Last night I called to make a dinner reservation as a group of 10 of us were having dinner & wanted to ensure there was a table large enough to accommodate everyone. However, it was the first time I’ve ever been requested to keep to the arranged time so firmly when making a reservation, which I found very refreshing. But this request was not without merit, as there are two different times here – mind you both of which are still within GMT.
There is actual punctual time and then there is Ghanaian time. Ghanaian time usually implies at least an hour after the arranged time which can become extremely confusing and slightly frustrating. I am often left somewhat perplexed as people are up with the sun – even before – and have begun working or started their journey’s, particularly as traffic can become quiet dense even by 7am. However, with such an early start to the day one would assume that Ghanaian time would actually be an hour early, yet it does not always seem to be the case. This is where I believe the ‘little by little’ approach comes in. It does at least make commuting a bit more enjoyable with the lack of rush rush & go, go, go mentality of most Western metropolises. But often there are several appointments throughout the day and getting to and from each destination can be a bit tricky due to traffic congestion, which only further leads to the delay (as I write it's 7pm & the horns are still honking and traffic is still pretty gridlocked).
Therefore, if making an appointment in Ghana it is always wise to reinforce the sharpness of the hour. However, I still like maintain my punctuality regardless, as you never know which time the other person is on, plus there is never a dull moment and always something to pass the time if it is indeed Ghanaian time.
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