Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with ghana

What bulk item will satisfy the mobs of children and my guilt?

BusyBusyBusy — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:42:54 -0800

What bulk item can I bring with me to Ghana to hand out to begging children? Toothbrushes? Food? Toys? Soon I'll be traveling to Ghana (West Africa) to work with a sexual health organization doing HIV awareness stuff. The last time I was there, I felt very guilty and overwhelmed by all of the children (generally ages 4-10) who would follow me and ask for things.

I'd like to bring something with me to give out. No, I can't give them condoms. Requirements:

-Can be bought in bulk online or in person (Indianapolis)
-Lightweight
-Can be taken on a plane
-Not ultimately destructive e.g. sugary candy harms teeth, choking hazards, something so valuable its taken and sold by others.
-Low cost, max $1 per item as I'd like to have at least 100 of them.

Thanks, MeFites!

African music

vers — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:41:59 -0800

Please recommend to me more African music/musicians. I'm stuck in North America, but I frequently listen to African music. Trouble is, I mostly stick to what I know: the popular, "world music", the personal. I know that there's more exquisite African music out there, with elaborate rhythms and enchanting harmonies, but I'm striking out a lot when I try to find related artists.

Currently, I have Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Youssou N'Dour, The Soweto Gospel Choir and Seleshe Demassae on heavy rotation. Please tell me your favorites and help me find more joy!

How much for a container full of Essien jerseys?

boots — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:39:09 -0800

How much would I pay for a 20' shipping container from Tema, Ghana to New York? I know there are a lot of variables that will affect the answer, so I'm looking for a very rough estimate or range. Any information as to what variables are likely to affect the cost significantly would be so very helpful. Thank you!

I want to cross 3 more countries off my list.

allkindsoftime — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:09:06 -0800

Driving from Accra, Ghana to Lagos, Nigeria, and back...bad idea? I'll be working in Ghana for a week in late January of next year. I am interested in stuff to see, but more interested in seeing a few of the neighboring countries.

My current plan is to head east - hit Lome, Togo, then on to Porto-Novo, Benin, and from there to Lagos, Nigeria. Right now I’m thinking drive Saturday morning / early afternoon, taking some time to see Togo / Benin, stay in Lagos Saturday night, drive back Sunday (have to fly out Sunday night).

Questions so far:
- It looks to be a little under 300 miles. Are the roads good enough to assume a 50mph average (i.e. 6 hours drive time)?
- Is it a relatively safe route? I'm particularly concerned about Nigeria - will I run into bribing, etc.? Tips? Places to stay in Lagos?
- Anything of particular interest I shouldn't miss along my planned route?
- Visas / fees to be aware of? (Work will be covering the Ghana one, so I need to handle the other 3)
- Anything else?

Thanks...

Top of the Pops, Accra '96

blapst — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:50:29 -0800

Looking to find pop music that was big in Ghana in 1996. Was there in '96 (specifically in Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi, if that matters). Stupidly did not buy any of the pop music that I heard everywhere, or even find out who sang it. Have been kicking myself for years, because a few of the tunes are stuck in my head, but I have no idea who sang them or what they were called. Would love to hear them again.

For clarification, I am not asking about the traditional drum music.

(Inspired by another of today's questions about pop music in Spain.)