Fireside Chat

Nima Market

April 11, 2025

Suriname meets Ghana Under the Boabab Tree – Women shaping our stories.

The educational exhibition held in February 2025 at the Suriname Embassy led to a collaborate with me, Jennifer (The Experience by Ampofoa) and Berthold (Africa Baobabs) in partnership with the Suriname embassy, to share Suriname history, culture and similarities with Ghana and Africa.

Community- It was evident that the teaching was welcomed by invited guests of Queen mothers, dignitaries, tourism authorities, government officials, association groups, students, local community and content creators. It was great to network with guests from different cultures and backgrounds from Ghana, Africa and the Caribbean.

What do you know about Suriname?

Did you know that Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America.

Surinamese Maroons are descendants of escaped enslaved Africans (including Akan, Ewes. Togo and Benin) that set up independent communities preserving African culture, language and traditions.

The United Nations International Tribunal awarded Suriname one-third of the area of the Caribbean Sea in 2007.

White people are not permitted in Dahomey village, founded by Maroons. Due to enslavement history of Africans and to protect spiritual balance.

Akrowa – Akrowa means village in the Ga language.
Her excellency Fidelia Graand-Galon (Ambassador) led the Akrowa-Ahala by inviting guests inside a cultural space set up with Suriname artefacts, tapestry, utensils, memorabilia, arts and crafts. She shared information about ways of life, traditional values, utensils, spices, herbs, decorated pots and names.

Wadaa means ‘Welcome‘ and the response is Filma which means ‘Freedom‘

Fire lighting. The lighting of the firewood in the centre of the grounds initiated the commencement of the main programme. In many spiritual traditions, fire represents purging of negative energies and the renewal of the soul.

Rhythm and Sound- Guests were welcomed with the sound of the drums. Throughout the day we were fully entertained with professional drumming and dancing led by Thomas Nii Lantey Botchway (aka Tombotch) with Indigenous Vibes and the Kokrobite Cutural Troupe.

Their cultural performance filled the atmosphere with high energy that enlightened the guests with traditional dance forms.

There was also a vendor called After My Kind selling clothes, dolls and childrens books and Unique Flavours as our food vendor. Special thanks to Aunt Bella for quenching my first throughout the day with Sobolo and fresh fruit juice.

Fireside Chat– Storytelling led by Her Excellency Fidelia Graand-Galon of the Republic of Suriname to Ghana.

Her passion to preserve Suriname, maroon culture and bridging the gap with the Caribbean and Africa is elevated every time she presents. H.E. captivated everyone’s attention, as we wanted to know more as she shared personal stories of her childhood growing up in Suriname as a maroon, contributions from women and shared culture and traditions. Many guests did not know about Suriname and were keen wanting know more or visit. H.E. expressed important messages about the need to continue to elevate our stories within the community and world.

Quote – until the lion learns to tell his story, the hunter will remain king

Cultural Exchange. H.E. was gifted with kente cloth as an appreciation for her commitment, time and effort over the years as an ambassador.

Team Work – The rains held off, the fire was almost out until it was time to wind down, relax and reminisce for another day. Give thanks to Jennifer for her hard work and commitment during the planning stage as she kept us focused and was proactive. To H.E Ambassador Fidelia Graand-Galon and team and Berthold PaaJoe for his support and humour.

At least 200 people were entertained, educated, fed and networked with like- minded people who were passionate about culture and telling the African story.