese in 1482. After 235 years in their possession, it was seized by the Dutch in 1637 and the slave trade continued under them until 1814. The British Empire took control in 1872, and they had it for 85 years until the Gold Coast, which is now Ghana, gained its independence in 1957 and they took control. Elmina Castle is 537 years old.
It rained in Ghana that day. Not just in Accra, but all the way to Cape Coast. It’s not the rainy season, it’s supposed to be sunny, dry weather. It felt like a spiritual cleansing. I thought I would cry profusely when I visited the castles. I didn’t. I was an angry, pissed off sponge soaking up the rain and every word the tour guides said. I tossed and turned that night. I cried the next morning.
Elmina Castle was erected by the Portuguese in 1482. After 235 years in their possession, it was seized by the Dutch in 1637 and the slave trade continued under them until 1814. The British Empire took control in 1872, and they had it for 85 years until the Gold Coast, which is now Ghana, gained its independence in 1957 and they took control. Elmina Castle is 537 years old.
It rained in Ghana that day. Not just in Accra, but all the way to Cape Coast. It’s not the rainy season, it’s supposed to be sunny, dry weather. It felt like a spiritual cleansing. I thought I would cry profusely when I visited the castles. I didn’t. I was an angry, pissed off sponge soaking up the rain and every word the tour guides said. I tossed and turned that night. I cried the next morning.
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Cape Coast Castle
After touring Elmina, we went to nearby Cape Coast Castle. Established in 1555 by the Portuguese, it was a trading post until it was taken over by Swedish Africa Company in 1653 to trade timber, gold, and enslaved Africans.
It rained off and on all day. The weather was cloudy yet calm. The air smelled salty from the ocean. It was a LOT to take in. The small rooms with no ventilation, the pitch black darkness, the putrid stench of centuries old congealed urine, vomit, feces, and blood, the rough feeling of the walls, the waves crashing against the shore, the anguish and torture my ancestors went through before entering “The Door of No Return.” I actually felt more empowered after visiting the castles. For centuries, evil Europeans captured and enslaved us, raped and murdered us, systematically stripped us of our culture and native tongues and forced us into free labor. They gave us bibles and told us to obey our masters and forgive while they stole our most precious resources and sold them for a profit. We were deceived and brainwashed. They tried to break our spirit, but my people are resilient. We’ve persevered against the depths of hell on earth. 400 years later, and we’re still here!
It rained off and on all day. The weather was cloudy yet calm. The air smelled salty from the ocean. It was a LOT to take in. The small rooms with no ventilation, the pitch black darkness, the putrid stench of centuries old congealed urine, vomit, feces, and blood, the rough feeling of the walls, the waves crashing against the shore, the anguish and torture my ancestors went through before entering “The Door of No Return.” I actually felt more empowered after visiting the castles. For centuries, evil Europeans captured and enslaved us, raped and murdered us, systematically stripped us of our culture and native tongues and forced us into free labor. They gave us bibles and told us to obey our masters and forgive while they stole our most precious resources and sold them for a profit. We were deceived and brainwashed. They tried to break our spirit, but my people are resilient. We’ve persevered against the depths of hell on earth. 400 years later, and we’re still here!
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Day 6 | August 21st
The 21st was a decompressing, processing day. I walked the beach, went to the spa at Jobyco Hotel, and just relaxed.
Day 7 | August 22nd
Aburi Botanical Gardens
Aburi Botanical Gardens is so beautiful! The air is clean and clear, it’s smells heavenly, and I felt one with nature! It covers a land area of about 160 acres yet only 3 acres have been developed. The remaining acres is just a lush botanical reserve. It’s a scenic 45 minute drive from Accra. Today I ate cinnamon right off a tree, watched a Mimosa Pudica plant (also known as a sensitive plant) shrink when stepped on, I stood where Queen Elizabeth II once stood, I saw an old World War II helicopter, and I stood inside of a tree! I also learned different types of trees that were planted by royalty and various heads of state when they visited! It’s interesting to note that this place is also heavily used for medicinal research. Yes, Big Pharma comes here and takes various plants that nature provides naturally to create pills laced with chemicals that causes crazy side effects!
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I met David Okai Neyeh King at Aburi Botanical Gardens. I bought some of his artwork, and he handmade my Adowa bracelet.
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Aburi Mountains
“Straight out the jungle, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah/ This real life so humble, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah/ My skin Black like mamba, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah/ Ride quad bikes, they Hondas, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah/ straight out the jungle...”
