Accra, Ghana. My first impression? Hot. A very hot city where people eat lots of hot pepper. My body was perfectly baked on the inside and outside. I did not know that I could sweat as much as I did in Accra. Their dry season is a free Sauna; mother nature’s gift to everyone. It was good for my skin, surprisingly. Glow, afterglow. But, I would describe Accra as an acquired taste. I fell in love with Ghana over time. I fell in love with the people, the streets, the culture, the food, and more.
When I visited Ghana for the Rotaract Africa Summit in November, I spent 4 days in Ho city and 8 days in Accra city. Like a kid who has just received a new toy, I can count the hours I slept during the trip. I did not want to miss a thing. I wanted to experience everything. So, we made memories. And kept them in timeless photographs and videos. However, some experiences are better expressed in writing. Here are a few things that I liked and disliked about Accra;
There are no Boda Bodas.
A blessing and a curse in Uganda. If you have driven a car in Uganda before, you know what a curse it is. Car drivers in Accra don’t have to worry about reckless Boda Boda riders smashing their side mirrors or headlights. Our use of Boda Bodas in Uganda makes you believe that you cannot live without them. But guess what, we managed to get around Accra in Ubers and trots trots (our version of taxis).
Organized taxi (trot trot) stages
In Uganda, it’s survival of the fittest in every aspect. When it comes to public transport, only those with the strongest shoulders can shove and fight to get into a taxi. The rest of you weaklings have to wait aside until the demand goes down. In Accra however, they make lines. No supervision. Just disciplined human beings who patiently wait for their turn.
Low crime rate
I got lost with a friend in East Legon, Accra, around midnight on the way back to our residence. We were exhausted and dozed off in our Uber. We sobered up as we arrived in the neighborhood. However, the houses in this neighborhood were built in a similar style. And that’s how we ended up getting out of the Uber at the wrong address. This, we realized, after the Uber had left. So, we walked. It was dark and lonely. But, we weren’t afraid of getting jumped or being hit with an iron bar by thugs. 20 minutes, 3 junctions, and numerous phone calls later, we arrived at our residence safe and sound. That’s a miracle in Uganda.
‘No Beach’ Tuesdays
Yes. That’s right. Ghanaians have an ‘’unspoken tradition’’ where they don’t go to the beach, swim or partake in any water activity on Tuesdays. Bad luck, they say. But like the Africans that we are, we tried to rebel. We checked out a couple of places and found them closed. Turns out, Ghanaians take tradition very seriously.
Exquisite delicacies
I can’t talk about Ghana without mentioning the variety of delicacies they enjoy. My friends and I were served Banku, chicken, fish soup, pepper soup, more pepper on the side, and rice on our first night in Accra. That pepper wanted to kill us. It ended in tears.
Banku, rice, pepper sauce, and chicken
I finally tasted the Ghanaian Jollof rice, which I enjoyed. Then there is Waakye; a mixture of rice, spaghetti, beans, boiled egg, onion soup, vegetables, and chicken. It is usually served on a banana leaf. Loved it.
I loved their variety of local drinks. At the Summit, we were served with lots of these. I can’t remember the names, but my favorite was Sobolo. Tastes like Stoney but with a Kilogram of Ginger.
Death by hot pepper
My fellow Ugandans who want to visit Ghana soon, carry your food. If not, prepare your digestive tract. Say a prayer for it, if you must. But by all means, prepare. It is like a hot-pepper festival every day. I could swear I even tasted a drink that had pepper in it. What we call pepper in Uganda, is just stew to them. Thank me later.
Rich culture and heritage
Their patriotism is admirable. Watching Ghanaians defend their country during debates and other aspects is beautiful. I visited Makola market, one of the largest trading points in Accra. It is kente, bitengi, beads, and everything African galore. Getting a souvenir wasn’t hard at all. They are truly proud of their roots and culture. If you are into enjoying cultural experiences, Ghana is the place to be.
We easily blended in. ‘Little’ to ‘No’ language barrier
I loved the fact that we faced no language barrier. On top of their local languages, all locals speak English. I’ve faced more language barriers in East Africa than I did in Ghana. It didn’t matter whom I was interacting with in Ghana. When they realized I couldn’t understand their native languages, they always switched to English.
