Yahaya Alpha Suberu, a filmmaker and university lecturer at New York University’s Ghana campus, achieved history in 2007 when he became the first Ghanaian to drive from Accra, Ghana to Stockholm, Sweden.
According to Ghana Web, Suberu’s ambition to go by road from Ghana to Sweden arose during his initial visit to his relatives in Stockholm. He expressed his desire to return to Stockholm by car when walking with his brother and uncle one evening, struck by the beauty and tranquillity of the city.
Ghana’s 50th anniversary of independence in 2007 was another source of motivation for the pioneer. He went 11,677 kilometers in a 1986 2CV Citroen (602 cc), a modest economy automobile manufactured by the French company Citroen, making his journey rather remarkable.
On June 23, 2007, the tour began in Accra’s Independence Square and ended in Stockholm’s Sergels Torg. Traveling through nine different countries took 24 days. He drove across Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Morocco in his automobile. He crossed the Strait of Gibraltar via ferry from Morocco to Spain and Europe. Suberu traveled from Spain to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. He crossed the Ostersundsbron from Denmark to Sweden. Due to the distance and complexity of terrain, more than 900 gallons of gasoline were required.
Suberu had to buy a Michelin map of West Africa, North Africa, and Europe because he didn’t have a Google map or smartphone to help him navigate. His journey was laden with obstacles; in Mauritania, his gearbox failed, necessitating a 6-day search for a replacement.
Due to a lack of cash, he periodically slept outside, once in the freezing desert. Unfortunately for him, the wind blew his tent away, forcing him to sleep bare-chested in the cold. Suberu stated that he was determined to maintain his integrity by refusing to accept bribes to dishonest border officials who requested them.
Suberu returned to Accra in August of 2007. Fans received the pacesetter at Kotoka International Airport after hearing about his story in the media, despite the fact that it had not yet been shared on social media.
A group of adventurous explorers from Ghana led by Kwabena Peprah recently journeyed more than 10,000 kilometers across the continent. According to accounts, their journey began in Accra, Ghana’s capital, and ended with a travel across continents, passing through a number of African and European countries.
They left Accra and passed through several Ghanaian cities, including Aburi, Nsawam, Kumasi, and Sunyani, before entering neighboring Cote d’Ivoire. They then journeyed through Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco before taking a Mediterranean ship into Europe via Spain. Their visit emphasized Africa’s and Europe’s diverse topographies and weather conditions.
In contrast to Suberu’s modest, old-fashioned car, this expedition featured a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a Toyota Landcruiser (V8), a Lexus RX 350, and a Ford F150 Raptor. Each day, the squad traveled between 800 and 900 kilometers, consuming approximately 250 gallons of gasoline.
Because of growing technology, which Suberu lacked, the films they shared on social media depicting their problems, such as changing brake pads and dealing with local officials, were utilized to track their progress.
These daring experiences demonstrate the human spirit of exploration, resourcefulness, and perseverance.