Back to Africa...

I have returned to Ghana to intiate a plan for improved hand hygiene (as well as personal) in the village - starting with the school in Atorkor. I had brought about 95 lbs of items - toothbrushes, sanitizer, soap, toothpaste, etc. to help reinforce the message - packed into two "Ghana must go" bags. They are lightweight, woven plastic (?) and very strong. An alternative to the standard rolling luggage that takes up 10lbs of your allowed weight.

I just made to the airport in time. After waiting for an inordinate amount of time to be checked in (I was first on line and it was moving slow - why do I feel like I am already there?) - I was informed that I had cut it close. After being checked in I had to drag everything to another spot to have it put on the conveyer. Had I not interupted the young lady at the desk, my bags would still be in JFK waiting. However, she was able to accomodate me and all was well. Even when I was directed to the wrong security gate and had to walk around the entire building to get to the right gate. But once I boarded, all was good. I ended up with a row of 3 seats all to myself. No leaning back in cramped quarters - I was able to spread out and actually lie down. Then I couldn't sleep!! figures.... Oh well, the movies were good and then I rested.

We landed on time (within 20 min of ETA) in Accra. I was greeted on the tarmac by Mr. Kaff. This time there was no confusion, as soon as I stepped off the plane, I looked towards the diplomatic vehicle on the ground and saw him. Kaff was smiling and greeted me warmly, taking me by the shoulders and kissing both cheeks. I was very happy to see him. After being escorted to the VIP lounge, I was able to speak with Togbui who again thanked me for coming to do this project. Everything was "green over green," my luggage collected and we were soon under way.

Kaff brought me to Mahogany Lodge where again I was greeted warmly, "Madam Suzan, it is a pleasure to see you again." I think I am spoiled, but I will work hard later. :) I was given the number to call for my driver, Prosper, and was able to freshen up, use the internet and have breakfast. Silly me, I forgot about "African Time" - if I wanted to be on my way by 11am, I should have told the driver to come by 9 or 10. Oh, well I know now. Unable to get in to the American Embassy - they closed at 12 noon & I arrived @ 12:03. We tried to locate USAID/Ghana's offices without success. However, the program director @ WACIPAC was kind enough to give me a number for an office in Ghana Education Services. I called and spoke to a gentleman named William who agreed to have me come to their offices at 2 or 3 pm. We finally were able to find the office only after going to Immigration Services and waiting for William to come find us and lead the way to GES. It is difficult when everyone uses landmarks instead of proper addresses. I had been told to go to Immigration Services and ask the way to Literacy House. It might have been easier (for me) had I been told that the office was in the Cantonments area on Redgh Road, not far from JJ Rawlings house. But when in Ghana... I am learning again to manage. The one overwhelming fact is that EVERYONE IS SO NICE!!! I cannot say that enough. Hospitality is Number ONE. So, I really have no complaints.

Meeting William Kotei and his coworker, Ms. Ellen G. was most pleasant and productive. Once they realized my plan was not to introduce hand sanitizers as a permanent means of solving the hand hygiene issue (that would be too expensive and not sustainable), they were most interested and were able to offer me some visual aids/posters which they have put into use in the schools. They were proud to show me some stickers that they had produced. All was good and I felt validated and am now sure I am on the right track. I gave Ms. Ellen the one hand sanitizer I had in my purse and left with some helpful information.

The only downside to anything was that upon returning to my room, I rechecked my cases. I had been unable to find a pair of nursing scissors I knew I had placed in at the end of my packing. In addition, 100 toothbrushes and a bag of sanitizer sprays were missing. I can only guess that it happened in transit - it could have happened easily on either end. The one drawback of the lightweight bags is that they don't really lock. I will have to do some extra shopping tomorrow to make up for it.

I was surprised by a visit from my friend Prince who I had worked with on my first trip. We had dinner and I was able to bounce my ideas off him. His input was of value. The evening was most enjoyable but I was soon ready to call it a night. Tomorrow I shop and proceed to Ho.