The people are courteous and creative; leadership and governance as exhibited by Michael Asiedu (he is my boy, I know him personally) lags way behind. When income is tied to honesty and accountability, that will change
The people are courteous and creative; leadership and governance as exhibited by Michael Asiedu (he is my boy, I know him personally) lags way behind. When income is tied to honesty and accountability, that will change
nana 9 years ago
Oh mother Ghana!! Lets all help and stop bribery and corruption!
Oh mother Ghana!! Lets all help and stop bribery and corruption!
peaca 9 years ago
is this writer, mike olongo better than those ghanaians he visited? Never, he was asked to pay bribe of had to go through some kind of difficulty, he then chose to pay bribe. What a hypocrite.
is this writer, mike olongo better than those ghanaians he visited? Never, he was asked to pay bribe of had to go through some kind of difficulty, he then chose to pay bribe. What a hypocrite.
PROF KAWAWA 9 years ago
I read this execellent piece and shudder to think that we ghanaians have the knack to castigate as if we are so different. If people who criticise find them selves in similar situaions it will be no different.For instance I w ... read full comment
I read this execellent piece and shudder to think that we ghanaians have the knack to castigate as if we are so different. If people who criticise find them selves in similar situaions it will be no different.For instance I want to believe that this writer went to Ghana and was driving around without a valid drivers licence. From the story i summice that he was driving in person on the occasion this policasion this policeman flagged him to make demands. So such is a guy. Lawless as he is, he turns round to want to look for law abiding citizens. We are all corrupt minded, and if given the chance, no one will be any better.
Titus 9 years ago
This is the most ignorant and dummy comment I have read so far on ghanaweb this year! Can someone teach this so called Prof. Kawawa' English grammar for me? Shame on you!
This is the most ignorant and dummy comment I have read so far on ghanaweb this year! Can someone teach this so called Prof. Kawawa' English grammar for me? Shame on you!
Queen 9 years ago
Don't mind the so-called professor. He's an ignorant baffoon.
Don't mind the so-called professor. He's an ignorant baffoon.
phamous Tom 9 years ago
Mike, the reason why you did pay at the airport is why bribery and corruption is growing and gaining roots day in and day out in Ghana.Anyway it a piece of Good Ideas and wishes shared out here but, someday Ghana will be bett ... read full comment
Mike, the reason why you did pay at the airport is why bribery and corruption is growing and gaining roots day in and day out in Ghana.Anyway it a piece of Good Ideas and wishes shared out here but, someday Ghana will be better than this. God bless Ghana.
Yk 9 years ago
You are very right my dear. I happen to visit Ghana every year at least once and it keeps getting worse. Almost everyone who works at the airport wants to get money from u. They r all waste
You are very right my dear. I happen to visit Ghana every year at least once and it keeps getting worse. Almost everyone who works at the airport wants to get money from u. They r all waste
Kwapps 9 years ago
It's a real shame you bribed your way through difficulties instead of upholding the rule of law even if it meant an uncomfortable outcome for you. This is one major reason bribery is rife in Ghana and elsewhere as no one is w ... read full comment
It's a real shame you bribed your way through difficulties instead of upholding the rule of law even if it meant an uncomfortable outcome for you. This is one major reason bribery is rife in Ghana and elsewhere as no one is willing to sacrifice their comfort for the good of all. The Asiedu guy you mentioned demonstrated this by going out of his way to clear traffic and refusing handouts thereafter.
We all speak against bribery so the onus should be on us to resist that attempt when confronted. My time has been wasted on numerous occasions when I have simply dug my heels in and refused to bribe any policeman or worker who dared ask for money. Despite the time lost I've always left a scene with a jubilant smile on my face!
CORNEY 9 years ago
Mr Olongo left Ghana just twelve years ago and I believe read news everyday about Ghana so I wonder why he is behaving as if he was born in America thirty years ago going to Ghana for the first time not knowing what goes on t ... read full comment
Mr Olongo left Ghana just twelve years ago and I believe read news everyday about Ghana so I wonder why he is behaving as if he was born in America thirty years ago going to Ghana for the first time not knowing what goes on there.
