Back to my Mid-East trigger. I don’t envy this pal of one of my crew who has been caught up in the airport closures in Dubai. He left last Friday, for Kpando, apparently where he told his wife he was going to a funeral to return on Sunday. Now, he’s held up in Dubai.

On the floor next to me is Nanasei, with Mike, Eddie, Kweks, Kow in other parts of the room, all of us holding our bellies! We just can’t contain ourselves.

Nanasei then added another tale of a pal of his who found himself waking up after slipping off into slumber at the time he was expected at home. Checking his phone and noticing the innumerable missed calls, he called Nanasei for help, in panic. As always, good old Nanasei came through for him! He made one call. Then, called his friend back asking him to drive out to Nima Police station.

There, an “officer” was waiting for him. Together, they gave his wife a distress call, that he was being held after a midnight traffic offense. Darling wife rushed in, begging for his release. Case closed. Meanwhile, all this happened outside of the station proper. And, the “officer” was on plainclothes duty!

Independence Weekend

Launched in March 2017 by the Ghana Tourism Authority as one of then CEO Akwasi Agyeman’s key visions, the Ghana Heritage Month was poised to inspire nationwide celebration of Ghanaian culture throughout March, aligning with Independence Day on March 6.

Today, it is so exciting to see how much this initiative has been embraced, evolving into a countrywide cultural movement with numerous immersions and activations by hospitality, creatives, and institutions alike. Everybody’s now in on it, and it’s particularly exciting that many of the activities are taking place in rural communities where urban dwellers are shooting off for tourism escapades.

Perhaps, the most exciting event of all would be Asa Baako – the music festival, which returns after a yearlong hiatus, to its base home, Busua. Asa Baako has such staying power, and I’m decidedly optimistic it will continue to grow. If you’re in the Western Region, do drive out to Busua and see what music can do.

Trendy Staycays & GH experiences

For this weekend, we’ve had so many trendy domestic tours listed. This is really something special. Nothing beats building an economy with homegrown ecosystems. Tourism definitely helps with that!

If you follow Citi FM’s Heritage Caravan treks, you’ll get super warm to realize how much there is to do even domestically. No need to always pack up and trip to foreign destinations.

It’s time to really celebrate Ghana like never before. Towards the end of the month, there’ll be the inaugural Joy (FM) Ghana Fest which is poised to bring more of the best of Ghanaian culture! Save the dates: March 20 to 22 at Achimota Mall, during which time they will activate the Joy Safari Experience – a 2 day luxury getaway to Safari Valley and Aqua Safari, packed with wildlife encounters, lakeside moments, bonfire vibes and pure relaxation.

A WangoWango brews

Come March 27-29, WangoWango is hosting Camp RE – Restore in Nature – a countryside wellness escapade restoring body, soil & spirit. But, you join on Sunday, March 29 for Bako Bamba – an immersive cocoa picnic safari in Mampong Akropong. On a working cocoa farm, we’ll crack pods, taste earth, and share soil stories. Rooted feasts. Open skies. Stranger circles. Look forward to it!

In this chaotic world era, I’d rather be caught up in on this island in Kpando Torkor – where Bernice & Shadrack host a fabulous sanctuary where water, sand, and sky come together in the most magical way, renting tents for camping that sit right along the shoreline, giving you uninterrupted views of sunrise, sunset, and the serene island landscape,- than in the Middle East where airport closures are causing anxiety.