Travel: A healthy city engulfed in courtesy

Going to Lima, Peru for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP20) was part of my package for emerging winner of the 2014 African Climate Change and Environmental Reporting (ACCER) Awards.

The stress of journeying from West African to Southern America was subdued by my eagerness to experience, for the first time, the process of the climate change negotiations at the COP20. It was an opportunity for me to appreciate the road to reaching a climate deal at COP21 in Paris 2015.

Observing the negotiation process as a journalist was generally insightful. It was great to see the African groups working in unison to achieve a common goal of seeking climate justice for local communities and farmers on the continent.

Most critical issues included the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), climate finance, mitigation and adaption.

I was also fortunate to have worked with a team of journalists under the Pan-African Media Alliance for Climate Change (PAMACC) who put hands on deck to efficiently highlight the African perspective of the climate change talks.

The outcomes of the climate talks were not satisfactory to all parties but had intrigues – angry campaigners, street marchers and pledges to the green climate fund.

What perhaps endeared the hearts of many the people who were in Lima – aside the talk for climate justice – was the humanity in the average Peruvian.

From Lima to Marcona, the welcoming smile of the Peruvians offered some warmth to the visitor – always ready to lend a hand (without any expectation or demand for a tip) and willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of the stranger.

The greenery and cleanliness of the city of Lima is as refreshing as the respect accorded by its citizens.

I was thrilled by the humility, hospitability and humanity of the people of Peru and inspired to be of great service to others back home in Ghana and anywhere I find one in need of help.

God bless Peru!