Abi Speaks

Good Reads for the New Year - My Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:47:00 +0000

So I read this inspiring book by Hugh MacLeod about creativity, originality, balance and doing something that matters entitled "Ignore Everybody - And 39 Other Keys to Creativity" and I thought it would be selfish to keep it to myself. I wanted to share it here especially since I can't afford to buy it for every creative person I know! Since I'm sharing books with you, via recommendation, I thought why not include three of my favorite books - totally good! Here ya go!

By the talented Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Read my review of the book in Obaasema magazine. It's a historical fiction...my favorite kind of book! You're fed with information about a major historical event that affected the lives of many in Nigeria. The writer does an incredible job of giving life to her characters, which makes the story feel even more real. A must read!

Ahhh Simon Montefiore! I actually chanced upon this book last year at a Dollar Store in Philadelphia for...guess how much? One dollar!! And I would've bought it again if it were selling at the original price of $27.00. It's my first read by Montefiore and I'm totally a fan. Another historical fiction...yeah, I gravitate towards these books without thinking! But this one is also good, set from 1916-1994 Russia, the author does a great job of weighing Marxism and Capitalism through the lives of his characters. I loved it and will definitely read it again.

Uh-oh, Mr. "Godfather" himself. Although Puzo didn't complete this book before his death - and folks have criticized it for its lack of authenticity and whatnot, I still enjoyed it and appreciated what Puzo attempted to creatively do with this novel. I actually got this book, for free, about six years ago on my way back from a meeting with my journalism professor in school. It was just lying on a shelf without an owner...I asked prof if I could have it and he gave the go ahead. Another historical fiction set in 15th century Rome. I'll read it again.

An Interview I Should've Shared Months Ago

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Thought I would share an interview of me conducted some months ago by Global Voices Online author, Steve Sharra. I just recently went back to really read it and realized that I never shared it here! So here ya go! See below:

TOWARDS THE 'IDEAL WOMAN': MEET BLOGGER AND JOURNALIST LINDA ANNAN

GHANA IN PICTURES: Aburi - Bosomase Waterfalls

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:40:00 +0000

Aburi mountains is another part of Ghana that screams with natural beauty! It's breezy and offers a great view of towns below and makes for a great location to hike and bike! Below are images shot on a recent hiking trip to the Bosomase waterfalls, about 7 kilometers away from Aburi town.

Driving up the mountain, entering Aburi

A view of the city from the mountains

En route to hiking destination

Hiking path

Yours truly walking behind nephew & tour guide getting close to Bosomase Waterfalls

Bosomase Waterfalls

GHANA IN PICTURES: Central Region - Elmina

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

So, I've been obsessed with Cape Coast and Elmina since my visit in November 2011. Although the story about my trip (read here) was heavy, I did get to enjoy some of the incredible scenes offered by this central part of Ghana. A sucker for all things nature, I couldn't help but capture these stills on camera.

SUNSET IN ELMINA (Market place around the Elmina slave dungeon)

KIDS PLAYING OFF THE COAST AT ELMINA BEACH OVERLOOKING THE SLAVE DUNGEON

SUNRISE AT ELMINA

MORE SUNSET STILLS FROM RESORT IN ELMINA

Cape Coast - Two Days With My Ancestors

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:43:00 +0000

I never had much appreciation for Ghanaian history until I moved to America. As a teenager living In Ghana my connection to history mostly rested with my Cultural Studies teacher in the classroom. Once school closed everything remained there, except for the knowledge that stayed with me- partly because I needed to know them for my exams. Now, in the United States, even as a teenager, I never fully understood the emotional reaction to African history, i.e. slavery, by African Americans. I thought they overreacted with slavery this and slavery that and repatriation there and what not. It wasn't until I hit about age 21 and began exploring and growing curious about my history that it hit me: that the Cape Coast and Elmina dungeons are a BIG deal.

