Akosua and Ghanaian Food

Akosua is my ‘little sister,’ the guesthouse manager’s 18-year-old daughter. 'Maamie' as her family calls her, is one of my favorite people here. She has just graduated from a very good high school and is waiting to start university in August.

She speaks better English than most people I have met here and has much in common with the French or American teenager. We are quite an interesting pair of 'sisters': she is very tall, thin and stylish, and takes model-like poses; I am short, have a 'special' style, and am extremely awkward as soon as the camera comes out. (See illustration below, keeping in mind that this was take 3). Nevertheless, we get along very well. Maamie is very kind and funny, and I am learning a lot (beyond cooking) by talking with her. In addition, she really likes to spend time with me, which I appreciate greatly since my social network here is rather limited (other key figures in my 'social life' include Agyemang Sr and Jr, the guesthouse owner and his son!!)

She lives a couple tro-tro rides away from the guest house, at home with her mom and middle brother. Sometimes, however, she stays at the guest house when her dad needs to go out.

The first time we met, we planned a Ghanaian cooking lesson. The next weekend, she gave me a shopping list with approximate prices to ensure that sellers did not take advantage of my obruni-ness, and I went to Kumasi’s Central Market (allegedly the largest open-air market in West Africa) where I purchased the necessary ingredients. Upon my return, we cooked Jolof rice (in amounts that enabled me to eat it for almost the entire week!)

She and her dad invited me to their house the next weekend, where we watched a terrible movie, and cooked “red-red” a combination of fried red plantains (fried in red palm oil) and a bean stew. It was delicious! I really enjoy Ghanaian food…except for Kenkey, which I found extremely un-yummy (it is fermented, and so very bitter.)

Red-Red

I have been invited to cook and stay the night at the house this coming weekend. I’m excited! It is very fun to spend time with Maamie and nice to be in a real home once in a while.