The team at Anansi Travels is a diverse group, including individuals from the Ghanaian diaspora, local Ghanaian experts, and passionate allies. We are united by our dedication to showcasing Ghana's vibrant culture and supporting its growth. Our shared mission is to present Ghana in a new light and foster meaningful connections between visitors and the local community. We aim to support Ghana through both purpose and profit, ensuring that our efforts make a positive impact on the people and the country we cherish.
Harriet Browne, Founder and Operations Manager
Harriet is a first-generation Ghanaian American with a bachelor’s degree in Medical Anthropology and African Studies from the University of Kansas. She brings a wealth of experience across public health, both domestically and internationally, as well as education, social work, and college preparatory programs. She currently works in the public health field and holds a Master of Public Health from Emory University.
Harriet has a deep love of showcasing Africa’s beauty to others. She has years of experience leading and accompanying large groups of students and adults to Ghana for cultural exchange programs. Harriet sees herself as a product of a beautiful clashing of cultures, mixing the golden plains of Kansas with the sunny skies of Ghana.
Her hope and goal is that as a result of this mingling of cultures within her own life and being, she is better positioned to connect with people from all backgrounds and assist them in developing their own relationship with Ghana.
Her favorite methods of sharing Ghanaian culture with others are through spinning classic tales of Anansi the spider.
Karen James, Program Coordinator
Karen is an Akron, Ohio native with over a decade of experience in providing quality childcare. Working in the childcare sector is much more than a career to her - it’s a lifestyle!
When she is with children, their safety and well-being are her main concern and priority. She is known for being attentive, patient, flexible, and loving to every child in her care.
On her first trip to Ghana, the people, the culture, and the food won Karen over immediately. Due to her remarkable attention to detail and organizational skills, Karen has successfully planned and organized several trips to Ghana. She is beyond excited to delve into Ghanaian life once more with AT’s next program participants.
Tanner Hammock, Student Advisor
Tanner brings seven years of experience working directly with students in higher education, along with five years of experience supporting small businesses. He earned his MBA from the University of Kentucky in 2014 and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis.
Through his work with students, Tanner has developed a strong understanding of student development and how to support individuals as they navigate academic, personal, and career decisions in an increasingly global world.
Outside of work, Tanner enjoys traveling and has visited over 15 countries.
Portia Owusu, Academic Advisor
Dr. Portia Owusu serves as Anansi’s Academic Advisor, bringing a wealth of scholarly expertise and global educational leadership to the program. Her educational background spans the University of Kent, the University of York, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. She was also a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Kansas.
She is currently an Assistant Professor of English at Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on 20th and 21st century West African and African American narratives, particularly slavery, cultural philosophies, and history. Her publications include Spectres from the Past: Slavery and the Politics of "History" in West African and African-American Literature.
Born in Ghana and raised in London, England, Dr. Owusu brings a deep, lived understanding of diverse cultures. This unique perspective allows her to support students as they prepare for, adapt to, and reflect meaningfully on their experience in Ghana.
Behwe Ghana, Lead Travel Guide Agency
Behwe Ghana is a travel company dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences across Ghana. The name “Behwe,” meaning “come and see” or “take a look,” reflects the company’s mission to personally guide travelers through Ghana’s most iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and culturally rich destinations.
As a trusted tour guide company, Behwe Ghana specializes in immersive, well-planned tours that bring Ghana’s history, culture, and natural beauty to life. Their vision is to promote tourism locally and internationally while positioning Ghana as the leading tourism destination in Africa. Through expertly guided experiences, Behwe Ghana creates meaningful cultural connections and offers a platform to share Africa’s heritage, values, and stories with the world.