Being away from Ghana for about 12 years has helped to produce a great appreciation for a history that is part of my identity. When I decided to go on a two-day vacation in Cape Coast (located in the Central Region of Ghana) just to get away from the noise in Accra, I was unprepared for what lay ahead. In my mind, I was going to relax, rejuvenate and connect deeply with nature (all of which I did). What I didn't realize, though, was that in order for me to experience this I had to undergo some needed pain.

One view of the Cape Coast dungeon

The goal of the first day at Cape Coast was to explore, the first destination being the Cape Coast dungeon (I refuse to call it a "castle" because it's far from that). I went with my friend and two other friends (also visiting from America) that we had just made at the resort. At the dungeon, we were first asked to visit the museum unsupervised while we waited for our tour guide. The museum experience was mild - I teared up a bit but it was nothing intense. And then it was time for us to begin the actual tour. We began with the male dungeons, which turned out to be emotionally draining for my friend and one of the new friends we had made. My eyes clouded with tears from time to time, but the emotions weren't unbearable so I decided to continue to the female dungeons. That's where everything began to build up for me.

The female dungeons were separated by a walkway that led to the "Door of No Return," the door that led to the sea and ships. Now, as an advocate for women's empowerment, it was difficult to remove myself emotionally from the scene at the female dungeons. As the tour guide provided details, all I could do was to place myself in the story. One of 150 women crammed into the small space fighting for fresh air provided by two small windows located very high up the closing walls. I envisioned myself being dragged out by a guard or "master" forcefully stripped naked of my clothes and raped however many times, just like that. The shame, the helplessness, the violation, anger, sorrow, disgust. I envisioned myself being thrown back into the small dungeon with the other 149 women only to find out later that I was pregnant as a result of being raped by a man who used me to gratify his sexual desires or fantasies. I envisioned my ancestor going through this, a great great great grandmother or aunt or cousin. I wondered exactly what their thoughts were, the fear; their countenance, unexpressed emotions; the state of their hearts, yes, their hearts, which should have been a wellspring of life for them.

I was beginning to feel hot and getting lost in my thoughts. The tears were coming down now. Was I really seeing a mother with a child cowering in the corner or were my thoughts coming to life? Just then the guide's voice interrupted me and I went outside. He then announced that there was one final stop to make on the tour : "The Condemned Cell."

This was a very small cell created for defiant slaves, all of whom were men. The story behind "The Condemned Cell" is that all of the men who resisted capture were placed here, 50 at a time. This particular cell had no windows or lights and once the door was shut it wasn't opened until the 50th person died of hunger, thirst and mental frustration. Everyone in that cell breathed in the rotten smell of human decay until the last person was gone. On the interior walls of this cell are markings of teeth and nail scratches by the prisoners. To better demonstrate their state of mind, my tour guide shut the door of the cell and turned off the light before narrating the room's historical relevance. This was my breaking point. It felt as though my spirit were connecting with whatever was there - the heaviness was unbearable, the tears uncontrollable. I brushed them aside and forced myself to stay and feel it, feel them, yes, my ancestors, but i couldn't. I could no longer listen or stay in the cell. My tears were now falling in fat amounts on my cheeks and I immediately asked to be let out.

For several minutes, the fresh air outside couldn't console me. I felt drained, literally. I know they were there. It never once felt like I was listening to a historical account. No. It felt present. They were present. I finally understood the journey. It was real.

Accra Floods - Will Gov't Overlook Once Season Ends?

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Almost every Ghanaian's response to the storms that have destroyed parts of Accra has been: "Government won't do anything about it." Because they've heard the rhetoric surrounding Accra flooding in years past.

A cab driver I took yesterday at Adabraka would not stop ranting about how terrible the situation was, taking me through areas heavily affected by the torrential rains: people drying their clothes on sidewalks or fence walls. One shop I witnessed displayed brand new air-conditioners apparently filled with water being dried in the sun. What tore my heart the most was the destruction of shelters, mind you, these are low-income areas. These folks are already struggling to survive under previous conditions, how much more now?

