Why I Recommend Most People Not Import Their Items To Ghana
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- People always ask me about importing their belongings to Ghana when they move and I tell the no, no, no! In this video I discuss why I do not recommend you importing your items to Ghana.
Facebook.com/ericmcnealisfree
ericisfree
My sister-in-law who is part Ghanaian was moving back to Ghana after 30 years of living in Switzerland. She shipped a ton of stuff to Ghana, I believe through the Takoradi port. Her items, including her vehicle, were delivered to her in Accra and things were still stolen. She was furious. Even with so-called connections you can still get ripped off. I lived two two-year stints in Ghana. I took my laptop, cell phone and clothes. I got rid of everything just as you suggested. It’s just not worth the hassle of trying to save money by importing things. I also brought along my bible and a number of books that I just had to have with me. I hope those from the diaspora appreciate what you’re sharing as it’s real life and not a fairly and out of a Trip Advisor, etc. Keep on brother! We definitely need to hook up once I visit Ghana. Jay.
You can import your belongings into Tema , as long as you pay bribes to the correct person. Before shipping anything make a portfolio of all your inventory take serial numbers, take photographs
mark everything with security markers that can only be visible under ultraviolet light, take out appropriate insurance as Ghana like any other West - African country is considered HIGH - RISK !!
With all you've experienced it's difficult to believe that you think being there is worth it. I'm starting to understand why many Africans don't desire to return once they come to the U.S.. The greed and corruption is discouraging. Thank you for being honest about your journey and not giving a false narrative.
you are right my brother! hit them hard. we those in Ghana are tired of the disgusting things they do at the airport and the various ports. it's embarrassing. corruption everywhere
They won't change its a way of life for them.Their government don't have the guts to form law and enforced it to cutout the crookry
Brother the more I see these videos not only yours it's so disheartening and infuriating to know the scams, thievery and out and out disrespect for the people who are trying to establish themselves in their county, brother Thank you for being so honest about your experiences, I think I'll dance with the devil's I know in the divided states......
Thanks for the heads up bro . When you said he worked at the port, I already knew the deal.
Thank you for this information.
Despite the fact that u can get most things in Ghana, I find they are either incredibly expensive or the quality is compromised.
In the UK there are reputable Door to Door companies that pick from ur home and deliver to ur door in Ghana. They can be reasonably priced and its hassle free
Yes, sometimes it does make sense to import and people who do it over and over do it without complication. But one wrong move can cost you dearly.
These are the type of videos that need views thanks for the gems
That tip about the clearinghouse was good. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
You pointed out the problem but also gave the solution because I will be importing my truck but now I know what I need in reference. Household things I can find. Thanks brother
People it's worth insuring your stuff against damage and theft. Worth doing so regardless where you migrate to. Great advice about importing a vehicle. What about spare parts.
Good looking out. Great advice
I really love your honesty when sharing your experience in Ghana, thanks bro
Brother McNeal, it's all good as they say in America. Thumbs up for your vital info and clear headed response to the various situations you encounter in Ghana. Very proud of you and ES and Lancecurve. You all deserve a badge of honor.
Very true cos if your car is worth 5K dollars and you gonna spend like 6K dollars to ship and clear that makes 11k...convert 11k to cedis and you will realise its about 60k cedis.. You will easily get a good car for that price from dealers... So don't bother shipping bulky items.. Great advice. Bless
Exactly!
Wow! I knew or heard about the vehicles, but I never knew about the door to door service and how not to ship stuff in new boxes. Good info. Thanks.
Yes, the small things that make a big difference.
The only way forward is for those that is coming is to communicate with each other the does and don't
Yes indeed!
Always good to do your homework before sending any expensive vichle to Ghana.
Yes, you're going to pay for an education one way or the other.
@@joschkahurst I agree that race has nothing to do with right and wrong or good and bad.
This is very important information...thanks!
