Accra Conscious Blog

Photo of the Day: MJ + Alec Ross + HTW Beads

2013-03-09T07:33:00.001Z

Peer Forum-The Human Voices of Freedom, originally uploaded by US Mission Geneva.

I've been Alec Ross - Senior Advisor on Innovation to the US State Department when he started working with Sec. Clinton during her tenure in office.

It was all joy when I got to know, he was joining us in Geneva, Switzerland for the 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows program.

I managed to show him the Heel The World 'Black & Gold" short-film and also presented him with one of the -Heel The World- beads after explaining the concept behind the movement.

Alec Ross endorses -Heel The World- Empowerment Beads.

Photo Of The Day - Woman In Search of Water in Accra.

2013-02-08T17:52:00.002Z

A woman with a baby at her back in search of water in Accra, Ghana.

Residents in many parts of Accra and Tema would have to live with a water rationing exercise being undertaken by the Ghana Urban Water Limited (GUWL) for the next six months.

The exercise, according to the service provider, has become necessary, following a detection of a structural defect in four out of the 12 filters at the Weija Treatment Plant.

“The challenge is technical and it’s as a result of structural defects detected in four out of 12 filters at the Weija Treatment Plant about two weeks ago.

Continue story...

Photo Of The Day - Jamestown Lighthouse

2011-12-05T14:26:00.001Z

Lighthouse @ Jamestown., originally uploaded by Javier Ortega Figueiral.

Jamestown Lighthouse in Accra. When in Ghana; do visit this historical monument located in Accra.

Serge the Concierge: 10 Do's & Don'ts of Accra, Ghana.

2011-01-22T09:22:00.000Z

Re-Blogged: Serge the Concierge

When I stumbled on WE_ Africa magazine, Ulrike Reinhard made me realize that I had left a whole continent out of the 10 Do's and Don'ts equation. I asked her to help me remedy to that.

Today you see the first instalment with Mac-Jordan D. Degadjor guide to Accra, Ghana.

10 Do’s & Don’ts of Accra
Are you coming to Ghana’s capital city of Accra for the first time? There are a lot of stuffs you can do and others you can’t/shouldn’t do. First off, I’m going to start with the DON’Ts.

10 Things Not Worth Doing in Accra.
1.       Don’t ever take taxis at the Kotoka Int’l Airport upon arrival. They are a big rip-off. Before your trip to Accra, make sure to arrange for your host or a trusted local to pick you up from the airport.
2.       Don’t ever expose your bank or credit card details in public or even at the hotels. Make sure, you’ve exchange your foreign notes into the Ghanaian Cedis and don’t carry a lot of cash on you too.
3.       Don’t ever wear bikini or very revealing clothes in Accra. The Ghanaian culture on dressing doesn’t approve of such types of dressing. Make sure, all sensitive areas are covered and you dress decent always. No mini-skirts.
4.       Don’t shake hands with the left hand. Also, don’t eat with the left hand. Always use the right hand when dealing with people and showing directions.
5.       Don’t be a fan of taxis in general whiles staying in Accra rather, opt for the cheapest mode of transport which is; Tro-tro (shared buses plying majors town routes within Accra). They are very cheap and economical but can get very uncomfortable sometimes. Don’t sit closer to the bus collector (mate) ever.
6.       Don’t walk on the streets of Accra and its environs alone after 7pm. Make sure, you’re in the company of others; at least 3-4.
7.       Don’t ever go to the beach to swim on Tuesdays as it is forbidden and a big taboo.
8.       Traffic in Accra is like a snail with a limp. If you’re supposed to be at a place in an hour; please leave 2hrs before otherwise, you’ll curse yourself always. Traffic in Accra is actually a “part-time” job for most commuters.
9.       Don’t ever buy/purchase anything from mobile phones to gadgets from hand dealers around Kwame Nkrumah Circle or Accra Central. You’ll be ripped off heavily and your item might be either a stone or an empty wooden box.
10.   Don’t ever try to argue with the Ghanaian policeman when it comes to road/traffic issues. Never ever do that. Just oblige and “tip” him/her GHc1.00; sorry it’s been increased to GHc2.00.
11.   Don’t go shopping for foodstuffs, groceries or garments all by yourself. Make sure, you’re accompanied by a local otherwise, the prices of the stuffs will be doubled (in case you’re a white person)

10 Things Worth Doing in Accra.
1.       Do visit the Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah’s Memorial Park and learn a lot about Ghana’s first President.
2.       Do visit the Ghana National Museum which is located in the heart of Accra and is featured in all Ghana travel magazines.
3.       A Must Visit: Visit Ghana’s only premier University; University of Ghana located in Legon. Very beautiful landscape and buildings.

4.       Do visit the clean and sunny beaches in Accra after rainy season. I’ll recommend Bojo Beach, Tawala Beach (above), Ada Beach Sajuna Beach Club and La Pleasure Beach (always be in the company of trusted folks whiles here at night)
5.       Do visit the Independence Arch and also the Independence Square (Black Star Square).

