Currying Favor with Ghanaians

Obama biscuits!

Since it is so easy for foreigners to attract attention to themselves in Ghana, I think it's essential to ensure that foreigners make a very positive impression. Ghanaians are generally very friendly so, getting a smile out of them is relatively easy and it's very difficult to make them angry. But, how do you really get on the good side of Ghanaians? Here are a few things that I've noticed that will make Ghanaians very excited:

1)Greeting people with Wo ho te sεn? (= how are you?) as you walk along the streets.

2)Wearing a Ghana Black Stars Jersey

3)Choosing to eat fufu and insisting on eating it with your hands

4)Wearing local clothing

5)And least expected of all: If you must tell people you are from the US, invoking President Obama in conversation.

All of these points demonstrate that you have embraced the local culture. Surprisingly, Obmama has become part of the local culture. Obama really made an indelible print here in Ghana when he visited. His face is on T-shirts, notebooks, key chains, and even biscuits. I didn't hear the current president of Ghana's name (President Mills) in conversation until maybe the middle of July? Obama love here in Ghana, is an unparalleled experience that exceeds the confidence Americans even feel about their own government. I guess "Yes we can" = "Go Ghana!"