The Promise...

I was enjoying the cool air until three men got off and I had to go join the rest at the back. I was fine until a woman joined with her two kids; a boy and a girl at Achimota(a suburb of Accra) overhead. she had to join three of us with her two kids as the sprinter allowed four on a seat. The boy constantly kept stepping on me or my trouser and I kept moving till there was no more space to move. Politely, I told the kid about it But it didnt stop even after his mother had also warned him to be careful. I couldn't really blame him because the vehicle itself didn't have enough space. In fact, that is not the big issue. The big issue is when I started smelling something bad-I put my head on the seat and covered my nose with my hands as I didn't want the woman to think the smell came from her or her children. Who knows, it possibly was not them because around the area where I sat, the was this half 'Kuffour gallon' with a sponge and dirty duster in it which I believe was used for cleaning the car. The odour was bad! In the process I slept off. The troskies I board are always the same ones, however the mates do change sometimes. If the mate is a regular one, l don't have to say where i was alighting because they know already and so when I doze off, sometimes, few metres away, they prompt me and I wake up. Today's mate is not a regular one and am pretty sure he is new in the 'trosky mate' business. He could barely identify who gave him what amount. I woke up all of a sudden and couldn't identify where I was, but, I did after a while. we had gone past the bus stop where I alight- we were almost at the last stop. Eii yaanom, I didn't have lectures but had to meet up with someone at a specific time. We got to the last stop and the mate called out to passengers going the way we came. I came down, walked straight to a coconut seller and bought myself one- not that I wanted to, but to prevent people from noticing what has happened and to make sure those who got down from the trotro all are out of sight. It was very necessary! It was difficult finishing it because I didn't need/want it at the moment-at least not when I had just woken up. I asked the seller to package it for me so I could give it to someone when I got to campus. Whilst he was at it, this woman kept annoying me with "Eii can't you finish this small thing? Bra, give it to her to finish it"(in Twi of course) Eii. Who called her? The bus stop I had gone past and the last stop is not far when on trotro but it is- a bit- when trekking. Why would someone trek? because it is ONE WAY and picking a trotro meant using another route which could make matters worse. The vehicle will have to be loaded if you are not lucky enough to find one which is almost full. Second, you will pay extra money-for delayed service-that's if you took the trotro because you are in a hurry, which I was. I took my coconut and started walking back- not too long, I was on campus but was sweating like I had just come out of a pool. Fellas, it was a sunny day!! I told myself I will always sit by the window no matter what. it's been three weeks and I find myself fulfilling that promise.

African Culture(s) and Development

Many have misconceptions about culture especially in relation to the African continent. To them, African culture(s) is only about music and dance and often think that it is static and have thought that it has been a hindrance to the continents development. However, many scholars have come to a consensus that culture, with specific reference to Africans go beyond just drumming and dancing. Example, The World Conference on Cultural Policies, (MONDIACULT, 1998), believe that ‘culture is that whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or groups. It includes not only arts and letters but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of human being, value systems, traditional and beliefs.’ They have also established that culture is unique or peculiar from society to society.  In my opinion, African culture(s) has been inimical to only those who have limited themselves to see only the negative implications of African culture(s) and not the positives. 

Of course, we cannot overlook the fact that some cultural practices, like ‘Trokosi’ among some tribes in the Volta region of Ghana, widowhood rites especially by the Akans and most ethnic groups in Ghana and the Female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M) practiced up north of Ghana have been a hindrance to the development of the country and the African continent as a whole. However, we cannot also turn a blind eye to some of these very beliefs, practices, values and norms which have genuinely helped the continent develop in some many ways and angles. We cannot also pretend that we do not know that some of these very practices we describe as harmful were meant to serve special and specific purposes which only the practitioners understood very well.

Festivals, especially in Ghana have been a very good medium for fostering integration and promote the cultural values. For instance, the Awutu ‘Awubia’ festival which is celebrated by the Awutus’ in the Central Region has a very special day set aside by the authorities in change to settle disputes among siblings, family members and town members. During this period, it is compulsory that they that have wronged others ask for forgiveness and those who have been wronged forgive. This is on Wednesday, the sixth day of celebration. This festival is not the only one that has this activity embedded in it, many others on the country and continent do and it goes a long way to promote national unity and integration, a necessity to development.