6.       Do well to visit the Ohene Gyan Sport Stadium (Accra Sports Stadium) when there’s a local premiere league match going on.
7.       Do try our sumptuous Ghanaian meals with their accompanying soups especially; Fufu with Light/Palm/Pea-nut soup (below), Banku with tilapia and shitor (local black sauce), Kenkey & red pepper and fried fish and Waakye. Places to visit: Asanka Locals (Madina & Osu), Bush Canteen (East-Legon), Osu Night Market (Osu), Agbaa Maame (Tema) & Auntie Muni’s joint (Labone)

8.       When it comes to Night Life; there are a couple of places to visit for good music, networking and enjoying a great evening. In no other; +233 Jazz Bar (Kanda), Reggie Rockstones Office (Cantonments), Rhapsodys of Reality (Accra Mall), European styled pub: Bella Roma (Oxford Street, Osu), Citizen Kofi’s Sky Bar ( a great view of Accra at night), Celsbridge - best grilled & spicy chicken joint (Labone)
9.       Visit the fishing community of Jamestown and also get to the top of the old light house.
10.   Lastly, Go African artifacts shopping at Art Center located in the heart of Accra.

It takes a Mac-Jordan to navigate Accra. Read his Blog here: Mac-Jordan Ghana

Photo Of The Day : 16.01.2011

2011-01-16T15:09:00.001Z

Go elsewhere, originally uploaded by jntolva.

Rick Ross Performs Very Early & "Impresses" Fans In Ghana During BMF Tour

2010-12-30T15:55:00.000Z

Re-Blogged: Original Story Ghana Web

Rick Ross at Accra Int'l Conference Center: 28.12.2010

The concert that was expected to have an eclectic collection of popular Ghanaian faces and time-tested music of the hip-hop music scene came off with Rick Ross rather performing very early, taking the stage before 8pm.

Rick Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II emerged on stage with his 15 man crew, greeted with the loudest cheers from the crowd.

Fantasy Entertainment is rumored to have paid Rick Ross $170,000. It wouldn't have changed anything if they had announced that Rick Ross was catching an early flight (11:00pm) to South Africa so would perform early just to avoid the angry crowd.

Tickets prices were GHc 75.00 for Regulars, GHc 105.00 for V.I.P and GHc 150.00 for V.V.I.P. … Rick Ross tackled songs from his old albums to the current ones from his platinum-selling album, “Teflon Don” album throughout out the 60mins (45mins actually) he was on stage.

The moment the beat of Blow Money Fast was dropped, the whole auditorium started rapping along

“I think I'm big meech Larry Hoover//, whipping work, hallelujah, one nation under god real niggas getting money from the f***ing start".

The new Ghanaian rendition of Rick Ross's BMF (Blow Money Fast) goes like

“I think am big meat, ma chi mu mugu...Ghanaians, Conference Center..... Hallelujah Father Christmas. Performing Very Fast (PVF= BMF).

The show opened around 6pm with the Skillions Record's J-Town's performance followed by label mate EL dishing out good GH hip-hop music. Kwaw Kesse stayed true to his words and came down from USA purposely for the Rick Ross concert and was right up next after Rick Ross left stage.

Tiffany does her best to kindle the energy of the crowd; a daunting task for the only female act on the bill. She was later joined by Sarkodie (Ghana's Fastest Rapper) to do the remix of "Fake London" track.

Coming from UK and label mate of Sarkodie and Akon, Sway Dcypha's performance on stage was so good that he had the crowd shouting along with him. His fans helped out on party favorites like "F Ur Ex," "Intoxicated” and more. You could feel the bass deep down in your chest and rattling your head around when he took it to the UK level with his 'grimey' songs.

New-Kid-On-The-Block; Trigmatic seemed to be having fun and he shared that joy of performing with the audience, who were on their feet the entire time and sang along with him.MTV Music Awards nominee; D-Black rolled out next on stage with an intro boasting about his 15 music nominations. His performance was accompanied by Dr-Cryme and his young hype boy, Dee-Money.

Tinny "Aletse" was next on stage and delivered a humble and heartfelt acknowledgment to his fans present. During his performance, DJ-Black, the official DJ and MC for the nite signaled him to cut his performance short to which Aletse Tinny wasn't too pleased with. He left the stage "angry" with his fans yearning for more of his music.

Asem took the stage next after a short intermission. Asem’s performance was centered on creating jokes from his new single “2011 Fylla ". Rick Ross come perform early and go”, were some of his new lines. The fine boy rapper clanked out a dozen crowd-pleasing hits that had the house on its feet for most of his time on stage.

There were so many things that will always make Charter House Entertainment the leaders of event organizing in Ghana.

Things that amounted to them were poor publicity, bad security, not willing to release all the 'charged fees' to the local artistes before they mounted the stage and more. Fantasy Entertainment needs to sit down and puts their acts together if they ever bringing an international artistes to Ghana.

Hint: **Nikki Minaj in Ghana in Summer 2011**

Asamoah Gyan for BBC African Player of the Year.

2010-12-07T16:03:00.000Z

Ghana Black Star’s World Cup & Sunderland FC’s forward; Asamoah Gyan is nominated alongside four other African players including; Andre 'Dede' Ayew (Olympique de Marseille), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Yaya Toure (Manchester City) & Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC) for the BBC African Player of the Year award.

Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure & Didier Drogba

My choice and vote goes to Asamoah Gyan.

Asamoah "Baby Jet" Gyan

He was the World Cup’s proudest player, the man who so nearly propelled the Ghana Black Stars to the semifinals of the World Cup as Africa took its place on the global stage.

It wasn't until the World Cup in South Africa that he really made a name for himself. He scored in both of Ghana's opening games, earning the Black Stars 4 points and securing qualification to the last 16, where we faced the Yankees (USA).

