Aaatuu Magazine 1

RE

U AT

PH

O OT

FE

AaaTuu

100 AMAZING

GHANANIANS

Mama Zimbi Ghana’s unsung shero

Rocky Dawuni He is the brilliant Ghanaian artiste who is fast becoming an international icon.

Lilly Naadu Yeboah She shares her experiences as a Personal Branding Specialist, and the impact it makes on people’s lives.

PHOTO COURTESY EMILIO LABRADOR

See who we are featuring in this issue.

A

AaaTuu in Ghana is a warm hug that lets you know how much you've been missed, how welcome you are and the difference your presence makes. It's a pat on the back…Other times, a signal in the way of a pat on a lap or a chair you must sit on…the beginning of a sincere conversation.

And that's what this magazine is about. AaaTuu is about sharing experiences with the world. Therefore “AaaTuu”, come join us! Each issue should not only be read, but shared, displayed, and read again!

Aaatuu magazine readers will play a part in deciding what we publish. Visit our website and other social media and view additional content. We welcome your feedback and hope to grow together.

Apart from printing hard copies, the magazine will be available in PDF form on our website and optimized for all devices (tablets, smartphones, laptops, e-readers) and platforms (iOS, Android, Windows etc.) that display PDF files. AaaTuu will also be retina ready – that means, if your device supports the feature, you will be able to view the magazine in crisp, sharp display. So, Akwaaba, Welcome!!!

Francis Adams Editor

What’s up with Whatsapp

Ghanaians in the News

Ghana’s wildlife

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

3

A A A T U U M Aaudeswim.com GAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

5

Contents AaaTuu

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER On the Cover Twena fashions has been able to showcase Africa as a potential goldmine for the fashion industry. With its unique blend of subtle African cultural oriented theme and artistic masterpiece, products from Twena fashions is distinctly classy. Read more on page 28.

Spotlight 09 10 Reasons why Ghana is Special

26 My Unshakable love for Ghana 31 Its Time for Africans in America

to Identify with Africa Americans

57 A Race Against Time and Cold-Hearted Bureaucracy

28 Fashion

Christina Harvey-Ewusi’s Twena Fashions

Cover Photo by Billy Sai-Palm www.clearshotstudios.com Christina and Nana Sarpong

46

6 AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

28

44

74

84

57

Lifestyles 62 Shopping with Adwoa

Features 100 Amazing Ghanaians

43 Grandma Knows best

35 Lily Yeboah

35 Best Used Cars for Ghana

36 Rocky Dawuni

50 Food: Kontomire Recipe

39 Mama Zimbi

40

46 Photography: Humans of Ghana 44 Yaw Pare 69 Sports: Our Boys doing us proud 27 Martin Dartey 65 Politics: What Kind of Leader Do We Need?

33 People:Fehinti 74 Relationships: When a man falls in love

29 Crossword Puzzle: Accra Stuff

26 44

76 Travelogue Ghana: Beautiful Places

24 Talking Drums: Ghanaians in the

40 Music: Most Viewed Ghana Music

news around the world

Videos

42 Social Media: Annoying Group Chats

72 Whats’up on Whatsapp

32

27

53 The Sport of Cowards AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

7

AaaTuu

®

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ART DIRECTOR DEPUT Y EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR GH FASHION EDITOR DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Francis Adams Ato Degraft Johnson Stephanie Sutton Nimi Manyo Plange Fawzia Osman Ekuwa Dadson Dharmendra Thanki

REGUL AR CONTRIBUTORS / PHOTOGR APHERS Kwesi Yeboah:Toronto-Canada, Steven Pierce:Bath-UK Dr. Morkor Newman Harare:Zimbabwe, Ivanna Parry:Baltimore Maryland, Nana Sarpong:Maryland-USA, Ben Owusu Firempong:Nairobi-Kenya, Victor and Emmanuel Opoku: Virginia USA, Emmanuel Kweenu Haizel- New York Evelyn Akuetteh, Accra-Ghana, Clear Shot Studios, Humans of Ghana Bezalel and Aholiab Photography, Yaw Pare CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT FINANCIAL DIRECTOR PUBLISHER TRAFFIC MANAGER SALES DIRECTOR- UK SALES DIRECTOR- US BUSINES S DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PRODUCTION MANAGER PRODUCTION GROUP CIRCUL ATION MANAGER

Gibrine Adam Stanley Sutton Benjamin Vanderpuye Frederick Yuen Raju Thanki Ajoa Nketia Parrian Parry Paa Kojo Larbi Eli Kuadey Charles Kofiniti Adzekwei Bekoe Michael Wuddah Martey Benard Akuffo Addo

AAATUU VOL. 1, ISSUE 01 Aaatuu Magazine is published quarterly by Crossover Publishing LLC 9705 Mill Centre Drive 707, Owings Mills MD 21117 USA. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

Produced and distributed by Crossover Publishing LLC-USA, Crossover Publishing Limited-Ghana While the editors do their utmost to verify information published, they do not accept responsibility for its absolute accuracy.