I visit Ghana almost twice a year and know Ghana is corrupt but don't have problem dealing with immigration officials and they don't demand even a dime from me before stamping my passport.
Let me tell him that if your bags do not arrive at the baggage claim you don't go to custom officials but the airline representative,custom officials anywhere in the world don't have anything to do with bags not arriving at their destinations.
Asking him to go see security officials was not because he was black but because he was traveling with parishable goods which he admitted,something the whites may not be carrying.
At that airport you will meet all kinds of people who want to get something from you but it is up to you how you conduct yourself.You will always see some there asking if you have any food in your bag and I personally don't even talk to them and the way I act they dare not ask me that silly question the second time and I don't travel with what they call 'Ghana must go' which they always think contain food.
Next time just learn how to deal with such people.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 9 years ago
Coney, Mr. Mike Olongo is simply lying, period. I normally don't react to such quarterly truth story tellers at the expense of Ghana.
Coney, Mr. Mike Olongo is simply lying, period. I normally don't react to such quarterly truth story tellers at the expense of Ghana.
K Boye 9 years ago
I'm glad you mentioned the queue to the immigration desk upon arrival. Such a big shame that this shameful practice continues unabated.
The Chief Immigration Officer should issue a directive to all staff to stop carrying f ... read full comment
I'm glad you mentioned the queue to the immigration desk upon arrival. Such a big shame that this shameful practice continues unabated.
The Chief Immigration Officer should issue a directive to all staff to stop carrying friends and family members past such queues.
I'm also concerned about foreigners being given special treatment during arrival and depature.
SARPONG 9 years ago
Corney, are you listening to yourself? You wrote he being asked to see security officials is not because he is black but because of him carrying perishable(parishable) goods something the whites may not be carrying.
First, ... read full comment
Corney, are you listening to yourself? You wrote he being asked to see security officials is not because he is black but because of him carrying perishable(parishable) goods something the whites may not be carrying.
First, google the meaning of the word "MAY" as you used in your comment. If it is perishable goods they are looking for, why are they not checking all passengers but only black passengers? Are you telling me white people don't eat perishable goods? Don't tell me Mr Olongo admitted carrying perishable goods and that is why he was seperated from the white folks because the black passengers were separated from whites before being asked if they are carrying perishable goods.
When you get to Denver International Airport do they seperate white passengers from Black passengers and ask you different questions like whether you are carrying perishable goods?
Corney, we know you are "hip" and will never travel with what they call 'Ghana must go' but whether you travel with " louis vuitton " bags or 'Ghana must go', all passengers should be treated with the same suspicion or somebody carrying high cost bags might be carrying bombs.
I found your attitude on this topic very disturbing for somebody living in United States of America.
Obibs 9 years ago
The import of his piece seems to be lost on those of you who are criticising him. I wish you will read it over again.
The import of his piece seems to be lost on those of you who are criticising him. I wish you will read it over again.
Joe Cruickshank 9 years ago
The situation described was akin to being kidnapped (or at least his luggage being kidnapped). It is normal Police procedure to try and pay the ransom money and hope to catch the kidnappers later. We do not blame the victims ... read full comment
The situation described was akin to being kidnapped (or at least his luggage being kidnapped). It is normal Police procedure to try and pay the ransom money and hope to catch the kidnappers later. We do not blame the victims of kidnapping for paying the ransom.
Nanasei 9 years ago
Mike,
You are just lucky you made it back to the US successfully. A lot of people in similar situations didn't survive it, trust me!Ghana is no more a place to be proud of,for real! If I tell you what I went through when I s ... read full comment
Mike,
You are just lucky you made it back to the US successfully. A lot of people in similar situations didn't survive it, trust me!Ghana is no more a place to be proud of,for real! If I tell you what I went through when I suddenly lost my Mom while on a short visit a year ago, you might not believe me. At the time of my visit, I had also spent 12 yeas abroad just like you when I went back last year.And that's why I can understand your frustrations and concern. All I can say is that, Ghana is a failed state!, Period!