A co-worker told me that on his way to work he witnessed victims being pulled out of overflowing bridges. One end of a particular bridge was sealed off with a net to prevent victims from falling into a larger part that had turned into a mini river. Whoa!

One disheartening story is of a young man who took on the task of alerting people of the flood only to be taken away later by the water. Another is of a family at Kasoa that spent the night on their roof top because their house was flooded.

This issue of ineffective drainage systems causing disasters in Accra in the wake of such events has existed for many years. Each government comes into power with empty promises, the opposition comes only to do the same. On yesterday's Minority Caucus on MultiTV's "The Caucus," Kwamena Duncan, Central Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, stated that something must be done about this problem, forgetting that his party was in power for eight years and did absolutely nothing about it.

It's not enough for the president to go out giving condolences. What I saw in the streets of Accra yesterday was simply heartbreaking. And traffic had quadrupled. A 10-minute drive turned into a 45-minute drive.

It is common knowledge that politicians are deceptive, but this is plain wickedness.

Respects to the Dead, Tears for Libya.

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:46:00 +0000

When the Libyan revolution began in February I remember thinking to myself, "Whoa, these folks are brave." The fear of Colonel Gaddafi, I realized, had trickled down to me, despite the fact that I had openly spoken against the man on national radio (of course, behind the safety doors of the United States). I have followed the events with keen interest, at one point feeling hopeless when the rebels appeared to be losing ground. My emotions traveled with the curious journalist in me, eager to see, feel and hear everything. There have been moments when I wished I was in Libya, covering some of the events and recording people's stories. I've resorted to watching various web videos of the conflict, but at no point have I cried...until this morning.

The Beep published a story on Friday that just ripped my heart. You can read it and watch the video here. I pay my respects to the dead by shortening my words in this piece. I'll leave my rants for a later article.

A Love Letter to my iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:39:00 +0000

To preface, you know that I'm no techie but I thought I should share this with you.

You know, when I was with Blackberry 8520 I thought that was it. His features and browsing capabilities/interface made it very convenient for my lifestyle. I swore BB was the one, and the furthest I was going to go with gadgets because I've never been one to hop from one gadget to another.

But then BB started displaying his true character: My thumbs constantly hurt from typing since I received large volumes of email, I wondered how long I could take such an abuse; the screen was too small and the storage space wasn't enough. It was just a terrible relationship.

But with you, though I know you're imperfect, I feel as though I have made the right choice, you have just what I need: big screen for a better browsing experience, touch screen that doesn't hurt my fingers...no more abuse! Not to forget the huge storage capacity and features that enable me to browse my very own closet on my phone!! Ahhh the thrill of that! BB couldn't give me this amount of pleasure. Sad.

You know, I love that in the middle of the night when my fingers itch to type I can just reach over my bed and grab you...ahem...I still enjoy scribbling on paper first, that's something I'll never grow out of, but you already know that, love.

So baby, I cherish this relationship we have. I'll remain faithful to you but if you start acting up, I won't waste time getting rid of you. Until then, let's enjoy each other :-).

African or American? I Know.

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Last night I had a conversation with someone - a childhood friend it took me weeks to remember - that made me want to write this short piece about identity.

In one of our conversations I mentioned that I was part American, which didn't seem to sit very well with him as though I were denouncing my Ghanaian heritage. His response was, "Just because you've lived somewhere for some time doesn't mean you're no longer Ghanaian. Linda, you are a Ghanaian ok. You were born in Ghana and lived here for quite some time." Ha! Of course, his response didn't sit very well with me either because anyone who really knows me can attest to the fact that I WEAR my Ghanaian heritage as though it were my lifeline and I flaunt my African-ness because I AM proud! I tried to explain to him that by saying I was part American had nothing to do with identifying one's self by way of birth or legal right, though those are valid, but instead based on values, perspectives and way of life. Obviously he didn't get it at all and still somehow believed that I was denying my Ghanaian heritage just because I had lived in America for the amount of time I did, how sad.

