Winter or Harmattan: Migration and its impact on Ghana’s Ecosystem

Maybe it's not all about the pursuit of greener pastures. The reasons why people move from one place to another can be nuanced. In this episode, Michael, Ernest, and guests – Afua and Kirstie – take you on a roller coaster ride through personal immigrant experiences, the allure of Christmas 'borgas,' the depletion of Africa’s brain trust, the black tax, and much more.

Dede Kumassah is a private chef and culinary arts enthusiast who loves creating personalized dining experiences. Cooking is her passion, and she enjoys experimenting with flavors to make every meal special. She also owns a small business that crafts handmade shea butter products. She is dedicated to using natural ingredients to create high-quality skincare items that people can enjoy every day. 

Dr. Kirstie Kwarteng is a migration and diaspora expert with 10 years of experience working with international organizations, policymakers, academic institutions, and civil society organizations globally. She holds a PhD in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London and is currently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the SOAS Centre for Pan- African Studies. Her work is centered on African migration and diaspora communities, with a focus on the experiences of second generation African diaspora (children of African immigrants).Dr. Kwarteng's academic and community-based diaspora work has earned her several awards including the Dudley Stamp Memorial Award from the Royal Geographical Society and Ghana's Top 30 under 30 by Future of Ghana. She has used her expertise in migration, diaspora policy, development, and qualitative research on consulting projects with the IOM, EuDIF, British Red Cross, and USAID. She is also the founder of The Nana Project, an online platform dedicated to preserving Ghana's history through the voices of Ghanaian elders.