West Africa 2026: A Journey of Healing, History & Spirit
A Look Back · October 2026
Ghana · Togo · Benin
In October 2026, Onyeka Tefari and Dr. Adisa A. Alkebulan led a small group on a three-country journey through Ghana, Togo, and Benin. It was a pilgrimage of healing, history, and spirit. We moved beyond sightseeing into respectful, direct engagement with the cultures, healers, and historic places that carry West Africa’s traditions forward.
Dr. Alkebulan is Chair and Associate Professor of Africana Studies at San Diego State University, and he brings more than 20 years of experience leading educational journeys to Africa.
What We Experienced
- Traditional healing: We met herbalists and healers, visited herb markets and a traditional apothecary, and attended a lecture on herbalism at a Ghanaian university.
- Confronting history: We walked through the Cape Coast and Elmina castles and paused for reflection at the “Last Bath” slave river.
- Living culture: We glided by boat into the stilt village of Ganvié and visited royal and historic sites in Benin.
- African spirituality: We learned the origins of Vodun at Ouidah and Glidji with local guides.
- Creativity & community: Tailors made custom garments, braiders created hairstyles, and we shared roundtable conversations on African-centered healing.
Moments from the Journey
Join Us Next Time
Our next group journey is Ghana 2027: Roots, Resilience & Return, October 1–11, 2027. We’ll travel through Accra, Northern Ghana, and Cape Coast, with an optional Kumasi extension.