My entry into Cape Verde was not easy. When I got to Praia, it became a night mare. I got into a queue for international arrivals as usual and filled all the forms as protocol demanded.
I noticed ahead of me that others were asked to stand aside and when it got to my turn, I was also asked to stand aside! The officer kept on scrutinizing my passport.
He was particularly interested in my used UK visas.
I stood there for about thirty minutes. Not knowing what was going on, I eventually attempted to speak to one of the officers who spoke a little English.
After some more scrutiny, they asked me if I had money.
I declared it, then to my utter amazement, the officer asked me how much I was paying the guy who was going to pick me up.
Obviously irritated I asked him what he meant.
He said flatly, “we’re sending you back tomorrow”.
Before I could say anything, I was ushered into a side room with about seven other men. The room had two bathrooms and two rooms, one for males, another for females. The main door was locked.
At this point, I was fuming!
About thirty minutes later, an official came in with about 6 Sierra leonians. They spoke English.
Fortunately the official could speak French so I asked him in Fench what was happening. He looked at me with an expressionless face and asked how much money I had.
I immediately answered thinking I had a glimmer of hope.
To my utter surprise he said “il n’est pas suffice” meaning “it’s not enough”.
That was the end of the dialogue and he was gone.
I settled in a corner chair and began to pray. Just when I had settled with the idea of going back, an officer came in and called my name.
After about 5 hours of detention, I left the airport, but that was not the end.
I left without my passport nor my luggage. They were confiscated!
Fortunately, my host happened to be an important banker who knew people in high places.
God used him in my favour. He made some phone calls that had me released. I was particularly grateful to God!
The following day Daniel (my host) took me to the airport to reclaim my passport and luggage but it was to no avail. I managed to get my passport stamped and get my luggage a week later!
‘Interesting’ way to start a mission indeed!
I guess the prince of Cape Verde met me at that airport!
Kweku Sompa Osei