SWEET AFRICA

I met Sweet Africa the second time I went to Jah Rah's, the Rastafarian restaurant that was so difficult to find that first week in Accra. I was eating alone, and he just introduced himself and joined me. Among other things, Sweet Africa is a cornhusk artist. He crafted all the placemats, napkin holders, coasters, and centerpieces they have at Jah Rah. But besides these basic items, he makes many other items, including sandals, hats, and jewelry.

Sweet Africa taught himself this craft when he first came to Ghana as a refugee from Liberia, nine years ago. He is a savvy marketing and promotion artist, and enjoys a wide patronage especially among African Americans visiting Ghana. He lives in Aburi, about 45 minutes away in the mountains outside Accra, which is also the site of the Royal Botanical Gardens. He owns a guest house, and I finally got out there to stay the night a couple weeks ago. It is beautiful, peaceful and cool--perfect after a week of working in crazy downtown Accra.

The Sweet Africa Guest House is definitely worth checking out if you come to Ghana. To see photos, click here.

And if you come to Ghana, you should definitely check out Jah Rah's, too. Click here for pictures and a map!