1. Researching Crime, Justice, and Social Control in Ghana Evolving Issues in a Developing African Country Dr. Gordon Crews, Washburn University Dr. Angela West Crews, Washburn University Mr. Kofi Boye-Doe, Washburn University Mr. Ken Aikins, University of Kansas Graduate ProSeminar Series, Washburn University (KS), March, 2007

2. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 2 Overview About Ghana Progress in Ghana The Initial Proposal: Anticipating Need Initial Contact The Revised Proposal: Actual Need Unexpected Issues Conclusion

3. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 3 About Ghana West African English-speaking sub- Saharan country was 1st to gain independence from Britain in 1957 50 th Year Anniversary of Independence March 6, 2007

4. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 4 Ghana “Facts” 22.5 million people Median age about 20 Average life expectancy about 59 years Average of 4 children born per woman HIV/AIDS infection rates high and vary by region Primarily Ashanti/Akan Christian faith mixed with indigenous/traditional animistic beliefs

5. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 5 Ghana “Facts” (continued) Lacking infrastructure and planning <2,000/26,500 miles of roads are paved Plumbing/sewage/potable water Home ownership/property ownership Electricity Only 1.4 million pay taxes

6. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 6 Progress in Ghana Development and westernization Independence since 1957; Constitution since 1992 Move from traditional society and government to state administered system

7. The Initial Proposal How do traditional practices fit within the evolving state system?

8. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 8 Anticipating Need: Three “Problematic” Practices Trokosi Offender’s family provides a shrine servant Witch Camps Societal/familial problems blamed on females Prayer Camps “Treatment” for possessed individuals

9. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 9 Traditional vs. State Administered Justice Systems Traditional 1. Restorative 2. Responsibility is communal/ interventionist 3. Community harmony 4. Reintegrative shaming, banishment 5. Victim focused 6. Flexible/principles oriented State Administered 1. Adversarial 2. Responsibility is state/isolationist 3. Public safety 4. Punishment 5. Offender focused 6. Rigid law enforcement/rules oriented

10. The Initial Contact Into Africa

11. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 11 Pre-Trip Immunizations Passports Visas Airfare cost !! Where to stay? Transportation?

12. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 12 Welcome to Africa Importance of local contacts Hammartan Hurry up and… WAIT Social expectations & etiquette Anticipated versus actual needs

13. The Revised Proposal Open minded and flexible

14. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 14 Actual Need: Community Issues Law Enforcement Community Policing & Training Education Exchange, Degree Programs, Awareness Evaluation Alternative Dispute Resolution

15. Unexpected Issues Travel tips and “good” news

16. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 16 Travel Tips Be prepared Toilet paper Flashlight Conditions are different and variable! Have a local guide/contact The “white” tax Contact with others

17. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 17 “Good” news?? Assistance is welcomed Listening results in revision and additional work Hidden issues to address Plan ahead for financing Promises to keep…

18. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 18 Conclusion Difficult to anticipate actual problems Tendency to evaluate with an American eye Consider social and cultural relevance of “problems” Listen to community members and officials Be aware! Look, listen, question, read!

19. Wasbhurn University, ProSeminar, March 2, 2007 19 Washburn University’s Department of Criminal Justice 2007 Criminal Justice Lecture Series Mr. George Asiamah, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ghana National Police Service Director General for Human Resources Development Legal & Prosecution Services Supervises all special projects involving the Ghana Police The Department of Criminal Justice, Office of International Studies, School of Applied Studies, and Washburn University, have the honor of having Deputy Commissioner Asiamah visit our campus from March 26-30, 2007.

20. Questions?? Thank you! Dr. Gordon A. Crews Dr. Angela D. Crews Mr. Kofi Annor Boye-Doe Mr. Ken Aikins

21. Contact Information for Author Gordon A. Crews, Ph.D. Professor of Criminal Justice & Criminology Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia 25755 crewsg@marshall.edu/304.696.3083