In a tight-to-twist affair; Gyan shattered the American's dreams in extra-time, making Ghana only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals, along with Cameroon and Senegal. Don't ask me about the missed penalty kick & the "Magical hands of God" from Luiz Suarez.

Now, you understand the main reason why I want him to win the award, right? Do me this favor:

Click here to cast your vote now.

Don’t forget; voting ends on Friday, December 10, 2010. Results will be announced on Friday, December 17, 2010.

Photo Credit: BBC Sports & Getty Images

Ghanaian Spoken-Word Artiste; Percy Mutombo Goes Musical...

2010-12-02T16:29:00.000Z

Accra-based Spoken-Word Artiste/Poet/Lyricist, Percy Mutombo emerged on the burgeoning alternative art scene in 2006 and hasn’t looked back ever since. He's earned his stripes as a captivating performer over the years and now breaks new grounds by putting his work over instrumentation on his forthcoming album; "PhotoSentences".

Sweet Memories; the first single from the debut album is already making waves for obvious reasons; as a pioneer of such a genre in Ghana. The lyrics are as captivating as the concept behind the album.

Producers and Artistes contributing to the album include Kweku Ananse, M3NSA, Wanlov Da Kubolor, Panji Anoff of Pidgen Music, DJ Juls, Ghana's YouTube Viral; Yaa Pono and Kwam1. “PhotoSentences” will be released in January 2011 by Pidgen Music Entertainment.

Mutombo’s goal with his soon to-be-released album “PhotoSentences” is to illustrate the visceral power of his words; laced over head nodding beats, to show young Ghanaians that Spoken Word/Poetry is alive and to pave the way for local up & coming poets in search of inspiration.

Download the Hit Single; Sweet Memories for free HERE

Percy Mutombo has appeared on numerous platforms including “The Mentor Show”, “Face of Legon” and other local/international media outlets including TV3, ViaSat1, DSTV, GTV, Joy FM, HITZ FM etc. Mutombo is also a resident poet at Mi Prime Entertainment’s “Bless The Mic” Open Mic Series and the British Council’s WAPI series.

Watch Out for the album; PhotoSentences in Jan, 2011.

Credit: AmeyawDebrah

M.anifest LIVE in Concert!

2010-11-17T16:01:00.000Z

Ghanaian-Minneapolis based charismatic Hip-Hop artist; Kwame Amet Tsikata also known as M.anifest will be performing in Accra, Ghana. M.anifest will be on stage come this Friday, November 19th, 2010 at the plush Citizen Kofi Entertainment Center in Osu, Accra.

Other Ghanaian hip-life artistes billed to perform alongside M.anifest are:

The sensational YouTube Viral from Tema: Yaa Pono
Ghana's Numbre-Uno Disc Jockey: DJ Black
Madina's own DJ Bootie Brown and a Special Surprise Guest.

Rate: A cool GHc20.00 ONLY... Doors Open @ 2100GMT (0900pm)

Host: Hip-Life God-father: Reggie Rockstone

Catch the "M dododotidoh" man LIVE in action. I bet, you don't want to miss this concert.

Local Content Dev't + Networking = BarCamp-Takoradi 2010

2010-11-12T10:54:00.000Z

While organizing the very first Barcamp Ghana in December 2008, Dorothy Gordon, the CEO of Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (Accra), encouraged to take the barcamp event to other places in Ghana. We made that promise to ourselves. Two years on, the dream is materializing. We've had an actual Barcamp Accra in October and before we've had Barcamp Kumasi. This November, we'd have Barcamp Takoradi on November 27, 2010 at Takoradi Technical Institute (TTI), . And we won't stop till we have Barcamps in Tuabodom, Tain and (Cape) Three Points. VIM! Tsooboi!

Leading & Enterprising in an Oil & Technology Fueled Economy. #bctdi

BarCamp Takoradi 2010, an ad-hoc gathering where attendees will meet for discussions, demos and networking, will take place on November 27, 2010 at the Takoradi Technical Institute (TTI), campus in Takoradi, Ghana. The theme will be “Leading & Enterprising in an Oil & Technology Fueled Economy”. BarCamp Takoradi is building on the success of Ghanaian BarCamp events to ignite Sekondi/Takoradi & Western Region's focused discussions and actions in order to bring about much-needed change. It is being organized by the BarCamp Takoradi team which is convened under the GhanaThink Foundation. It has the experience of successfully organizing four BarCamps in Ghana: Barcamp Ghana 08 and 09, Barcamp Kumasi 2010 and Barcamp Accra 2010.

The BarCamp Ghana team which is convened under the GhanaThink Foundation has successfully organized four BarCamps in Ghana. Barcamp Ghana 2008 at the Kofi Annan Centre for Excellence in IT (KACE-AITI) on December 22, 2008; Barcamp Ghana 2009 at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology in East Legon in Accra on December 21, 2009; Barcamp Kumasi 2010 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on September 18, 2010 and BarCamp Accra 2010 at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology in East Legon in Accra on October 2, 2010. The events have brought together over a thousand leaders and change makers.

Barcamp Takoradi’s goals include facilitating organic networking and help attendees identify business partners for future projects and ventures. It will also offer local businessmen and women the chance to promote and get feedback on their entreprises and ventures. It will also help build a local community and network of Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Businessmen after the Barcamp. The event will also identify business opportunities in the oil and gas industry with attendant opportunities for a growing local economy.

