Africans in the Diaspora
Last activity 17 June 2012 by locstress
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Greetings everyone,
Can you tell me how accepting African countries are towards their long lost children from the West? How difficult is it for a Caribbean-born Afican to return home for the very first time in their lives and to be integrated into society? Also, I am told that Ghana just may be the best country for people of the Diaspora.
Akwaaba!
Greetings Empress Felicity,
There are challenges for Diasporas relocating to Ghana or any Afrikan country. The majority of the population view is that we are alien to their culture. Another challenge is that we are also viewed as tourists and are seen to be extorted for our money. The government of Ghana has yet to grant us dual citizenship as displaced Afrikans of the greatest holocaust human has ever experience that was supported by many chiefs of Ghana according to history.
Nevertheless, I encourage you to pursue repatriation. Our presence, skills, investment and natural resources is imperative for the development of Afrika. Our relocation is important to increase the Diaspora population in Ghana. The more of us are there, the greater effect we will have educating the masses about our hidden history in their own country. We are the paradigm shift of Afrika liberation. They look towards us for answers to advance Afrika. I an unsure which Caribbean country you were born, but Jamaican culture is highly revered in Afrika. It is better to work with our people to solve our differences than to be under the rule of Europeans who have never cared about us for over 500 years and they will never. The opportunities in Ghana are great.
Once you go to Ghana your view of life will never be the same. Regardless of the experience we may encounter the people are caring and orderly. We will definitely feel at home, free and empowered. I visited there three years ago and I am returning to live this year. Afrika for Afrikans at home and abroad. One Afrika. One Nation.
One love,
KM
your words here have moved me. we share the same sentiments. may you be blessed in your endeavours
Well said kingdom man,also keeping an open mind and treating people with respect helps,Ghanaians are generally friendly
.making friends with Ghanaians who have previously lived abroad or expats of African descent also helpful
Kingdom Man said it exactly right!
Wow! Kigdom Man I give you hands up very well said. I visited Ghana last year and I was so inlove with the ppl and the country i felt right at home. Although I know there might me an issue of acceptance but when i was there i was treated well. The ppl the food the atmosphere everything was breathaking. Be encourage Empress Felicity "HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS". @Kingdom man I would like to know hw hard is it to take that leap financially wise? I would like to move there as well but when i think of it it is overwhelming especially when you have a family.
This is great.. Motivating topic.. I am planning a move too, but I am unsure about how.. jump on a plane and plant a stake, etc... In any case, each and every second in the U.S is becoming unbearable... There are sooooo many hispanic/latin people that home is not home any more... an unsympathic cultural colonialistic move..
Your best answers are to visit and see for yourself. Ghana may not be the best country on the continent. However, Ghana is said to be the gateway to Afru-KH.
Sounds good. I am thinking about visiting in hopes of living there eventually and being an expat there and working on finishing a series of paintings for my book. I wonder about the availability of artist's materials and the cost of living and I guess I will find out when I come to visit.
@kingdom man what is the best country in your opinion on the continent?
Kingdom Man - you are the man! Thanks for the input - we really appreciate it.
To the others, I have heard extraordinary good news: They will welcome you back! However, just like any place else, you have be a good person and willling to adapt. By virtue of living in the Diaspora, you have one step up on the ladder, so its more of a matter of accepting the new conditions of life.
The process is not as difficult as one may think, in fact, the hardest part is developing the migrant mind-set that americans and others in the U.K / diaspora have never been challanged with - that is leave the so-called developed world for africa.
I am making the Journey this summer - Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and I am definitely, and without reconsideration, making the move. The U.S is not home anymore and the kind hearted person I am, I only wish the best for south american immigrants (over 151 million to date with a 2013 target of 172 million - I do not know how the $%ll that can happen, but it is a reality)
As for some of the executives who have been let-go (because of teh Job shortage (ummm... only 151 million jobs for immigrants), they will make fine additions to Africa's management and entreprenurship teams. So for me, its a real return to give of myself - education, knowledge, and forgiveness.
Considering which country, thats a matter of personal choice.. You have to soul search, because some may like nigeria, others may like Ghana, some ethiopia (dread cultures maybe), others Kenya, some Tanzania, and others Congo.. The best steps I recommend is African Ancestry to find a DNA match, and then locate a country that has your interest.... With both, you can select a country and develop a relationship with the other... makes sense...
Cheers....And yes, Kingdom Man, you are the Man!!
To - From Orlando, YOu can find just about anything you need in the Capital of Ghana, Accra. Most of us who live in the central region travel to Accra about once a month or not. It's personal preference and need that determines how often you go. At first I would not go at all then one trip lead to another and another and then I felt like I was living is the US again.
Thanks locstress.
Locsress,
As I mentioned during an earlier post. How is the cost of living in Accra?
Could a retirement (small though) budget make it there? I dont mind taking a quality of life dip, but hard core struggle is a bit too harsh on the folks.
What are your thoughts?
Lyntomove - I am not to sure about the cost of living in Accra because I live in the central region. However, I would surmise it is high. Cost of living in Elmina is much lower. If you live sensibly you can still be comfortable. Many big expenses are one time lump sum then you own it. The cost of visas is high were ever you live in the country. Hope that helps.
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