We meet with the Chief

On Sunday, we were escorted to a private meeting with the local tribal chief, Chief Nana. Each of us in our team were introduced, we were formally welcomed, and then told there would be a "duba", a large party for the entire town in our honor, that afternoon. At 2pm we were escorted to a large courtyard where all the local people were seated. As all the local dignitaries arrived they all greeted us with a handshake, then took their places. Over the next few hours, many speeches were made by local dignitaries, a representative of the country of Ghana was there from Accra, and he spoke as well. In the picture below is Dr. Isaak Boateng, hour host. He is the head physician for the area, and has a brand new MD who assists him. He was very kind, gracious and well-educated, and became a good friend as well.


Bruce, as the head of our team (and the only male accompanying 7 women - brave man!!), gave a speech on behalf of our team and Project C.U.R.E. He was great.

At several points during the program there was music. The highlight were the drummers. They escorted the king and his party into the courtyard and then performed several times during the ceremony.

A chief from a nearby tribe heard about the duba and came as well - he was a crowd favorite and danced several times when music was played. The crowd went crazy. He brought a gift for chief Nana, a special goat. The goat was not overly fond of parties and finally two men came and led him away. In the background you can see Chief Nana, his wives and the other important men of the village sitting under their umbrellas.

This was the visiting chief. He also went and shook the hand of all the people in the circle before taking his seat. Formalities are very important in Ghana!

After the chief presented each of us with a special shawl handmade for us, he asked us all to dance for the crowd while the drummers played. The ladies dancing with us are two of his wives. Not sure it shows, but they were a LOT better than we were!!

Chief Nana spoke towards the end of the ceremony. Even though he speaks English, everything is said through his personal interpreter. It was obvious that he is quite the important person.

The picture below is at the end of the formal part of the duba. The chief came back and shook all our hands and let us grab a few photos. In the picture below, starting on the left is me, Anya, her mother Nancy (retired ER doc), Trisha (new nursing grad), Mary - in black shirt - (transplant RN), Chief Nana, Amanda (Lab Tech), Cynthia (Retired OB/GYN), Bruce, and finally Victoria - she oversees the local nursing school.

The whole ceremony was about 3 hours, and when it was all done, we shook the hand of everyone who was there. It was an amazing day! I truly felt honored to be there and as if they were thrilled we had come. Thank you, Tepa!!