September 2024 trip Completed! (it was awesome!)
Next Ghana Learncation Trips:
APRIL 7-16, 2025
AUGUST 11-20, 2025
RAGASHANTI GHANA LEARNCATION
Embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and rediscovery with The RAGASHANTI GHANA LEARNCATION! – an immersive experience into the rich textures of Ghanaian life that invites you to trace the roots of your culture in a land where history unfolds at every turn.
Over seven extraordinary days, we’ll feel Ghana’s obvious connection to Jamaica and the Caribbean. We’ll tour the slave castles, a deeply moving experience that will reveal the weight of our shared history and foster a profound understanding of our cultural interconnectedness as we grasp the terrifying journey our enslaved ancestors endured. From the grandeur of the Ashanti Kingdom celebrations to the enlightening aspects of Ghanaian life, from Accra’s energetic and dynamic nightlife to its sun-blessed beaches, we’ll partake in a variety of cultural events that will extend the trip beyond mere historical reflection. More than a vacation, it’s a homecoming, offering us the opportunity to experience Ghana and Africa in a way that transcends geographical distance, forging bonds that strengthen the ties between our cultures, and celebrating the resilient and ambitious spirit that unites us all.
Dr. Ragashanti, anthropologist and social scientist culture expert, has been to Ghana on multiple occasions – join him on the Ragashanti Ghana Learncation, where your immersion into Ghanian life will foster an appreciation for our shared heritage and interconnected histories and destinies….and we’ll have lots of fun too!
Preliminary Itinerary (and there's more...)
Our itinerary explores Ghana’s history, culture, and vibrant communities with activities that will make your trip with us truly immersive and enlightening.
Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park: You’ll walk through this very significant historical site where enslaved Africans took their last baths before being shipped to the Americas. You’ll learn about the harrowing experiences of our ancestors who passed through this tragic market site. The park includes a memorial garden and symbolic monuments honoring the ancestors. This sacred location offers a deeply emotional experience to pay homage to the ancestors at the memorial wall, and provokes an opportunity for reflection and connection to this important chapter in African and global history.
Cape Coast Slave Castle: Uncover the poignant tale of our ancestors’ resilience as we tour the hauntingly historic Cape Coast Slave Castle. Step into the very dungeons where they were held captive. Witness the cruel contradictions and hypocrisy of the enslavers. Witness the infamous “door of no return,” and immerse yourself in the inspiring narrative of survival under the most dehumanizing conditions.
Independence Arch: Discover the compelling story of Kwame Nkrumah, the visionary father of Pan-Africanism, at the Independence Arch. Learn about his bold resistance against colonial Britain, igniting the flame of the independence movement that echoed across nations, including the emancipation of Jamaica.
Bonwire Kente Weaving Center: The renowned home of the iconic Kente cloth. Learn how Africans figured out how to make kente cloth from observing spiders weaving web. Learn about the cultural significance of Kente weaving. Witness the intricate process firsthand as skilled weavers demonstrate their craft, meticulously interlacing threads on traditional looms to create stunning, colorful patterns. Purchase authentic Kente cloth and souvenirs and leave with a piece of authentic Ghanaian heritage.
Naming Ceremony: As part of your immersive experience in Ghana, you’ll have the rare opportunity to partake in a traditional Naming Ceremony and receive a new Ashanti name. This symbolic event will connect you to the rich cultural heritage of the Ashanti people, where names carry deep meanings and will link you to specific qualities or ancestors. Through prayers, blessings, and rituals, you’ll be honored as an extended member of the community, establishing a personal connection to Ghanaian and Ashanti traditions. This meaningful experience provides a deeper understanding of the Ashanti identity and a lasting bond with the local culture.
Akwasidae (Adae) Ashanti Celebration: You’ll experience the Akwasidae, a vibrant celebration central to Ashanti culture. Held every six weeks, this festival honors the Ashanti ancestors and celebrates the kingdom’s rich history, with a grand durbar featuring the Asantehene (King) and his court. You’ll witness traditional drumming, dancing, and rituals as the community gathers to pay homage to their heritage and reaffirm their unity. This cultural event offers a unique glimpse into the royal customs and deep ancestral reverence that define the Ashanti people.
Jamaican Businesses in Ghana: Indulge in the fusion of cultures as we explore Jamaican businesses in Ghana, including delightful Jamaican restaurants. Savor the unique flavors that bridge the gap between our worlds.
Ghana Market: Experience the bustling Ghana Market. Discover authentic shea butter, luxurious black soap, dazzling African print fabric, and a variety of exquisite and memorable finds.
Entertainment: Let loose or relax in lively local entertainment spots that add fun and excitement to our adventure.
This is just a glimpse of the extraordinary experiences awaiting you. Join us for a memorable journey where history, culture, and the spirit of Ghana come alive. Reserve your spot now for a trip filled with lasting memories and newfound knowledge!
Coverage
The trip’s cost covers direct return flight from John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport to Accra, Ghana; airport pick-up and drop-off, hotel for 8 nights, and commute to major activities.
Participants are required to pay the minimal fees to enter events.
Fees generally do not exceed US$10.
Breakfast is covered.
Trip Tiers
The Ghana Learncations consist of two tiers for participants: Standard and Premium. The primary difference between tiers is the hotel.
