Abi Speaks

Fed Up With the Country's Economic Woes, Ghanaians Launch Their Own Occupy Movement

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 11:52:00 +0000

My latest post on Global Voices:

A group of Ghanaians rallied near the president's office as part of a campaign dubbed #OccupyFlagStaffHouse to protest corruption and the country's poor economic situation and press the government to do something about it.

The peaceful march, organized in less than five days, happened on July 1, 2014, a public holiday that marked the 54th year since Ghana became a republic following British colonial rule. The movement was launched on Facebook as OccupyGhana on June 28, and by July 1 it had over 3,000 followers in support of the protest. It now has more than 6,000. Read more...

Accra With No Fuel - What A Shame.

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:14:00 +0000

On Thursday, June 26th, I made the mistake of driving to Kwame Nkrumah Circle at about 11:30am. It took about an hour to get through the traffic: there was a long, I mean long, queue of cars leading to the petrol station along the road. I took a picture through my passenger window (sorry it was raining - see attached image).

The following day, I noticed there were very few cars on the road to work in the morning and on my way home in the evening.

One simple question: Is this how the governement wants to see the country? In 2014? When Ghana is supposedly a middle income nation now?

No comment.

The Power Of Poverty...In Africa.

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 10:05:00 +0000

I've been having a series of conversations with people about the economic crisis in Ghana, specifically the cedi depreciation and crazy unexpected hikes in fuel prices almost every quarter or so.

The conversation diverted to the story of a young man who called a number, thinking it was that of an advertised witch doctor, and was ready to sacrifice his mother's life to become wealthy. Fortunately, the stranger intercepted quickly by involving the police who apprehended the young man when he actually brought his mom to be killed.

The point of the story is, poverty can make anyone do the unthinkable to survive and some of our leaders are proof of that: the corruption, poor policies that hurt the economy and people and only benefit those in power, the never-ending witness of leaders becoming more and more wealthy by the day and the average Ghanaian still wondering where the next meal will be coming from or how to manage that GHC400 monthly salary with a wife and two kids.

This is serious business.

What we all agreed on was that poverty has a lot of influence in the actions we tend to see in our leaders, unfortunately. The propensity to be greedy and keep it all to yourself - as displayed by many of our leaders.

What does the country Ghana need at this point in time? There are numerous ideas floating in my head; I just don't think I can scribble them here now.

Fashionista GH Launches Shopping Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 21:14:00 +0000

Oh, you've gotta love Fashionista GH! They launch their exciting three-day shopping festival today at The Event Haven inside the Trade Fair Centre, La, Accra from 10:00am – 8:00pm.

Check out my brief feature here:

This Week on Obaasema.com

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:57:00 +0000

So, once again, I come with apologies for abandoning this platform for so long! I come with no promises, though, but I definitely want to start feeding some great content on here with some of the fabulous happenings at Obaasema!

So, a new addition to the team, Akua Chachu, wrote about skin bleaching in her first article drawing comparisons between a woman who bleaches, one who gets a boob job and one who wears 5 inch heels to increase in height. Are they all the same? I've posted a bit of the article below:

Skin Lightening, Identity Crisis: Are These Really The Issues?

I am a black-skinned girl. No, not the brown-skinned girl you’ve heard about in songs and poems. This girl is black. Or so my mother says. She’d watch me from a distance and say, “ei Nana Akua, as for you, you’re too dark.” And then I’d tell her I like being the beautiful black-skinned girl. Believe me it took quite a while to arrive at this mentality, but how many other women are there yet?

Before I go on let me explain something to you. My father was kind of like the United Nations, you know, bringing various nations and tribes together so that I have siblings of various descents and therefore, various skin colors. Among my siblings, especially those I grew up with, I may have been one of the darkest.

As a child, I remember mommy scolding me whenever she found me standing in the sun: “You continue to stand in the sun; your skin will become the color of charcoal,” she’d tell me, “Go and have a quick bath.” Continue reading...

Trip Down Memory Lane Brings Me Back To Blogging!

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 21:50:00 +0000

So today I decided to go through boxes of documents shipped to me from the US. I had initially dreaded the task of sifting through books and papers and having to "perform" the task of deciding what to do with what. To my surpise, however, I loved the exercise. I was taken through years of personal development/growth, moving from high school documents stamped with the text BAYARD RUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE HUMANITES, 351 W. 18 ST, NY NY .... , the infamous NYC Board of Education/ U.A.P.C. Report of Absences card (though I always provided reason! lol), high school class projects and year book. My emotions heightened at the sight of the letter every recent high school grad dreads but looks forward to receiving...

"Dear Ms. Annan,

Congratulations! On behalf of our faculty and administration, I am pleased to offer you an opportunity to study at Baruch College for the fall 2001 semester... "

How incredible that moment was! I didn't realize how great it was to re-live those moments. The exercise brought me into close contact with some of my passions, i.e. art and writing, hence my sudden interest in reviving this blog, once again.

I thought it would be nice to break my one-year hiatus with something inspiring I stumbled upon during the exercise today. Here you go...

THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING

By Helen Steiner Rice

Our Father knows what’s best for us, so why should we complain

We always want the sunshine, but He knows there must be rain

We love the sound of laughter and the merriment of cheer,

But our hearts would lose their tenderness if we never shed a tear

Our Father tests us often with suffering and with sorrow.

