Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Overseas Operations
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Ghana continues partnership with tour of North Dakota By Courtesy Story
 BISMARCK, N.D., - A group of top ranking officials from the Ghanaian Armed Forces in Ghana, Africa, explored North Dakota last week as part of the North Dakota National Guard's State Partnership Program with the country. Since 2004, the North Dakota National Guard has developed a professional relationship with Ghana as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program. This program aligns states with partner countries to encourage the development of economic, political and military ties. "This was a tremendous opportunity to exchange ideas and build upon our strong partnership with the Ghanaian officials," said Army Maj. Gen. Dave Sprynczynatyk, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard. In June 2009, Sprynczynatyk traveled to Ghana along with other NDNG leadership as part of the SPP, where he learned about training and military programs. Among the seven Ghanaian officials taking part in the exchange was the commanding general of the GAF, Lt. Gen. Peter Blay, chief of defense staff. Blay also brought along his wife, Edna, and daughter, Dilys, to lend their perspective on family programs. North Dakota leadership escorted their guests around the state to see the various facilities and capabilities that the state has to offer, as well as to discuss future opportunities for the partnership. The group made stops in Fargo, Grand Forks and Devils Lake and interacted with Guard troops as they conducted training. When Ghanaian officials visited North Dakota this past week, Lt. Gen. Peter Blay wanted to share the experience with his wife and daughter. His decision to have his family on the journey proved to be a great learning experience for his wife and daughter and the people lucky enough to spend time with them. During their stay, Edna and Dilys got the opportunity to experience the American way of life. Although they were the ones traveling to a new land, it proved to be an even greater learning experience for the NDNG members involved during the family and officers' stay. The first stop on Dilys and Edna's tour was the capitol building of North Dakota. There, they saw how the local government system works and how old-time architecture in North Dakota compared to newer construction. Next, the group had a chance to peruse the Heritage Center. Edna and Dilys were able to see the various birds and animals that roam the North Dakota landscape in comparison to the wildlife they frequently see in Ghana. Ghana is roughly the same size as North Dakota, but its population is in the millions. While driving from place to place in Bismarck, the Blays were surprised by how light the traffic was. "I'm not used to the cold weather, but I appreciate the quiet, so I like it here," said Edna Blay. She explained that in Ghana they have one rainy season a year, which is their cold season; they do not have seasons like fall and winter. When she heard North Dakota can have snow six months out of the year, she was astonished. During their stay in North Dakota, Edna and Dilys ate at most locally-owned restaurants. "The atmosphere of our restaurants is about the same. We still have fries and chicken. It's just the taste that is a little different," explained Dilys. While eating, the family discussed what they call "grass cutters" in some restaurants in Ghana. Grass cutters are large rats, about the size of a football, which are wild and eat grass. In contrast to most families in North Dakota, Dilys said that in Ghana, most children around 15 years of age are sent to a boarding school for high school. At the schools, they wear uniforms quite similar to uniforms some schools require students to wear in America. Teens in Ghana, just like in the U.S., enjoy music and video games. Dilys said most teens in Ghana listen to hip-hop and play video games such as Playstation 3 and Wii. "We are just like you. We wear the same clothes, listen to the same music. We are the same," said Dilys. Dilys was also able to go shopping at local stores, eat local food and even go bowling. Bismarck State College teachers allowed her to sit in on a literature and biology class so she could witness first-hand how colleges in America operate. "I really like science and math, so the biology class was fun," said Dilys. "It's nice to see how local colleges work." Overall, Dilys was able to get a taste of North Dakota's culture while teaching her North Dakota counterparts about her native country. Taking part in another culture doesn't have to involve travel to a different state or country. Sometimes a journey is just a conversation away.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 NY National Guard Strengthens Bonds with Allies in Morocco Overseas Operations • 6 days ago
 Alaska Guard Soldiers Honored Before Middle East Deployment Overseas Operations • 13 days ago
 29th Infantry Division HQ Heads Exercise Immediate Response Overseas Operations • 18 days ago
 134th Medical Company Joins Combined Resolve Exercise Overseas Operations • 19 days ago
 Guard Soldiers, Czech Partners Celebrate Victory in Europe Day Overseas Operations • 21 days ago
 2024 (24)  2023 (57)  2022 (71)  2021 (58)  2020 (41)  2019 (56)  2018 (55)  2017 (46)  2016 (31)  2015 (36)  2014 (48)  2013 (64)  2012 (134)  2011 (163)  2010 (179)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil