return to tamale

back in tamale for the fourth time, a city in northern ghana that has become one of my ghanaian homes over the years. tamale, the capital of the northern region, is a lively, fast-growing city with busy markets, a rich cultural heritage and a thriving contemporary art scene.

one of the main reasons for returning is to visit my dear friend dr. judith and assist with servicing and maintaining medical equipment at her tamale eye hospital. when i last visited in 2024, the hospital was still under construction, so it is very nice to return and see how things have developed since then.

but tamale is much more than work and hospital visits. there is plenty to see and revisit, from ibrahim mahama's red clay studio and savannah centre for contemporary art (scca), two remarkable spaces dedicated to contemporary art, to the nuku gallery, the bustling central market and the local cultural centre.

and then there are the familiar places to eat, meet friends and spend an evening: wooden bakery and restaurant, oasis, and, for those in the mood for a late night, king david nightclub.

a good mix of work, art, food, old friends and familiar places. it feels good to be back in tamale!