I am the stereotypical “country boy” with a twist – I am transplanted. I no longer live on the Canadian prairies where I grew up but I still live in a rural setting. I now share my time between two African villages: the fishing and resort village of Busua on the coast of the Western Region of Ghana; and Amudurasi in the Ashanti Region next to New Edubiase, seat of the Edubiase Traditional Area. While in Busua, I stay in my apartment in the beach resort which I built in 2002 (www.africanrainbowresort.com). From time to time I visit Amudurasi to tend to various activities. From time to time, I visit my two small farms (cocoa on one, oil palms on the other) and also pursue projects related to my role in the Edubiase Traditional Council. In 2004, I was installed as the Nkosuohene (Chief responsible for development) and given a new name, Nana Akwasi Amoako Agyeman II, which is the powerful and respected Ashanti name of my late father-in-law when he was a chief at Kokofu Asamang.
Life is good – there is time for writing and reading; my income is rather modest but I do not have to endure the stress of my previous lifestyle in Canada; I live in a vibrant friendly country at an exciting time in history. My position as a chief provides me an opportunity to offer my skills and life experiences for the betterment of the people who live in the 200+villages in my Traditional Area. There are several projects on which I am working – the experience is stimulating and offers me a sense of fulfillment. My life is indeed blessed.
AKOFENA
AKOFENA
“sword of war “
symbol of courage, valor, and heroism
The crossed swords were a popular motif in the heraldic shields of many former Akan states. In addition to recognizing courage and valor, the swords can represent legitimate state authority.
HYEW WON HYEW
HYE WON HYE
“that which does not burn ”
symbol of imperishability and endurance
This symbol gets its meaning from traditional priests that were able to walk on fire without burning their feet, an inspiration to others to endure and overcome difficulties.
April 1, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Hi Rod,
Congratulations on your new book! Note that in your email you listed the website as villagerainbows.wordpress.com It should be .org
All the best. I’m in Mexico right now – since Jan. 13. I fly home in a week.
Take care.
May 7, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I’m gladder now than before on hearing that you’re a great king of Africa,Ghana. Live forever Nana.I’d be ever joyful when I have the privilege of seeing you one on one. I’m a missionary. The site I provided is our site for missionary works. Please check out what we’ve done so far for the poor in the impoverished villages. I’d try to get a copy of your masterpiece when it comes out. Has it been out yet?
May 27, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Rod,
I love your blog and your personal story. I too have a great love for Africa and currently live in South Carolina. I am part of an international fellowship of Churches that is very active in Africa, mostly in the Southern half, but with ministries and Churches led by Africans, all over the continent. I am interested to know if you think there is demand for more agricultural equipment in Africa? I work for a company that is marketing a small 30hp tractor that could allow a rural farmer the ability to till about 10 acres per day. This same machine also has a drill attachment for making wells, an auger, buckets for loading bricks or stone, grapples for handling logs, forks for moving and planting trees, concrete mixing bowl, etc., etc. These machines are small and inexpensive and I think they would be ideal for developing countries. I really think one machine could be purchased by or for a village and really have a big impact on the agricultural output and productivity of an entire village. One machine could power a small construction company or help one man till and work about 100 acres. Let me know what you think of this idea.
I would like to get aid groups to support the donation or subsidize the cost of these units. That is my ultimate goal.
Thanks,
Jesse Sewell
December 8, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Our correspondent Frank Rackow just published this story about you.
http://www.rcinet.ca/english/column/rci-s-frank-rackow-on-assignment-in-ghana/13-52_2010-12-08-from-small-town-saskatchewan-to-nana-in-ghana-the-journey-of-rod-mclaren/
Best wishes from Radio Canada International
April 25, 2011 at 10:30 am
Dear Nana Rod,
I met you some years ago during 2005-06 when I was working for Chirano Gold Mines. I spent quite a few wondeful weekends at your hotel and often look at the photos reliving the amasing 2 years spent in Ghana. I’ve just recently found this new site of yours and a very happy to see that you have really become Ghanaian.
These days I’m working in Western Australia still in mining to be close to my children but its nowhere near as exciting as mining in Ghana. I keep in contact with some old friends that worked with at the mine and I read the Ghana news papers online once in a while to keep abreast of life there. Looking at some youtube footage of Busua it looks like things haven’t changed a great deal in town. Is the guy (Nana) who had the chop house in the main street still operating? Now I’ve found you web site I’ll check it more often to see what you’re up to.
I wish you and you family good health and happiness.
Regards,
Michael.
April 27, 2011 at 3:20 am
Hello. Not sure if you remember, Saskatoon, Farmers Market. Black Pepper producer.
I am doing some research on fair trade and want to know if you can help with some wage statistics?
The sustainability of my farm here in C.R. depends upon discerning consumers who support endeavors like ours. I think people need to be better informed on some issues.
Thanks, all the best, Carole Thomas
May 26, 2011 at 11:13 am
Africa “Da wa se paa” – Africa thanks you so much!! for the good work you rae doing.God bless you!!You are the type of people we need in Africa for development!! “Ayiegoo”!!
September 26, 2011 at 2:51 am
I wish you still check this thread. I am from New Edubiase and i am also a chief from there. I am the Amaniehene(In charge of all customs and traditions) but currently reside Maryland in the States. There is another chief from Edubiase in Maryland who is the afenasuafoohene( sword bearers) Thanks for putting the Afahye clip on Youtube. You will be blessed gtreatly by God.