In conversation with
By Ella Parkes
Stripe Linen in Red
Jeremy Boateng is a farmer, model and musician from Canning Town, London.
Jeremy travelled to Ghana to reconnect with nature and understand how to work cohesively alongside it. He purchased some land in 2018 with the vision of creating a sustainable eco-village in which he could apply various learnt sustainable practices such as permaculture and herbal medicine. Fast-forward to 2022, Jeremy has just finished his first small home which is a 1-bedroom apartment plus a storeroom and kitchen. The kitchen was the first attempt at earthworks using a process called rammed earth. He also planted various fruit trees alongside staple crops as well as processed cacao, cassava, coconuts, and corn.
Jeremy’s current goal is to establish a charity/academy for the youth in the area to provide them with the tools and understanding to use the resources around them, to create sustainable jobs and provide recreational activities. This will include making adobe ovens, pigment making and fibre processing. The current climate in Ghana is very difficult with regard to access to employment, especially for the younger generation, and Jeremy is hoping these services could then be helpful in providing them with skills to transform their lives further.
We spoke to Jeremy to find out more about this amazing endeavour.
“ Going back home and attempting to live in line with nature and work alongside it was my main motivation, as I feel it’s a life our creator intended for us.”
Other than your family connections, what is it that really appeals to you about living in Ghana? How would you compare living in Ghana to living in the UK?
The idea of living in Ghana has very little to do with family connections and is more connected to my desire to really live in an environment that has more nature and my nature particularly. I’ve noticed issues, for example, anxiety or Vitamin D deficiency were all to do with the fact I was in an environment not specifically designed for my genetic makeup to work at its fullest and, in that environment, I also wasn’t doing much that was truly satisfying my soul. Work felt monotonous and I lacked fulfilment. Going back home and attempting to live in line with nature and work alongside it was my main motivation, as I feel it’s a life our creator intended for us. As for the differences, there are plenty more services in the UK which are expected and a lot more organisation which makes it very comfortable to live in. However, the growing number expecting these standards means a reduction in quality at times to meet demand. I believe this to be true with most major cities. This starts to mean people will use any means, moral or not, to keep the system afloat which for me is problematic in the long term.
“The most difficult thing has been dealing with people and systemic trauma which plagues the continent - it’s clear the nature of survival and betrayal is prevalent, which is likely because of colonisation, and it means it’s very difficult to trust people and their intentions.”
What have you found to be the biggest challenges in relocating to another continent?
The most difficult thing has been dealing with people and systemic trauma which plagues the continent - it’s clear the nature of survival and betrayal is prevalent, which is likely because of colonisation, and it means it’s very difficult to trust people and their intentions. The other main challenge is the heat and initial lack of basic resources I am used to in the West (sanitation, running water etc). All these problems plague the world, it’s very clear to see and it’s been a huge issue in me establishing comfort at times and just being able to co-exist peacefully. However, I’m sure we will get there.
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Do you feel changed by this endeavour or has it simply deepened your understanding of what was already in motion before embarking on this project?
I think experience is always going to give you a confirmation, knowledge, and new skills. Interestingly, I feel I gained so many new skills, such as patience! I was aware of this but not completely focused on it – now I am a lot more patient and my connection to the ‘most high’ has increased. I was quite spiritual but having faced several tests alone made me realise that protection is with you and internal peace is a powerful space to be in.
“I have a beautiful handmade bamboo bed which is a beauty to sleep on.”
Do you have any favourite pieces of art or furniture or homeware you’ve acquired from the area?
I have a beautiful handmade bamboo bed which is a beauty to sleep on. I also have this beautiful painting of a Lion of Judah which I acquired from some local street artist – I still need to get it framed, though!
How have you gone about acquiring the skills and knowledge needed for this endeavour? Have you had much help from other people?
Prior to me reaching Ghana, I did a lot of research into various things. I read into herbal medicine and studied permaculture briefly just to try understanding nature and how best to harness it. YouTube was helpful! There are also a few people in the village who helped me out, however, I also had to educate them on the specific skills required for what I needed to achieve.
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What advice would you give to someone trying to start a similar enterprise?
Be patient, think about your intentions and keep them pure. Take rest when needed and really grow a spiritual relationship which will serve as fuel when things get hard. Be mindful of the strength carrying you and the benefits of you completing this for others and yourself.
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Graphics by @samrobertsmith