Ghana-Peru Relations

• In Event: Insights on Ghana-Latin America Relations: Focus on Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Perú

Abstract

As we know, relations between Africa and America officially began with the "discovery" of America by Christopher Columbus. This "discovery" marks a ‘before’ and an ‘after’ in terms of the socio-cultural formation of America. With the arrival of Africans as slaves in the Americas, blacks, whites and natives of America began to coexist in the cauldron of America (Baquero 1991). This connection between Africa, America and Europe has contributed to the blend of cultures and ethnic groups of diverse origins. It is not surprising that parts of African culture are present in the Americas. And this is reflected in their cuisine, music, religion, languages etc. But when it comes to Ghana, due to language barriers, relations with the Americas tend to be directed mainly towards North America and certain parts of the Caribbean where English is spoken. This contribution will, therefore, try to fill the gap as far as knowledge of Latin American culture is concerned. Consequently, we will not only be prioritizing South-South relations but we will at the same time be bringing Peru closer to Ghana and vice versa. The work focuses on different historical, cultural and diplomatic points. First we studied Peru as a Latin American country and its historical contact with Africa. Then we examined the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The study shows that Ghana and Peru do not only have many things in common but can also share many things as countries that have been colonized and are struggling to achieve full development.

Author

• Maimouna Sankhé, Université Gaston Berger