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AEGIS European Conference on African Studies
11 - 14 July 2007
African Studies Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Ghanaian Associations in Canada: Motivation and cooperation for development at home and abroad
| Panel |
42. Transnational spaces/cosmopolitan times: African associations in Europe
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| Paper ID | 597 |
| Author(s) |
Gorgendiere, Louise de La
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| Paper |
No paper submitted
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| Abstract | This paper is based on a study of Ghanaian associations in two cities in western Canada in 2006. The study reveals that Ghanaians’ relationships and experiences with development are both diverse and complex. Contributions to development efforts require Ghanaians to cooperate with one another, not only across time and space, but also across other lines such as age, gender, ethnic affiliation, political persuasion, socio-economic situation and personal priorities. On the surface, these distinctions may not appear to be problematic for people who share in their ‘imaginings of home’ as members of the local Ghanaian associations. Indeed, such concerns are frequently over-shadowed by the need (and will) to just ‘get on with’ the business of supporting development efforts back home. However, ethnographic data in this study also suggest that these differences can create friction between members of associations and exacerbate personal difficulties, thereby undermining efforts to have a positive impact on development in Ghana. This study indicates that members of Ghanaian associations are sometimes poised in a delicate balance between these two extremes of 'cooperation' and 'obstinacy' that can affect their motivation, as well as the quality and quantity of their engagement in development efforts. |
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