Thinking Global in Minnesota Think Global: Public radio collaboration A tale of two companies How China saved the Iron Range Timber competes in the global marketplace Aveda goes global Buying local: does it make a difference? Tracking livestock to prevent disease Bringing global goods to American markets Volunteers share their time abroad School lunches go international Immigrants bring old grievances to new home Walker redefines the art 'world' Minnesota's global faces: An interactive map An immigration timeline Audio Michael Amoako's first impressions of the U.S. Amoako talks about differences between Ghana and Minnesota Amoako describes his first Minnesota winter Amoako on misconceptions Americans and Ghanians have about each other Amoako compares education systems in Ghana and Minnesota Amoako says Ghanians and Minnesotans have a different mentality Photos Amoako and his family Back home Parents View full slideshow (4 images) More from MPR Return to interactive map Resources CIA World Factbook: More about Ghana Tools E-mail this page Print this page Sponsor

Ghana: Michael Amoako
by Julie Siple, Minnesota Public Radio
May 16, 2005

Michael Amoako, a native of Ghana, is shown here with his wife and infant son. (Photo courtesy of Michael Amoako)

Golden Valley, Minn. — Michael Amoako is from Accra, the capitol city of Ghana. He's 28 years old, and he lives in Golden Valley with his wife and 6-month-old son. Amoako is studying accounting at Normandale Community College in Bloomington. He hopes to become a certified public accountant.

Amoako first came to the United States in 1999 to work as a camp counselor at Luther Park Bible Camp in Danbury, Wisconsin. After a brief trip back to Ghana, he returned to the Wisconsin camp, and soon after applied to study in the U.S. He has been living in Minnesota since December 1999.

Ghana is a country of more than 21 million people on the west coast of Africa. Its neighbors include Togo and the Ivory Coast.

In 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. The country is a democracy, led by President John Kufuor.

The capitol of Ghana is the coastal city of Accra. A number of different ethnic groups make up the country, of which the Akan tribe is the largest.

In terms of religions, 63 percent of Ghanians are Christian, 16 percent are Muslim, and 21 percent follow indigenous beliefs.

English is the official language of Ghana, although a number of African languages are also spoken, including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, and Ga.