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Colombia’s Hidden Black Heritage: City of Cartagena Challenges Everything You Thought You Knew About the Country

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Cartagena, Colombia – March 6, 2026 – When most people picture a “typical” Colombian, images of global superstars like Karol G, J Balvin, or Shakira often come to mind.

But step into the colorful streets of Cartagena and the reality is far more diverse—and far richer.

In a compelling video posted by journalist and travel storyteller Nicole Philip (@ncolphillip), the Afro-descendant population of Colombia—among the largest outside Africa—takes center stage.

“Colombians also look like me,” Philip says, highlighting a truth often overshadowed by media representation and complexion privilege.

Just outside Cartagena lies San Basilio de Palenque, the first legally free Black town in the Americas.

Founded in the early 1600s by formerly enslaved Africans who escaped Cartagena under the leadership of Benkos Biohó, Palenque resisted Spanish attempts to destroy it for decades. Eventually, Spain signed a treaty recognizing its freedom—making it a historic beacon of Black self-determination long before Haiti became the first free Black republic.

Inside Palenque, residents developed their own governance systems and created Palenquero, a Creole language blending Spanish with Bantu roots from Central Africa.

Today, the vibrant Palenquero dresses—bold, multicolored, and instantly recognizable—are a national symbol of Colombia, appearing in advertisements, fashion campaigns, and across social media.

Yet Philip’s message is clear: these cultural icons represent far more than aesthetics.

“Their existence is more than a photo op,” she says. “It symbolizes Black history and pride in a nation that owes its entire existence to both.”

The video has sparked renewed conversation about Colombia’s Afro-descendant heritage, urging travelers to look beyond Cartagena’s famous walled city and explore Palenque, a living testament to resistance, resilience, and cultural survival.

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Taste GH

Experience the Rare Texture of Apapransa the Celebratory Roasted Corn Delicacy

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If you find yourself in a Ghanaian home and a bowl of Apapransa is placed before you, consider it a profound gesture of hospitality.

Unlike the ubiquitous Jollof or the reliable Fufu, Apapransa isn’t “everyday” street food. It is a celebratory labor of love, a dish that carries the weight of history and the richness of the Ga and Akan heritage in every spoonful.

At its heart, Apapransa is a testament to culinary ingenuity. It is made from roasted corn flour—which gives it a deep, nutty aroma—stirred into a savory base of palm nut soup. But it’s the texture that truly captures the imagination.

@wannabe.foodie INGREDIENTS _Palmnut soup _Roasted corn flour _Red beans _Onions _Pepper _Tomatoes _Salt _Crabs #wannabefoodie #fyp #aprapransa #foodblogger #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanaianfood #foodtiktok #trendingvideo #viral #foodtok ♬ original sound – Wannabe Foodie

It is dense, silky, and heart-warmingly heavy, often topped with a crown of tender crabs, flaky fried fish, and a drizzle of vibrant red palm oil.

What makes it a “must-taste” for any global palate? It’s the complexity of the smoke. Because the corn is roasted before it’s ground, the dish has a sophisticated, smoky undertone that balances the sweetness of the palm fruit.

Read Also: The Calabash Connection: A Journey into the Tangy Soul of Ghana’s Pito

It is earthy and bold, yet incredibly comforting. It is the kind of meal that demands you slow down; you don’t just eat Apapransa, you experience it.

For the curious traveler, tasting it is like catching a glimpse of Ghana’s soul—rich, unpretentious, and unforgettable.

Conclusion

In a world of fast food, Apapransa remains a defiant reminder that some things are worth the wait. It is a masterpiece of texture and tradition that leaves you feeling grounded and deeply satisfied.

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Tourism

Ghana and Belarus Launch Visa Waiver Negotiations to Boost Travel and Ties

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Accra, Ghana – Ghana has formally commenced negotiations with Belarus on a visa waiver agreement that would significantly ease travel between the two nations, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced following high-level talks in Minsk.

The announcement came after a bilateral meeting between Minister Ablakwa and his Belarusian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, where the two sides agreed to fast-track discussions on mutual visa exemption alongside expanded cooperation in education, defence, cybersecurity, and agricultural mechanisation.

“This visa waiver negotiation is a key step toward strengthening people-to-people contacts and facilitating business, academic and cultural exchanges,” Ablakwa stated. “Both countries are committed to deepening our historic friendship through practical, mutually beneficial partnerships.”

The talks also produced concrete commitments to advance educational exchange programmes, joint defence initiatives, and cybersecurity collaboration. A major focus was placed on agriculture, with Belarus offering expertise in tractor manufacturing, modern farming technologies, and mechanised services to support Ghana’s Feed Ghana initiative under President John Dramani Mahama.

“Ghana and Belarus cherish our strong relations and we are poised to enhance our cooperation particularly in the area of mechanized agriculture and tractor production as we aim to anchor President Mahama’s Feed Ghana initiative,” the minister added.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 5, 1992. Since then, Ghana and Belarus have held regular political consultations, including meetings on the margins of the Munich Security Conference and bilateral rounds in Accra and Minsk covering education, medicine, trade and security.

The visa waiver talks form part of Ghana’s broader visa diplomacy strategy, which has already seen negotiations launched with Pakistan and the Republic of Korea to improve global mobility for Ghanaian passport holders and attract investment and tourism.

Belarus, a major producer of agricultural machinery and tractors, is positioning itself as a strategic partner for Ghana’s push toward food security and agricultural transformation.

Officials from both sides described the current engagements as “very productive” and expressed optimism that the visa waiver and other agreements could be finalized within the coming months.

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Sights and Sounds

The African Dream in Stone: Stepping Into the Footsteps of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah

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In the heart of Accra, where the humid Atlantic breeze meets the city’s relentless energy, lies a patch of hallowed ground that feels remarkably still.

This is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a site that is far more than a burial ground. It is the exact location where, in 1957, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah stood before a sea of hopeful faces and declared that “Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever.”

Today, the park has undergone a stunning $3.5 million transformation, turning it into a world-class destination that balances solemnity with modern interactive storytelling.

Whether you are a history buff or a curious traveler, this is the definitive starting point for understanding the African independence movement.

Why You Can’t Skip It

The centerpiece of the park is the Mausoleum—a striking Italian marble structure designed to resemble an upside-down sword.

In Ghanaian culture, the “sword down” posture is a powerful symbol of peace. Inside, the air is cool and quiet, housing the remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia.

Read Also: Walking with Giants: Why Mole National Park is Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret

But the real magic happens as you explore the new additions:

  • The Audio-Visual Tunnel: Walk through a digital passage where the sights and sounds of the independence era come alive, making you feel the weight and wonder of that historic night in 1957.
  • The Freedom Wall: A beautifully curated space featuring the “States of Emotion” of the former President, offering a humanizing look at the man behind the political icon.
  • The Vintage Cadillac: For a touch of mid-century glamour, you can view the bulletproof 1957 Cadillac used by Nkrumah—a car that saw the birth of a nation from its leather seats.

A Modern Sanctuary

Beyond the history, the park is a literal breath of fresh air. The synchronized musical fountains—reminiscent of global landmarks but with a distinctly Ghanaian rhythm—provide a backdrop for the lush, landscaped gardens.

It’s a place where families, students, and global dignitaries converge, proving that Nkrumah’s dream of a united Africa is still very much a living, breathing concept.

As you leave, walking past the bronze statue of the “Osagyefo” pointing toward the future, you don’t just take away facts; you take away a sense of pride and a deeper connection to the spirit of the continent.

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