Ghana Cultural Immersion Trip Q&A

Hello and welcome to a live video. So this live video is for you if you are thinking about Ghana, you have been curious about cultural immersion, you've been curious about just going to the continent of Africa, and if you've been thinking about considering being a part of Ghana for the 70th Independence Day, this is for you. I am Zaakirah. I am a brand strategist and a cultural immersion person, and I'm a world traveler as well. So I'm making sure that when you do travel, you have the experience of being able to, uh, go to a new place or return to a place that you haven't been to in a long time while also being in a place where you can heal and you can rediscover yourself. So this conversation is basically an overview conversation about the trip happening March 1st through 10th, 2027 to Ghana. It's going to happen during the time of Ghana's 70th Independence Day. And so what we have here also is I have happily decided to partner with Certified Africa. And if you've never heard of Certified Africa, that's why we have someone named Kee here who's going to tell you all about Certified Africa. So hi, Keith.

Hello, Ms. Zaakirah.

Thank you for having me here.

I'm blazing. Yourself?

Good, good, good. So, um, let's see, the backstory is I, I had known of Kristin online, um, for a long time because she's also from or went to school in the area where I have a lot of family in the US. And so then we finally met up in person when I returned to Ghana for the first time in 15 years. And I was like, okay, there's several things that need to happen. One is people— one, I returned to Ghana and I was a tourist all over again because there's so many new places and new things and new history and new findings. And I'm like, people need to know about this. And also because I have my own invisible disability. So yes, there's those trips and organizations where people need to be aware of those with physical disabilities, like they use canes, they use walkers, they can't walk very long, but what about those who have other disabilities? And so I was talking to Kristin and I'm like, okay, there needs to be something happening during Independence Day because historically I don't think many people understand that Ghana had been a trailblazer in a lot of ways, especially when it came to commemorating and getting independence. So I'm gonna let you just talk about that, talk about Ghana, talk about your name, your name, and talk about Certified African. So tell us who you are, who started Fight Africa, and why Ghana?

Okay, so, um, thank you so much for having me here once again. My name is Ebenezer Kwame Yeboah. So, um, Ebenezer my first name, Kwame my middle name, and Yeboah my last name. So KEY is actually an acronym. From my name. So the K is Kwame. Kwame means that someone born on a Saturday. So the male version is Kwame and the female version is Ama. So I'm Kwame Ebenezer Yebua, but my certified African family love to call me Key for short. So I go with Key, but the full name is Ebenezer Kwame Yebua. Yes. And I am a member of Certified Africa. So Certified Africa is a travel company, but we don't see ourselves as mainly and solely travel company, but we also see ourselves as a family that connects the African diaspora to the people of Africa through transformational and intentional travel experiences. And The story goes as far back as when Christine— you mentioned Christine, our CEO— was in Ghana. So during her years in college, she traveled to Ghana as an exchange student, and she was impacted, if I should put it that way. So she wanted, you know, the African diaspora to also have that same experience that she has been journeying for all these years. You know, to reconnect to the people, learn about your history, um, your ancestry and where we came from and, and all of that. So that is what Certified African does. We are serving as a bridge between the African diaspora and the people of Africa through shared heritage, through love, through respect for, um, the people, the culture, and, you know, so basically that is the philosophy of Certified Africa. And Key, as a team member, is also the bridge between the traveler and the experience. What I mean by that is that Key is the person behind the scene, mainly the person behind the scene that is connecting directly with the travelers, you know, telling their travel idea into a well-organized travel experience, starting from the itinerary development to logistics, you know, and the, the on-the-ground experiences throughout your stay in Ghana until when you fly back to your country where you came from. So basically, that is, that is about it.

Mm-hmm. Yes, and I think it's very important also to have the local, um, be involved because there's a difference between someone can have a group organization and then almost never even go to any of the local spots at all. And to me, that's very important. And my first time in Ghana was with an organization that was It's called Crossroads Africa, Operation Crossroads Africa, but it's known to be basically the 2-month version of the Peace Corps. And so when you go to a certain country, you are intentionally being amongst the locals and being of service, obviously, because it's a volunteer trip. But that really opened doors to one, fully understanding the culture of Ghana, but also understanding that there's a type of travel that is actually more impactful. So I know at some of the places that we're going to go to on the itinerary, I've been before, and it's also— I've already vetted it as well. So I know like, okay, this is really important. This is, you know, important not just for history but for immersion travel and to also understand the history, because not many people are fully understanding the bridge between, uh, the U.S. and Africa. So why do you think the, uh, some of the places that we're going to— I'll go through the entire itinerary, but Just off the top of your head, some of the places that we're going to, why do you think it's, it's very important to have it on the itinerary?