This edition is published by permission of CROSSOVER PUBLISHING LLC 9705 MILL CENTRE DRIVE 707 OWING MILLS MD 21117 USA Tel. +1 443 432-9266 Online: www.aaatuumagazine.com Reproduction in whole or in part without consent of the copyright owner is prohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS www.aaatuumagazine.com/subscribe

ADVERTISING e-mail advertising@aaatuumagazine.com

Although the editor and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this magazine was correct at press time, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

A A AT U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

G

hana is a very friendly country, ideal for first time travellers to Africa.

It's a relatively safe and friendly country filled with interesting historical sights, lots of culture, colorful festivals, sandy beaches and lovely wildlife parks. The people are generally very helpful and welcoming. The locals have a very laid-back vibe and though the lack of strictly organized tourist sights/trips might seem daunting at first, before long, you realize that it is one of the charms of this country.

Tourism in Ghana is growing very quickly, and more tour operators are seeing increased requests for Ghana as a travel destination. Ghana is also rich in gold. This is a stable country with great potential for growth; though

much more needs to be done in terms of its infrastructure.

But there is so much more to Ghana than the impoverished narrative that many western countries often reach for. These are just some of the many wonderful things that make Ghana the place to be: Our yearround warm tropical climate, exotic wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls, coastal palm-lined sandy beaches , exciting caves and mountains, picturesque lakes, dozens of castles and forts, nature reserves and national parks.

But there’s so much more to our beautiful country than words and pictures on paper.

Here are 10 Reasons why you should visit Ghana.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

9

Photo Courtesy C.C. Chapman

REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Street Art Self taught artists create unbelievable crafts

I

n Accra, you'll nd unique handmade items by self-taught artists. Even though the government does not provide public funding for contemporary art, it has a vigorous arts scene. You may nd these items being sold by the roadside, but the central point for acquiring these art pieces is the Arts Centre. It

is located next to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, off the High Street in Accra. All kinds of crafts imaginable can be found there. The items range from wood carvings, traditional musical instruments, cane and rafa products, leather ware, gold, silver and bronze jewelry, beads, clay products, antiques, paintings, ivory

10 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

products, and so much more. These items are brought to the markets from various parts of the country and also from other countries within the West African sub-region including, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal and Nigeria.

ACCESS THE ULTIMATE CITYGUIDE

Discover Places to hangout And thing to do...

Access Accra is a mobile application that gives you access to everything the city has to offer themed as the '' Ultimate City Guide''. With the most complete compilation of lifestyle content, hotspots, entertainment and discounts in the city right in your hands, you never have to fear asking the closest kiosk how to find anything, it’s all right here on the app in your hands.

Access Accra is a new brand that aims to grow into all your favorite African cities.

Using what we have learnt from popular social media interactions, we plan to ensure the experience of using Access Accra is always compelling and exciting.

You can download the app and be instantly plugged directly into Accra.

We aim to be great for all brands and businesses by connecting with popular local spots that people already love and established brands that already have a strong web presence. From the Airport, to your Neighborhood, to the very edges of Tema Aburi and Kasoa, Access gives you the most complete picture of the cosmopolitan face of the city as possible.

REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

African elephant in Mole National Park Photo by Sura Nualpradid

2

Safari in Mole

Yes, we have elephants in Ghana, what did you expect?

Mole National Park has the widest range of wildlife in Ghana and is the only place in Ghana where you can experience elephants in the wild.

In addition to the elephants, you will see antelopes, bushbucks, monkeys, warthogs, baboons and other smaller wildlife.

Mole National Park is well set up to cater to tourists. Although it is more expensive than many other parts of Ghana it is well worth a visit. The park is a two-day drive or

domestic flight from Ghana’s capital city, Accra.