It just happen to me this Aug2020 I send a car with some items from UK to GH the car was clear and the items in the car vanish, if you want yours goods to pass through the port safe you have to put them into container or buy insurance, if you insurer your goods then no one will touch them because they know that it's insure goods, or the container can't open without you, in this way your things will be safe
Sorry for you loss, but thanks for sharing.
Insurance doesn't work in Ghana
Great advice! Thx
Use DHL for small electronics items.
Thanks so much...Very helpful and informative 👍🖤
Glad to hear!
There are good "door to door" shipping companies from USA to Ghana.
Hello Nii cld u let me know those shipping companies
Thank you for all of the GREAT advice!!! We're trying to figure out what we want to do ship-wise, and there are so many details that you could easily miss, which will end up costing you a lot of extra money. So we're trying to do as much research as possible. Our big dilemma is that we're moving to Rwanda, and the container has to ship to Tanzania's port first (because Rwanda is land locked), so we're trying to find out how would we get our things from Tanzania's port to Rwanda??? Oh well, we'll find the answer one day. THANKS AGAIN ERIC.....you shared very helpful information!!!
Glad it's helpful. My suggestion is to spend a bit more and do door-to-door service and let the shipping company figure out how to get it to your final destination.
Thanks for your feedback Eric!!!
Hi Deborah, we are planning to relocate to Rwanda also, and seeking ways to ship 2 vehicles and some household items We are semi retired, I know people kept saying sell everything and buy stuff there. It’s not that easy when we work so hard, bought stuff to enjoy in our retirement years, wasn’t planning to retire in Rwanda, but we research and love the country, and choose to retire there. The money to buy new stuff can be used to invest. Door to door would be a good thing for us. If you find out anything please let us know. Thanks in advance. 🌺🙏🏾💕
Thanks for sharing your story. I have friends who are also there, and they have the same story. My question, did you share a container or ship them in your own container. I ask because I wonder if sharing the container with people is the issue. Trying to learn. Thank you.
You have to ship..very carefully..& get insurance.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you Eric. Great info. Easier to sell and give away everything!
Yes indeed!
Love your channel!!!Great information’n
Glad to hear!
Thank you again for another great video. I've been tossing and turning on if I should ship or not. I believe based on your advice and your bad experience I will NOT ship any items and start over when I arrive permanently to live in Africa.
Smart move unless your really understand what you're doing.
Depending where you going to in Afrika, Ghana is probably the worse. Others have next to free duties
@@danielasante8245 - I guess it's all of a matter of opinion, and what fits your personal needs.
That is true. Anything that I will decide to import will done by Air instead of a shipping container. It cost more, but less stress and the possibility of someone stealing your personal items.
Nice, I had a very similar experience. Importing my truck (Nissan Frontier) was a nightmare
Have a off grid small home almost done in the central region.
Yes, importing vehicles is the worse. Good luck on your home.
The engine size is what is killing folks. The trick is not to buy the vehicle too expensive overseas: A $10, 000 2012 Nissan Frontier will cost the same in duty as a $7000 2011 one. If you get the 2011, you save $3, 000 to help pay import duties. Let's understand the government policy here: They are taxing ostentatious living. Some people don't care and still bring in Maseratis and Bentleys because they have the money.
Thank you Mr. McNeal 💯
I was thinking about moving to Africa but my brother how you giving these rundown on land ownership and now importing items I'll stay where I'm at the world is the same no matter where you go stay bless Bro
Wow. Thank you brother, The market is rigged on behalf of a group of people. I have seen that stuff in Haiti when I sent a truck over there. I would never do that again. Here I would have fallen into the same trap. Thank you so much.
Yes, it can be an unpleasant surprise.
Charging duty using brand new vehicle price on an old car, day light robbery 4 sure. Belived Africa no accountability.
It is not! It is punitive in someway because they don't want a lot of used and shitty cars coming into the country. It is also a way to tax the well to do to. Until, Ghana is able to get more from direct taxes, this will continue to be the case. On another note, you pay almost to nothing if you import a tractor or something that is a capital good. Just imagine, people don't have to pay property taxes so it evens out.
another good straight forward video. i have a farm tractor with implements that i would want to bring IF i relocated so i could continue to grow my own food but this video makes you think. i'm sure there are tractors there for sale but......................
