Becoming a Traditional Chief in Rural Ghana
I recently returned from the trip of a lifetime with my parents — we visited Ghana for a PeaceJam conference, and continued on to Ethiopia and then a safari in Tanzania. While in Ghana, Wisdom Addo, the head of PeaceJam in West Africa, took us all on a trip to the village where he grew up, to meet the village elders. While we were there, I was given the unexpected gift of being crowned the village's newest traditional chief — and my parents were there to witness the whole thing. Read on to find out how the day went according to my parents, Suzanne and Brian Kelly:
Anxious anticipation gripped us that Sunday morning. A 90-minute ride to a remote Ghanaian village for a supposed 60-minute meeting with the village elders/chiefs? Why did Wisdom get us beautiful and elaborate outfits, but not one for Brian? Hmm... something must be up.
The driver, Precious, drove like the African Mario Andretti — eyes clear and intent. He downshifted the Sprinter Van to pass, hit 135 km/hr in fifth gear on roads pockmarked with three-foot craters. Good thing we had seat belts on.
When we arrived in Krobos, it was warm — really warm — but exhilarating to be greeted by so many smiling faces.
We met Wisdom's mom and and grandmom, and Wisdom gave us a tour of the village. Amidst basic housing and few material possessions were some of the happiest people that we've ever seen. Our group was warmly welcomed, and the kids followed us on our tour — happily posing for pictures along the way.
Rather than cats and dogs, we saw goats and pigs. Drums were the musical instrument of choice. We were less fearful here than at a mall in America.
We thought this was going to be a short visit, and we were not expecting to have lunch. With great pride, containers of chicken and rice made by our hosts were served.
During lunch, we watched the village women making foo foo (pounding a plantain mixture). They politely withheld their laughter as our group took turns trying, unsuccessfully, to match their technique.
From lunch, it was time to head to the big event — there was an aura of excitement surrounding the village.
Traditional drums pounded — almost as loud as our hearts — and hundreds of hands clapped as we are walked to the village square.
Little did we realize that our son was about to be paid the absolute highest honor that this village can bestow a person. We felt it. We were soaking in every minute. Pure joy!
After a brief introduction and the other chiefs taking their seats, Brian was marched away.
Several minutes later, he returned in traditional garb looking very regal. Walking back in, the crowd was brought to its feet, accompanied by cheers and smiles as Brian made his way to becoming a new chief.
The village women presented him with a beaded bracelet that's reserved only for traditional chiefs, and he was given his traditional name — Nene Kwesi Mateu Tsu the First.
With great fanfare, each of the village chiefs did a ceremonial dance involving much foot stomping, hopping and knife slashing. No surprise, they expected the new chief to also dance around the square — and Brian did not disappoint.
They then brought the blade to the new chief's dad, and it was the moment of truth — dance or bring great shame to Nene Kwesi Mateu Tsu the First. So, we danced! The drums pounded and the crowd laughed with glee. This day we were Ghanaians!
The entire day was a surreal experience and one that we will never forget. I wonder if we should invite our new family for Christmas this year...
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.