Okay, so, um, just to give you an overview of the itinerary, we'll be going to, um, Accra. We'll be doing the Cape Coast Castle, the Asimanso Ancestral River. We also have, of course, some traditional ceremony as well. We'll be going to, um, Adana for some realization and kind of celebration as well. So basically, um, that's the general overview of the itinerary. And we chose the places because, um, we wanted the trip to tell a story, you know, to tell a story. And the places that we chose gives you the different perspective of Ghana. So for instance, when we talk about Accra, Accra gives you the, the modern feel, you know, the heart— the heartbeat of Ghana, bustling with people, with industries, governmental institutions, and also gives you the history, you know, of Ghana's struggle for independence as well. We will be going to some of the most iconic places in Accra, for instance, the Independence Square, the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Museum, where he stood to declare independence. And when we go to Cape Coast, for instance, also tells us the story of our ancestry, you know, the transatlantic slave trade, where our forefathers had to be taken away from the land to, you know, somewhere else. So that also gives us the chance to reflect, to remember who we are, and pay homage to the people who came before us, show respect to them as well. And of course, there will be also a time to pause, reflect, and relax, and some celebration as well. As I mentioned, the, um, Adan, and we'll be having chocolate tasting. And when we go to the Ancient Tree Museum, that also gives us a different perspective. but in an art or in the form of arts, telling the story as well. So that's why we chose these places for the itinerary, you know, to tell a story and to also help you to immerse in the culture of Ghana.

Yes, and I also want to be sure to mention that this is a unique trip also because, uh, with me being a Black American Muslim, women, I think it's also intentional to make sure that we're considerate of all religions, we're considerate of all dietary restrictions, we're considerate of all disability needs, but also being considerate of the fact that in order for you to actually heal, you kind of need to be sober. So there is no alcohol on— no alcohol.

No, no alcohol.

Yes. So instead, what we're going to do, we're going to do what I like to call the equivalent of I like to call it chocolate high. So we'll get chocolate high, right? So there's actually going to be a feature, um, a day on the itinerary right before you leave, right before you fly back, right after Independence Day, but also right before you fly back, where you get to learn more about how chocolate is made. And most of your chocolate that you like and your favorite chocolate is actually based in this area in Ghana. Speaking of, we're doing all of this during Independence Day. Now, what's going to be different about this trip because it's happening during Independence Day? What are some of the activities that usually go on, and what's actually going to be special about this specific itinerary day?

Okay, so, um, the, the trip happening on Independence Day give us, um, or help us to remember, you know, where we came from, um, the struggle we've been through to, um, be where we are today. So, um, the independence of Ghana go far beyond Ghana. And Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, our first president, when he was declaring independence, he said that The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of the African continent. So right after independence, Ghana was very instrumental in helping other African countries to also gain independence. So being here in Independence Day will give us help us to remember where we came from, what has shaped our story and our future, and. Paying respect to the people who came before us, people who made the sacrifices for us to be here today. And I remember a story of Martin Luther King Jr. during the night when Ghana was declaring independence, he was here. And when he returned home, he gave a sermon about the birth of a new nation where he referenced Ghana And talks about how, what do you call it, freedom looks like, and say that Ghana has something to tell us. So yes, arriving on Independence Day give us that time to experience Ghana. As I said, the patriotism, the uniqueness, the oneness, and talking about oneness and uniqueness. Ghana is home to about 50 tribes and languages, but this is the time that we put our differences aside and then we all come together as one people to, you know, show love for our country, to respect those who came before us, and to remember ourselves where we came from and, you know, helping to also forge forward. Because Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said, forward ever, backwards never. So yes, uh, coming together to forge forward, fight forward, and also create a future for ourselves. So being in Ghana during that period helps you to understand and gives you the opportunity to also experience, um, the, the independence. So it was Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957, but this time it's going to be you. So yes, you have to be here to experience it for yourself as well.