Sad because of the narrow-mindedness I have witnessed in some Africans, myself included sometimes. For years, I never identified myself as American when I lived in the United States. I was always the Ghanaian or African. I even created a special slot for myself on last year's (2010) census forms: For the part that asked about "race" I added "African" to the categories (since we're always included in the African American slot) and checked the new addition. I always made it a point to state that I was African, although I must add that I had assimilated very well into the American culture: my work ethics, the way I related to people, my choices in food, the activities I enjoyed and preferred to do, my speech/accent, my views on social and even political issues, the list goes on.

The interesting thing about this is, it wasn't until I relocated to Ghana that I realized how much of an American I was, although I could've fought anyone who "accused" (note I placed "accused" in quotes) me of such a thing four months ago, as though being American or claiming to be American were a filthy thing.

Which brings me back to an area I diverted from earlier. There seems to be this notion held by some Africans, or perhaps I should say some immigrants, that a person can only be one thing, in my case Ghanaian because I was born in Ghana and any strong identification with another culture is some sort of "sin" or abomination. Heck no! It will be a tragedy for me to deny that parts of what make me "Linda" or "Abena" is American. I grew into the woman I am today in America and this woman was formed by life events shaped by the American experience. Important decisions I've made in my life as a result of these experiences were influenced by Ghanaian and American values, not just one.

So yes, I refuse to deny that I'm part American just to get "my people" off my case. I'm not embarrassed to say that I embrace parts of the American culture that I have grown to identify with. I didn't migrate to America when I was a full grown adult at age 25 or 30. I was a teenager whose identity hadn't fully been formed yet and definitely had room to grow. Am I happy that were the case? Heck yeah! Because I believe that I possess a very rich perspective by being able to merge my Ghanaian and American values.

So how will I feel anytime I hear the American national anthem? My heart will continue to swell and tears will cloud my eyes in the same way they do when I hear the Ghanaian national anthem. And I'm very proud of that.

Taxi Ride + Radio = Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:24:00 +0000

One of the things I'm enjoying in the three months that I've lived in Accra is my taxi ride. There's something special about riding in a cab in the morning on my way to work, listening to a radio talk show (mostly political) hosted in the local language and observing the driver's and audience's reaction. Whoever thought Ghanaians didn't love politics has been lost for a while! And whoever thought Ghanaian women fit the general, stereotypical role, assigned to African women, of being obsequious with little or no ability to form opinions of their own is in for treat, ha!

I've been amazed by how women take to the radio to voice very strong views about political issues in the country and suggest solutions to them. Callers range from women lawyers and professionals to illiterates who may not have the academic knowledge, but still believe have opinions to contribute to a topic. And the same applies to the men.

I love my taxi rides, really. I love watching and listening to say, an illiterate taxi driver suck his teeth at a comment made by a caller or host and offers a solid opinion/solution. I love the vibrancy of Ghana's political climate - the freedom to speak your mind (although there have been few reports of alleged abuse by those in power towards overly outspoken opponents) and feel that you belong, that even if actions do not take place, someone is listening to your voice. I simply love it.

After 54 years of independence I'm proud to see my people progressing, politically, although there's much more work to be done.

Hopefully in 20 years, a 10-year-old girl can sit in a cab, listen to a political radio talk show and have enough knowledge to engage in a dialogue with the cab driver. That would be sweet.

New Beginnings, Same Ol' Habits?

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Hi blog! Sorry for the five-month hiatus! Phew! What a cool couple of months!

So, I've been living NOT visiting or staying but actually living in Ghana for about two months now. My short stay, I must say, has been packed with much fun, crazy excitement about the unknown and, of course, frustrations! Ahhhh, who can live in Africa without getting frustrated, really?

