Ghana

Ghana, West Africa, is a country known for its significance to the collective identity of the African diaspora. #beyondthereturn

Ghana won its independence from the British on March 6 of 1957, the first African country (South of the Sahara) to shirk colonial rule. Many languages (around 80) are spoken in Ghana, with English as the official language and Twi as the most common tribal language.

World Peaces works with many artisans in Ghana and has partnered with Aid to Artisans Ghana and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority in the past. Our central partnership is with the Aburi Craft Village, where we support the ongoing development of a Gallery and website for the 150 resident artists and artisans. Matamiss Enterprises, Tkloff Enterprises, Krobo Beads Association, the Nortey family in Kumasi, Sam Lovi, Edtex Designs and Bolgatanga Basket Weavers are other important partners in our network. 

World Peaces products from Ghana incorporate a number of materials including the following: recycled glass beads, Volta River clay pottery, lost wax cast brass, African wax print fabrics, reclaimed wood and metal, batik, elephant grass, cotton foot loomed materials such as kente cloth and fugu, natural leathers and more.

World Peaces founder Connie De Jong felt at home in a unique way from the first time she visited Ghana more than a decade and a half ago. Ghanaians, ever welcoming and warm, reinforced this feeling by celebrating that sense of home and engaging her in lots of reasons to return, including finding her husband and partner. Connie welcomes you, in turn, to travel with her to Ghana, or to partner in ways to make Ghana as much home to you as it is to her.

Ceramic vases and plates are made by hand in Ghana by Matamiss Enterprises. Matamiss is owned and operated by Matilda, a bright light of optimism and strength. Matamiss is rooted in tradition and open to experimentation in design, production and style.