For any country to develop, there need to be checks and balances as said by many and this is exactly what the Apo) festival of Techiman, in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana does. During the celebration of this festival, statuses are totally or entirely nullified and every individual be it a child or adult, male or female has the authority to speak their mind to anybody at all, good people are commended and urged to continue their good works and the wicked or bad persons and told all their bad deeds and practices to their face. It is expected that they change before the next year of celebration is due.

Tourism contributes to national development in diverse ways. One of the very things the African continent can boast of is the revenue derived from its rich and diverse cultural practices such as festivals and many others. Ghana alone has over ten ethnic groups who have different festivals and different times of celebrating them. Other countries on the continent such as Nigeria, South Africa, Congo, Mali and many others are not left out. The beauty and difference of most of these festivals and practices all over the continent has attracted foreigners all over the world onto the continent. The revenue made from these is used for national development in the various countries and this goes a long way to better the continent as a whole. Most of these festivals, all over the continent are periods when indigenes clean up their various communities and this also promotes development.

Symbols used by many Africans in a way promote development. The Adinkra symbols of Ghana for instance are often used in creating lovely fabrics and other artifacts. These artifacts are displayed and sold to many people from all walks of life all over the world. The clothes these symbols are used in when bought by the indigenes promotes the various cultural values.

Superstitious beliefs, which many would say has been a deterrent to the continents development, have actually in a way, helped it to develop.  For instance, in West Africa, Ghana to be precise, farmers and fisher folks do not go to the farm or sea because they believe that these days are sacred and that they that flout this rule may incur the wrath the god of the land. In other places, they are not to enter the forest on these ‘sacred’ days. These practices are meant to make the concerned professionals rest and to have time for themselves. During the period of rest, the fisher folks are often seen mending their torn nets and farmers take time to sharpen their tools.  One cannot expect that tired people can work very hard and efficiently just like when they are not hence this practice. The norms of not entering the forest on certain days are also meant to preserve the forests which in turn promote rainfall and serves as a wind blockage.

To conclude, Africa’s under development is mainly because of failure or inability to build on indigenous ones and I quote, ‘The real problem of Africa comes from the inability of those in authority to make the right choice and firm commitment to the cultural matters because they underestimate the value of culture in development. We need proper policies and political will from decision makers and the other stakeholders who believe that we need to consolidate our historical patrimony and to have access to our myths and legends…’ (Gaston Kabore (Zanzibar 2001)

NOT MUCH LOVE FOR THE ART INDUSTRY…

Novotel, a French hotel in Accra is one of the very few places in the country who allow artist to exhibit their works for free unlike some other who charge huge sums of money. 
Every month, two artists from different places are brought together to display their artworks in the hotel.

This month, it was the turn of Michael Lokko and Seth Alifo. Nortei , whose brush name is Nortei Lokko, has been in the industry for the past 10 years basing most of his paintings on daily activities and his imaginations. 

Nortei Lokko’s paintings as were displayed on the walls of the hotel had a unique trend and texture; 'the feeling of the artist and the mood according to him counts when painting' he said. 

a painting of a daily activity by Nortei. 

Seth Alifo (Alifo Arts), his partner, has also been painting since childhood and draws his inspirations from daily activities, imaginations and books he reads.
In an interview with them, Lokko and Seth expressed their bitterness over how the continent and the country in particular does not appreciate art work. Seth in addition talked about the very small love Ghanaians have for paintings and artwork.

According to him, there are many painters and artist, however, the centers for exhibition and display are very few making the job more difficult and unattractive.
He added that even among the few, some charge huge sums of money before they allow them to display their artwork which often discourages them. Seth is hopeful that in 10 years to come, the industry will get a firm ground and earn more respect than it already has today.

A forest painting by Seth

On Lokko's part, in about 300yrs to come, there will be no more paintings of African painters on the continent and their descendants will have to travel to Europe, America and the other continents to see the works of their ancestors  if nothing is done about negative attitudes towards arts.
Both artist wish that there were more centers for exhibition to encourage the youth who also want to venture into the field.
Their exhibition was based on the theme ,' Telling the story of our generation ' ,asserting to the fact that every generation has a story to tell. 

Both of these artist were in Art Schools and have always wanted to be artist.



                                                                                       

                         

NORTEI LOKKO
 CLICK HERE

SETH ALIFO,
 CLICK HERE

‘BALANCING THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES'

Last Saturday, the, African university College of Communications (A.U.C.C) Chapter of Journalists for Human Rights(J.H.R) organised a clean-up exercise in Adabraka  and its environments under the theme 'BALANCING RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES'. 

