MY S

From O’HARE To Berekum

My second trip to Ghana was in 2014. The lady with whom I corresponded on WhatsApp. Advised me that she lived with her uncle in a six bedroomed house, with just as many bathrooms. Since she sent me some beautiful pictures that seemed to authenticate her story, I believed her. I flew out of the O’Hare International Airport on a Monday, and arrived at The Kotoka International Airport in Accra, on Wednesday of the same week. It was a very long journey. But I was grateful that I overnighted in Dubai, on my way to Ghana. I suppose I was fortunate. But I also have enough knowledge and experience. To attribute all the benefits of my good fortune, to the providental genius of the Almighty. The Dubai International Airport seemed to be vast. Nevertheless I survived, located the right taxi, and ended up sleeping in the right preplanned hotel. Before continuing on my itinerary the following morning. Interestingly enough the hotel staff were young girls from Kenya. They were polite, hospitable, and gracious. My arrival at the Kotoka International Airport was full of surprises. The first unexpected reality was the small size of the Airport, in comparison to the ones in Dubai, Frankfurt, and Chicago. A most welcome and surprising experience however. Was the courtesy and friendliness of all the staff encountered, at the airport terminal. The Immigration officers were thorough, and the Customs officers mostly asked how much money I had brought with me, to spend in Ghana. I was grateful that they barely looked into my luggage. As soon as I exited the terminal, I purchased a VODAFONE chip. To be used in my smartphone, along with AIR TIME. So that I could make local calls. I promptly boarded a taxi after securing my luggage. Which transported me to The Kwame Nkrumah Circle. A veritable jungle of small shops, bazaars, minibuses, traders, and pedlars of every imaginable form of merchandise. Including useless smartphone chargers from China. This was the location from where I would board the V.I.P. Coach that would take me to Berekum. Which I subsequently discovered was a small town, nestled in the very rural setting of The BRONG AHAFO Region. The journey was long and tedious. The traffic congestion in Accra and Kumasi (the capital of the Ashanti Region), and Ghana’s second largest city. with a population of four million people and several universities. Were interesting diversions. After several naps and disembarking at two refreshment parks. To purchase food and visit the rest room. Approximately ten hours later we safely and finally arrived in Berekum.