Because of the lack of predators, safaris can be done on foot – a unique experience that is quite different from the vehicle safaris in southern and eastern Africa. To actually walk so close to elephants is an exhilarating experience you will not ever forget!

Walking safaris usually take place in the early morning (6am) and late afternoon (4pm). These can be 2 - 4 hours in length and are guided by an armed wildlife ranger.

If that sounds like too much adventure for you, a traditional driving safari, again with an armed ranger, is also available. These can last a full day and give you the opportunity to cover a much wider area of the park. You may wish to consider this if visiting outside of the dry season (mid-December

12 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

through mid-April).

The Mole Park Lodge has a viewing platform which overlooks a watering hole. Especially during the dry season , you will generally see herds of elephants grazing and bathing in the early morning or in the evening a couple hours before the sun sets.

While at Mole National Park, we also recommend visiting the ancient mud-and-stick mosque at Larabanga. This mosque is extraordinarily beautiful, but because of the hassle-factor at Larabanga, we recommend that you have your guide with you upon arrival.

Another fun excursion is to the nearby Mognori Cultural Village for a canoe safari or a cultural program including drumming and dancing.

For more go to easytrackghana.com

REASONS

3

WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Rich Bold Colours “Kente” the brilliantly colourful fabric.

The history of Kente weaving extends back more than 400 years.

The word "Kente" comes from the word "kenten", which means basket. The very first Kente weavers used raffia, or palm leaf fibers, and wove them into a cloth that looked like a basket.

One story about Kente says that two friends learned to weave by observing a spider weave its web.

They wove in imitation of the spider, using raffia fibers to create a strip of fabric. Their leaders were so impressed with this new cloth that it became the royal cloth and was saved for special occasions. There are more than 300 different patterns of Kente cloth. Each pattern has its own name and meaning. The meanings come from past events, religious beliefs, political ideas, and social customs.

Over the last twenty years or so, the Kente fabric has become a symbol of connection to the African continent especially within the African American community in the United States. It can be found in the form of neckties, scarves, pillows, graduation stoles and even backdrops of some African American Churches. These beautiful bright multicolored artifacts are worn on graduation

day by thousands of African Americans and African students across the United States. They are usually worn to represent the student’s membership to a Black society, fraternity, or an African student organization at many universities. Some people also feel it symbolizes solidarity with Africa and its people.

Today, Ghanaians do not use it very much but you are sure to find a piece of kente in every home, tucked away in an old suitcase in the basement. Even though it is still a treasured asset, it is hardly ever worn by the people.

The fabric has spread internationally, and is now one of the most admired of all fabrics.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

13

TWENA FASHIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAR SHOT STUDIOS

14 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Traditional Drummers performing at a festival.

4

Culture & Heritage Ghana’s heart beats with life... come experience our festivals.

A common feature of all Ghanaian culture is the celebration of festivals. Barely a week goes by without a town or village holding its major annual celebration. But even everyday personal events such as funerals, name-giving ceremonies and weddings tend also to be imbued with something of a carnival atmosphere.

These festivals are central pillars in the beliefs of our society as they serve multiple purposes. Some offer the remembrance of ancestors and ask for their protection. Others are held in order to purify the whole state so that people can enter the New Year with confidence and hope. Here are a few of the major public festivals in Ghana.

FETU AFAHYE (Harvest commemorating first contact with whites) A colorful

procession of chiefs, amid drumming, dancing and firing of musketry. There is a uniqueness in the attire. Sacrifice of a cow to the seventy-seven (77) gods of

Oguaa. Cape Coast (Oguaa), 90 miles west of Accra.

August/September.

HOMOWO (Harvest/Thanksgiving) Ceremonies for this festival include a procession of chiefs through principal streets with all twins in the area dressed

purposely for the occasion. All this is done amidst the sprinkling of festive food kpokpoi to the gods and ancestors of the state.

Accra/Ga Traditional Area.

August/September.

ODWIRA (Harvest/Thanksgiving) This festival dramatizes the tradition myths and legends of the people, and commemorates a period of remembrance and thanksgiving to the gods for their mercies in the past year, and renewal of family and societies.

A durbar of chiefs crowns the celebration amidst drumming and dancing. Akropong Traditional Area, 90 miles north of Accra. September.

DAMBA Originally linked with the birth of Mohammed, the Prophet of Allah. A two- day festival full of pageantry, showmanship and horse riding. Tamale/Yendi, 425 miles north of Accra.