Yes, just try to contact a clearing agent and get the exact price to import it so you are not surprised.
This a very good video. I think its best to only bring clothes and a laptop. Sell everything and re-buy it.
Smart move!
We had Real bad experience items stolen from US to Tema. Sad satuition . Something need to done !
Sorry to hear that. You really have to know what you're doing to navigate the system.
I would take careful inventory..you to weight what the cost would be to replace mist of your items.
We share the same passion on books - 😂😂 I have some you showed
So if I purchase my own containers and lock them!!! ...and have them open by customs in
my presence ....can I do that?...alone with the clearing agent!!! ....or to expensive?.....just thinking!!!
You'll have to just compare based on the value of your possessions. My guess is that it's more economical for most people to sell their items at home and repurchase vs going through the expense of ensuring a smooth delivery, but the real problem is when you don't have your paperwork completed by the time the ship arrives and your items must be transported to the warehouse.
I had already decided that I would not be importing anything because the cost of the container and shipping cost and then the HIDDEN backhander PAYMENT to the people at the port... Runs into 1000s... What's the point???
Keep it simple.. I'll bring what I can with me or use door to door... Even then... It's ridiculously funny.. Ghana, Ghana...
Smart move!
Does the same apply if you decide to ship from neighboring Asian countries?
@@rubymargaritais5657 Probably-do your research.
Sorry you went through that , if you have door to door service use that for peace of mind
Thank you for the information
My pleasure
Most things are manufactured in China. As long as China remains Africa's largest trading partner, you can find these things. With vehicles, don't buy vehicles with engine capacities more 2.9 else you get hit with 20 percent duty.
Very good tips !
I totally believe you but I'm inquiring about the logistics how they get to steal: When the container is opened, they just say "Oh no, the equipment you're saying was in there isn't in there"??? Isn't there a checklist from the port of departure that itemizes each and every item so the workers at the arrival port cannot steal/ have things turn up missing?
Ohhh OK, you resolved the question towards the end of the video. Door-to-door it is.
That's a good question. Yes, there is a list of items, but because of the sheer number of items no one can check everything coming in and often times those responsible for checking are involved with stealing the items. Imagine you are importing hundreds of items over. You will not know anything was taken until the items reach your home. And because you have imported hundreds of items over you may not know for weeks or even months.
@@EricIsFree I guess I assumed I'd be notified of when the shipment arrives, and would then go there to witness what they're doing. Too ethical and ideal I presume.....
I'm here now and things I would STILL have imported are:
1- My beds (you know they sleep on stone out here), plus linen and my artwork
2- Seasonings galore, boxes of Raisin bran Crunch and cake mix, Jiffy cornbread, flavored coffee creamers, ***aged*** ACV (I didn't know how to pack an open gallon I have that I aged for potency/ additional "mother"), loose leaf teas & colon cleanse pills (I'm hella surprised they don't cleanse over here)
3- More spandexy dresses and skirts, flat shoes, and sneakers- I've barely worn my heels :(
@@s.p.5213 Yes, you'll be notified well in advance of the ship docking and every step of the way. The problem usually comes when you don't have your items cleared by the time the ship arrives. They will then remove your items from the ship and store them in the warehouse where the workers begin stealing your items little by little.
Check out out Silent Night mattresses (www.silentnightgh.com) if you still need a comfortable mattress at a reasonable price. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality.
Wouldn't it be less expensive to get some Raisen Bran from Palace? Wow! People still use jiffy? Lol
If importing something like an open container just put tape about the cap so it doesn't unscrew. I imported some Bragg's ACV over.
I have a friend here that offer's colonics and a colon cleanse formula. Just connect with me on Facebook and I'll be happy to give you her information.