Standard: Participants stay at a nice, comfortable and clean boutique hotel with award winning breakfast service: Oak Plaza Hotel – East Airport.
This standard tier is for participants who prefer a cost-effective option with comfortable amenities.
Premium: While in Accra, participants stay in the Executive Room level at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, the top 5-star hotel in Accra, Ghana, with substantial luxury amenities.
Standard Tier: Oak Plaza Hotel - East Airport
Premium Tier: Movenpick Executive Suite
COST
Standard:
Single Occupancy: $6,500
Double Occupancy (2 participants to a standard room): 11,000
Premium
Single occupancy: $8,800
Double occupancy (2 participants to a premium room): $14,800
Trip Payment Schedules
The following are due dates for payments for the April 2025 and August 2025 Ghana Learncations. However, participants can make payments as early as is convenient for them. Indeed, participants can pay as much of their trip as is convenient or pay your full total as early as you wish. Additionally, the amount of spots on each trip are limited – and spots are assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Please note: the September 2024 Ghana Learncation was sold-out in less than 3 months, even though participants had up to 8 months to make payments on that trip.
Payments can be made with Zelle through the TamFam Travel Agency number: 718-308-9993 OR by credit card over the phone.
Credit card charges incur a 3.5% card fee.
APRIL 2025 GHANA LEARNCATION
Standard Single
First Payment: $1,000: November 1, 2024
Second Payment: $1,000: December 1, 2024 ($2,000 total)
Third Payment: $2,000: January 1, 2025 ($4,000 total)
Final payment: $2,500: February 1, 2025 ($6,500 total)
Standard Double
First Payment: $2,000: November 1, 2024
Second Payment: $2,000: December 1, 2024 ($4,000 total)
Third Payment: $3,500: January 1, 2025 ($7,500 total)
Fourth payment: $3,500: February 1, 2025 ($11,000 total)
Premium Single
First Payment: $2,000: November 1, 2024
Second Payment: $2,000: December 1, 2024 ($4,000 total)
Third Payment: $2,000: January 1, 2025 ($6,000 total)
Final payment: $2,800: February 1, 2025 ($8,800 total)
Premium Double
First Payment: $3,000: November 1, 2024
Second Payment: $3,500: December 1, 2024 ($6,500 total)
Third Payment: $4,300: January 1, 2025 ($10,800 total)
Final payment: $4,000: February 1, 2025 ($14,800 total)
AUGUST 2025 GHANA LEARNCATION
Standard Single
First Payment: $1,000: January 1, 2025
Second Payment: $1,000: February 1, 2025 ($2,000 total)
Third Payment: $1,000: March 1, 2025 ($3,000 total)
Fourth payment: $2,000: April 1, 2025 ($5,000 total)
Final Payment: $1,500: May 1, 2025 ($6,500 total)
Standard Double
First Payment: $2,000: January 1, 2025
Second Payment: $2,000: February 1, 2025 ($4,000 total)
Third Payment: $2,000: March 1, 2025 ($6,000 total)
Fourth payment: $2,500: April 1, 2025 ($8,500 total)
Final Payment: $2,500: May 1, 2025 ($11,000 total)
Premium Single
First Payment: $1,000: January 1, 2025
Second Payment: $2,000: February 1, 2025 ($3,000 total)
Third Payment: $2,000: March 1, 2025 ($5,000 total)
Fourth payment: $2,000: April 1, 2025 ($7,000 total)
Final Payment: $1,800: May 1, 2025 ($8,800 total)
Premium Double
First Payment: $3,000: January 1, 2025
Second Payment: $3,000: February 1, 2025 ($6,000 total)
Third Payment: $3,000: March 1, 2025 ($9,000 total)
Fourth payment: $3,000: April 1, 2025 ($12,000 total)
Final Payment: $2,800: May 1, 2025 ($14,800 total)
To Pay Deposit
You can pay any amount of your trip at anytime, as long as the amount is at, or more than, the amounts at the dates above.
The minimum deposit is $1,000 for a single person and $2,000 for double occupancy.
Contact Ragashanti directly to pay your deposit at:
OR
Text: 718-308-9993
Zelle payments will not incur a processing fee.
Card payments will incur a 3.5% processing fee.
You also have the option to pay your deposit now by scanning the QR code below to use your card to pay a $1,000 deposit – which has the 3.5% card processing fee added.
After scanning, you have the option to pay for more than one person by increasing the ‘Quantity.’
Flight
We’ll fly on a Delta Airlines direct flight from JFK (NYC) to Accra, Ghana.
Only Delta provides direct flights from the US to Ghana.
Trip participants travelling from locations outside of New York City will need to arrange their flights to arrive at JFK in time to board our flight to Ghana.
Requirements
1. US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents will each need a Ghanaian visa.
2. Holders of Jamaican passports do not need a visa.
3. You will need to obtain a yellow fever vaccine to enter Ghana. The yellow fever vaccine is harmless and has long been utilized by international travelers.
You can easily obtain your yellow fever vaccine at numerous medical agencies, such as Urgent Cares.
Send contact info to book your Ghana trip
Insurance
You have the option to obtain insurance for your trip. Insurance can cover airfare, luggage loss, hotel cost, medical emergencies on your trip, etc. Participants can secure their own trip insurance, or TamFam Travel can secure your trip insurance from a third-party.