A Contrast in Cultures: Repatriating to Ghana and Building a Life Rooted in Purpose. Meet OvadYah Ben Isreal.
By Crystal Good, January 15, 2024
Last year, during a visit to Ghana, I had the privilege of sitting down with OvadYah Ben Isreal, a former educator from Kansas City, Missouri, who has spent the past eight years living in Accra. Once a teacher with over 20 years of experience in the United States, OvadYah’s journey led him to leave behind the familiar chaos of American life for the peace and purpose he found in Ghana. His story is one of rediscovery, resilience, and reconnection—a striking contrast to the challenges many Black Americans face in the United States.
He shared the lessons and reflections during our conversation in the Aburi Botanical Gardens of the Arburi Mountains in Ghana.
Repatriating: Returning to the Land of His Ancestors
Proverb: “Eban ebu a, na enso gye bo” — “When the fence is destroyed, the home is vulnerable.”
“I wouldn’t call myself an expatriate,” OvadYah began, his tone deliberate. “Most of us who come here, we call ourselves repatriates—because we’re not just moving somewhere new. We’re returning to the land of our ancestors. This is home.”
For OvadYah, the decision to leave the United States wasn’t about abandoning his past but reconnecting with something deeper. “I’ve been here for eight years now,” he said. “And no, I haven’t looked back. Sure, I stay in touch with family and friends, but there’s nothing in the U.S. that pulls me back. The peace I have here—the ability to wake up every day and just live—is unmatched.”
That peace, he explained, was a stark contrast to the chaos he left behind. “Before I moved, my nephew was shot. He came to me in the middle of the night, crying. What could I say to him? And the next day, another child in our neighborhood was killed. It was just too much. You don’t realize how much stress you’re carrying until it’s gone.”
Ghana: A Place to Learn and Grow
Proverb: “Nkyinkyim” — “Life is not a straight path.”
For OvadYah, life in Ghana is a constant journey of discovery. “Every day, I learn something new,” he said. “There’s always something to grasp, something to hold in your heart. It’s one of the things I love most about being here.”
Even after eight years, Ghana continues to surprise him. “You’ll meet people who remind you of someone back home, or you’ll stumble upon something you never knew existed. Ghana has a way of keeping you curious and connected.”
The vibrancy of Ghanaian culture, he said, is part of what makes the experience so fulfilling. From the Adinkra symbols lining the streets to the sense of community in every interaction, the country radiates positivity. “There’s an energy here that’s hard to describe—it’s uplifting. It feels like home in the deepest sense of the word.”
Farming: A Spiritual Connection to the Land
Proverb: “Nsa ka nsuo a, ɛnya ho mmɔden” — “When water is fetched with the hands, you don’t need much effort to drink it.”
One of the most profound parts of OvadYah’s life in Ghana is his work as a farmer. “Growing up, I spent summers on my parents’ farm in Little Rock, Arkansas,” he said. “But farming here is different. It’s not just about growing food—it’s about connecting with the land in a spiritual way.”
He described the sensation of putting his hands in the soil. “When I’m farming, I feel my ancestors. I think about the struggles they endured, the work they did, and how it paved the way for me to be here today. It’s humbling, and it’s powerful.”
Through his partnership with Jason Tartt of T&T Organic Farms, OvadYah has helped develop a sustainable farming model that benefits local communities. They focus on crops like cassava, ginger, and tomatoes, staples that not only feed people but also create jobs and foster economic growth.
“The goal is to build something that uplifts everyone involved,” he said. “It’s about creating opportunities, teaching others, and ensuring that the work we do has a lasting impact.”
The Importance of Community
Proverb: “Nkabom ma nnyansafo” — “Unity is strength.”
A recurring theme in our conversation was the importance of community. “In Ghana, life is collective,” OvadYah explained. “It’s not about individual success. It’s about how we can all succeed together. When you sit down to eat, you share. When someone needs help, the community shows up.”
This collectivist mindset, he said, is one of the biggest differences between Ghana and the United States. “In the U.S., it’s all about independence—doing things on your own, being self-made. But here, it’s different. Success is measured by how well the community is doing, not just the individual.”
Lessons for Black Americans
Proverb: “Fawohodie” — “Independence comes with responsibility.”
OvadYah offered thoughtful advice to Black Americans considering a move to Ghana. “When you come here, it’s a clean slate,” he said. “You can build whatever you want. But you have to come with respect. You have to be willing to learn the culture, to give back to the community, and to be patient.”
OvadYah’s story is one of resilience, connection, and purpose. It’s a reminder that home isn’t just where you come from—it’s where you find peace, grow, and contribute to something bigger than yourself.
I carried his words with me as I left the gardens that day. They were a testament to the power of rediscovery and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
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