Thanks.
Kweku Yeboah, London 9 years ago
Nanasei, you are talking like this because your beloved party is not in power. Ghana is not a failed state! When your beloved party was in power the same things used to happen and I bet you were touting Ghana as a paradise th ... read full comment
Nanasei, you are talking like this because your beloved party is not in power. Ghana is not a failed state! When your beloved party was in power the same things used to happen and I bet you were touting Ghana as a paradise then.
Opia 9 years ago
Unfortunately your optimism is not shared by the vast majority of Ghanaians. It is getting too late to save this country.
Unfortunately your optimism is not shared by the vast majority of Ghanaians. It is getting too late to save this country.
... 9 years ago
WE SHOULD HAND GHANA BACK TO THE BRITISH: THEY CAN GUARANTEE US ESSENTIALS LIKE POTABLE WATER, ELECTRICITY, GOOD ROADS, WELL-EQUIPPED HOSPITALS, ETC. PLUS THEY'LL LOCK UP ALL THOSE CORRUPT POLITICIANS & OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS ... read full comment
WE SHOULD HAND GHANA BACK TO THE BRITISH: THEY CAN GUARANTEE US ESSENTIALS LIKE POTABLE WATER, ELECTRICITY, GOOD ROADS, WELL-EQUIPPED HOSPITALS, ETC. PLUS THEY'LL LOCK UP ALL THOSE CORRUPT POLITICIANS & OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS.
Proud American born U.S. Citizen 9 years ago
Look you want to sell Ghana back to the british, how dumb of you. Look, you Ghanaians cannot think for yourself, you all are always trying to be european, Asian or American. Why not be yourself, and write economic policies th ... read full comment
Look you want to sell Ghana back to the british, how dumb of you. Look, you Ghanaians cannot think for yourself, you all are always trying to be european, Asian or American. Why not be yourself, and write economic policies that uplift the indigenous people of Ghana. Ghanaians and nigerians are a disgrace to the black race.
Thess 9 years ago
If Ghana is to be colonized again, it should not be by Britain because Britain is the worst country to live in in Western Europe.
People living in houses where different families share kitchens and bathrooms like in Ghana ... read full comment
If Ghana is to be colonized again, it should not be by Britain because Britain is the worst country to live in in Western Europe.
People living in houses where different families share kitchens and bathrooms like in Ghana. Britain in terms of infrastructure and living conditions is the worst in Europe.
Ben Tiago 9 years ago
My brother say that again!! Your are 100 percent correct. The british are very dirty.
My brother say that again!! Your are 100 percent correct. The british are very dirty.
Kweku Ananse 9 years ago
I enjoyed the insight you gave us as food for thought. I was expecting you to give us a lowdown of the good times you had, and the homeliness compared to artificial abroad where you are. 'East, west, home best', goes the sayi ... read full comment
I enjoyed the insight you gave us as food for thought. I was expecting you to give us a lowdown of the good times you had, and the homeliness compared to artificial abroad where you are. 'East, west, home best', goes the saying. What we are going through is a passing phase. We are expecting a better tomorrow when we have good leaders. Visit home often to be abreast with trends.
Mary 9 years ago
I had similar immigration situation when I went in July. A lady agent asked me for a gift. I told her I did not bring anything that time but will do so next time. I could tell she was up to something when she started delayin ... read full comment
I had similar immigration situation when I went in July. A lady agent asked me for a gift. I told her I did not bring anything that time but will do so next time. I could tell she was up to something when she started delaying me. When I was able to finally go through, I stood at the luggage carousel until all the luggages came through except myself and 2 other. At that point I noticed every where I turned 2 officers were beside me. They told me KLM has informed them my luggage did not arrive. With curiousity I asked if there was still any luggage left at the back and KLM has specifically singled me out for this info. They asked me to come the next day. Not satisfied with their answers I started raising my voice at the hall. Instantly rolling out on the belt. I have the name of the lady customs agent N... who conspired to delay my luggage just because I did not give bribe. I have just decided not to release. People, ensure you record their names. They all have name tags. Let's stop them in their tracks.
