A Person's Private Residence: Staying Outside of Commercialization
by bcuffari
Since I was lucky enough to have met a Ghanaian residing in the U.S., we negotiated an arrangement that allowed me to stay at her private residence for the duration of my thirty-one day visit. We actually became very close through this arrangement, and she (Naana Kittoe Manful) is also the founder of the non-profit (Obaatan Mobilization Against Poverty {OMAP}) for which I'm a board member. The advantages to staying in a private residence with natives greatly outweigh, in my opinion, the advantages of staying at a commercialized residence (hotel, inn, hostel, motel, or bed and breakfast). Of course, staying outside of commercialization meant for visitors is not recommended for the high-maintenance Westerner; it can be a very different, and sometimes "rough" way for a Westerner to live for an extended period of time. Sometimes, it may prove to be overwhelming for certain types of people. So, if one's intentions are to stay as comfortable as possible on the basis of Western standards, then I would recommend a commercialized residence. If one is like myself, however, and wants to "soak" in as much culture as possible, then try to find some willing and honest people to lodge with. It will undoubtedly be much less expensive, and one'll be providing an average Ghanaian with much-needed rent money. After all, it's the average people of Africa who need the most help. It can be a humbling and fascinating experience to see the natives in action as they go about their daily routines. One will never find that type of culture in a hotel or any other commcercialized establishment. In this way, I was able to learn how to wash clothes by hand, cook food from scratch and learn many other important things about the underdeveloped world. One is able to help oneself and an average Ghanaian simultaneously if this route is taken! It literally enhanced the quality of my trip, from a cultural standpoint, by a large proportion.
There will, most likely, not include a pool, great view or quality facilities by Western standards, but these are all things one can experience while in the West. One's purpose in travelling to Africa should be to learn and experience the African lifestyle. If one continues to live in the sheltered-Western way, then one is missing out on a priceless life lesson. If one stays at certain spots in West Legon of Accra, however, there will be a breath-taking view of the university of Legon that is built right on the peak of a large hill. It's very beautiful. It is a very healthy experience for one's spirit to stay with the natives, and one will be able to see with one's own eyes how strong and resilient these people really are!
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