After traveling on 4 continents and too many countries to list, our family can undoubtedly say that Emmanuel made our trip to Ghana absolutely incredible.  With the help of George Minta (driving the van for our whole family (my husband, son, myself, mother-in-law and father-in-law), they exceeded any possible expectations of what we could do and see in Ghana.  From our start in Accra, to the Akwisadae Festival in Kumsai and visiting a friend's radio station there as well as the national futbol stadium (that wasn't open..but we got a private tour since our son is a futbol player), the Kumasi market,  stopping along the road to see a group weaving Kente cloth, another stop to watch a local family pressing palm oil, to Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, and a journey across the Volta lake to hike Wli Falls.....we even touched a crocodile along the way, saw monkey's, ate incredible local food and snacks, and learned more history than a book could possibly include.   We did too much to begin listing.  Emmanuel  and George made our 5 days in southern Ghana seem so much longer because of how interesting they were individually, how well they know their country and traditions, and how willing they were to hear things we said and take action to make unique experiences.  There couldn't be a better guide, who we now feel is part of our family.  Incredible skill to entertain and teach American's from 14 years old to 77 years old about a country in such a short time.  They took us on stops along the road that ONLY a local could enter.  The majority of our trip was trying to avoid being tourists, and only with Emmanuel and George were we able to leave with that handily accomplished.  The next trip to northern Ghana cannot come soon enough, and waiting to see Emmanuel and George will be just another reason to visit this incredible country.

In summer 2014 I flew to Ghana my first time. Emmanuel picked my friend and me (both girls) up at the airport. Immediately we felt comfortable with his warm-hearted and welcoming manner. He went with us to a close and clean hotel which was pretty cheap for Accra and which we would have never found by ourselves (it’s not in the only available German guide book or in the internet). We stayed there for one night before flying to the capital of the Northern Region – Tamale. Neither my friend nor I have been in Africa before, so we were kind of overwhelmed by the endless impressions and perceptions. Emmanuel explained everything patiently and answered all of our boundless questions. I don’t know any other Ghanaian who is used to Western people/foreigners and shows so much empathy to all of their worries as him. He can make you understand the Ghanaian culture like no one else. Emmanuel shows the best spots for everything you need or you want to see, shares the secrets points of the inhabitants. He pays attention to any desire you have: typical sight-seeing, relaxing time and spots, partying, nature, art (he’s a great artist himself and can make such pretty bracelets!), music, food etc. etc.…He’s really, really intelligent, interested and talented in so many things, so you can have deep conversations about everything. He never felt offended by any of the questions we foreigners have asked (as I said, he knows our question-loving culture pretty good).

Maybe I should add that his English is perfect – much better than mine – which makes it even easier to communicate. But believe me, the language is not the only way of communication with him. He listens carefully, tries to help you in any situation and gives you the best smile the world has seen. You see I go into raptures, because I’m talking about my best Ghanaian friend. We are still in touch. Surely I have met him again my second time in my beloved Ghana. Go and meet this wonderful human being!

I spent 4 months in Ghana volunteering and traveling and got to know Emmanual very well while I was there. He is experienced, funny, and always happy to help anyone out. It has been 3 years now and we still stay in touch.