Absolutely. And there's a phrase called Sankofa, which also means to look back in order to go forward. So that's also something to keep in mind as well. So keep that word in mind as well when you're thinking about this. Now, a lot of people are going to have questions about, okay, but I don't Especially if it's their first time coming to the continent, they're probably only depending on what they see on YouTube, what they see on the media, and a lot of them are probably really afraid of shots. So do they really need to get the yellow fever vaccine card? What else do they need to get aside from making sure that they have at least 6 months within their passport, um, from the time that of the trip, you know, before your passport expires? But what else, what else is a must-have in order to land in Ghana?

So the must-have, you've already talked about yellow fever, so of course you need your visa. You need your visa. And, um, I don't know where you'll be coming from, but if you're coming from the US or any of the European countries, then yes, you need a visa. And the visa, you can either apply for the single entry or the multiple entry, but what we advise is that you go for the multiple entry. Because, you know, you come to Ghana for the first time and trust me, you're going to fall in love with Ghana. And when you go back, you may want to come back and now you have to go through the visa process all over again. So why don't you get a multiple entry so that when you go back and Ghana is calling you, just get your ticket and then you fly back in? So that's why we always advise to go for the multiple entry. Is, um, some few Uh, I think some few dollars, you know, more than the single entry, but that also gives you, um, the opportunity to come in and go as and when you, you desire. So yes, you need your visa, and then you need a yellow fever vaccination. It's, it's, um, a requirement to travel to Ghana. You need a yellow fever vaccination, and you can get it from your healthcare provider And I always advise that you put it so that— give me one moment, let me see if I can get mine. Okay, what is this? Oh, so sorry. Yes, okay, so it's right here. I should have prepared this earlier. Okay, so this is the yellow fever card. It looks like this. Once you get your shots, you'll be given this card, and this is your proof of yellow fever vaccination. And I always advise that you keep it in your passports ready, so when you get to the immigration checks, you're not now going through your bag to go look for it. It's already here. So yes, you need the yellow fever vaccination to travel to Ghana. So basically, these are the two requirements: your visa and your yellow fever. And of course, your passport must be valid six months beyond your travel date. So let's say you are traveling in March. So March, April, May, June, July, August, September. So that means your passport. Must not be expiring later than September. So that's what you mean by 6 months beyond your travel date. So you get that, and at least get 2 consecutive blank spaces in your passport for stamps, and you are good to go. But if you are traveling with Certified Africa, we also make it a requirement to get a travel medical insurance. So that will be an extra requirement. It's not a requirement to travel to Ghana, but it's a requirement to travel with Certified Africa on any experience. So that is, that is all about the requirement. But there are cases where people cannot get the yellow fever vaccination or the shot due to health issues. If you have such issues, all you need to do is to get an exemption letter from your healthcare provider And that should be okay for you to travel to Ghana.

Yeah, absolutely. Very helpful information. And it's also— it's, it's not as bad as you may think, right? It's just literally just to make sure you make it through customs, right? Because there's so many people going through customs so much that it just makes it easier for you to get through the experience. And speaking of, there are going to be lots of flight options. I know Everyone concerned about the airline situation, the FAA and everything, uh, do you have a couple options, especially if you're coming from the East Coast of the US? Either you're coming from New York or you're coming from DC or you're coming from Atlanta, Georgia. There are several flight options. Um, the one that I recommend, especially if you can get a— get it at a good price, is to get the nonstop flights from New York or from DC. That, you know, reduces your jet lag, reduces the amount of time you're in But if you're also one of those that, you know, you traveled already, you're used to traveling, you just want to maybe add another country to your stop, there are a few airlines that have stopover programs. Ethiopian Airlines was one of them. Turkish Airlines was another one. If you have the flexibility, energy-wise, financial-wise, schedule-wise, to give yourself a couple of days before March 1st to have a stopover flight and do it that way, that's another option. You can do that on your own time. But again, all of this is not included in the price. And I know that's your next question that people have. I'm like, okay, so you helping us with all of this? No, I'm giving you the information so that you know what to do. And we're also here to help you answer any questions. But now I feel like the biggest question that people really have is what comes with the price? Not for the price yet. What comes with the price?

Okay, so the price comes with your accommodation?

It comes with meals and it comes with transportation. What else does it come with?