They don't have enough spandex dresses and skirts for you here? You should be happy you don't have to wear those heels. But you can always put them on and visit me in the bush. Lol
Do you know how you go about getting a registered clearing agent? Thanks!!!
Not sure about other countries but you can find a list for Ghana at www.ghanayello.com/companies/Clearing_Agents
Africa is the same even here in Uganda same thing
I have been sending chop saw drills especially the battery drills because with out the batteries the drills cannot work it is totally usless to any one who would take them as you know most of the tools in Europe is now operated by batteries
Yes, they want items that they can sell quickly and easily take from the warehouse
In terms of items other than vehicles why not just use one of the reputable door to door service providers in the uk or usa.thrlere some good ones and bad ones
Yes, I mention using door-to-door services in the video, but the items still must be cleared before being released from the ship to be safe.
Is there a Chrysler dealership in Ghana so I can buy a Jeep Wrangler unlimited?
In the end all of these African countries south of the Sahara are similar in terms of bribery and corruption
With you living in the mountains or Ghana anywhere, what us the system like as far as receiving packages 📦 from family friends or places like amazon or eBay??? I’m guessing there aren’t any mailboxes places at the end of your driveway. It seems we if the diaspora are targets and victims of Perry crimes on a regular. Even if you could rent a mailbox at the post office and they see amazon on the label I’m sure it would standout and be stolen
You can rent a PO Box if you plan on having mail coming on a regular basis, but if not you just have the send to send your package to the nearest post office and they will call you when the package arrives. My post office is about 15 - 20 minutes away and I've received several packages there without a problem. Much better experience than customs.
@@EricIsFree oh ok I didn’t know they had that but seems that buying from eBay or amazon may be a better option than a shipping container. Or from wherever that will ship overseas . Amazon has everything
Eric thanks maybe I should put some kind of water mark on my things I have been sending tools but it is Never too late for a shower of rain so thanks for the information
I would like to ship trade tools. Are they readily available?
Just have the right people in place at the Tema port, the right people you can slide some some Benjamins in their hands. Like it or not - this is the best hassle free way to go. Just pay the damn bribe.
I don't agree with selling everything you've worked hard for. These are some of the issues we all my people need to address and take to the president. I don't need to punish myself for the convenience of a thief. Everyone in Ghana has a phone, bluebook can be found on Google to see the right price for the car. The government need to be informed about this and the more we report such wrongdoing I believe a change will come.
But if you're going to have the things that you worked stolen...
The government himself is a thief
They make things very difficult in Ghana, which makes the country much less attractive as an option for relocation. I mean, we buy vehicles and work our behind off to pay it off plus interest, in the West!!! When they ship it to Ghana, you tax them more than the vehicle is worth? Then you auction off their vehicles, because they can't pay the high tax? That's just like going from one Massa to another!!! People, in the West, especially in the U.S.are keeping their vehicles a lot longer than they used to. Many members of the African diaspora would rather not buy another vehicle when they hit the ground of Ghana running. They would rather invest in adding value to the economy, and the natural resources you ship cheaply to the West. Why don't Africa just wake up and stop being so greedy as to penalize your own Diaspora who are bringing you the skills needed for development. Stop focusing on short term gains at the gate, which penalizes your long term development. You need the diaspora, the greedy policy that milks them dry needs to STOP!!! Why don't you tax your massa colonizers for a change? Most of the African Diaspora slaved for years to pay off those vehicles you are just stealing from them with your heavy taxation.. Most people in the Diasporas purchased their vehicles to last them for a certain number of years and you are taxing the vehicles to the point that the owner can't redeem the vehicle. You are NO better than the slave drivers of the Western world!!
Other countries are looking a heck of a lot better than Ghana.
The average person in the diaspora had to slave for the white man to acquire the stuff they are shipping to Ghana. Their properties should NOT be seized and auctioned off!!! The've sacrifice enough to move back to help build Ghana, the least the Government can do is to relax the duties and help make the transition smoother. At least, let them bring one car and their personal belongings without taxing them to death. The oppressive system of extortion at the gate will repel talented individuals who have the potential to create multitude of jobs for Ghanians. Do you know how many great men and women came to America with nothing, but a dream and later helped to transform that country to the giant that it was???