He tests us, not to punish us, but to help us meet tomorrow

For growing trees and strengthened when they withstand the storm,

And the sharp cut of the chisel gives the marble grace and form

God never hurts us needlessly, and He never wastes our pain,

For every loss he sends us, is followed by rich gain …

And when we count the blessings that God has so freely sent,

We will find no cause for murmuring and no time to lament

For our Father loves His children, and to Him all things are plain,

So He never sends us pleasures when the soul’s deep need is pain…

So whenever we are troubled and when everything goes wrong

It is just God working in us, to make our spirit strong

Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Kwasi Amissah-Arthur Named Vice President of Ghana

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 18:24:00 +0000

So on the day Ghana honors President Mills' "One Week" national mourning, a Vice President is announced and he is none other than the Governor of Bank of Ghana, Dr. Kwasi Amissah-Arthur. The Daily Guide has a bit of something about the story here.

Ghana Honors President Mills' Death With "One Week" National Mourning

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 09:31:00 +0000

The world has grieved with Ghana this past week after our sitting President was pronounced dead at the 37 Military hospital in Accra on July 24, 2012. It's not clear what killed him as no official reports have surfaced but it is of common knowledge, though never publicly admitted, that the president was suffering from throat cancer. And today, according to tradition with mourning of the dead, Ghana will honor John Evans Atta Mills on his "one week."

This has all been an experience for me. The excitement that came with voting for the first time in Ghana was something else. The process of really studying each political party to carefully align with or identify with one that speaks to my political ideologies has been exciting. I've been patiently waiting, while itching for December 7th, to cast my vote for whomever deserves it and is able to win it - I'm not affiliated with any one party. I guess I can be labeled as a swinger/independent. But, I must say, the death of the president has really shaken me and somehow I'm grateful I could be home, in Ghana, to experience it for myself. You can read my coverage of it for Global Voices here.

I'll be updating this post throughout the day to reflect what's happening on this "One Week" day of mourning for the nation. This morning, Accra residents are visibly mourning. Some have tied their heads or wrists with red strips of cloth symbolic of a mourning state in the Ghanaian culture. Some commercial vehicles and private ones have tied these strips of cloth to their cars to indicate bereavement. See image below.

A taxi driver on the Avenor road leading to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra ties his red strip of cloth on his side mirror in honor of President Mills' "One Week" national mourning.

And some private homes are showing support to the president's family with the display below.

A private house displays an image of the ex-president and cloths in traditional mourning colors to mark the national "One Week" mourning.

Coverage of the Death of Ghana's President, John Evans Atta Mills

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:01:00 +0000

On July 24, 2012, Ghana experienced something tragic: A sitting President died. And it is an election year. The atmosphere in Parliament, televised by Ghana Television (GTV), was that of shock and sadness as Members of Parliament displayed deeply saddened faces. By 8pm, the Vice President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as President of the Republic of Ghana.

But four hours prior to this, just after the news had broken, Ghanaians took to Twitter to express their shock and sadness. Tweets of the President’s death hit the social media site before many of the media houses officially confirmed it.

Myjoyonline.com revised its abbreviated report published immediately after the death announcement with a much detailed one and a fitting image that symbolized the president’s departure hours later:
(read full piece of my coverage on Global Voices)

Jewels From Nairobi, Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 12:07:00 +0000

Greetings from the East!! And by this I mean Nairobi, Kenya. I'm having a blast at the 2012 Global Voices Citizen Media Summit! I promise a post about the actual summit is coming soon. I just couldn't help sending a bit of a teaser! It's only day 2 and yet it feels like a week!

First of all, I should say that I've been really impressed with some things in Kenya - the architecture in the city and if I'm not mistaken, the preservation of some greenery, are features to talk about - well, in comparison to Ghana, of course. I haven't been able to take any pictures of buildings due to security reasons - Kenya is on high security alert due to the Mombasa bombing and currently frowns upon tourists taking pictures of buildings.

But, I have some shots. I went to the Masai market, one of the most famous markets in Kenya, with other GVers and we had a blast shopping and bargaining with vendors. Kenya's fashionable handicrafts are amazing! The bead necklaces, earrings, scarves, purses, whoa! You can munch on these images for the time being. More posts coming!

GHANA IN PICTURES - KUMASI

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — Sun, 27 May 2012 08:07:00 +0000

So earlier this month I went on a trip (work-related) to Kumasi, making it my third visit there since I've lived in Ghana, and I thought whoa, I have to take advantage of this place. Kumasi really feels like a whole other kind of Ghana by itself. I mean folks there have created their own sort of entertainment that speaks to them - they make their own movies that they seem to enjoy very much; there are entertainment centers and cool restaurants and bars to spice up the night life. And I must add, people in Kumasi seem to love to have fun! There are some really beautiful historic areas that I wished I had gotten the chance to see, but hopefully that can be done on my next trip. I was fortunate, though, to get to explore the Kumasi Cultural Centre for a bit and on my way back I took some pictures of the infamous Nkawkaw market - I loved it!

Kumasi Cultural Centre

Ashanti men playing musical instrument in a beautiful art piece built into a wall at the Cultural Centre

Prempeh II Jubilee Museum @ the Cultural Centre

Nkawkaw Market - where the best bread is sold - located close to Kumasi

Good Reads for the New Year - My Picks

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Abena Annan) — 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*