Becareful When Roaming In Accra Market,Tudu

 

                                     INTRODUCTION

One day, I decided to go shopping for foodstuffs at Accra Tudu. As I didn't have a personal car, I took a tro tro car, which is a common mode of transportation in Accra. However, I forgot to be cautious about my surroundings, as pick pocketing is prevalent in the market.

Upon reaching Tudu, I asked a woman for directions, which led to me becoming a target for pick pockets. Without me noticing, thieves snatched my side bag, which contained my ATM card, Ghana card, and some amount of money. Luckily, I was holding my phone while listening to music, so I didn't lose that as well.

As I didn't have my bag, I couldn't return home. I went back to the woman I asked for directions, but she didn't see anything. I was about to leave when a man accused me of being a thief.

To avoid trouble, I left the place and tried to search for my bag.

I thought I might have left it in the tro tro, so I tried to find the car. I stopped a car that I thought was the one I took, but it wasn't.

Then, I remembered Tanko, a motor rider who usually took me home at night. He came to my aid, and I explained the situation to him. I told him to help me get home and i will try my possible best to pay him.

                               THINGS TO LEARN

1. Be aware of your surroundings and the potential risks in the area you are visiting. In this case, I was not aware of the high pick pocketing rate in Accra and let me guard down, resulting in the theft of my bag.

2. Keep your valuables close to you and out of sight. Although i was holding my phone, i had left my bag unsecured and in an easily accessible location.

3. If something goes wrong, try to stay calm and think logically. In this case, i quickly realized that my bag was missing and began to consider my options for how to get home.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I was able to rely on my motor rider, Tanko, who had helped me in the past, to safely transport me home.

    

                                 IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A BACKUP PLAN 

   Having a backup plan is crucial in situations where things do not go as planned. In the case of the my experience, losing my bag with my essential documents and money could have left tme stranded in the market with no way to get home.

    However, having a backup plan, such as having a trusted motor rider to call on for help, saved me from a potentially dire situation.

   It is important to have a backup plan in all aspects of life, whether it be in personal or professional situations. For instance, in business, having a backup plan in case of unexpected financial loss or disruption in operations can help you stay afloat during tough times.

   In personal relationships, having a backup plan can also be helpful in case of unexpected changes or conflicts. For example, having a close friend or family member to rely on in case of a sudden change in living arrangements can provide a sense of security and peace of mind.

   In general, having a backup plan can alleviate stress and anxiety when unexpected events occur, and it can help people feel more prepared and confident in their ability to handle difficult situations. While it may not always be possible to anticipate every potential issue, having a backup plan in place can help people feel more in control and better equipped to handle whatever comes their way.

    

   
   

    PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN TRAVELING TO UNFAMILIAR AREAS
   

   1. Stay vigilant: It is important to be aware of your surroundings and potential risks. Always stay alert and avoid looking distracted. Avoid walking with your phone in your hand and headphones in your ears as this makes you an easy target.

   2. Keep your valuables out of sight: Avoid carrying valuable items such as wallets, cash, or credit cards in your pockets or in easily accessible bags. Instead, consider using a concealed waist pouch or a cross-body bag that stays close to your body.

   3. Avoid displaying wealth: Avoid showing off expensive jewelry, watches or other valuables as it can attract unwanted attention.

   4. Be cautious when asking for directions: It is important to be careful when asking for directions in public places as this can make you vulnerable to theft. Try to ask for directions from a trusted source such as a security guard or an official in a store.

   5. Travel with a friend or in a group: If possible, avoid traveling alone in public places especially at night. Instead, travel with friends or in a group as there is safety in numbers.

   6. Avoid carrying large sums of cash: Try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you. Instead, consider using debit or credit cards for transactions as they are more secure.