As has rapidly become the norm, Ghana’s diasporans and visitors from all walks of life have thronged into the country for Christmas.

For some, they come because of family ties, others plan solely to come enjoy the Ghanaian culture.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, on Wednesday, a Ghanaian couple based in the US, Selasie and Nicholas Dugbartey and Erica Daniels, a visitor also from the US, shared their experiences on this year’s Christmas festivities in Ghana.

“We understand our people. We know how far we’ve gotten and we’ve seen improvement, so we’re content with the level of hospitality that we see. But being welcoming, yes, Ghanaians are absolutely, over the top, when it comes to being welcoming,” Nicholas stated.

Selasie who interjected, added “also, the friends that we came with, one of them said yesterday, which was just our second day here, that Ghanaians are really friendly, so it’s the truth.”

Adding to the praise singing, Erica explained that although the individual hospitality experiences may vary, Ghanaians in general are “warm and welcoming.”

However, the visitors pointed to some reservations that they say need to be addressed.

Nicholas and Selasie spoke about the poor state of public restrooms they have had to use while in town. According to them, their guests complained about the untidy nature of the places of convenience they have seen so far.

Selasie indicated that deciding to use the restroom at a fuel filling station as an alternative after they had walked away from a filthy one, was one of the bad decisions they ever made. According to the couple, the restroom of the fuel filling station was worse than the previous restroom. So they had to use that of a hotel which was decent.

Concerning the issue of beggars on the streets of Ghana, often found at traffic light junctions, the visitors noted that it is a very worrying sight to behold, considering the fact that the beggars are often kids.

“Maybe it’s not a culture shock because it’s definitely something that’s increasing in the US as well, but it’s definitely hard to see and receive, especially when it’s children. It’s hard to do for everyone that you see as well,” Erica said.

She said that a few people have tried explaining to her why these people are on the streets begging, but the explanations were not convincing.

Nicholas said advised his guests not to give out any money when they were approached by some beggars at 2:00am.

Ghana is widely known for its hospitality and attractive tourist sites. It is no wonder a lot of people from western countries troop in during festive seasons such as Christmas and New Year.

They embark on that adventurous journey to the tallest mountain in Ghana, mount Afadja, take a trip to the rare species of Monkeys in the Volta Region, or a life experience visit to the Central Region’s Kakum National Park, or definitely a thrilling experience of the Kwahu parachuting events and you would wish to stay for more.

Ghana is looking forward to making huge revenue from the tourism industry as it is gaining massive recognition around the world as a destination of choice.

Meanwhile, citizens and foreign nationals have asked that something be done to ensure proper maintenance of tourist facilities in the country.