Here's one for you:

I recently resolved an issue with some employees of Electricity Corporation who kept postponing an appointment to work on my electricity pole. It took almost one week for an issue as simple as tightening the wire on the pole to be resolved, a task only ECG workers are authorized to perform. When the electricity folks finally arrived at my house, the line's man to fix the problem tried to sell this cock-and-bull story about my wires being in need of replacement and that he could supply new cables, get this, for GHC 300 (roughly $200) and charge a workmanship fee of GHC 50 (a little over $30). Now, $200 for electricity cables and $30 workmanship fee aren't much if you live in the U.S. But to even sell something of this sort and for that amount in Ghana is simply ridiculous. Not to mention that my house is not a new building to be in need of new electrical cables! Oh my! Dude was obviously trying to find a quick way to make some bucks because he picked up my American accent, figured I was fresh in town, and thought he could dupe me! Ha! Little did he know my eyes are wider and brighter than an owl's!

I returned from work rather late that day only to be briefed on the story. Apparently someone from my household had given him the GHC 50, after which he promised to return in a few minutes to fix the problem because he needed to pick up equipments from the office. Mind you, this was about 8 a.m.and guess what? At 7 p.m. the line's man hadn't returned from the office to fix the problem after 13 hours! And oh, he had switched off his phone. I definitely went into flip mode. Now, there are absolutely no words to describe the fire that imploded in my chest at that moment. We'll just say the mad African woman in me emerged. Of course, I reported the incident to someone higher in command who apologized and told me the cable story was ridiculous! So after threats of taking this to the police and practically calling all phone numbers I had for the ECG workers, the line's man finally came the following day to fix the pole. Ummm, he fixed the line alright AND returned the GHC 50. That's what I call a consumer exercising his or her power..

I refuse to believe that a nation such as Ghana, the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence, cannot empower its citizens to stand up to crooks like this line's man. That such a person can be given so much dirty power to be used at the expense of others. I understand the culture of giving "tips" for EVERY WORK someone does for you in Ghana, even if it means performing duties the person is already getting paid for. I understand that, although it doesn't make sense. But I REFUSE to give power to anyone whose only job is to take advantage of me and other citizens of Ghana. That's doesn't work.

I believe these issues can be solved only if Ghanaians would stand up to these people.We need to feel empowered enough to say, "No, I won't allow you to take advantage of me. I pay me taxes, Ghana is mine as much as it is yours. I respect the words of the national anthem and I take my country and her people seriously."

Now I'm getting ideas...

Introducing Obaasema Online TV

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Interview With 54 Kingdoms

It's here! Obaasema Online TV was launched this week (1/27/11). Check out my two-part interview with two of the continent's burgeoning entrepreneurs: CEO and President of the clothing line, 54 Kingdoms.

(Part 1)

(Part 2)

Need I Say More?? Stay Tuned!

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Can Mbeki do for Côte d'Ivoire What Annan Did for Kenya?

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:50:00 +0000

In March 2008 Kofi Annan succeeded in assisting with the resolution of the 2007 Kenyan political conflict (read report here). Two years later, Thabo Mbeki is embarking on the same road, this time far West, Ivory Coast, to calm the waters (read the Beep's report here).

Beats me that after the 1999 and 2001 coups and civil war, nothing has been learned by this West African nation, contributing to stereotypical views that Africa knows nothing other than conflict. It's not even worth analyzing anything anymore; not even worth writing about. And hearts continue to bleed, while once again, avaricious leaders devour the vulnerable.

Waiting to see what Mbeki's visit will produce. *Sigh*

You Can't Miss This!! OBAASEMA-OLIBERTE Giveaway Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:19:00 +0000

I know, I know...I've been away for too long but i come bearing gifts!!!....well, that is, if you're selected! Don't miss this amazing chance to win one of the coolest sneakers today! The fabulous footwear company, Oliberté, has partnered with Obaasema to offer you this great holiday contest. Send your entries for a chance to win a FREE, classic sneaker!! Enter Contest Page or simply click on the image below. Good luck! :-)

New York Fashion Week Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Obaasema Magazine's recap of New York Fashion Week with designs by Edwing D'Angelo, Zizi Cardow and more!Click HERE for more!

