Today I made a new friend in Bolgatanga. Driving into Bolga it seemed odd that there were so many police standing on all of the corners. But, we went about our business. I dropped Lisa off to get information at a commercial driving school and then dropped Lou and Denise at Roots Ethiopian Coffee House. As I turned a corner at the end of the street, having dutifully signaled the turn with my arm out the window, I was flagged down by some police officers. The junior officers announced that I needed to be wearing my seat belt. The senior officer came over, jabbed his finger at the registration decal on the window, and pronounced that it was expired. I said I didn’t know anything about that as the car belongs to my friend, a lawyer in Accra. He then moved onto lecturing me on seat belt use and directs one of the officers to get in the car with me as I’m under arrest and will need to go to the police station. He directs me to drive up the street and says my car will be held and I will need to appear in court tomorrow. However, instead of directing me directly to the police station, he then tells me to make several turns, essentially driving around several blocks and then asks me to pull over by some shops. He tells me that he and his friends need some help and if I can help them he will be my friend. Should I be relieved our outraged by this turn of events? Relieved I think. I ask if 20 Ghana Cedis ($10) will do. He says it will and that he will now be my friend. Just to prove it, he takes my phone and enters his contact information so that I can call him if I ever need help. As he got out of the car, I failed to notice that the passenger door is not securely latched. As I turn the next corner the door swings open, nearly mowing down several pedestrians. The day could only improve from this point on.
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