Mary 9 years ago
should be: when I started raising my voice, my luggage started rolling out on the belt..............
should be: when I started raising my voice, my luggage started rolling out on the belt..............
Kwame 9 years ago
Good job! I enjoyed your piece very much
Good job! I enjoyed your piece very much
Eddie 9 years ago
i appreciate that you share this insight
i appreciate that you share this insight
kk 9 years ago
Most of us have very similar versions of your experience..I have no idea where we can begin to reduce the bribe menace but I thing one sure thing we can all do is to make a lot of noise when Ghanaian officials kick-start thei ... read full comment
Most of us have very similar versions of your experience..I have no idea where we can begin to reduce the bribe menace but I thing one sure thing we can all do is to make a lot of noise when Ghanaian officials kick-start their thieving MO's. SHED ALL GENTTILIY AND MAKE SOME NOISE AT THE AIRPORTS etc...The worst any body can say is that you are "too known."
Ben Tiago 9 years ago
My brother I can't stop laughing about the part of the airport security. The same thing happens to me in March this year. It is a pity all these things are happening at the Kotoka International Airport.
My brother I can't stop laughing about the part of the airport security. The same thing happens to me in March this year. It is a pity all these things are happening at the Kotoka International Airport.
Ahmed 9 years ago
I really applaud you for presenting these real facts in a very concised manner.I was a culprit before. I had my wrist watch taken from me by an immigration officer under the pretence that my kids had over stayed thier visas i ... read full comment
I really applaud you for presenting these real facts in a very concised manner.I was a culprit before. I had my wrist watch taken from me by an immigration officer under the pretence that my kids had over stayed thier visas inspite the fact that we had all the necessary extentions stamped on thier passports.
Nana Anaisiwa 9 years ago
All I can say is HMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!.
All I can say is HMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!.
Padi 9 years ago
That was an interesting piece of information which was well articulated and very coherent. I could not take my eye off it till I completely finished reading.
Mo hee
That was an interesting piece of information which was well articulated and very coherent. I could not take my eye off it till I completely finished reading.
Mo hee
Uncle Franko 9 years ago
Excellent piece, Uncle Mike. I hope all who are in leadership positions could read this. All others, including you, should not fall to pressure and perpetuate corruption.
Excellent piece, Uncle Mike. I hope all who are in leadership positions could read this. All others, including you, should not fall to pressure and perpetuate corruption.
The people are courteous and creative; leadership and governance as exhibited by Michael Asiedu (he is my boy, I know him personally) lags way behind. When income is tied to honesty and accountability, that will change
Oh mother Ghana!! Lets all help and stop bribery and corruption!
is this writer, mike olongo better than those ghanaians he visited? Never, he was asked to pay bribe of had to go through some kind of difficulty, he then chose to pay bribe. What a hypocrite.
I read this execellent piece and shudder to think that we ghanaians have the knack to castigate as if we are so different. If people who criticise find them selves in similar situaions it will be no different.For instance I w ...
read full comment
This is the most ignorant and dummy comment I have read so far on ghanaweb this year! Can someone teach this so called Prof. Kawawa' English grammar for me? Shame on you!
Don't mind the so-called professor. He's an ignorant baffoon.
