16 Mar 2024
This was a hard decision. I thought long and hard about this experience ultimately, the bad overshadowed the good. This was my first visit to the Motherland and the beautiful country of Ghana. This was also my first excursion in the city of Accra. Abigail arrived on time for my pickup on Monday morning. Literally - while sitting in the back seat of the car, she informed me that Osu Castle was closed that day?! If this is your current role as a Tour Guide, how do you NOT know the days of operation?! I really wanted to visit this attraction. We then proceeded the the burial attraction. Abigail shared information and we did a quick walkthrough at my request. She did provide me with a cold/ice bottle of water. I mentioned to her that I had excursions planned for each day that week wrapping things up with the Makola Market tour on that Friday. They stopped at the market and asked if I needed anything so which I said I was going to the market on Friday for my souvenirs. She asked again since we were parked directly out front. I then agreed to check it out. She stated to divide any given price by three to get a better deal. I browsed around and and asked for a particular type of bracelet. I was then approached by this guy, who showed me some bracelets in plastic wrapping. They appeared to look like something I might be interested in. He then proceeded to tell me the price... $3500 Ghana Cedies!!??!?!? That's $280 US DOLLARS!!! I was completely floored. Eventually, I bargained on a much lower price but after getting back to my Inn, I noticed the quality of the brackets were extremely cheaply made... ????. Ultimately, I felt scammed. I'm not allegding that Abigail knew this scammer but I find it hard pressed that she hasn't encountered him beforehand. It was her job to take to the sites that I paid for and NOT put me (or any other visitor) in a situation to be taken advantage of... She did provide a lunch meal that we picked up in route back to the Inn. Sadly, I have to warn others visitors about my experience. In my opinion, this should NOT have been included. I didn't ask for it and told her my plans all well. I ended up giving her a tip as she is with child; however, I would NOT recommend.