Okay, so it comes with, as I said earlier, the accommodation and then airport transfers and underground transportation. So right from the airport when you arrive, the team will be waiting for you outside the lobby. They pick you up from there, transport you to the hotel. So, and then the last day when you're flying back home, it also transports you to the airport. So the airport transfers and underground transportation. So when the trip starts from your hotel to the places that you'll be going, there's transportation for you. and air-conditioned transportation with food provided as well. And then, um, the, the support team that will also be with you throughout the experience, but it doesn't come with meals. I think the only meal we are providing is on day 2 when we have the Accra City experience. We are providing a local lunch, just the lunch. And on day 8 when we go to Aqua Safari also providing a buffet lunch. So these are the 2, um, meals that we are providing. Apart from that, any other meal, you have to take care of that yourself. And unfortunately, because we are using, um, an Airbnb, um, accommodation, we're also not providing breakfast as well. So breakfast, lunch, dinner, um, is something that you have to take care of that yourself. That is not part of uh, it's not factored into the tour price. So basically that, that is it. And of course the entrance fees to all the sites that we'll be going, so you don't need to pay any entrance fee when you get to any site. That is also factored into the price. Yes.

Yeah.

And when we go to the site, you have your private guide that will be taking the group, you know, taking us to through the experience, learn about the history and all that.

Yeah, and because there's so many amazing restaurants now, um, you're gonna want to, you know, experience that, you know. Obviously we'll have to worry about everybody eating the same thing, and there's so many— there's going to be so many restaurants within close vicinity. And the point also is for you to bond. One, experience the food, choose what, what food and restaurant you want to be able to eat at and bond, right? If you all decide— if, hey, we all decide, okay, let's go to this one restaurant because this is where we want to go. A lot of you are content creators too, so you want to be able to make your own, you know, relationships and partnerships. Again, if you choose to come back to Ghana and experience, uh, even more on your own. So it's going to be unique in the sense of that unless we're already together It— you're on your own for your own meals because everybody's gonna have different budgets, everybody can have different meal preferences, and there's so many options to choose from.

So exactly, that's, that's, that's the main reason why we don't include meals in the itinerary, because we don't want to box anyone into any budget or taking any particular meal or anything like that. But you're not, you're not going to figure this out know, everything on your own. The team is always on the ground to help you every step of the way. If you need suggestions of restaurants to go to, the team will be there with you to provide options and, and all of that. So you don't have to worry about, you know, where to turn, where to go, where to eat from, and all that. The team is always on the ground to provide that kind of support.

Yeah, and it's gonna be an emotional journey for sure, so we got you. We got your back. Okay, so I think, um, let me see if there's any more frequently asked questions that most people would usually ask.

Let's see.

No, I think that's it. I think most people—

Okay.

These are most questions. Of course, if there's any other question that people have, of course you can ask us directly. Now let's tell them how much everything costs. So there's 2 different prices. Right, there's one price for if you're comfortable with sharing a room with one other woman, or you want a room to yourself. So what are the different prices?

Okay, so for, um, sharing a room with one other person, that is 2 people sharing a room, the price is $2,535. That is $2,535 USD. And for one person in a room, the price is $2,950. Yes, so that's for single occupancy, $2,950, and for double occupancy it is $2,535.

And you can make your own payment plan, and the payment plan is up to you, but the minimum deposit is $200. You just want to say, okay, let me make this my yes, just like if you were imagining you're about to, uh, Say yes to yourself. All you need to do is do a $200 deposit to make that commitment.

Um, yeah, I'm glad you mentioned, um, um, payment plan. So yes, we are not asking you to pay everything outright. There's a payment plan that, uh, we, we use. So, but the requirement is that you make a $200 deposit. And after you make the deposit, the rest of the payment is divided on equally monthly installments until 60 days before the travel time. So I think with this particular trip, we have 6— this is 6 or 7, I have to check to be very sure, but I think it's around 6 or 7 monthly installments. So right after you make the deposit, you have 6 installments to pay every month, and then after you finish it, you're good to go. But just like you mentioned, if you want to pay more, if you want to pay outright, that's also okay. Yes, but we are giving you that plan, you know, to offer some flexibility. Yes, so thank you for mentioning that. Yes. And yeah, one thing that people also want to ask is about the weather. That's one question that people ask about the weather. So The weather in March is warm and sunny. It is warm and sunny. So, um, of course you want to get light breathable clothing, get your hats or your cap, get a sun cream and maybe sunglasses as well. So yes, and make sure that, um, you can come with a bottle, um, a bottle water, a reusable bottle water. But there's always water on the bus. There's always water on the bus, so you don't have to worry about water. But you're also free to bring your own reusable bottle water as well. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the trip. And there's also going to be some form of walking, so make sure that you're also fit. I'm not saying there's going to be too much walking, but some form of walking, of course. So yes, make sure you're also fit for for, for that. Take your, um, take your water, do some exercises, make sure that you are in shape, and yes, you're going to have a very good experience in Ghana.

Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that because that reminds me about, um, uh, the fashion world as well. It is so easy for you to also be able to get an outfit made. Um, uh, that's one of my favorite experiences because especially if someone who never got to really have, you know, dresses tailored or suits tailored, having an outfit that is uniquely to you is such a special experience. So one, yes, bring clothing, bring modest clothing, bring clothing to be able to adjust your body to different temperatures, but also be prepared to get an outfit made because that's going to be a wonderful experience, a wonderful souvenir as well.

Oh, I'm so sorry. Um, I think the line went dead. Can you say that again? I didn't catch what you said.

No way. I, I was talking about the furniture, the fashion, and the clothing, and people getting their, uh, clothes made to not only bring— pack light, pack light so that you can be able to take more stuff back.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

Great. Okay. And Um, I think people should also know that the outlets, even though now there's, there's more outlets now in certain places where it's universal, where if whatever the outlet is in the US and Europe is the same thing in Ghana, but just in case, um, make sure to bring an adapter as well, right?

Yes, yes, and that, that Type G the UK type, that's what we use in Ghana. So make sure you bring, yes, that type.

Yes, great. So I think that if— yeah, what else?

Let me say that if, if you are worrying about money exchange, whether you can use your card and all that, yes, you can use your card in Ghana. Many of the places that you're going to, many of the restaurants, um, yes, you can use your card for payment. But you have to make sure that you notify your bank of, um, your traveling abroad. So once you notify your bank, yes, you are good to go. You can use your card. And, um, most of the ATMs also accept the card, so you can withdraw straight from the ATM. And if you need to change some dollars as well, the team will be on ground to help you exchange as much as you need. So that is, um, one thing that I wanted to also put across.

Yeah, I'm glad you mentioned that too, because, um, that reminds me also about phones. Nowadays there's a lot of programs that have eSIMs, so you don't necessarily need to get a completely different SIM card or even a, um, a different phone for the SIM anymore. So you can either add the plan to your phone plan that you already have in the US Or there's something called eSIMs. And there's a new technology where, just like there's Venmo and Cash App and PayPal in the US, there's also programs now where there's a certain mobile money network where you can just do it with a certain phone number, get a temporary phone number, and do mobile money that way.

Mm-hmm.

So technology is growing and advancing in lots of places. But yes, of course, technology does go out. There will be occasional power outages, just so you know. So make sure that you're also prepared as well with cash, with physical cards, not just the tap-to-pay option as well. So yes.

I'm glad you mentioned that.

Yes. Great. So what else? Any questions we think we're missing? Any other information we think we skipped over?

So, um, I think we've exhausted the questions, but of course if anyone has any question, they can always reach out to you, and I believe I will get— I'll get that, and then you can respond to that accordingly. But I want to invite everybody to come and experience Ghana if, um, you are looking for an authentic experience in If you are looking for a place that you can connect with the people, cultural immersion, experience the culture, the food, yes, this is the place to be. And so this trip is not mainly about vacation per se, but is some form of a homecoming, a homecoming. So yes, this is where Um, this is the motherland. This is, this is where you truly belong. So come and experience the people. If you're someone who is curious about, um, Africa and Ghana, if you've always wanted to travel to Ghana and but never had a chance, this is the time to, to do so. So, um, come. And we are not promising that we are going to turn you into a Ghanaian in 10 days, but at least you get, um, the chance to experience Ghana in this short period. So come curious, come open-minded, come and enjoy the people, come and be part of the people, and you're gonna have a great experience. The, the beautiful part of it is that everyone is going to have something different to take away, something different to take away. So yes, that makes The experience, you know what? That's what made the experience worth it. So yes, come and you definitely have something to take away. Just like Martinita had something to take away, you also have something to take away. So we are inviting you to join the trip.

Absolutely. And as we say in the local language, akwaba, which means welcome. So welcome. You are welcome to come. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Great. Okay, well, this has been a very informative conversation. Thank you, Keith.

Thank you, Ms. Zaakirah, for having me. And I'm always available, you know, whenever there's any questions so far. Yes, you can always reach out.

All right, we'll talk to you soon.

Yes, I appreciate it.