Navigating Dumsor: 5 Ways to Enjoy Ghana Without Compromising Your Experience
Ghana, known as the "Gateway to Africa," is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. However, like many developing nations, Ghana has faced challenges in its energy sector, leading to occasional power outages known as "dumsor."
CULTURE
Leslie E. Jones
5/3/20244 min read
Navigating Dumsor
Ghana, known as the "Gateway to Africa," is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. However, like many developing nations, Ghana has faced challenges in its energy sector, leading to occasional power outages known as "dumsor."
As a visitor to Ghana in 2024, you may be concerned about how to handle dumsor without compromising your experience. In this blog post, we will explore five ways to navigate dumsor while still enjoying all that Ghana has to offer.
1. Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to handle dumsor as a visitor is to plan your activities and accommodations with the power outages in mind. Before you arrive in Ghana, research the dumsor schedule for the area you will be staying in.
This will allow you to plan your daily activities accordingly, ensuring that you are not caught off guard by sudden power cuts.Additionally, consider booking accommodations that have alternative power sources, such as generators or solar panels.
This will help minimize any disruptions during dumsor periods and ensure that you have access to essential amenities like electricity and water.
2. Embrace the Local Lifestyle
Instead of viewing dumsor as an inconvenience, embrace it as an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle in Ghana. Many Ghanaians have learned to adapt to dumsor by finding alternative ways to stay entertained and productive during power outages.
Take this chance to explore the vibrant street markets, engage in conversations with locals, or participate in cultural activities that don't require electricity. By immersing yourself in the local lifestyle, you will gain a deeper understanding of Ghana's culture and resilience.
3. Pack Essential Items
When preparing for your trip to Ghana, make sure to pack essential items that will come in handy during dumsor periods. These items can include:
A flashlight or headlamp
A power bank to charge your electronic devices
Battery-operated fans or portable hand fans
A reusable water bottle
Non-perishable snacks
Having these items readily available will help you stay comfortable and prepared during power outages. It's always better to be proactive and have the necessary supplies rather than relying solely on the availability of electricity.
4. Support Local Businesses
During dumsor periods, local businesses often face challenges in operating smoothly. As a visitor, you can support these businesses by patronizing them and understanding the difficulties they may encounter due to power outages.
Instead of relying on large chain restaurants or international hotel chains, opt for local eateries and accommodations. By doing so, you not only contribute to the local economy but also have a more authentic experience of Ghanaian hospitality and cuisine.
5. Stay Positive and Flexible
Finally, the most important way to handle dumsor as a visitor is to maintain a positive and flexible mindset. Understand that power outages are a temporary inconvenience and part of the reality of life in Ghana.
Instead of letting it dampen your experience, adapt to the situation and make the most of your time in the country.Remember that Ghana has so much to offer beyond dumsor, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant festivals.
Focus on the beauty and uniqueness of your surroundings, and you will find that dumsor becomes a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of your visit.
Conclusion
As a visitor to Ghana, you can handle dumsor without compromising your motherland experience by planning ahead, embracing the local lifestyle, packing essential items, supporting local businesses, and staying positive and flexible.
By following these five tips, you can navigate dumsor while still enjoying the vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and natural wonders that Ghana has to offer. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the "Gateway to Africa."
My Experience
Now that the politically correct response is out of the way. Folks, visiting and living in Ghana was a cold turkey experience for me. I knew no one, and most YouTube channels that talk about true situations in Ghana did not exist. I learned by going through.
My first visit to Ghana was two weeks long and the Dumsor did not poke it's ugly head then, My second trip to Ghana was a month and a half. I was in what they consider a "mansion" Airbnb. I rented a room and had house help.
My clothes were washed and folded. My food was prepped and cooked. I thought I had it made at $15 a day in East Legon! Then, one fine night, I was taking a shower. Thank goodness I was towards the end of my shower. The water stopped.
The house help came in and said, "The electricity is out. There's no power for the water to get to you from the polytank. (No water is another blog). We should have power by the morning." It was already past 10 pm. I was ready for bed, so the timing was okay. By the time I woke up, all would be fixed...I thought.
My phone didn't charge overnight. My laptop had no power. I sat in the Airbnb host's car to charge my phone, but I could not keep his car running plus it was charging so slow. Mind you, I am there looking for land. I had meetings and needed to communicate with estate companies. LAWWWD!
The house help walked me to a neighborhood store to charge my phone and laptop. I sat there for over an hour. This neighborhood store is a container with wires coming out of every direction, but I was grateful.
Luckily, I had enough juice to confirm my meetings for the next day. The next day came. Still no electricity, and now I am taking bucket baths. Dumsor lasted for 3 days, and I had to charge my phone during every Uber ride to get through the day.
A rule of thumb when staying in Ghana. Do not stay at an Airbnb without a generator. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Beautiful people...once you learn how to maneuver around the inconveniences, develop relationships with the locals, and fully understand you are not in the WEST.
All will be well, and your Motherland experience will be one you will never forget. When are you visting the Motherland? Need an Air Bnb referral in Ghana? Need a tour company recommendation? Thinking about buying land in Ghana? I got you covered in all areas. Click the links below:
Air Bnb Recommendation + My Tour of the Air Bnb
"The Due Diligence Process: How To Buy Land In Ghana" E-book