 The club was supported by Zoomlion Ghana with personnel and logistics.

Zoomlion and some executives and members

The patron of the club, Mrs. Barbara Gyamfi, who was happy about this activity, commended the members and executives for embarking on such an exercise. The president, Mr. James Kojo Dzierkpor, in an interview with Metro TV, said it was only right that the club undertook such an exercise and it was their responsibility to make people aware of their rights. He also said it was very necessary that as a people, Ghanaians should learn to balance their right and responsibilities.

gathering the garbage

some members and executives

The club also spoke at the school's orientation session for the new students and informed students of the aims and objectives and benefits of the club.

communications officer, Ebenezer Campbell Anim and the team spaeking to the Freshers...

A large number of students showed interest in the club and subsequently joined.

The communications officer of the club, Ebenezer Campbell Anim ,the vice president, Christiana Ekenam, Roberta Abbeyquaye, the Deputy Organizer and Gloria Amoah, the financial secretary spoke to the new students. 

 The club's clean up exercise was  supported by Champion Restaurant and covered by Adom Fm, Capital TV and Metro TV.

THE AWUTU AWUBIA (HARVEST OF GRAIN) FESTIVAL…

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT CHIEF…

Nai Wyettey Agyemang Otabi III was born in Accra Newtown to Madam Efua Atta Ajumako and Mr. Joseph Kwame Wyettey, the first Gyaasehene of Dode Royal Family of Awutu. He started his elementary education at the Newtown Experimental School then joined his aunt, Madam Ashiekuma at Bontrasi where he completed middle school. He pursued further at the Canadian Technical Institute now the Accra Technical Training Center (ATTC) and graduated in electrical engineering/ mining engineering in Germany.

He was enstooled as the paramount chief of Awutu Traditional Area in 2002.

He met his wife Mrs. Mary Wyettey in 1975 and has three sons together.

The festival celebration…

The Awutu Awubia festival and the Ga H)m)w) are celebrated almost in the same manner, however, the Ga hoot at hunger whilst the Awutu thank their god for a bountiful harvest. In addition, the Awutu celebrate their ‘Awubia’ a month after the Ga have celebrated their H)m)w). The town is usually crowded so much that it causes heavy traffic.

It is believed that some of the Awutu’s have their ancestors coming from the Ga and therefore, some celebrate both festivals; the H)m)w) first and the Awubia a month later.

The Awubia festival commences on the last Thursday in August and ends on the first Thursday in September. The calculation is done by ‘Otsor’ the priest of a god or shrine they call ‘Odia Otu’. The priest sows a grain and harvest it when ready. After his harvest, all paths leading to the capital town (main town) is cleared. The paternal groups/ families leave for their paternal homes to celebrate yam festival after which the Awubia festival would start. All this activity happens in May- June. By this time, everyone else starts harvesting and brings some to their ancestral home. They also cook for the departed souls.

On the last Thursday in August, which is the first day of celebration, all families return home. Around 3-4 pm, the ‘Abundam’, a divisional chief goes to the outskirt of the town (southern territory) and rides through the town in a palanquin to ‘Oguafododobia Ano’, the place where chiefs swear an oath of allegiance. There, libation is poured and the festival officially commences. During this period, the various heads of families also perform their own rituals for their family stools. They lift them from where they have been kept for the whole year to a special place in the same room after which they pour libation.

The second, third and fourth days are meant for feasting. The various families cook ‘Kpokpoi’ and serve some to the ‘black stools’ (They are called black stools because of the purification method). There is also the pouring of libation after which everyone is permitted to drink. Each family has their own special time for feasting.

On the fifth day of celebration which is Monday, the chiefs go on a parade. Those who are financially sound and want to be carried in palanquins are carried; others who are not walk from the north to the south western part of the town to a place called ‘Mamprobi’, the cemetery for chief, to pour libation. After this, they go to the durbar ground where the paramount chief and other dignitaries address the people.

There is a special order for carrying the chiefs; it is believed that the paramount chief needs to protected hence, the ‘Adontehene’, who is the first divisional chief comes first, followed by some divisional chiefs, then the paramount chief who is followed by the ‘Kyidomhene’, the last divisional chief and other divisional chiefs.

On the Tuesday, new chief are sworn in and the traditional council also goes to the various chiefs for their token.

 Wednesday is a resting day for all and the settling of disputes between family members in the various families.