BarCamps all over the world have brought together individuals and organizations to collaborate on various projects and businesses. BarCamp Takoradi ’10 is a FREE event for anyone who is interested in using their skills, talent, and resources to benefit Ghana and Africa as a whole. This year, the focus is on discussing how important collaboration between different industries, business, academia and public institutions is key for opportunity and development.

Takoradi Technical Institute is the only school in West Africa to have a fab lab (fabrication laboratory). The Fab Lab program was started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). There will be an exhibition of work from the Takoradi Fab Lab. The speakers will include Nana Kobina Nketsia V; (Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area; Sekondi), Wilson Arthur (CEO - Skyy Digital), Amos Anyimadu (Africa Talks Initiatives), amongst others.


Nana Kobina Nketsia V. Paramount Chief of Essikado

Register/RSVP today at the BarCamp Takoradi eventbrite website. If you are interested in organizing a breakout session or promoting a business or venture, let us know, especially if you have special needs. You may also contact the BarCamp Takoradi team through this website for sponsorship opportunities. BarCamp Takoradi 2010 is sponsored by the Takoradi Technical Institute (TTI), Google Ghana, GhanaThink Foundation, Fie.nipa, etc.

Hope to see you there!

TEDxHarambe, Accra. Ghana

2010-11-02T11:02:00.000Z

On November 04, 2010; there will be an independent TEDx event; TEDxHarambe for young Tech & Social Entrepreneurs and Corporate Executives in Accra, Ghana.

The theme for the one-day event is on; “New Capitalism”. The programme will run from 12 pm – 7 pm at the College of Physicians and Surgeons; Accra - No. 54 Independence Ave. near Ridge Roundabout.

See Press Release from TEDxHarambe for more information.

Ghana’s young entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, and corporate executives will gather in Accra to listen to and exchange ideas of how social value can be created through enterprise under the theme “New Capitalism” on November 4, 2010.

In the spirit of "ideas worth spreading," TED has created TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxHarambe, where x = independently organized TED event. At TEDxHarambe, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

TEDxHarambe will feature entrepreneurs whom apart from profit seek a second bottom line through their business ventures. Speakers like Stuart Gold (Founder/CEO, Trashy Bags), Jim Brenner (CEO, Broadcove Partners), Mr. Kafui Prebbie (CEO, 1village Africa), Yaw Owusu (Founder/MD, Gateway Innovations), Sander Smits van Oyen (MD, Sovec Fund), Dr. Dennis Larkin (Superintendent, Lincoln Community School).

Also on the bill are Kimathi Kuenyehia Sr (Managing Partner, Kimathi & Kimathi Corporate Attorneys), Kofi Bentil (Coordinator, mPedigree), Chiedza Makonnen (CEO, Afrodesiac Worldwide & Revolutionary Underground), Vincent Amponsah (Director, IDP Rising Schools Program), Muhtar Bakara (Publisher, Kachifo Ltd), Elorm Goh (CEO, Food Transactions Ltd) will share how they are using new technologies, new models, and new ideas to not only create economic value but social value as well, something we call, New Capitalism.

TEDxHarambe is a FREE and open event for anyone who is interested in using their skills, talent and resources to better Ghana and Africa as a whole. Young entrepreneurs and people with an active interest in utilizing creativity for development are encouraged to attend.

TEDxHarambe is organized by Harambe Ghana and Business Minds Investment Club (BMIC) and is sponsored by Unilever Ghana, Coca Cola Bottling Company, Voltic Ghana Ltd., Broad Cove Partners, WEBS Design, Business and Financial Times, Jungle Productions, IBurst Africa, Livestream, Augies Hotel, and Zepto, with the support of United Way Ghana and Orchid Hospitality Management Services.

It will run from 12 pm – 7 pm at the College of Physicians and Surgeons; Accra - No. 54 Independence Ave. near Ridge Roundabout.

Visit www.tedxharambe.com for more information or email us at tedxharambe@gmail.com. The event will be streamed live at http://www.livestream.com/tedx2. Follow us on Twitter with; #TEDxHarambe

Remember to join the discussion on Social Value Creation at #TEDxHarambe, NOV 4.

Ghanaian Film: Sinking Sands - Press Screening & Premiere

2010-11-01T20:42:00.001Z

I was among a few selected Ghanaian bloggers who attended the Press Screening of the much anticipated Ghanaian film “Sinking Sands” starring Haitian actor and model; Jimmy Jean-Louis, introducing Ghanaian/British television presenter, producer and actress; Ama K. Abebrese and Nigerian Nollywood star; Yemi Blaq.

Sinking Sands Film

It was a well attended screening where members of the mainstream media and other press folks were given the chance to ask questions and comment about the film after viewing for the first time before it goes public soon.

“Sinking Sands” is a psychological drama that dwells on the abuse of women in societies today, and is being told with the intention of creating awareness about the continuous existence of abuse in today's households.

According to the producer; Leila Djansi who also happened to be African Academy Award-nominee, the film tells the story of a nice couple, Jimah (Jimmy Jean-Louis) and Pabi (Ama K. Abebrese) in a lovely marriage which turns into one of violence and abuse when Jimah becomes disfigured in a domestic accident.