The taxation of ordinary members of the diaspora to the point of of taking their car to be auctioned off is very, very wrong! You are NOT giving people much incentive to come to Ghana, when you extort the sweat of their brows, through excessive taxation at the point of entry!!! Oh NO, I have nothing against Ghana, this is merely a constructive criticism; as my own father is a Ghanian.
The black Diaspora shouldn't be penalized in Africa for desiring to come back home!
These type of extreme greed and extortion repulses many in the Diaspora about Africa. It's very, upsetting that you antagonize your own with excessive taxation, while you subsidize the colonizers who have stolen your resources from you for centuries!!!
Yes, it's a very precarious issue, but for now I still prefer their method of taxation over the US. Items coming into Ghana are taxed heavily, but there is very little taxation inside of Ghana whereas in the US items being imported are not heavily taxed but the citizens are heavily taxed. So, it's quite interesting.
Dayo? Are you sure that you are not Nigerian? You sound frustrated. Good criticism. Many diasporans looking to move to Ghana don't like the systems there and are making it seem that those systems just sprung up yesterday to torment them. These systems have been around since time and memorial. Why don't you form an influence group and lobby some politicians to change the system. It will take years for real change. You can also lobby the jubilee house, they have an office of diaspora affairs.
Yeah, there needs to be a serious campaign to stop the greedball culture in Ghana and other countries in West Africa. Trust is more important than money.
@@EricIsFree But if the government is able to tax the populace, the wouldn't have to depend on import duties as much and that will decrease. Part of our problem is insufficient government revenue.
@@nanayaa4286 Do you prefer taxing the populace or taxing imports? When you make it easy for imports then you open your country up to multinational businesses importing all sorts of items into your country and ruining the local economy. The US has fallen victim to such a system where the populace are overtaxed and multinational corporations import all manner of junk into the country for virtually no cost making it impossible for local manufacturers to compete with them. That is not a system I want.
Hi bro. So would say it's better to buy a truck in Ghana
Yes, I would say 100% so.
Very nice story i can't believe it very stupid peoples working at the port
very useful advice
Thanks man for your tips. Make your video’s short to catch more viewers
Thanks for the feedback!
Not necessary to make them shorter. I like your stories too and I’ll sit back relax to watch your video’s. Thanks for your clear thoughts and tips Eric!
Be Free Show - 👏👏👏
Thank you so much
I plan to ship some of my things, that were costly and of good quality.
Okay, just ensure your items are cleared before the ship arrives. Best to do door-to-door delivery.
@@EricIsFree ok will do thanks for the heads up
Do it from Door to Door it will cost you a bit but will arrive for show
That's sad...
Yes it is.
Most electrical gadgets from America don't work in Ghana anyway
Did you move to Ghana with family?
Not really it depends on who ships your stuff and how you package your stuff.
No, it actually depends on whether your items are cleared before the ship arrives to the port.
Hmm am wondering how do clear items from the port without it physically there?
@@stolish101 All the information must be given to clearing agent before the ship arrives.
@@EricIsFree my concern is I live in Connecticut and I ship stuff to Ghana very often with no issues and my suggestion is address it to the shipper and see how it goes
@@stolish101 Yes, many people who ship items Ghana over and over never experience problems because they have learned how the system works. I ship items here now without a problem because I now know how the system works. However, most regular people relocating to Ghana will not ship items over and over. They will ship items once and if they do not understand how the system works then that one time will be a nightmare causing them to lose money.
Amazon is going to fix that ish.
Sabotage of the site by the people working at the port.
You should make representation directly with the appropriate Ghanaian MInistry to uindertake an investigation into the corruption in Ghana. If the government is serious in attracting the diasporsa to return to invest in the economy your vlog might deter some of us.
