Hi All
I was just refused a visa for Ghana at the embassy in Lome. Knowing of the change in the visa rules I decided to try anyway because I met a couple in a similar situation who was successful in Bamako. I left my home country (South Africa) in April 2010, long before the visa rule changes on Jan 1, 2011, to travel overland around Africa.
First I had to sign in with the friendly security guard. Then I explained my situation to the friendly receptionist who directed me to a lady who was dealing with another person. I waited for about two minutes for her to finish. When she turned her tired, unsmiling face to me I should have known.
The exchange went like this:
Me: Good morning, do you speak English?
Her: No response, just a cold stare
Me: Bla, bla, bla about my purpose there and the reason why I couldn’t have gotten the visa in South Africa (still smiling)
Her: You must be a resident
Me (Assuming she meant a resident of Togo): I understand that sometimes………I stop talking because she turns and starts walking away
Me (Now knowing that she’s not a happy person and will not help, even if she could): Is there someone else I can………I stop talking because she turns around and gives me that look again accompanied by a NO!, turns around again and disappears through a door
That’s when I decided to leave. I knew it was a long shot and fully expected that I might be refused a visa, but I never expected to be treated with such loathing. I’ve run into a few travelers who complained about the unfriendliness of some of the Ghana people…….seems like they were right.
Fortunately it’s not important for me to go there…….keep the visa Ghana and keep on treating tourists with contempt, it’s good for your image!