Mike, the reason why you did pay at the airport is why bribery and corruption is growing and gaining roots day in and day out in Ghana.Anyway it a piece of Good Ideas and wishes shared out here but, someday Ghana will be bett ...
read full comment
You are very right my dear. I happen to visit Ghana every year at least once and it keeps getting worse. Almost everyone who works at the airport wants to get money from u. They r all waste
It's a real shame you bribed your way through difficulties instead of upholding the rule of law even if it meant an uncomfortable outcome for you. This is one major reason bribery is rife in Ghana and elsewhere as no one is w ...
read full comment
Mr Olongo left Ghana just twelve years ago and I believe read news everyday about Ghana so I wonder why he is behaving as if he was born in America thirty years ago going to Ghana for the first time not knowing what goes on t ...
read full comment
Coney, Mr. Mike Olongo is simply lying, period. I normally don't react to such quarterly truth story tellers at the expense of Ghana.
I'm glad you mentioned the queue to the immigration desk upon arrival. Such a big shame that this shameful practice continues unabated.
The Chief Immigration Officer should issue a directive to all staff to stop carrying f ...
read full comment
Corney, are you listening to yourself? You wrote he being asked to see security officials is not because he is black but because of him carrying perishable(parishable) goods something the whites may not be carrying.
First, ...
read full comment
The import of his piece seems to be lost on those of you who are criticising him. I wish you will read it over again.
The situation described was akin to being kidnapped (or at least his luggage being kidnapped). It is normal Police procedure to try and pay the ransom money and hope to catch the kidnappers later. We do not blame the victims ...
read full comment
Mike,
You are just lucky you made it back to the US successfully. A lot of people in similar situations didn't survive it, trust me!Ghana is no more a place to be proud of,for real! If I tell you what I went through when I s ...
read full comment
Nanasei, you are talking like this because your beloved party is not in power. Ghana is not a failed state! When your beloved party was in power the same things used to happen and I bet you were touting Ghana as a paradise th ...
read full comment
Unfortunately your optimism is not shared by the vast majority of Ghanaians. It is getting too late to save this country.
WE SHOULD HAND GHANA BACK TO THE BRITISH: THEY CAN GUARANTEE US ESSENTIALS LIKE POTABLE WATER, ELECTRICITY, GOOD ROADS, WELL-EQUIPPED HOSPITALS, ETC. PLUS THEY'LL LOCK UP ALL THOSE CORRUPT POLITICIANS & OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS ...
read full comment
Look you want to sell Ghana back to the british, how dumb of you. Look, you Ghanaians cannot think for yourself, you all are always trying to be european, Asian or American. Why not be yourself, and write economic policies th ...
read full comment
If Ghana is to be colonized again, it should not be by Britain because Britain is the worst country to live in in Western Europe.
People living in houses where different families share kitchens and bathrooms like in Ghana ...
read full comment
My brother say that again!! Your are 100 percent correct. The british are very dirty.
I enjoyed the insight you gave us as food for thought. I was expecting you to give us a lowdown of the good times you had, and the homeliness compared to artificial abroad where you are. 'East, west, home best', goes the sayi ...
read full comment
I had similar immigration situation when I went in July. A lady agent asked me for a gift. I told her I did not bring anything that time but will do so next time. I could tell she was up to something when she started delayin ...
read full comment
should be: when I started raising my voice, my luggage started rolling out on the belt..............
Good job! I enjoyed your piece very much
i appreciate that you share this insight
Most of us have very similar versions of your experience..I have no idea where we can begin to reduce the bribe menace but I thing one sure thing we can all do is to make a lot of noise when Ghanaian officials kick-start thei ...
read full comment
My brother I can't stop laughing about the part of the airport security. The same thing happens to me in March this year. It is a pity all these things are happening at the Kotoka International Airport.
I really applaud you for presenting these real facts in a very concised manner.I was a culprit before. I had my wrist watch taken from me by an immigration officer under the pretence that my kids had over stayed thier visas i ...
read full comment
All I can say is HMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!.
That was an interesting piece of information which was well articulated and very coherent. I could not take my eye off it till I completely finished reading.
Mo hee
Excellent piece, Uncle Mike. I hope all who are in leadership positions could read this. All others, including you, should not fall to pressure and perpetuate corruption.