Affordable cost of living
Before we left for Ghana, we heard about the growing inflation in their country. So, we over-prepared. Only to discover that prices are significantly lower than in Uganda. You can get an Uber of Ugx 7000 for the same distance in Uganda where you would be charged Ugx 20,000/=. You can buy many items with 100 Ghana Cedis, equivalent to Ugx 30,000/=. Don’t even get me started on the price of cars. We pay an arm and leg for a spacio model that goes for an equivalent of Ugx 7m in Ghana. Yes, I might relocate to Ghana because of this.
Scheduled vibes
This is for the ‘’oliwa’’ crew who live in Uganda where it is party after party, 24/7. Ghana will feel dull, my people. You have to know the right places and people to hang out with. Otherwise, you will be forced to confront your demons in the comfort of your own home. Accra party season is in December. The vibes you are used to are scheduled for that time. For the rest of the year, if you are into the 24/7 nightlife, this is not the place for you. Stay where you are.
Market vendors know their worth.
This can also pass for a vice but that is because I’m Ugandan and we love bargaining. Ghanaian vendors respect closing time. It does not matter if you are buying all the goods in-store, you’ll see them packing up and closing shop regardless. Getting a discount is akin to beating a dead horse back to life. And don’t try those reverse psychology tactics of pretending to walk away and see if they call you back. My dear, you’ll walk to the ends of the earth.
Sounds like a great country, right? Well, that is debatable. But If you ask me, I can see myself leaving Uganda and migrating to Ghana.
Comments (23)
Akanni Damola Olaide
I literally smiled all through reading this well composed piece.
Indeed Ghana is a place to visit.
Kudos dear.
SHBOLD
Thank you, Akanni.
Giovanni
Ghana 🇬🇭 🇬🇭 🇬🇭
Tesi
Hahaha l can’t stop laughing…. But that Spacio , did you mind asking about Anitte’s Range Rover. That will make me migrate
SHBOLD
Haha let me find out.
Kenneth Wabuteya
Well articulated impression of what the recent Ghanaian experience was like. Great wits there my good friend.
SHBOLD
Thank you, Ken.
Isabella Mwesigwa
Shrimp, octopus, snail & the likes. I didn’t know I would eat these things. Pepe all over 😄
SHBOLD
Indeed, it was quite an experience.
Winnie Oboo
Experience well represented. Well done. My favourite drink was the Baobab drink similar taste to tamarind, I could drink it everyday.
The hospitality of the people was/is amazing, the sacrifices they made to ensure our comfort and fun, Ghanaians share alot in common with Ugandans when it comes to that. Our brothers from across the continent.
Talking about the uber, it is the nature of the drivers to ask where you are going whether they have arrived at the pick up point or not and cancel on you if they don’t want to go where you are going.
Getting lost in Ghana is assured if you do not know the street name especially the local street name😅
The patriotism is amazing. You find a flag at every single place, car, shop, trot trot, etc.
For sure the pepper was for another level but like a friend said recently, food is boring without some hot excitement.
Eh, looks like I want to write an article myself.
A toast to Ghana and more adventures to come 🥂
SHBOLD
Thank you, Winnie.
Haha…there’s so much to write about Ghana.
I would love to read about your experience. Please write.
Hameed
Now it’s time for you guys to come back to Ghana 🇬🇭,
SHBOLD
We are nostalgic. We miss Ghana.
Sarah Owembabazi
Very well scripted. You’re an awesome, storyteller and writer.
As you plan to migrate to Ghana, I have appointed myself as your asset keeper.
SHBOLD
Thank you, Sarah.
Hahaha you are hired.
Najeebah Namiiro
Wow this is a beautiful piece.👏👏👏
I am strongly convinced that we need some more days in Ghana to crown the experience! 💃🏻
SHBOLD
We do.
Thank you, Najeebah.
Derrick Kabuye
Hahaha, love this!
Makes me feel like I was in Ghana myself.
Glad to know you enjoyed yourself in the West.
Well written and onto the next!
SHBOLD
Hehehe I’m glad. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
Thank you, Derrick.
Rachael
Well written …You captured the entire experience in this captivating write up.
PS: when you visit Nigeria my country 🇳🇬, you will agree with me that Ghanaia food that contains pepper is child’s play compared to the one in Nigeria.
SHBOLD
Thank you, Rachael.
I’m really looking forward to visiting Nigeria. At least I will be ready for the pepper this time.
Boatemaa
Wow this is awesome, well done on this beautiful and insightful piece…… can’t wait to have you all back in Ghana again
Much love
SHBOLD
Thank you, Boatemaa.
I can’t wait to visit again.