So, as we find ourselves in the middle of a pandemic, I asked myself should I postpone my trip? Is the Ghanaian government going to open the borders back up? If so, when? If when, what are the restrictions going to be traveling from the United States to Ghana? So many questions … so many uncertainties.
To give you a few facts, I come from a state that is in the top three states in the country that are considered “hot spots.” I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Florida; the “Sunshine State.” Presently, in the state of Florida there are over 5,800 new cases and 276 deaths related to COVID-19 just today. It is fair to say that the coronavirus is not under control in the state of Florida and it definitely is not under control in the United States. The U.S. has surpassed over 500,000 cases of COVID-19, which is devastating and quite embarrassing. Even more embarrassing, is the fact that the U.S. leads the world in COVID-19 cases, which poses a huge problem for travelers wanting to venture outside of the United States.
Most countries around the world, understandably so, are placing strict restrictions on travelers from the United States. The country of Ghana has not opened their borders to any country as of yet, and presumably when they do open their borders, they will most certainly place restrictions on those of us in the diaspora traveling from the U.S.
However, this small little hiccup will not stop me or others that have hopes of stepping foot on the Motherland in the year of 2020. My travel plans still stand and those I speak to are conceding to the fact that they may have to alter their plans, but they will not change their plans. Those of us in the diaspora that are determined to travel to the continent of Africa will get there understanding the journey may be a little rocky. However, my Mother always said to me anything worth having doesn’t come easy. And so, this journey will be no different. There is a reason the world was plagued with this “pandemic” at this time in the history of the world. There is a reason this pandemic has slowed the world down, changed people’s perspective, sat us all down for a period of time, and frankly stopped us in our tracks. We have had to change the way we do things, think about things and go about our daily lives. We have had to think more about family relationships, communicating more effectively with others and just communicate more. This has changed us and some for the better and others say forever. I am one that believes nothing happens by chance; all things happen for a reason and this pandemic is no different.
As you may be aware, Africa has done a fantastic job keeping the COVID-19 numbers low in comparison to other countries and continents. There are many countries in Africa that have opened their boarders back up, are in the process of reopening or are still locked down. It has been reported that Ghana will reopen soon; sometime in September 2020 to international travel. Africa’s tourism was on the rise prior to the pandemic and many believe it will positively grow as expats continue to consider repatriating back to the continent.
So for those of us in the diaspora that have hopes and dreams of traveling to the continent of Africa I say to you, keep your eye on the prize. As I stated, this is merely a hiccup in the road. It happened for a reason. Learn from it, take the time to reflect and prepare for your journey that is ahead.
I will see you on the continent …
Until next time … may our ancestors be with us.
Demetra “Afua” Driskell
I am Demetra Graham Driskell, an African woman born and raised in the United States of America. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and I have worked in the field of Social Services for over twenty years. I am a Mother of three young adults, a Grandmother of two precious Granddaughters and now a Blogger. It is my dream and goal to bring my story of my personal journey to the continent of Africa, raw and uncut to those in the diaspora that have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to absorb the truth about this massive continent. Innately I know this story must be documented from beginning to end. And so, as I like to say, the journey begins.
ALL THINGS AFRICA; THE JOURNEY 