Continue to view more images from New York Fashion Week Continue to view more from New York Fashion Week

Come on, Guinea, Come on!

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Mamadou Bah Baadikko, spokesman for the Alliance Cellou for President, a group for the leading presidential candidate, took the words out of my mouth when, according to the Associated Press, he said: "Is there such a thing as a place that is more secure than Camp Samory, which houses the chief of staff of the army? And you tell me that in this highly secure site, it is only the voting materials that caught fire? And you want me to believe that this is an accident? That's especially hard to do given that they have done everything in their power to once again push back the vote."

Hmmm.

Cellou Dalein Diallo, the leading presidential candidate supported by the quoted man above, has accused the government of attempting to derail the elections after several postponements since June. Who can blame his followers from viewing this as another attempt by the government to sabotage his bid for the presidency?

What other derailment attempts are they talking about? On thursday, Ceydou Bayo, head of communications of the National Independent Electoral Commission announced that voting set for Sunday (9/19/10) had to be postponed because - listen to this - voter ID cards ordered from a printer in South Africa had not yet arrived.

What?!?

And there's the other interesting announcement that followed: that the vote will be delayed for another two to three weeks.

Thanks Guinea for, once again, putting Africa on the "progressive" train. Watch how I placed progressive in parenthesis.

So we're led to believe that an entire functioning government couldn't ensure the timely delivery of some of the most important materials needed for an election?

Pure shame.

Just remember political leaders, we are an intelligent group of people. Make an effort to help the world see that!

Obaasema Magazine to Cover This Week's New York Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:53:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA, September 11, 2010 – In mid-July Obaasema brought you an exciting live coverage of the first-ever Africa Fashion Week, NY. Well, this week, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week begins and we will be bringing you similar coverage of this thrilling event!

Designers participating in New York City’s biggest week-long fashion event include Donna Karen New York, BCBG Max Azria, Michael Kors, Vera Wang and many more! Spend the rest of your week with us at www.obaasema.com for a recap of the runway shows!

ABOUT OBAASEMA MAGAZINE: Obaasema magazine, a subsidiary of Obaasema, Inc., is an empowerment and lifestyle publication for the modern African woman. Established in 2006 in Philadelphia, PA, Obaasema is dedicated to celebrating, empowering and inspiring the African woman through constructive channels of health, financial literacy, fashion, entertainment, spirituality and more. The crux of the magazine lies in its mission to encourage every woman to reach deep inside of herself to connect with the ideal woman within her.
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Fall 2010 Print Issue of Obaasema Magazine Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:57:00 +0000

So our fall 2010 print issue is available and you don't want to miss all of the juicy contents in it!

There's the exclusive coverage of the first-ever Africa Fashion Week, NY hosted in July, and then our wellness and nutrition pieces for the health-conscious African woman. And how could we leave out decor for the creatively-inclined woman?!? And then there's culture, community and....oh go get your copy! :-)

Click HERE to find out how.

www.obaasema.com

Will President John Kufuor Become Ghana’s Bill Clinton?

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:46:00 +0000

It has been almost a year and half since President John Kufuor respectfully handed over power to President Atta Mills in what was touted a peaceful and remarkable election in African politics. His post-presidential months were not the most pleasant – from accusations of ludicrous ex gratia demands to those of corruption, the former president was hammered, hard, from all corners. Will it be fair, though, to suggest that his activities may be shadowing that of one of the world’s most respected leaders, Bill Clinton?

On July 15, 2009, the former Ghanaian president announced this on his Facebook Page:

His Ever Excellency John Agyekum kufuor has been appointed an Ambassador Against Hunger for the World Food Programme. He will work for The Hunger Project and will be an Ambassador Against Hunger and Disaster.

