In Ghana

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

One of the highlights of my trip to Accra, Ghana was when I visited the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. I admit I wasn't initially excited to go. I had no knowledge of this former president, but the friend I had traveled with was determined to go. So while aimlessly wandering I was approached by a tour guide. He asked why I was seemed so detatched and we quickly got into a deep conversation about how Africa is viewed by the West. The guide was curious as to why I we came to Ghana and I basically said I wanted to see it for myself. I was humbled by how friendly and helpful the people were and that I felt very safe (and well fed). After talking about my experience of merely a week, he said that I should take it upon myself to correct any misconceptions when I return home. He also explained the importance of celebrating Dr. Nkrumah and his significance to Ghana's liberation. Since I consider myself well educated on civil rights and black liberation leaders, it was a hard hit to realize that that the only African figures I knew about were Nelson and Winnie Mandela. The very tip of the iceberg.

I had to hold back the tears because it was finally feeling like I was connecting to the culture and country. I found most of our week of activities to involve going out to restaurants, night clubs and beaches, something any tourist could do. But I wanted step away from the conventional and wonder into local environments and to be introduced to traditional customs. Although I did not visit Africa in search for an untouched, nostalgic paradise, I also did not travel a fourteen hour flight just to eat KFC.

It's always hard to for me to sum up my trip other than I'm happy I went. I was well taken care of by our hosts and made great use of our time. The down side was that I only spent two weeks...and over $2000. Here a few pictures of my stay.

Black Faces

University of Ghana Campus

Kakum National Park

Cape Coast Slave Castle

Action Chapel Church

Bojo Beach

Anyway, I don't remember how this came up in our conversation but the guide told me that there is a tradition where each day of the week has a given name. I told him I was born on a Monday. Adjoa. That is the name of a girl born on Monday. Beautiful. Then I asked him tell me all the names of the week so I could share them with everyone back home. These names originate from the Ashanti people in West Africa, who predominately speak Twi.

Just a few days ago I looked up my family's names and found a couple sites with more details about the characteristics that accompany the days. I was blown away, most of the descriptions were telling of our personalities and I thought that was very interesting. I am entertained by Greek and Chinese astrology and other readings, so this was right up my ally. There are names for birth order as well.

Look up the day of the week you were born and then check the descriptions below to see if there are any similarities.

Male

• Monday: Kojo, Kwadwo, Jojo, Cudjoe
• Tuesday: Kwabena, Ebo, Kobena, Kobina, Kobby
• Wednesday: Kwaku, Kweku, Kwiku
• Thursday: Yaw, Ekow, Yao, Yokow
• Friday: Kofi, Fiifi, Yoofi
• Saturday: Kwame, Ato, Atoapem, Kwamena, Kwami
• Sunday: Kwasi, Akwasi, Kwesi

Female

• Monday: Adwoa, Adzo, Ajoba, Ejo, Adjoa
• Tuesday: Abena, Abla, Araba, Abina
• Wednesday: Akua, Akuba, Ekuwa
• Thursday: Yaa, Aba, Yaaba, Yaayaa
• Friday: Afua, Afi, Afia, Efie, Efua
• Saturday: Ama, Amma, Awo
• Sunday: Akosua, Esi, Kisi

Characteristics of each day

• Monday's child is the father or mother in the family; nurturing in nature, dependable and organized, and protective of his/her family.
• Tuesday's child is the problem solver and planner of the family. They are structured in nature, neutral in all matters and never take sides.
• Wednesday's child is fully in control of every situation, does not want to be told what to do, knows it all, is spontaneous, vibrant and cordial.
• Thursday's child is quiet in nature and incredibly observant. They are generally listeners, not talkers, and analyzes situations very well.
• Friday's child is a leader, not a follower. He/she is very temperamental but has a big heart. Generally the instigator of everything.
• Saturday's child likes to take control of family situations. He/she runs the show and make the rules, but will go out of his/her way for others any time.
• Sunday's child is the passive, sensitive and warm member of the family. He/she tends to be shy and likes to keep to his/her self, but is very aware of his/her surroundings and usually is the secret keeper of the family.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanaian_name

Meanings based on the Akan Calendar

1.	Monday	Dwo	Quiet (peace) day; calm
2.	Tuesday	Bena	Birthday of ocean; heat, boiling, cooking.
3.	Wednesday	Wukuo..	Birthday of Spider (reverse or mortal version of God)...
4.	Thursday	Ya	Birthday of Earth (a woman); power.
5.	Friday	Afi	Fertility (in some Fante States, birthday of Earth).
6.	Saturday	Mene	Birthday of Supreme or Sky God (a man); respected, ancient...
7.	Sunday	Kwasi	Under Day (awiase= under the sun); universe, everything.