A day that began as a simple road trip from Accra turned into an unforgettable emotional whirlwind—one that perfectly captured the beauty, intensity, and soul of Ghana.

That was the experience shared by Norwegian artist and YouTube creator Thea Emilie in her viral video, “Ghana Had Us Scared, Amazed & Humbled in ONE Day 🤯🇬🇭,” a vivid, laughter-filled, and sometimes nerve-racking journey through some of Ghana’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks.

From Accra to History’s Heavy Walls

Traveling with her best friend on her first visit to Ghana, Thea set out before dawn, expecting a smooth excursion to Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, and Kakum National Park—a classic southern Ghana itinerary. What followed, however, was anything but ordinary.

The drive itself became a moving canvas of vibrant markets, shifting landscapes, and “only-in-Ghana moments,” complete with roadside stops, fresh local drinks, and spontaneous lessons in Ghanaian culture—starting with the meaning of “Akwaaba,” the Akan word for welcome.

But the tone shifted sharply upon arrival at Cape Coast Castle.

“I knew about the history,” Thea reflected, “but I wasn’t prepared for how it would feel.”

Walking through the dungeons where thousands of Africans were once held captive during the transatlantic slave trade, she described the atmosphere as overwhelmingly heavy—an experience she says changed her forever. The visit, followed by Elmina Castle, left a lasting emotional mark, reinforcing the importance of preserving and retelling this painful history.

Fear Meets the Rainforest

From historical sorrow to pure adrenaline, the journey continued at Kakum National Park, home to the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the rainforest.

Despite a deep fear of heights—and a vow never to do it again—Thea faced the swaying bridges once more for her friend’s sake. The result? Shaking legs, nervous laughter, sweat-soaked hair, and eventual triumph.

“I didn’t enjoy one second of it,” she joked—but the relief, pride, and shared joy at the end made it unforgettable.

Flat Tires, Dark Roads, and Ghanaian Kindness

Just when the group thought the adventure was over, the day took another dramatic turn. Flat tires—twice. Long delays. Pitch-black roads with little visibility. A near head-on encounter with an oncoming car. And eventually, being stranded far from Accra late at night.

Yet even in the chaos, there were moments of warmth: locals offering help, shared drinks, laughter with strangers, and the calm reassurance that help would come. Against the odds, an Uber appeared, ferrying part of the group safely back to Accra in the early hours of the morning.

By 2 a.m., they were home—tired, shaken, but safe.

“The Real Ghana Experience”

Looking back, Thea described the day as the “craziest” of her life—but also one of the most meaningful. Beyond the fear and unpredictability, what lingered most was Ghana’s beauty, humanity, and heart.

“The people and the love we have been met with is unmatched,” she said, adding that her friend now loves Ghana just as deeply.

Her video has resonated with viewers worldwide, offering a raw, unfiltered look at Ghana beyond polished travel brochures—where history is powerful, nature is breathtaking, challenges are real, and kindness often appears exactly when it’s needed.

For anyone curious about visiting Ghana, Thea Emilie’s story sends a clear message: come prepared—not just to see, but to feel.

Watch the full video below:

Jenga, one of the world’s most recognizable tabletop games, is once again at the centre of debate as renewed attention focuses on its Ghanaian origins, questions of cultural appropriation, and who truly benefits from its global commercial success.

The popular block-stacking game was developed in the late 1970s by British game designer Leslie Scott, who adapted a traditional wooden block game she played with her family while growing up in Ghana.

Using simple, handcrafted wooden blocks, the original game was a household pastime long before it was commercialized and introduced to the international market.

Scott later named the game “Jenga,” derived from the Swahili word kujenga, meaning “to build.” Although the name is East African rather than Ghanaian (West Africa), Scott has said she believed it would grow into its own meaning as the game gained popularity. Jenga went on to become a global phenomenon, selling tens of millions of sets worldwide and becoming a staple of family gatherings, social events, and competitive play.

However, critics have long argued that while Jenga’s success is rooted in a Ghanaian cultural experience, Ghana itself has seen little to no proportional financial or institutional benefit from the game’s worldwide popularity.

This has fueled broader conversations about cultural ownership, intellectual property, and the extraction of cultural ideas from Africa without meaningful returns to their places of origin. The sentiment is often summarized by critics as “everyone cashed out but Ghana.”

Beyond its origins, Jenga has also attracted controversy over gameplay rules and interpretation. One of the most debated issues is the so-called “brace” move, a technique used by some players to test the looseness of blocks. In certain informal or experimental versions, this has even involved minimal use of glue or stabilising techniques, prompting arguments over whether such moves represent strategic skill or outright cheating.

There is also ongoing debate over whether Jenga is fundamentally a game of skill or luck. While some players see it as largely dependent on chance and the physical state of the blocks, others argue it demands careful observation, steady hands, and strategic thinking. Some enthusiasts and commentators have gone further, likening the game to metaphors for life, risk-taking, or even warfare, where small decisions can destabilise an entire system.

Attempts to digitise Jenga in video game form have highlighted another layer of discussion. Early digital versions struggled to replicate the complex physics and tactile satisfaction of the physical blocks, reinforcing the view that Jenga’s enduring appeal lies in its physicality rather than its rules alone.

As conversations about cultural appropriation and fair benefit-sharing gain momentum globally, Jenga’s story continues to resonate, particularly in Ghana, where the game’s origins are increasingly being reclaimed in public discourse.

For many observers, the Jenga debate is not just about a game, but about recognition, equity, and the value of cultural contributions from the Global South in the global marketplace.

Ghanaian-Norwegian rising star Akuvi is making waves once again with her latest single, “Dream Big,” a soulful, purpose-driven anthem featuring dancehall heavyweight Stonebwoy.

Produced by Peewezelcue, “Dream Big” blends an infectious, uplifting groove with a powerful message of self-belief, resilience, and forward momentum.

Akuvi’s warm, emotive vocals anchor the track, delivering sincerity and hope, while Stonebwoy’s calm, authoritative verse adds depth and lived experience, reinforcing the song’s core theme without overshadowing its organic feel.

The music video, directed by Kwame Kodah and shot in Ghana’s scenic Volta Region, perfectly captures the song’s spirit — vibrant yet grounded visuals that celebrate ambition, movement, and purpose. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Akuvi’s rapidly ascending career, bridging Afrobeat, highlife, and global sounds while strengthening her position as a voice to watch in both African and diaspora music circles.

Fresh from a standout performance at the BHIM Festival, Akuvi’s new release resonates deeply with listeners seeking inspiration and cultural connection. The track is already generating strong buzz across streaming platforms and social media, with fans praising its authenticity, positive energy, and seamless fusion of Ghanaian and international influences.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McCall Kwadzo (@realmccallkwadzo)

As Ghana continues to lead the global Afrobeats and Afro-fusion wave, “Dream Big” serves as a reminder of the country’s growing influence on the world stage — a project that unites homegrown talent with diaspora roots and delivers a universal message of dreaming boldly and moving forward together.