Y’all... I got my ENTIRE life today! The last couple of days were very heavy after I visited Cape Coast and Elmina Castle so today was a welcome respite. First, let me say I can’t thank Location Accra enough, specifically Nana and Victoria, for being such wonderful hosts, photographers, videographers, security, sources of information, and for driving me around Accra and the surrounding areas! You created the best itinerary, and I know there is so much more to come! Ayeeee!!! You guys are SO DOPE!
To ATV Aburi, WOW! I really didn’t know what to expect... riding on an ATV through a remote area in rough terrain, facing my fears and walking through a steep ass jungle to Gogu Falls, a beautiful natural waterfall, and feeling free AF, then riding back to the main site! I’m so grateful for this experience, and I had the BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! I will remember this day forever! New York? What’s New York?? I don’t know what that is...
Y’all... I got my ENTIRE life today! The last couple of days were very heavy after I visited Cape Coast and Elmina Castle so today was a welcome respite. First, let me say I can’t thank Location Accra enough, specifically Nana and Victoria, for being such wonderful hosts, photographers, videographers, security, sources of information, and for driving me around Accra and the surrounding areas! You created the best itinerary, and I know there is so much more to come! Ayeeee!!! You guys are SO DOPE!
To ATV Aburi, WOW! I really didn’t know what to expect... riding on an ATV through a remote area in rough terrain, facing my fears and walking through a steep ass jungle to Gogu Falls, a beautiful natural waterfall, and feeling free AF, then riding back to the main site! I’m so grateful for this experience, and I had the BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! I will remember this day forever! New York? What’s New York?? I don’t know what that is...
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Day 8 | August 23rd
On Friday I shopped at Makola Market, and relaxed at Labadi Beach. It was an easy day after I rode quad bikes the day before.
Day 9 | August 24th
Shai Hills Resource Reserve
I fed an ostrich, and saw zebras, baboons, and bats. I also tested every bone and muscle in my body and my Army military training. Nana and Victoria had me climbing Shai Hills Mountain, and I was NOT prepared! I faced my fears, and we conquered that rugged, beautiful ass mountain with spectacular views like the Royal Ghanaian Ninja Warriors we are!
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The Royal Senchi
After conquering Shai Hills Mountain and sweating off my makeup, a girl needed balance. Next up was The Royal Senchi! It’s such a beautiful place! I took a boat ride on the Volta River and sailed under the Adome Bridge. It’s so peaceful and serene. I even got a chance to captain the boat!
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Golden Movie Awards
So this happened... The Golden Movie Awards Africa! It’s Ghana’s version of The Academy Awards. A sea of beautiful Black people dressed to the nines. The host was Ghanaian television host and actress Joselyn Dumas. I met Ghanaian actor James Gardiner. I’m told he’s big in Ghana. What is life Lord?! What is LIFE?!
Now for some tea: The show was “supposed” to start at 7pm. It started at 10:19pm. Yes, I was clock checking and talking shit. Chronic CPT in Accra is normal. It also appeared that the organizers oversold the venue because there was an angry crowd of ticket holders trying to get in and there weren’t anymore seats. After things settled down, they were let in to see the show but had to stand in the back of the room. Chile...
Thanks Charles Owusu for the ticket! I had a great time!
Now for some tea: The show was “supposed” to start at 7pm. It started at 10:19pm. Yes, I was clock checking and talking shit. Chronic CPT in Accra is normal. It also appeared that the organizers oversold the venue because there was an angry crowd of ticket holders trying to get in and there weren’t anymore seats. After things settled down, they were let in to see the show but had to stand in the back of the room. Chile...
Thanks Charles Owusu for the ticket! I had a great time!
Jennifer D. Laws with Ghanaian actor James Gardiner at the Golden Movie Awards on August 24, 2019.
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Jennifer D. Laws with Charles Owusu at the Golden Movie Awards on August 24, 2019.
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Day 10-11 | August 25th-August 26th
Chale Wote Street Arts Festival - Friends Let's Go
On Sunday morning around 2:30am, I got really sick. I couldn’t hold down water. I texted my host, Nana, and told him I vomited a few times. I felt weak. He texted the other host, Victoria. They both advised me to call the front desk at my hotel. The hotel called the hospital. They sent an ambulance - it was my first time riding in the back of one strapped to a gurney. Felt like I was in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy or ER. They took me to Lister Hospital where all of the rich people go. Nana and Victoria met me there shortly thereafter. Turns out I had a bad stomach virus due to a bacterial infection. I threw up again... this was the fourth time. They gave me antibiotics. That’s what happens when you go from vegan to beef, chicken, liver, cow chitlins, fish, seafood, banku, fufu, kenkey, assorted veggies, fruits and other food items in the span of 10 days. My body said BISH WHET?!? Oh no baby, what is you doing?! I should have known better. That’s my fault. By 4pm, I felt much better. I had to stay until 5:45pm for observation.