Sinking Sands Director - Leila Djansi

Leila's comment on domestic abuse and violence against women;

“I don’t believe any man or woman wakes up and decides to be abusive to their spouses. There has to be a reason…a missing link, an emotional disconnect/imbalance, something should have gone wrong somewhere. You must explore to find out where and maybe you can heal the scar; be it emotional or physical.”

On Saturday, November 6; there will a corporate premiere at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons Hall in Accra.

The main premiere, which is scheduled for the National Theater of Ghana on November 13 2010, will be heralded with other activities including seminars and workshops. Stakeholders and up-coming movie companies will be exposed to new trends in film making at a workshop on November 11, 2010. Screening of some African films follows on November 12, 2010 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Accra.

Other personalities appearing in the film from the Ghanaian movie industry are Chris Attoh, Grace Nortey and Doris Sackitey.

_____________________________________________________________________

Links:

Ever Been To Takoradi? Know Of "Virgins Island?"

2010-09-28T18:27:00.000Z

Takoradi Airport

Since I moved to Takoradi about a year ago, I haven’t really written much about Sekondi-Takoradi as much as I’ve been writing about Accra. I also feel, I don’t share enough contents via my Twitter feed nor my Foursquare link about this interesting twin-city.

Sekondi-Takoradi is located on the West Coast of Ghana approximately 4hrs by bus from the capital, Accra.

The recent oil discovery in the region has led to some commercial airline operators extending their routes to this part of the country. The likes of Antrak Air, Air Shuttle and City Link do ply the Accra-Takoradi route and this takes only 35mins from both airports.

The twin-city has a population of approximately 500,000 with the main trades being derived either from its location as a port - fishing and shipping, or from an emerging trade as a tourist destination. With the discovery of the recent oil find, there is soon to be a booming oil-marketing venture in this region.

Whiles in Takoradi, a couple of the expats I work with kept asking if I’ve ever been to “Virgin Island” and I kept saying No... Since then, I kept asking; where is this place that most people including myself don’t really have any idea about? Asking a native of Sekondi-Takoradi about “Virgins Island” and you won’t be surprised at his/her answer. Some might reply; “What type of animal is that?” "Is that a name of a place or a person?” amongst others…

Whiles preparing to attend BarCamp Kumasi last weekend on the campus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, I decided to fly to Accra from Takoradi via Antrak Air and continue to Kumasi as early as I can so as to enable me hold a section on Citizen Journalism (Blogging), New Media Tools & also share a few tips with the bar-campers... (The story about my lateness to #BCKsi requires another blog-post)

It was at the Takoradi Airport where I learned that, the "Virgins Island" is best seen from the air and that’s the main reason why, most natives don’t really know about it. Therefore, if I have a camera, this was my best chance at taking some photos. Luckily for me, I had my camera so that wasn’t really a problem.

Aerial View of Virgins Island, Takoradi

Immediately after take-off, I positioned myself and camera at an angle which made it very suitable and easy to capture some images. Below, you’ll find the aerial view of "Virgins Island" in Takoradi. I’m planning a trip to the island to learn more when I have a free time.I need to know, why it is called; Virgins Island.


Virgins Island, Takoradi

Wikipedia also have a feature on Sekondi-Takoradi worth looking at if you’re interested in visiting this part of Ghana soon. In my next post, I’ll cover the tourist attraction sites and best places to visit whiles here.

Stay Tuned..! Happy reading :)

Blending Visuals into Music - M3NSA

2010-09-13T19:10:00.000Z

No.1 Mango Street – the international debut album by MC, singer and producer M3NSA. The single is a cocktail of eclectic Afro sounds infused with Nu-jazz and High-Life delicately underscored with sweet harmonies of rhythm and blues.

An inspirational single antiquated with the adage "No one knows tomorrow". The wonderfully sang sampled chorus by the Nigerian soul singer Asa offers unforgettable words which rings true to the listener. A fusion of soul and Afro hi-hop sets this single apart as an all time hip-life anthem.

Enjoy the song by clicking on the link below and support the upcoming project.

No One Knows – M3nsa [No.1 Mango Street]

No.1 Mango Street is one of those albums which will help bring to the menu that Hip-hop has been missing for a long time – an authentic, everyday perspective which has made the genre fun and enlightening at the same time.

With snatches of Twi and Pidgin, the clever rhyme schemes and narratives are what make this album universally "relatable". Says M3NSA,

“You don't have to be into African hip-hop to listen to the album, you just have to be into music.”

Visuals always help tell a story more vibrantly, with pictures, colors, scenery and action, to fulfill all the things missed out sonically. Not only does a video enhance sound or music for that matter, we’re in an age where people always want to connect music with images.

The video tells the story of a man looking to find what exactly the future will bring, by consulting soothsayers, fortune tellers etc. However, what they predict is often inaccurate and he has to alter the future himself.

MOBO nominated- Best African Act (2010), this single is proof of the great artiste M3nsa is. Definitely a single to have in your collection of must haves music this year. The single is Timeless and Inspirational; a great chill out and party song for every occasion.

[Edited by Sankofa Pictures. Written for Sankofa Pictures by Javada Appenteng with extracts from M3nsa's press release 2010]

For more details, visit http://sankofapictures.wordpress.com/ or http://www.samkessie.com

To support the artiste visit the link: http://www.indiegogo.com/No-One-Knows-Tomorrow

Also; vote for this artiste to win the Best Africa Act at The MOBO 2010 by voting here: MOBO Best African Act 2010

Photo of the Week - Adinkra Cloth Symbols

2010-09-09T12:05:00.002Z

Adinkra Cloth Symbols Chart, originally uploaded by Heart of Áfrika Designs.

Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa, that represent concepts or aphorisms.

Adinkra are used on fabric, walls, in pottery, woodcarvings and logos. Fabric adinkra are often made by woodcut sign writing as well as screen printing.

They also can be used to communicate evocative messages that represent parts of their life or those around them.

You can find the meaning to the symbols here; AfricanWithin & Adinkra Stamps & Meanings

Do You Have Any Ghanaian In You?

2010-08-16T19:12:00.000Z

Question: What Do You Know About Ghana?

I’m a Ghanaian..! I'm a proud African..!!
Do you have any Ghanaian in you? Would you like some?

Not long ago, I was at a Ghanaian function when I overheard a conversation between two young ladies. The older of the two was advising the other, who was about to visit Ghana for the first time. Ever the inquisitive mind, I moved closer to hear what the older friend had to say. I cannot recount all the details of her advisement, but never in my life have I heard the terms “voodoo” “and “armed robbers” so many times in one conversation.

As the younger listener imbibed her friend’s negative comments about our motherland, the anxiety in her face became palpable. Unable to bear it any longer, I decided to interject with a much-needed, albeit cliché-infested statement.

That episode got me thinking. Have we all bought into this distorted image of our country? I mean, is that all we know about Ghana? I wish I could say that the dialogue I witnessed is a departure from the norm, but the reality is that it is not. Among second generation Ghanaian-Canadians, there is a disconcerting lack of knowledge about Ghana.

The sentiments expressed by the older interlocutor are not an aberration from the general view that many of our youth have of our homeland. This perception is nothing short of caricature that is propagated by the mainstream western media and, regrettably, in Ghanaian movies.

The truth, however, is that we cannot blame members of the younger generation for subscribing to this view of Ghana. That a significant number of our youth subscribe to this caricature tells me that the older generation is not doing a good enough job of teaching them about our country and its vast array of cultures.

Many of the youth have not even had the privilege of visiting Ghana, much less live there for an extensive period like most of us older folks have. Those of us who have had that privilege can attest to the beauty and diversity of Ghanaian cultures. We have to do a better job of educating our children, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews about our homeland. If we do not do so, the mainstream media will continue to do it for us.

As a people, we need to make it of higher priority to educate our youth about our cultures, languages, and values. In our own capacities, we can do a lot to conduce to a generation that is knowledgeable of its roots.

Here is a simple proposal to actuate this idea: Next time you chance upon young Ghanaians in a conversation of similar nature, approach it as a teachable moment – a chance for you to impart knowledge about our beloved country. That seemingly small gesture can go a long way in eradicating the negative perception that many of our youth have of Ghana, our motherland.

Credit; Kwaku Wirekoh-Boateng

Ghana Bloggers Hosted Ethan Zuckerman

2010-08-03T20:30:00.000Z

I do enjoy meeting people I follow via social media and it’s always nice to meet-up in real time, hold discussions on various topics and share ideas.

In short, I would say: I like people, I like meeting them and I also do enjoying holding sessions of brain-storming, developing ideas and working on projects with them.

Isn’t that nice? Shouldn’t I just go ahead and continue?

Mac-Jordan, Ethan & David Amanor in front of Smoothies Pub

In my previous post; Ethan Zuckerman Visits Ghana, I wrote inviting technology savvy, social media folks living in Ghana, especially Accra who wanted to spend their Sunday afternoon sharing ideas and contributing to a discussion instead of the normal spending time with the family, visiting the beach and so on...

Ethan happened to be at the venue (Smoothies Pub, Osu) for the meet-up earlier than we proposed, but whiles waiting for at the venue, BBC Correspondent in Accra; David Amanor came by for an interview with him and had wanted to interview a couple of the bloggers on; "How Ghanaians are using internet their daily lives. The Good & the Bad". The incident leading to Ethan been very early happened to due to a technical error beyond my control and I guess, Google Calendar have a hand in this. Will elaborate on that part later.
There was no agenda for this particular meeting. It was more of an open-forum were questions came from members and attendees on social issues, citizen journalism, internet infrastructure in west Africa, intellectual property law and politics which Ethan was surprised to realized, most Ghanaian bloggers don't write about it for reasons known to themselves. **security**

In sharing a view about the Nigerian movie industry from his latest blog-post; "Either you make films or make excuses" - ICT and the Nigerian film industry, Ethan made us aware, how Nigeria’s film industry been the third largest in the world in financial terms, with revenues in the neighborhood of $200-300m a year and still have privacy issue.

He also asked about online piracy and Ghallywood films and whether we were using BitTorrent to download these movies. Everyone laughed at this question because, nobody downloads Ghanaian movies online. You can grab a copy from the nearest CD/DVD vendor across the street.
The fact is;

the level of net connectivity in Ghana is generally higher than in Nigeria, the cost of downloading a video from BitTorrent, vastly exceeds what it would cost to walk onto the street and buy a film from a local vendor. To the extent that YouTube is a threat to Nigerian and Ghanaian film, it’s a threat to expatriate audiences, not domestic ones.

At the event, I noticed a couple of gadgets which is very typical for such meet-ups; one iPad, four Blackberry's, one iPhone & a couple Nokia's. Alexander Sulzberger; CEO of Ecoband Networks - a small IPS Company in Accra provided us with FREE internet from his MTN FastLink Router. He also came along with his iPad giving the chance to Ghana Blogging members especially GamelMag to see it physically after hearing about it for a while since it's release.

