Ghanaians: The Beautiful People

Ghanaians are among the most beautiful people in the world. This is based on careful observation over several years.

 

Kwame visits a herbalist, Makola Market, Accra 2010.

Coffin-makers in Axim, 2002.

Bartender, Shama, 2008 (left). Electrician near Bortianor, 2010 (right).

Father and son, Central Region, 2007 (left). Egg-seller and children, Adabraka, 2010 (right).

Artisanal miner, Western Region, 1997 (left). Hotel staff, Axim, 2008 (right).

Market seller and daughter, Agbogbloshie, 1997 (left). Grasscutter vendor, Mankessim, 2007 (right).

Village elder, Kakum, 2007 (left). Women and child at block plant, Central Region, 2005 (right).

Visiting dignitaries at the funeral of the Asanta Chief, 2008.

Corn vendor, Awuna Beach Village, 2002.

Children returning from school in SCC-Mandela, 2007.

Workmen near Oshiye, 2010. They said I could take their picture but had to help them find wives.

Communal labour day in Axim, 1997.

Parade in Axim, 2002.

Looking at these pictures I see the majority of the people are Nzema (from the Western Region). Not to say these are the most beautiful in Ghana, just I spend most of my time there.

Festival of Kundum

It's that time of year again. I'm not in Ghana yet, but should be before the end of the month. Here are some shots from the Kundum festival in Axim (western region of Ghana) in 2008.

Man in ent costume. Maybe from the back, but who can tell?

Regatta about to begin.

There is a lot of dancing and drumming, and although the festival lacks the polish of something like Carnivale, it is a good time in its own right.

The chief is carried by the crowd back to his home.

The chief returns to his house.

But it isn't just about carrying the chief home. There is a formal order to everything which is difficult to convey, particularly when you are wandering aimlessly through the crowd and are not aware of the symbolism of everything. This is not simply a harvest festival.

Crowd has gathered at the foot of Axim Castle to witness child acrobats.

Woman in "devil riddance" outfit.

Race. That just may be one of the Montreal Canadiens helping the team on the right.

Have fun.