Ghanaians in America: Community Spotlight

Ghanaians are no strangers to US culture, having grown up with access to American sport, music, and television. And as the world changes and people move more freely for work, travel or visit family, it's not uncommon to see Ghanaians living in and moving to US states.

At Rebtel, we are all about celebrating connection and the impact of various people across the globe. We love giving our customers a platform to share their stories and are excited to highlight some of the Ghanaian organizations led by everyday people. Not only does this spotlight the impact of their work but it also helps us spread the word about how connecting people and cultures makes a difference.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most exciting recurring events and initiatives by Ghanaian expats in America. Read on for more information on how you can contact communities to find out more or join in on the celebrations.

How thriving Ghanaian Communities came to be in the US

But before we get into the specifics, let's take a quick look at the context and why behind the growth of Ghanaian communities in America.

Interesting demographics

Currently, there is a thriving Ghanaian population across the country but most commonly, Ghanaian expats can be found in Maryland, Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Virginia. Still, the impact of Ghanaian-Americans and new travelers is felt in everything from education and service to art, business and entrepreneurship. Not to mention that Ghanaian running and musical stars have made their mark on the global stage.

While many travelers are voluntarily moving to the States these days from West Africa, this was not always the case. In fact, during the Colonial Period, several Ghanaian 'immigrants' were brought to the US against their will by the British and the Dutch. This is especially true for those within the Akan ethnic group who didn't have a choice at the time.

A brief history of migration

After independence, many people with Ghanaian citizenship moved to the USA out of their own free will to find new opportunities for work and growth. And this continued in the latter half of the 20th century as educational opportunities became more exciting. This is still the case today. In fact, a report from the US Embassy in Ghana, cites that "a total of 6,468 Ghanaian students studied in the United States in 2022-2023" and another from The Migration Policy Institute cited a Ghanaian community of about 235,000 living in the US.

But as the number of expats and Ghanaian students grows, so does the importance of staying in touch with their country of origin. Many Ghanaians benefit from communities that tie them to their cultural roots and help keep them connected to home.

Spotlight on Ghanaian Organizations

There are a variety of Ghanaian organizations across the United States of America. Today, we are only highlighting a few to get you started on your journey towards connecting. Here are some of the most active examples.

Ghana American Foundation

Ghana American Foundation (GAF) is 'a global thought leader supporting the transformation of education and health delivery systems through the application of information and technology'. The organization is located in Laveen, AZ, in the USA but helps with education in Ghana, rescuing trafficked children, rehabilitating them and trying to reunite them with their families.

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Manhattan

Nestled in the heart of New York, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is an important beacon for locals who want to gather in community.

The church is responsible for running the Mental Wellbeing Project for Ghanaians who may be struggling with their circumstances, culture shock, being away from home or simply with mental health challenges. By connecting people with each other, as well as experts in the mental health field, their impact is felt throughout the Ghanaian community.

Ghana National Council

Ghana National Council (GNC) is a community of Ghanaians that began meeting in the 1960's as the Ghana Student's Union. They wanted to create a centre for those coming from Ghana to Chicago. Their current aim is to acquire a Ghanaian consulate for Chicago. And, they are active in Ghanaian education, culture, music and fashion.

Featured Ghanaian Events Across the US

While these organizations are important and often host ad hoc events, there are some annual and regular favorites that expats love.

Cultural favorites

Ghana Fashion Week in New York is a major highlight for those who love to celebrate modern street and luxury wear with a taste of home. The event brings traditional Kente prints and modernized Ghanaian fashion to the world's stage - giving local artists the platform to share their talents with everyone from top celebrities to the global media. Taking place over about 5 days, Ghana Fashion Week is not to be missed.

Afro-Beats and Jollof Cook-Off

On a more informal note, the Afro-Beats Block Party and Jollof is a lively celebration of Ghanaian culture. Afro beats have taken the world by storm and Ghanaians are some of the front-runners in the race for the most popular artists. Plus, there's a competitive element when it comes to finding the best Jollof maker.

How to Get Involved and Stay Connected

If you'd like to take part in these events or join these organizations, start with the links above or keep an eye out on the Rebtel blog for more news. International students can also join or start societies at their local learning institution!

By participating you can explore and engage with the rich culture of the Ghanaian community in America. We also invite you to share your feedback or tell us about organizations you know of in the comments.

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