A section of Ghana Bloggers at the meet-up

In attendance were; Ethanz Zuckerman, Alexander Sulzberger, Worlali Senyo, Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng, Fiona Leonard, Charles A.A, Ameyaw Debrah, Gameli Adzaho, Edward Tagoe, Graham Knight, Golda Addo, Nii Aryetey Aryeh, Emmanuel Dogbevi & Nina Chachu; Author of Accra Books & Things. Dr. Amos Anyimadu and Rodney Quarcoo were also present but had to leave early to attend to other errands.

In the end, everyone was glad about the meet-up and requested for more of such meetings in the future. Well, I'm tasked to do that.

Know of any interesting person coming to Ghana for a few days and want to meet locals for these types of meetings, just let me know and I shall get the right folks around.

Photos from the meet-up are on my Flickr Page. Happy blogging.....!

Ethan Zuckerman Visits Ghana

2010-07-23T15:22:00.002Z

Are you a blogger or a social media activist living or visiting Ghana, especially Accra and want to meet-up with follow bloggers/geeks this weekend? This is your chance!

Ghana Blogging; (a network of bloggers who have passion for Ghana and write about this great and peaceful country) is proud to host Ethan Zuckerman, author of …My Heart’s In Accra blog on Sunday; 25^th July, 2010 from 3:00pm till 6:00pm at Smoothies Pub on the Osu-Oxford Street. [Two blocks away from Papaye Fast Food Restaurant heading toward the Shell Filling Station.]


Ethan Zuckerman at TEDGlobal 2010.

Ethan Zuckerman is the co-founder of Global Voices Online; [a global citizen media network] in collaboration with Rebecca MacKinnon. He’s also the co-founder of Tripod.com; a web-hosting enterprise.

Ethan also founded Geekcorps, a non-profit technology volunteer corps. Geekcorps pairs skilled volunteers from US and European high tech companies with businesses in emerging nations for one to four month volunteer tours. Volunteers have served in 14 nations, including Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Rwanda, Armenia and Jordan, completing over a hundred projects

He’s currently a fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University where he researches into global media attention.

He recently gave a very impactful and inspiring talk at the TED Global 2010 Conference which took place in Oxford, UK on the theme; “A Wider world, a wider web.”

This is a free meet-up; therefore you can come with a friend. In case you want more info about this meet-up; you can contact me via twitter; MacJordaN

Maker Faire Africa 2010 T-Shirt Design Competition

2010-07-21T11:29:00.001Z

Maker Faire Africa is only a month away and African Digital Art is extremely excited about this event. Maker Faire Africa – a celebration of African ingenuity, innovation and invention and will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 27th - 28th, Aug 2010.

A summary report from last year's Maker Faire Africa in Accra, Ghana can be found here; Report on MakerFaireAfrica '09

The 2-day event will see Makers/Innovators/Inventors from all over the world especially, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Liberia, Pakistan, Uganda, Madagascar, India, Ivory Coast, Ghana and the USA coming to display their latest inventions and products, and also socializing and dialoging on the challenges facing the current generation and suggest ways to improve upon the lives of people through the inventions and ideas.

In celebrating African creativity; Maker Faire Africa 2010 and African Digital Art network are partnering up to encourage designers throughout Africa to showcase their talent through a T-Shirt Design Competition.

Photo of the Day - Bojo Beach.

2010-06-16T08:03:00.002Z

Bojo Beach, originally uploaded by Edward Barnieh.

Bojo Beach is one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Ghana. It has features that no other beach in Ghana or the world can contest with.

Although not a very big beach, it is a great place to hang out with your love ones if you want to have abundance of beach life and sneak away from the busy city of Accra.

The beach is about 20km from west of Accra and its becoming a very poplar beach destination for many tourists in Ghana. This nice beach can be found on your way to Kokrobite Beach.

When in Accra, do well to visit this beach and share your experience with other. I heart Accra!

Photo of the Day - Biggest Vuvuzela Ever!

2010-06-11T14:33:00.001Z

The biggest Vuvuzela Soccer Horn in Cape Town... Let's Go Africa!

Courtesy: (REUTERS/Mark Wessels)

Environmental Film Festival Opens in Accra.

2010-06-07T10:47:00.002Z

The Environmental Film Festival of Accra (EFFA) opened this year’s festival at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Hall in Accra, Ghana under the themes ;

"Is Ghana ready for climate change?" and "Can Ghana solve its waste crisis?"

To answer these questions, the festival will hold two sets of panel discussions at the British Council on 4th and 8th June. The whole event began on June 3, 2010 and will be continuing till June 10, 2010.

Series of environmental documentaries have been scheduled to be shown at the following locations; British Council of Ghana, Trashy Bags, Alliance Francais and the Goethe-Institute. As part of their open air screenings, which attract over 7,000 people last year; the organizers have decide to show 5 films at the refugee settlement in Budumburam on the outskirts of Accra.

Preceding the open air screening at the refugee camp in Budumburam, a concert headlined by Mastretta, a ten-piece chart topping Spanish band will perform together with Kings Jubilee and a few other local artistes. Since its inception in 2004, EFFA has screened over a 100 films covering wide range of issues; Sanitation, Plastic Waste Management, Environment etc. Internationally about 1000 films have been screened at different locations world-wide..

