Guide in Ghana

My husband, John, and I traveled in six West African countries for 40 days in January-February ’08, ending with a 10-day stay in Ghana. Our guide in Ghana, Charles Kobina Abakah (phone 00233 244 708878 or 00233 287 092839 or 011 272 150102 or e-mail ckabakah@yahoo.com), did an outstanding job, became a friend and continues to be an inspiration. Every so often he surprises us with a phone call.

Let me explain the inspiration part. Charles reminds me of Greg Mortenson, made famous by the book “Three Cups of Tea.” Charles mobilized his contacts and those around him to build a very much-needed elementary school in his area of Accra and continues to work on improvements to that well-used facility.

Extremely knowledgeable on all matters related to Ghana, Charles is personable and a man of high character, great faith and much energy. He is a freelance guide who can help you arrange anything you wish in Ghana. Based outside of Accra, he charges $50 a day or $35 a half day for two people. Our time with him was happenstance, as a tour company arranged it.

The one great advantage of traveling in Ghana is that it is English-speaking (even though one often must pay very close attention to understand what is being said). We really appreciated this after visiting in the other five French-speaking countries.

I still remember with great fondness reading the wonderful and unusual business signs everywhere in Ghana as we drove through that beautiful and interesting country.

JOAN NEUBAUER

Yakima, WA