Many, manyyyyy thanks to Nana and Victoria at Location Accra!!! They NEVER left my side, they even went and got me Sprite and crackers to settle my stomach when I couldn’t hold down the water. It helped tremendously! I’m sooooo thankful for you both! You guys are my family now! Love you two!!!
And Mom, I’m ok. Really, I’m fine. I didn’t tell you cause I didn’t want to worry you! Besides, what could you do from Little Rock? This is 35, right?! I had to put on my big girl panties. Anyways, so I missed Chale Wote on Sunday, the biggest and last day of the festival. #ButGod!!! There is always a ram in the bush!
My flight leaves at 10pm tonight so I asked my hosts/family did they mind taking me to see some of the artwork in Jamestown, the central location of Chale Wote. Of course they gladly obliged cause they are THE dopest humans like that, and we got some bomb pics and footage! I even met some of the artists who created the artwork, and I got a VIP tour of the main house that houses the Chale Wote artwork and artist work space and storage. Thanks @anansenanayaw for the pic! Your artwork is incredible! Also featured is the work of @tetebotan_kali. He’s the guy in the blue shirt and white knit cap in the video! #LookAtGod! I could have NEVER gotten these uninterrupted pics yesterday because it was jammed pack, and I already have issues with large crowds. My anxiety would have been through the roof. #deadass Yeah, I know I live in NYC. That’s why I avoid Times Square unless I’m in the mood to be around a million people at once. lol Everything worked out in the end... as it always does! Thank you God!
Many, manyyyyy thanks to Nana and Victoria at Location Accra!!! They NEVER left my side, they even went and got me Sprite and crackers to settle my stomach when I couldn’t hold down the water. It helped tremendously! I’m sooooo thankful for you both! You guys are my family now! Love you two!!!
And Mom, I’m ok. Really, I’m fine. I didn’t tell you cause I didn’t want to worry you! Besides, what could you do from Little Rock? This is 35, right?! I had to put on my big girl panties. Anyways, so I missed Chale Wote on Sunday, the biggest and last day of the festival. #ButGod!!! There is always a ram in the bush!
My flight leaves at 10pm tonight so I asked my hosts/family did they mind taking me to see some of the artwork in Jamestown, the central location of Chale Wote. Of course they gladly obliged cause they are THE dopest humans like that, and we got some bomb pics and footage! I even met some of the artists who created the artwork, and I got a VIP tour of the main house that houses the Chale Wote artwork and artist work space and storage. Thanks @anansenanayaw for the pic! Your artwork is incredible! Also featured is the work of @tetebotan_kali. He’s the guy in the blue shirt and white knit cap in the video! #LookAtGod! I could have NEVER gotten these uninterrupted pics yesterday because it was jammed pack, and I already have issues with large crowds. My anxiety would have been through the roof. #deadass Yeah, I know I live in NYC. That’s why I avoid Times Square unless I’m in the mood to be around a million people at once. lol Everything worked out in the end... as it always does! Thank you God!
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This has been the birthday/vacation trip of a lifetime - one of self-discovery, deeper understanding, and reconnecting with my ancestors - coming full circle 400 years later. I’m so thankful, grateful, and blessed to have the opportunity to travel to Accra, Ghana during The Year of Return 2019!
To Nana and Victoria at Location Accra, thank you for an amazing time and taking care of me! I had so much fun, and I’ve realized my own strength through some of the activities on my itinerary. I’d recommend your services to anyone who is coming to Accra!
To all of the cool people I’ve met along the way, thank you for your kindness. You guys are awesome!
Most importantly, thank you God for keeping me, guiding me, and making sure I had the best time! Your favor, grace, and mercy knows no bounds! My heart is so full, and I’m overjoyed by this experience! #WontHeDoIt #YesHeWill #Medaase
To Nana and Victoria at Location Accra, thank you for an amazing time and taking care of me! I had so much fun, and I’ve realized my own strength through some of the activities on my itinerary. I’d recommend your services to anyone who is coming to Accra!
To all of the cool people I’ve met along the way, thank you for your kindness. You guys are awesome!
Most importantly, thank you God for keeping me, guiding me, and making sure I had the best time! Your favor, grace, and mercy knows no bounds! My heart is so full, and I’m overjoyed by this experience! #WontHeDoIt #YesHeWill #Medaase