Hey Obroni! (“Obroni” means white person in the Twi language)

“Hey Obroni!” is often what I hear on the streets of Kumasi, Ghana. It has been nearly 2weeks, and without fail someone will call out “Hey Obroni!” In the United States, some people may find this offensive, but in Ghana, it appears to be a way for people to get your attention. And let’s face it; I am usually the only “obroni” on the street, so I always turn around. Some of my colleagues have told me that it is a term of endearment because Ghanaian people believe that visitors are special. I am not sure if it is true, but I prefer to think so.

My first “hey obroni” came from a group of small children who seemed so excited when I turned around to say hello. Their sweet little faces had huge smiles and they were madly waving their hands just to get my attention. However, not everyone calls me “obroni.” Many of the older men and women I come across just bid me “good afternoon” or tell me that “you’re welcome” which I take to mean “welcome” or “hello.” I usually respond with a hello and how are you. The older men and women usually respond “me ho ye” which means “I am well” in Twi, the language predominately spoken in Ghana, especially in Kumasi. Then I usually respond back in Twi “Wo ho te sen?”, which means how are you and then we both laugh. I guess I realize that they would prefer if I greeted them in Twi, so I try to do so after the fact. They don’t seem to mind and I think they appreciate my efforts. The only word I have mastered in Twi is thank you or “meda ase.” However, I will attempt to learn a few words each week and hopefully I will have the vocabulary of an infant by the time I leave Ghana.

I will try to be better about writing my experiences, but since I am usually working or trying to get myself situated, I don’t have a lot of great stories yet. But stay tuned! Also, as a Kiva fellow, we have been asked to refrain from posting pictures on our non-Kiva blog, so I will likely not post pictures on this travel blog until I have completed my fellowship. However, I will provide links to the Kiva website to my photos once I post them. I believe there is a way to become a follower, and then you will get updates when I post on my blog. Hope you are all well!!!