The blog of Beth Cramer, librarian and Doctoral candidate at Appalachian State University, on her month long volunteer stay with the Osu Children's Library Fund (OCLF) in Accra, Ghana.

This blog records my experience through journaling and recording images in photographs and video. My personal story contains descriptions of the operations at OCLF, including my duties as a volunteer; reflections on international library development; and my interactions with the people and culture of Ghana (including weekend adventures).

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Ghana House of Parliament


In addition to our visit to the three libraries, Foster and I walked to the Ghana House of Parliament. Outside at security they told us we could visit but no photography. Once inside the compound, we headed into the building to a less than enthusiastic welcome from the staff inside. Enoch had the persistence to ask for a tour of the facility and a gentleman agreed to show us around. As we walked, the guie became more and more friendly, joking with us and telling us many things about the Parliament. I learned that the Speaker House is a woman, the female to hold the post. A huge building behind the Parliament is undergoing renovation and will be offices for all the representatives (they have no government supplied offices at this time). Lobbying also exists in Ghana, with large comfortable reception areas for people to wait for their representative (unless he doesn't want to speak to you, then you may never see him. Not so different than the U.S.)
As Foster and I left, we were given permission to take pictures, both inside and outside the building. I have noticed a trend in Ghanaian-tourist interactions. If the tourist displays kindness and respect, they will be treated in a similar fashion.

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