On the last day, Thursday, between 4-5pm, all family or ‘black stools’ that were raised to their special places are sent back to where they were raised from and that ends the celebration of the festival.

 

                                                                                    

                                                                

  

CREDIT; MKB ABBEYQUAYE (my dad)

The Gyase Kwei Banafo V, 

Of Tsotso Botwe Royal Anona Clan of Awutu Traditional Area

'Our main objective is to promote Ghana or creative works through handiworks'

The African Consciousness Youth Uprising Foundation    

The African  ConsciousnessYouth Uprising Foundation Last Saturday organized a program at the Afua Sutherland for crafty and talented people to exhibit their African and hand made products. Their main objective is to promote Ghana’s culture through handiworks….

The founder and brain behind the foundation, Derrick Nana Sampong Darkwa, in an interview said

‘This program is a youth talent explosion and the theme promoting Africa’s culture through talent and creativity. Our main objective is to promote Ghana or creative works through handiworks and we are here to promote ACYUF

ACYUF has been in existence since 1997 and we are still operating but we find it difficult sometimes, we have ‘Kente’ weavers, tailors, beads makers, basket weavers, artist and a lot more.

When we talk of ACYUF is all about creativity and handiwork’

A PAINTING OF DERRICK, THE FOUNDER OF ACYUF BY ONE MEMBER

Nelson Yawman also came with his crew to exhibit their bamboo bicycles.  According to him, the frames are made up of bamboo and are joined by treated local fiber.

‘It is needs hard work and if you are not serious you can’t make it. We have about 30 bikes and we export them, we sell them for about ghc thousand five hundred (1500) depending on the type. All we do is team work. We have two branches, one in Accra and one in Kumasi, African items’. He said.

George is a basket weaver and was also at the park to exhibit his items.

‘I have sold about six as at now. The price ranges from ghc2 to 10 depending on the type and size of it' he told me. After a chat with George, he gave me a basket for free.

There were other items like beads, bags, and curvings...

the exhibition was interspersed with series of drama

CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN GHANA…

The Korle-bu Polyclinic started recording cases of cholera as early as April this year; however, the epidemic has seen a significant increase especially after the celebration of the Sallah.

Patients received treatment at the Polyclinic’s O.P.D due to inadequate facilities. The only structure available for these patients was a wooden “one”. 

According to the head of the polyclinic, DR. DAVID NII NARH NOPRTEY, that structure was built some years back when the country had a similar case. He further stated that, it took the intervention of some people to still keep that structure; otherwise, there would have been no where to keep the patients.

The structure was used to accommodate patients with severe cases only. Other patients were kept and treated either at the O.P.D or a part of the clinic (on the corridor) designated to cholera patients.

In an interview, with the Public Nurse in-charge, ADELAIDE YEBOAH, more patients were being transferred from the community hospitals to the polyclinic each day. There was also the problem of inadequate nurses to tackle the issue at hand.  She added that most of the patients lived or came from areas like Chorkor, Agbogbloshie, Agege and Jamestown.

 According to her, close to 20 cases of cholera had been recorded just that morning and was sure more patients were going to be brought in.

In an interview with two patients, they had told us that they did not know exactly what was wrong with them until they came to the clinic, where they were told they had cholera. They added that they do not know exactly what caused it. Also, they said that their first point of contact was the pharmacy shop because they didn’t suspect it was cholera. They only considered going to the hospital some time later when the situation was not getting any better.  These patients have been admitted at the facility since Saturday and have taken series of drips.

Speaking to the sister of an 18 year old patient, she told us that her sister had returned from school ill, she took her to a hospital in the vicinity (Dansoman), only to be told she was ill of cholera. According to her, her sister was admitted for some days but was later transferred to the Korle-bu polyclinic when they could no longer handle it. At the Dansoman hospital, she was given 16 drips and was already taking her 15^th at the polyclinic. She has also been at the clinic since Saturday.

In her final words, the public nurse in charge, ADELAIDE YEBOAH, advised that THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR EVERYONE WHEN THEY FEEL THEY ARE SICK SHOULD BE THE HOSPITAL OR CLINIC AND NOT THE PHARMACEUTICAL SHOPS. SHE ALSO ADDED THAT EVERYONE IN THESE TIMES SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE O.R.S WITH THEM JUST IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. FINALLY, SHE SAID THAT WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT WE MAINTAIN PROPER HYGIENE AND AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TRY COOKING FOR THEMSELVES.