I am writing to warn my fellow travelers about the FREEDOM HOTEL in Ho Ghana. While staying there somebody entered my room using a copy or duplicate key and took some money that was hidden in my bag. The person had obviously done it before as they only took some of the money that was there in order for me not to notice at the time.

I obviously realize that it is my own fault for leaving money unattended in a hotel room, but what appalled me was the attitude of the management of the hotel when I reported it. I telephoned the manager of the hotel two days after the theft when I realized the money was missing. We had a pleasant conversation on the telephone and he said he would investigate. I told him I would be passing through Ho again in twenty-four hours time and would come and see him about the matter.

When I arrived back at the hotel I was first told he was out. I told the receptionist I had an appointment with him so he should be present. Eventually she agreed he was in, but said he was in a meeting. After approximately one hours arguing with the people on reception I eventually got in to see him. He would not accept the theft had taken place as he said he had all the duplicate keys. The only investigation he had conducted was to ask if I had left my key at reception, which I had not. He then asked me how he should go about investigating this matter, but then said I should expect to be robbed in a hotel anywhere in the World. After a lot of arguing about how he was to deal with the matter, he agreed to investigate further and contact me at home in Benin the next day. He also asked me to give him two weeks. I now realize he was hoping I would forget.

Needless to say he never did contact me, in spite of me sending him two e-mails, hence I have written this letter. Please would you warn other travelers about the hotel in order for them not to suffer the same fate.

Yours faithfully,

Mark Dixon.