Welcome to First Post

Hell0 all,

I have been asked, “What are your immediate impressions of Accra, capital city of Ghana?”

Well, one thing stood out right away. Inside the airport were huge posters advertising phone services, etc. All of the posters featured African models. Not one white model. I began taking photos of the posters and soon learned about another difference. A neatly uniformed policeman approached me and said, “No photos.” 

Stupid me. I repeated the question: “What do you mean, not photos?” He looked straight into my eyes and said once again – sternly, “No photos.”  “Yessir”, I replied.

Later on in the day I was told by a native that I could have been arrested and my camera confiscated. He said, “The guard must have liked you for some reason.” Thankfully, I got away with a reprimand and boy, was I glad.

The next thing I recall was the chaotic scene as we left customs to go find our ride into the city. There were dozens of young men, yelling and gesturing to get your attention. Once they make eye contact, they assume they have permission to grab your bags and help you to your vehicle. Several small arguments and spats broke out between some of the men as they competed for your business. Again, this is level of activity and energy is unlike anything you see at an airport in the U.S.

One other thing that hit me was the fact that almost everyone was Black – African, African American, etc. There were very few whites anywhere to be seen. From top administrators to the young men hustling for bags, everyone was Black. It is difficult to describe the emotional impact such a sight had on my mind and heart. More on this later.

Thus far, the energy and vitality of Accra hits you right in the face from the very beginning and we had not yet located our ride into the city.  Your comments and questions are welcome.