Destination Guide,  Tips & Recommendations

Ghana’s Traditional Guide For The Modern Traveler

January 17, 2019 /

Before I give you the rundown with my guide to Ghana, I’m going to share a funny story of how my journey started before I even touched down in the Motherland.

I. Got. Hustled!

Me, the savvy street smart New Yorker allowed 2 cute older Ghanaian women to dupe me into transporting items back to Ghana for their family members. Sounds crazy right?


This is a precautionary tale of


“What not to do the day you’re traveling”

Backstory: I have an 11 pm flight departing from Newark, so I went to work for a half day and brought my bag with me, because multi-tasking. In misguided confidence, I somehow thought it was wise to pick up my visa/passport on my way to the airport. NEVER do this, this a rookie mistake.

I get to the Ghana consulate, suitcase in tow and the security guard outside of the building will not allow me to enter after providing my name. I plead, beg, to no avail. The guard stated I was not on the list and my passport was not ready. How could she know this? Why can’t I go into the office and speak with someone? Questions that needed answers.

Immediately, I go into crisis Olivia-Pope-I-gotta-handle-this mode. It was 3:30 pm and I had time, I refused to take no for an answer. As long as people were still in the office, I had a chance.

First Step: PUT ON THE TEARS

I posted myself in the entryway attempting to fake cry while every bystander had to uncomfortably squeeze by. It got the attention of many, but most couldn’t help. This went on for almost 2 hours, by now the guard left her post and the office was officially closed. But I notice, there are more people going in then coming out, so I seized the opportunity.

Second Step: STOP AND ASK

I stopped every man going in the building. My strategy was, I’m single woman in distress, a man would come to my rescue. It worked or so I thought. A gentleman, made several calls, went to different floors of the building all to find someone who could locate my passport. Apparently, the passports are in a safe and only a certain few are privy to the keys. I have to give him credit, he stayed with me for 45 mins until he was out of options. It’s getting dark, I’m now considering calling the airline to explain my plight and to rebook me. I’m defeated. I’m tired. I’m furious.

Third Step: BEGGING LEADS TO DESPERATE MEASURES

Hysteria is setting in and I decide, I’m just going to go to the airport anyway and hopefully by the grace of God, I somehow get on this flight. But, before I do that, let me take a minute to collect myself, whoosa, count to 5 and tell myself it’s going to be ok. I must have looked crazy, pacing and talking to myself when a woman said she’d seen me here for hours and asked what is the problem. I rambled, stuttered, fake cried through the unfortunate events of the day. Her response… was simply, why didn’t you say something to me earlier.

I must have overlooked her on the second phase, but I was only asking men for help. I thought a crying damsel in distress would work. I should’ve known my sisters would come through for me. She invited me into the office and said she’d be right back. Right back meant 30 mins. It’s 7 pm. She returns with a co-worker and they proceed to grill me,

Why did you come after we closed?

Are you traveling tonight?

Are you traveling alone?

Where do you live?

Where are you staying in Ghana?

After answering their questions, they also gave me a lecture about time management. It’s 7:30 pm. They are satisfied with my response, I give them my ID and co-worker #1 goes to retrieve my passsport. Co-worker #2 and I have friendly chit chat, I’m in better spirits knowing I will be on the plane after all. She asks if this small bag the only bag I’m taking to Ghana, I tell her yes and she informs me passengers are allowed 2 pieces of luggage. A fact I know, but do not travel by. My bag was nearly empty, I planned to bring back fabric, art, shea butter and a man back, if he could fit. She jokingly states with the extra room, I could bring some items to Ghana for her family. I laugh and reply, I’d be a drug mule if that meant I was getting my passport and visa in time to make my flight. Clearly, I was joking but I was also grateful for their help.

The Hustle. 

By now, 20 mins had gone by and co-worker #1 has not returned with my passport. It’s 7:50 pm. I’m watching the clock, getting antsy wondering if she’s having a hard time locating it. Co-worker #2 brings up the items again and again, I resoundingly, say yes. This is that moment when you hear the airport announcement in your head about strangers asking to hold or watch their luggage. All of my common sense went out of the window. Co-worker #2 excuses herself, goes upstairs to get her things.

I’m thinking:

These items are already here?

How often do you have random people taking things to your family?

Would you know both co-workers #1 and #2 return together, both with bags in hand? First on their agenda was to sort out my luggage space. Having to stuff and shift things in my luggage, even having to sit on it to close, took 15 mins. It was another 10 mins of exchanging numbers and getting explicit instructions of how the transfer is to go.


8:30 pm, I was given my passport and I made a mad dash to the airport. I was to travel 16 miles to another state, through New York City traffic without a car, but dammit, I made it!

By the time I boarded, got settled and made my important calls to loved ones, I’d received several text messages from my ladies, wishing I have a safe flight.

I’m sure the sentiment was meant for their items, but I’ll take it nonetheless.

Sidenote: I’m sure you’re wondering, what was in the bags? Towels, fabric and cookies. The dropoff was done in a casino parking lot… it all went down like a drug deal.

38 Comments

  • Joanna

    January 18, 2019 at 8:00 am

    What a story! I guess you’ve learned now not to leave your visa for the last 100 meters. 🙂 I usually make sure I have it weeks in advance before my trips. It’s so weird how they’ve asked you to take bags for them, haha.