This announcement received 96 thumbs up from his 11, 730 fans on Facebook.

Erasmus 'Pobosky' Oware commented:

Congratulations K4. The world will always recognize your good works and will reward you accordingly. You are the best that ever happened to us. Congrats once again Daddy.

Arthur Chester said:

U hav done a lot for Ghanaian children when u were president and some of us still believe dat u will put dat experience into play once again. We say congrats for the elevating to dat level. Stay there and bring good name to yourself and mother Ghana.

On October 9, 2009, it was announced on his Facebook page that he had finally assumed office as Chairman of the Governing Council of Interpeace, a non-governmental organization dedicated to international peace building in societies that have experienced division and conflict. Today, his face is one of the few that grace the organization's homepage.

It appears that President Kufuor is the only past president thus far to still connect with the people of Ghana through social media platforms. And perhaps the first to take his socio-political agenda, in this case poverty and hunger, onto an international platform.

Could it be suggested that John Kufuor’s post-presidential activities closely mirror that of President Bill Clinton’s? With his Clinton Global Initiative and other humanitarian deeds, the former U.S. president has earned much global respect. It was no surprise that he was one of the leaders called upon by President Barack Obama, in the wake of Haiti's disastrous earth quake, to head fundraising efforts toward the relief of the Caribbean nation.

President John Kufuor, though he was not appointed to lead any relief efforts did urge his fans on Facebook to pray for Haitians and “help for they are all our brothers and sisters.” Although his were just words, this modern age continues to reveal to us the power of spoken words by political figures to their followers.

This leader, often referred to by his admirers as JAK, seems determined about his other global interests. On June 20, 2010, Myjoyonline.com reported:

Former President John Kufuor says he is committed to advancing the interest of Ghana internationally despite vilification by the present government.
Mr. Kufuor left Accra Friday night for two international engagements at New York, the United States and Sunningale, in the United Kingdom.
At the invitation of the British Government through the Department of International Development (DFID), former President Kufuor will be Guest Speaker at a DFID major conference. The former President will speak on: "An African Statesman's view on the importance of understanding politics for delivering better outcomes.

On April 3, 2010, Sudan Watch posted a report entitled: "Ghana's Kufuor leads a 51-member AU team to monitor Sudan’s elections," a title very suggestive of the role and image the ex-president is designing for himself and his legacy.

It would be interesting to see where he will be come five or ten years, whether the mirror will provide identical images, of him and President Clinton, or otherwise.

Real African Women (R.A.W.) May 13th Forum Session Finally Here!!

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:07:00 +0000

It's finally here!

OBAASEMA MAGAZINE and the Gye Nyame EMPOWERMENT PROJECT have partnered to bring you Real African Women (R.A.W.), a series of discussions between African Women....and other African Women!

Save the date and come out and support the first open forum in New York City on *Thursday, May 13, 2010*.

We look forward to learning from you!

*SO WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT*??

                  SELF-AWARENESS

*WHEN*: Thursday, May 13, 2010
*TIME*: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
*WHERE*: CHELSEA STUDIOS
151 West 26th Street (Room 603)
(between 6th and 7th Avenue)
                                                                               New York, NY 10001

*COST*: $5.00 (tickets MUST be purchased in advance).

Click below to purchase now!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_sxclick&hosted_button_id=859GJ9PHAKMJA
*(Refreshments will be served*)
*Learn more on* :

Facebook (Keyword: Real African Women)
Twitter (Keyword: RealAfrikWomen)
GNEP: http://www.empowermegnep.org/
OBAASEMA: http://www.obaasema.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmMREw5k-Bw

Real African Women (R.A.W.) May 13th Event Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Hello, hello!! So this is what I've been up to lately...planning the launch of this super cool initiative with Gye Nyame Empowerment Project. We just posted our welcome/invitation video...check it out and make plans to attend...just follow our updates for more information!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmMREw5k-Bw

Regional Minister, Kofi Opoku-Manu, Going Under?

