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Ghanaian Female Student refused entry into Cape Coast Castle for bearing Ewe name
A University of Cape Coast female student, who hails from Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana, shares her Xenophobic experience at Cape Coast Castle.
Miss Abla Elikplim whose surname she reveals is ‘Helu’ shared her experience via her facebook page. According to her, she and her Ivorian friend decided to visit the famous Cape Coast Castle on Saturday, October 9th 2021 as tourist, and got the shock of her life, after she was told she wasn’t a Ghanaian upon identifying her self as a Ghanaian, and student for that matter to enjoy the subsidized rate for every Ghanaian student like herself.
She narrates;
“I went to the castle today with an Ivorian friend. When we got there, I quickly looked at the price chart to know how much I would pay as a Ghanaian and a student.
I got to the cashier and gave her my student ID so I could make payment. Next thing I heard was,
YOU’RE NOT A GHANAIAN!
I was shocked because I didn’t expect this at a tourist site. Then I asked her why she thought so and she said my name is not a Ghanaian name.
We started arguing and I brought out my national ID only for this woman to still insist I wasn’t Ghanaian.
Apparently, my surname HELOO which is pronounced Helu is not Ghanaian enough. When I informed her that I come from Keta, she said it again
YOU’RE NOT A GHANAIAN.
I wouldn’t have talked about this but today’s own broke this camel’s back.
I have people make comments that Voltarians are not Ghanaians. It has been said in my face before but I am a peace loving individual usually so I let it slide.
This xenophobic tendency is growing among us and I don’t take it lightly anymore. Allow me to use the “X” word although I don’t accept it because to do so would mean I’m not Ghanaian.
Why should I be reduced to showing ID cards and passport just to prove my identity while someone else walks about freely because their name is “Ghanaian”?
What makes a name Ghanaian?
To the immigration officers who hold me at the Aflao border because I look Nigerian and not Ghanaian, thank you too.”
