When we study Political Geography, we discuss the differences between nations, states and nation-states. One of the continuing challenges for the African continent has been the absence of stable nation-states, in part due to the political boundaries established by former European colonial powers at the Conference of Berlin in 1884-1885. Boundaries that were created were mostly geometric and ignored pre-existing cultural boundaries.
So, one question I've been thinking and talking with people about is how has Ghana avoided ethnic conflict? It is estimated that there are more than 100 ethnic groups and 80 languages. The most common answer: Ghana has purposefully and systematically worked to create a national Ghanaian identity. This has been accomplished unintentionally over the years through intermarriage among ethnic groups and intentionally through the public education system and National Service Scheme.
From kindergarten on, Ghanaian children are taught that they are first Ghanaian, and secondly, a member of their ethnic group. Under the current educational reform, in grades kindergarten through two, children are taught 80% of the curriculum in one of the eleven "approved" native languages and 20% in English. Beginning at grade three, this is flipped to 20% in the native language and 80% in English through Junior Secondary School. All Senior Secondary School and post-secondary instruction are in English. English serves as one lingua franca for all ethnic groups.
All university graduates are required to dedicate a year of service to their country - a type of domestic Peace Corps. This posting includes volunteer work in the areas of agriculture, health, education, local government, rural development, or youth. Grads are assigned to a service position that may be located in any of Ghana's ten regions, thereby exposing them to that region's ethnicities, languages, etc., and helping to inculcate a sense of national unity.
This national unity was evident at the March 6th Independence Day celebration and in every conversation we've had with Ghanaians since we've been here.
