Getting things fixed in Ghana seems easy after waiting for a visit from the typical British workman who rarely comes at a time they have promised - usually days from when the problem started and then charge the earth just to look. Here there always seems someone on hand who can fix whatever it is needs fixing.
When we were here in February buying things for the house we bought a washing machine only to find it didn't fit in the laundry room. Off went Kobe to find a workman who returned in minutes, took off the door, in went the machine and the door was back on in no time at all.
Getting a car fixed is just as easy. My brother-in-law had bump in the car and it was only off the road a matter of days before it was reutrned looking as good as new.
There is a downside however as unless you actually stand over the workmen you can never be sure they are fitting the correct part or really know what they are doing. My husband's car had a problem with the aircon and instead of fitting the correct part they botched
up the job with one that was far too powerful and when the engine was idling the car would shake violently and often the engine would cut out so it meant turning off the aircon when we were stopped in traffic - the very time we needed it most! Eventually he had to have it replaced - an added expense to the amount already spent with the first 'repair'.
And this seems to be another problem - you get something fixed only for it to break down again shortly afterwards and then the repair has to be repaired by someone else who had a different idea as to what is really needed.
But for the most part I have been impressed by the speed and efficiency of the Ghanaian workman and their willingness to help.
Funny you where talking about car repair. I spent 30 years here in Missouri USA in our family owned Auto Parts Business. I have read quite a bit on Ghana. I wonder what the chance of an experienced Auto Parts person to find a good job in that field. I worked my way up from a delivery person to warehouseman, outside salesman, purchasing, computers and inventory control, bookkeeping, and spent 15 years as Manager. If you would see this and care to reply I would most appreciate it. Am looking for a change. James S. Jefferson City, Missouri USA.
ReplyDeleteReally sorry, I rather neglected this blog for ages and have only just seen your comment.
DeleteAs for employment in Ghana I think you will have to look out for jobs here which require your skills unless you want to come and start some business of your own. As with other places you need a work permit to be able to work in Ghana which the employer will get for you. If you want to get a business visa then I think you need some form of Ghanaian partner. Anyway you can find out the information on the Ghana Government website. As for jobs there are websites for jobs in Ghana.
Good luck!