So how much are the lands going for? I’m interested and wanna make plans to move to Ghana
About $3K - $4K per acre in my area, but much more expensive in some areas and somewhat cheaper in others. Just really depends on the location.
@@EricIsFree what area are you in? 3k -4k Per acre? Is this all in the mountain area? I plan to settle in soon. Would greatly appreciate any info on this, any land guards issues? Thank you so much.
@@christinemcdonald1943 Yes, that's in the mountains here. No land guard issues. If you need a contact just connect with me via Facebook.
@@EricIsFree Ok thanks. Is it near Accra?
@@christinemcdonald1943 I'm about 20 minutes past Dodowa. So, about 1.5 hours from the airport.
Thanks once again for telling me all that you have done so far I have been there but on months at a time but you have been there for a while you u seen what gose on there from day to day I have seen the mentality no different to those that is in the carried beyond
So, I have an 06 Lr3 Landrover, that's my baby, so, you said to get rid of it?
Yup. Now it's difficult to even import vehicles that are over 10 years old. If they allow you to bring it in it will attract extra, extra fees. You'll be crying at the ports.
@@EricIsFree You see, they rigged the market in favor of Kantangka. I have no problem with them want to sell cars. However, I already have cars and truck that I know and like, they literally forcing me to sell them so I can turn around and buy theirs, there's something wrong with that picture. That practice is not a free market, not for us.
Or use the door to door reputable shippers, they clear bring stuff to your house and they charge you checkbthst out first.
Where ganna located in Africa?
Do u research fool
@@kennykross3306 don't have time! If I do I won't f- ask dammed a--👍
It's in West Africa.
@Joseph Carty not isnt. Ghana is closer to Togo, Burkina faso and ivory coast
@Percy Alayay, you're joking right?
IS YOUR LAND A LEASE HOLD? I ASSUME YOU ARE NOT A CITIZEN THERE. SO, A NON-CITIZEN CANNOT TRULY OWN THE LAND AS A FREE HOLD. THAT DIFFERENCE OF THE CONCEPT OF LAND OWNERSHIP IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN THE WEST.
THAT IS MY BIGGEST RESERVATION ABOUT BEING IN GHANA.
My land is lease hold. I'm going to do a video about this in the near future.
@@EricIsFree THAT IS A TOTTALLY DIFFERENT WAY TO OUR CONCEPT OF OWNING LAND. IS IT TRUE A NON-CITIZEN CAN ONLY LEASE FOR 50 YEARS, NOT 99? SOMEHOW, KNOWING THAT ALL THE STRUCTURES YOU BUILD AND DEVELOP MIGHT BE SOMEONE ELSES LATER PUTS ME OFF. INHERITANCE MUST BE A DISSAPOINTING THING FOR EXPATS.
I FIND YOUR VIDEOS VERY INFORMATIVE AND FOCUSSED ON AN ISSUE, NOT JUST FLUFF GHANA BOOSTERISM.
@@newyorknewart RE: "Fluff Ghana Boosterism"- Yep! I feel too many of the Black American Vloggers are intentionally minimizing reality here. Accra is cool BUT the things they do "suggest" might be an issue aren't nearly emphasized as much as they should be. With such a major decision as relocating to another CONTINENT, ppl need to be real and raw, not fake and fluffy.
(SORRY FOR THE TYPOS, I WAS DOING 3 THINGS AT ONCES :-)
Nothing new brother to all what u are saying
I am sorry about your bad experience.. But I feel your caption is quite "generalized"... There are other ways to do the same thing safely.. Just saying sir..
Yes, you or I may be able to safely import, but new repats will not have the knowledge to safely import and they will virtually always lose money. So, the best option for a new repat is not to import.
Gambia cheap to Import.
That is why they can't develop the country. You need to tax revenue to develop. Import tax regime in Ghana is progressive since it is those who have money who can import. Every country has something that is very expensive. In the U.S, it is healthcare and higher education and legal fees.