  • Catherine Santiago Jose

    January 18, 2019 at 8:12 am

    Such a nice article for this amazing country. Actually it’s my dream to go to Ghana and experience the life there. To know more about this place.

  • Rebecca Sanchez

    January 18, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Very resourceful! I can only imagine the panic that you must have felt. And yes, I was waiting for the contents to be something more nefarious, but alas, normal stuff – I love that one was cookies (that’s so heartfelt)!

  • Melissa

    January 18, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    I don’t know how you held together, I would’ve been an anxious mess (ha!!!). My husband is Italian and every time a family member goes it’s the same frantic hustle though, especially for the young kids (we always send way too much!)

  • Emmeline Kemperyd

    January 18, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    Oh wow. That’s so crazy, them asking you to bring stuff for you! I would never have accepted! But maybe it’s just us being too much of big city girls and not understanding that it’s actually completely natural!

  • Sincerely Miss J

    January 18, 2019 at 7:05 pm

    I agree with many of the commenters. I would probably be rattled in that same situation. I have been to Ghana. Although, I enjoyed my stay I’ve heard a few people be put in your same situation.

  • MaJAc

    January 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

    Poor you that you had to go through this! On the other hands, some of my people would do the same thing as for bringing stuff for their family lol. I’m glad everything went well. I can’t wait to visit

  • Tomiko

    January 19, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    Trying not to get hustled in a foreign country is hard even for the savvy traveler.. I would have been losing my mind and this just made really say I’m not trusting anybody. Plus my hubby’s radar is always suspicious

  • Kita Bryant

    January 19, 2019 at 7:03 pm

    My anxiety would have had me looking cray cray but glad it worked out. Ghana is on my bucket list I just had a friend visit his hometown over the holidays he was telling me the prices of the tickets …I wanted to cry on that note.

  • Leslie H

    January 19, 2019 at 11:45 pm

    This read like a movie! I wish I had some popcorn to go with the drama, comwdy scenes and yes, the happy ending! Good for you.

  • Milijana

    January 20, 2019 at 5:37 am

    What an adventure to get your Ghana visa! Ha, Ha … I guess we all love to do things at the last minute. But, then stories happen. Enjoyed reading your story much.

  • Blair villanueva

    January 20, 2019 at 8:22 am

    I wouldn’t know what to do if that happens to me. So glad you made it and now safe to your destination.

  • Mimi Green

    January 20, 2019 at 7:39 pm

    OH MY GOSH! I am cracking up laughing, I was certainly wondering what they loaded you down with. I’m glad it worked out for you, I would have been a hot panic mess. Girl!!!! Lesson learned and you got what you needed.

  • Stephanie Cooper

    January 20, 2019 at 11:38 pm

    WOW! Girl I felt this post! I would’ve been so hurt and upset if I hadn’t been able to make my flight..especially with all that planning. I’m glad that everything worked out for you. I was chuckling to myself about how your drop-off happened. I hope that you had a great trip!

  • Anju

    January 21, 2019 at 5:59 pm

    Oh wow this sounds like quite the harrowing experience! I’m so glad you’re okay and things worked out! Im sure it must have been quite stressful at the time by t now you have a cool story to tell 😉

  • Marilyn

    January 21, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    Sanchea, I luv ur name, and the beautiful ad of the sisters “representing”, Gurl you know that you should consider acting, right! Hollywood, presents, “Sanchea” you definetly have the gift of storytelling, I could literally picture it all 🤣as I read the events, did you deliver the ladies packages? I am sure you did, I am happy the story ended well for you, thanks for sharing such an exhilarating travel story!

  • Elle

    January 21, 2019 at 9:33 pm

    I want to travel to Ghana, but your situation upsets me. It doesn’t make me not want to go, it just makes me open my eyes wider and want to be more vigilant.

    • admin

      January 26, 2019 at 2:03 am

      Oh no! Not going to Ghana isn’t the reason for my story. This happened in New York and I truly believe it was a harmless ” at the right time” moment for all of us. The moral of the story for my readers, never pick up your passport the day of traveling out of the country. Once I got to Ghana, I had an amazing time, it was a trip of a lifetime and well worth smuggling towels and cookies, lol. I hope you visit Ghana and love it as much as I did.

  • Nadalie Bardo

    January 22, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    I love how Africans say “where do you stay?” Spent a summer in Southern Africa and it was something I started saying when I got home. Ghana is on my list of places to visit in Africa.

    What an adventure you’ve had – but who doesn’t enjoy having a story to tell when you’re home.

  • Ava

    January 22, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    What a fun read! I’m sure it was not funny at the time but you made it quite entertaining while making a very important point.

  • Kasi

    January 23, 2019 at 8:09 am

    BAHAHAHAHAHA this story is hilarious! It vaguely reminds me of the time I missed my flight to Brazil. I got to the airport late, but still could’ve made it. The employees working the baggage lines wouldn’t help me get on, so I missed it. Then they were saying I would have to pay hundreds of dollars to get the next one the next day. I asked to see a manager, put on the fake tears, and got transferred to the next flight for free. Glad your story worked out too, can’t wait for your guide!

  • Tiffani Denham

    January 26, 2019 at 3:48 pm

    A drug deal, lol! OMG! This was a lot. But you had to do what you had to do! I totally get it. As much as it would have hurt me, I would have had to tell coworker #1 and #2, they were going to have to find another way to get their stuff to their family.