Africa Channel To Air Ghana Documentaries
`The Soul of Ashanti,' Obama Docs Set for Fall
by R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 8/17/2009 1:38:22 PM
The African nation of Ghana will be the subject of two documentaries set to air on the Africa Channel over the next two months.
In September the network will debut The Soul of Ashanti, while in October The Africa Channel will chronicle President Obama's trip last month to sub-Saharan Africa with the special Akwaaba! Ghana Welcomes The Obamas.
"We at The Africa Channel are thrilled to premiere these two very distinctive and important documentaries," said Bob Reid, executive vice president and general manager for The Africa Channel in a statement. "Ghana has a rich culture and history and has demonstrated that democracy can flourish alongside traditional values in Africa. We are excited to provide our viewers with an exclusive window through which they can experience the beauty and vibrancy of the people of Ghana."
The one-hour documentary The Soul of Ashanti, premiering Sept. 20, traces the history of the Ashanti Kingdom's Golden Stool -- one of the most important sacraments of the kingdom -- from the time it is believed to have arrived in 1695 to present day Ghana. The program provides an in depth and insightful look into the life and culture of the Ashanti's and their view of the importance and relevance of the Golden Stool, according to the network.
Akwaaba! Ghana Welcomes The Obamas, premiering Oct. 4, focuses on The Africa Channel and Ebony & Jet Magazines' joint coverage of Obama's July trip to sub-Saharan Africa and the emotional connection that developed between the people of Ghana and America's first family. The documentary features interviews with Ghana's two most recent past presidents, John Kufour and Jerry Rawlings, along with other top government officials and business leaders, said the network.