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:20:00 +0000

My latest submission to Global Voices Online. Savor on this in the interim!
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Ashanti Regional Minister, Kofi Opoku-Manu, has recently taken great heat for remarks he made during a speech to supporters of the ruling party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) on January 6^th.
According to Ghana’s Ato-Kwamena Dadzie, Opoku-Manu “urged party supporters to resort to violence to resolve their differences.”

Dadzie reports in his article, “Opoku-Manu Must Go” with a direct quote from the Regional Minister:

"If you can slap him, do so."

Dadzie states:
"Comments like these are reckless and irresponsible. You don’t expect a man in Mr. Opoku-Manu’s position to utter them. But he did.

Two days later, he had no recollection of what he had said until a recording was played back to him. That was when he came to his senses, acknowledged his momentous folly and offered an apology, which only came after some big wigs within the government instructed to clear the mess he has created." Read more....

What's New?? Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:15:00 +0000

I know that I've been absent for some time but I'm coming back very soon!! There's been so much happening...great things! From the launch of the ALL NEW Obaasema.com to our latest print release to building new projects! I know this blog is supposed to be devoted to political, economic and social issues in Africa but I can't help sharing what I've been up to! And oh, did I forget to wish you all a Happy New Year?! I know, we're half-way through January!

I've been cooking up some stuff for you and I haven't forgotten about my article regarding the anti-corruption initiative by the UN and World Bank. I'll be posting that very soon.

So here's to my followers and readers...I haven't forgotten about you, I'm coming back very soon!

Introducing...Real African Women (R.A.W.)

noreply@blogger.com (Abi) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Today, Dec. 21, 2009 (I started writing this before the clock turned 12 a.m.!), Obaasema Magazine in a partnership with Gye Nyame Empowerment Project (GNEP) launched Real African Women (R.A.W.) on Facebook! My partner, Akua Soadwa and I have been so psyched about this initiative that we felt like kids in the hours leading to the launch.

Here's a note I posted on Facebook saying why R.A.W. is important to me:

"R.A.W was birthed when Akua and I met this summer at a special gathering. After about 10 minutes into REAL conversations, we realized that we both possessed very similar traits and most surprisingly, carried around similar challenges! Why would I engage in a conversation about one of my biggest struggles - vulnerability - with someone I had just met? Why did we both nod at almost every personal challenge that surfaced during our conversation? We laughed at each revelation – the only thing that may have ruined any thoughts of us being twins was the fact that I was born in Ghana and she was born in the U.S. We knew after this exchange, though, that we had to act and we were both quick to admit that we couldn’t do it alone.

My desire to grow and to use my personal growth process to inspire others is one of the things that drives me – whether it is pouring my heart into empowering women through Obaasema Magazine or engaging in initiatives such as R.A.W, I seek to see a different woman in me.

You see, R.A.W was not only created for “them,” as in the “other African women,” but also for Akua and me. We are both women who deeply appreciate the beauty of personal growth and choose to seek the support of our fellow sisters. It should be obvious by now why we have decided to create an open forum discussion to invite other African women to join the movement of helping each other grow by sharing our experiences.

R.A.W intrigues me and is important to me because it hinges on personal growth; it’s about inspiration, it’s about empowerment. All I hope R.A.W can do for you are these 3 things: inspire you, empower you and challenge you to grow! Embrace the movement, baby!"

I'm extremely excited to have begun this beautiful journey with a woman who is as passionate about inspiring others and contributing positively to the world. The first R.A.W. forum session will be held in May 2010 and we're equally as excited about that! You'll be hearing more from me soon on this subject.

Support this initiative by becoming a Fan of our Facebook page! ... and...ahem...tell your friends, girlfriends, wives, sisters, aunties...ummm everyone about it! :-)