At the formal opening, Dr. Juliette Tuakli, Chairperson of EFFA, said the festival started as a small collection of friends and film enthusiasts who came together to watch films that concerns about the environment.

There was a climate change drama sketch titled "Heat Wave" presented by the Theatre Factory after the premiere of "a long dry season" a film directed by Dr.Kwesi Owusu; co-director of the festival. This documentary looks at the impact of climate change in Ghana with a focus on women’s livelihoods. It reveals the dwindling water levels at Akosombo; site of Ghana’s hydroelectric dam, significant sea erosion at Keta and threats to the cocoa industry.

A list of Ghanaian made-documentaries which will be shown at the festival includes: "A long dry season" (10mins, Dr. Kwesi Owusu), "Agbobloshie" (9mins, Young Filmmakers Workshop), "Ghana’s Plastic Waste Menace"(14mins, Dr. Kwesi Owusu), "Greening the City" (7mins,Dr. Kwesi Owusu) "Stop the Noise" (6min,Young Filmmakers Workshop), "Electronic Waste"( 10mins, Dr. Kwesi Owusu) and "Environmental Patrol strikes again" (6min,Young Filmmakers Workshop)

Credit: Nii Aryetey Aryeh

Google-Ghana Event in Accra, Ghana.

2010-06-03T09:40:00.007Z

Google is on a road-trip across Africa. G-Nigeria Day 2010 came off at the University of Lagos from 18 - 20 February, 2010. It's the turn of Ghana this week.

Google want to meet with software developers, technology entrepreneurs and marketing professionals at the G|Ghana event..
Google Ghana is holding a two day event aimed at software developers and entrepreneurs in Ghana. The event; G|Ghana - is aimed at introducing developers to Google technology and application development tools and platforms and also demonstrating Google tools that could be useful to entrepreneurs and for innovation.

The venue for the 2-day event will be at "Ghana's ICT Hub"; Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (AITI-KACE).

According to the g|Ghana homepage;

Day 1: June 3rd, 2010 will focus on pushing the boundaries of web applications using Google developer technologies. Google engineers and web development leaders will lead you through one full day of in-depth sessions on the latest Google technologies and hands-on codelabs. The day will also be about bringing brilliant developers together to share their own ideas. There will be plenty of time to meet other developers, discuss ideas and share what you've been working on.

Day 2: June 4th, 2010 will be full of Google product demonstrations for small or medium sized businesses to help spur innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. We will discuss how to create content using online tools, how to market them and how to monetize. Furthermore we will discuss several tools to better manage your business. Finally, we will host a VC panel to who will share their expertise in funds and launching technology ventures.

Also, Laptops are not necessary but it sure will be very ideal to carry one for LIVE blogging & tweeting. Lunch will also be provided free of charge.

I'm leaving for Accra tonight from Takoradi to be able to attend Day 2 of G|Ghana. Hope to see you there if possible...!

Ghana Black Stars Going Forward or Backward?

2010-06-02T12:20:00.001Z

Image via Wikipedia

After yesterday's 4-1 thrashing of the Ghana Black Stars by the The Flying Dutchmen from the Netherlands; I'm more than convinced that, the Stars need to sit up, be focused and face the realities of their next friendly before the tournament starts.

I can boldly say; the Dutch side were disciplined and affirmed coach Marwijk’s belief that he already knows his starting eleven. This should give Coach Milovan Rajevac a chance to re-think on his starting eleven and eliminate all those who don't qualify to start. I was very surprised, Portmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng wasn't featured in yesterdays game?

As much as I like football [soccer] and also a die-hard Chelsea FC fan, I wouldn’t say I do support the Ghana Black Stars that much. Yes, don’t be surprised this is coming from a patriotic citizen like me. Even though their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in January was a bit OK, I still can’t bank my hopes on them at the World Cup in South Africa from next week…

The current squad without, Michael Essien, Stephen Adams, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Haminu Dramani, Bernard Kumordzi and Laryea Kingston makes Team Ghana not a sure choice for my support in the competition. I believe Coach Milo have reasons for his choice of players, no matter what.

Ghana have been drawn in Group D and will face Australia, Germany and Serbia with their first group stage match against Serbia in Pretoria on June 13, 2010. The 23 players the gaffer has named is very cool. Not”cool” as in the best squad we could have assembled, but”cool” as in it being the best out of a bad situation ....More

African Soccer Stars "Revealed"......

2010-05-18T18:36:00.005Z

I came across this picture of Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba (left) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (right)—two of football's biggest (and arguably best) stars online a couple of days ago—proudly representing the 2010 World Cup, "the planet's biggest sports event" on the June cover of Vanity Fair Magazine.

Inside the pages of the magazine, you will find more football stars including Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Ghana’s Sulley Muntari.

In a revealing look at the significance of the World Cup (excuse the pun, but they are wearing flags and little else), Vanity Fair attempts to relate football to its American audience explaining,

"In America, these men might not enjoy the same name recognition as the stars of the N.F.L.—that game that we call football—but for most of the planet, they are more than just showstoppers. They are gods."

For more information, visit www.VanityFair.com and if you're interested in learning more about and following the World Cup from the vantage point that only Vanity Fair can give you, check out Fair Play, a football blog created by the magazine.

Photo Credit : [Annie Leibovitz For Vanity Fair]

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