may be honored on Tuesdays because of beliefs tied to the sea. Quaye also points to the distinctive Ga custom of crafting coffins that reflect the deceased’ s profession or life— a fish or canoe, for example, for someone whose livelihood was connected to the water.
SUNDAY SOUNDS
On Sunday morning, another side of Jamestown emerges. Families begin their day and the sounds of worship spill into the neighborhood.“ You see churches with loud music, playing drums and clapping,” Quaye says, describing congregations singing“ with energy.”
Church is only one part of Jamestown’ s spiritual identity. Quaye’ s stories reveal a community where Christianity exists alongside older Ga traditions and beliefs. Before the annual Homowo festival, for example, the community observes a period when loud music and other noise are prohibited. The festival that follows brings people back to Jamestown from around the world and emphasizes remembrance, reconciliation and unity among families.
For Quaye, these traditions aren’ t performances staged for visitors. They’ re pieces of everyday Jamestown— found inside its family compounds, boxing gyms, churches and streets. And that’ s why simply photographing the lighthouse isn’ t quite enough. To begin understanding the neighborhood, you have to step beyond its landmarks and meet the people who call it home.
Jamestown
Credit: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng
Jamestown
Credit: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng
GETTING THERE
United Airlines has nonstop service from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Accra, Ghana’ s Kotoka International Airport( ACC) five times weekly.
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AUTUMN / WINTER 2026
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