Development from the Bottom Up

Role of women in national development (Lecture)

- long-held belief that men make development happen and women remain in the domestic sphere

- in agriculture in African states - 11% of work done only by men; 34% only by women; 55% by both - role differs often by type of implement used and type of crop grown (cash crop industries dominated by men)

- cocoa - women in cocoa production were fewer, came to production later, and had smaller farms; instead, cocoa transportation and sale dominated by women --> TRADE = quintessential female activity

- Ghanaian female employment higher than male since 1980s

- large-scale manufacturing companies have had little success in establishing themselves in Ghana, as women already have employment opportunities and as the informal sector is not considered an undesirable employment sector (flexibility, hierarchy)

- culture - matrilineal influence - women may want tohave children to extend lineage

[more information about population, education, government participation - ask if interested]

...I was very excited to visit the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, arguable Ghana's most celebrated figure. The shrine was uniquely constructed with of course symbolic meaning. I was intrigued by the presence of a statue of Nkrumah that had been destroyed during the 1966 coup. This showed a shift in perception of Nkrumah from a hero to a villain to a hero yet again. Now his ideas that had been rejected are being reconsidered and celebrated.

The accompanying museum was fascinating, particularly the photographs of Nkrumah's life and political career. There were several photos of him with prominent leftist leaders ranging from JFK to Castro to Mao. Also, there was a photo of him dancing with Queen Elizabeth II, particularly fascinating considering Nkrumah's passion for pan-African independence.

Ultimately, I think Nkrumah was a great leader, guiding many African leaders in the foundation of their states and establishing Ghanaian cultural and political precedents. He did so with somewhat of an iron fist, but the programs he established truly furthered the welfare of Ghanaians, such as in education. I appreciate his current veneration.