Hazardous loading cocoa thru surf in Accra, Ghana, back in 1947

[@michaelijsbrand]

This was a film made before the war. No cameramen were mentioned. Germans made before WW2 an astonishing number of documentaries all over the world. Most of them released by Degeto for home viewing.

[@lakercaptain]

I experienced this adventure when I was with Palm Line. Had to visit the doctor and this as how I was taken ashore. Perched on top of the cargo and lifted ashore by the paddles. A very scarey trip. This was in 1959.

[@grahamsmith6727]

This is exactly how I remember Accra on my many visits prior to Tema. The sounds are as much a part of the memories as the scenes.

[@aabcd9604]

Very interesting, as an afrogerman of Ghanaian heritage, I couldn't be more thankful to your for sharing historical footage of Ghana.

[@Yahshuailove]

Bro they look like slaves, judging by the white man in the video.

[@Yahshuailove]

Of courde my comment gonna be deleted, from my point of view. It's nothing but facts, slaves did exist at that time period.

[@RobertPaterson]

Arrived in 1958 in Takoradi but in Accra these boats were still being used and all fishing used them too - such skill

[@ebflegg]

Our furniture was unloaded from a cargo ship onto boats like this when travelling to Accra around 1961. I remember my mother complaining about how much stuff got broken when the crates were rolled up the beach

[@DavidHopson]

I remember seeing surf boars working like this in Ghana in the late 1950s. Boats like this were still being used when I was in Ghana a couple of years ago (2011), but for fishing and with outrigger motors. On the shore at Elmina we saw them being hand-built, right on the beach.

[@johneduafo2556]

Yes is true Mr.David,how are you?

[@jamesfraser2968]

These surf boats have ceased to work many years ago. Tema harbour finally killed them off. As a child I came ashore at Accra in one of them.

[@peterschofield4571]

Have been trying to convince my grandchildren that this really was something I experienced. Rumour has it that a Rolls Royce slipped from a pair of boats when being taken ashore! Brings back memories. Ex Elder Dempster

[@jakebaba2149]

These surf boats have long ceased being in use since Tema harbour was built. The old port of Accra is only used by local fishermen for fishing expeditions and for holding their vessels, in the same shape as the barges which was used to load cocoa onto ships in period prior to independence in 1957.

[@michaelijsbrand]

Thanks very much for your info. I shall add it to the description.

[@EbonyStory]

wow amazing the work they did looked very scary and dangerous wow all those strong Black men

[@michaelijsbrand]

@Lotusandcedar Thanks. I viewed some video clips of Accra and do not get the impression that this sort of transporting freight is still being practised! Anyhow interesting to know. Funny thing is that this vid is being viewed more outside than inside Ghana!

[@engridmedia]

Ghanaian here..

[@candykidZZ]

The craziest thing is my grandpa is also a cocoa boer in Ghana Accra till know

[@suecox2308]

Wow!

[@joelbill4515]

🇬🇭

[@Lotusandcedar]

Those surfboats and their handlers are amazing. If and when I go to Ghana, I will let you know if they are still in operation !!