September/October.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

15

REASONS REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Cape Coast Castle

5

History Slavery and Castles

Beginning in the 1400s, about 40 “slave castles” were built along the coast of Ghana by various European Traders. Some originally began as trading posts for gold, timber, and other exports. But when the transAtlantic slave trade began they shifted in purpose to house the approximate 3 million West African slaves that departed from their shores. The castles were the final memory of their homeland for all who were forced through their doors. The hatch where the slaves were lowered onto the ships waiting below was aptly dubbed the “door of no return”. It is a dark era in

Ghanaian history and the sobering evidence remains along the coastline.

Of the original 40, around 30 still remain in varying states of use.

Some have been transformed into historical sites, government offices, prisons, and guesthouses but others are withering away, desired for historical significance but unfortunate victims of a lack of funding. Of the castles that have been turned into historical monuments, the most famous is the Cape Coast Castle. It was originally built by Portuguese traders but was later used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It held slaves before they were loaded

onto ships and sold in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean. In July 2009, President Barack Obama toured the Cape Coast Castle with his family. Visiting the castles is a very sombering, but some would say, necessary experience. Definitely try to make time for a stop during a visit. source:http://theculturetrip.com/africa/ghana/articles/ghanas-slave-castles-the-shocking-story-of-the-ghanaian-capecoast/

16 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

TWENA FASHIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAR SHOT STUDIOS

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

17

REASONS REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Sandy beaches, Western Region.

6

Breath-Taking Scenery Miles of White sand beaches

Breath-Taking Scenery: Miles of White sand beaches With its welcoming beaches, gorgeous hinterland, rich culture, vibrant cities, diverse wildlife, easy transport and affable inhabitants, it's no wonder Ghana is sometimes labeled 'Africa for beginners'.Lonely Planet Travel north and you'll feel like you've arrived in a different country, with a different religion, geography and cultural practices. The beauty is that this diversity exists so harmoniously, a joy to experience and a wonder to behold in uncertain times.

The beaches flanking Elmina and Cape Coast are ideal for those who wish to combine their sunbathing with some historical sightseeing, while their less developed counterparts further west around Busua, Axim and Beyin offer the opportunity to truly get away from it all in idyllic surrounds. And for those with limited time, there is always Coco Beach, lively sundrenched expanses of white sand

situated on the outskirts of the city of Accra.

If lounging on a beach isn’t your thing, Ghana is also home to Kintampo Falls and Tagbo Falls (the largest waterfall in West Africa). Go explore the beauty of the majestic falls or visit one of our stunning lakes. Lake Bosumtwi is situated within an ancient meteorite impact crater and Lake Volta is the largest lake in the world by surface area.

Both magnificent places to sit back and truly absorb your surroundings. www. touringghana.com

7

“Cha-lley”

Everybody is a “Cha-lley”

If you are Ghanaian or have been around Ghanaian people, there is a particular expression or a name that you would’ve heard people calling each other. The word I am referring to, as many would’ve guessed from the title is “Challey!”

Everyone is Challey, friends and family, even grandparents. The term “Challey” is used as a substitute to calling a person by their birth name and falls into the informal, slang/pidgin English category of the national language.

During World War Two, many of the American soldiers were stationed in Accra. As is evident in communities across the world, slang terms often 18 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

develop at the intersection of different cultures and times of war were no exception. One of the slang terms heavily used during World War Two was “Charlie”, which was a derogatory reference to the enemy or the Japanese more specifically.

The American soldiers would use radio broadcasts as part of their communication to the Allies and often used the term “Charlie”.

Apparently, the Ghanaian soldiers at base picked up this term and began using it in a different context along with the Ghanaian accent, turning Charlie into the “Challey” we know today! http://myghanaroots.com

REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Photos Courtesy of Humans of Ghana

8

Beautiful People Welcoming smiles everywhere

“The people of Ghana are probably the friendliest people I have ever met. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you are or what you’re doing, the locals want to talk to you. Even at 6:00 a.m., when I would go running, locals would stop their cars or turn from their market stalls and try to talk to me. Remember that in Ghana greetings are very important. Locals tend to say

hello to strangers, so be polite and wave back. As a visitor, you will constantly hear the word “oburoni” (foreigner) being shouted at you. While this may seem offensive – it took me a bit of getting used to – the locals are just trying to get to know you.

Take the opportunity to have a conversation with someone new and learn something.”- by Jessica Festa

20 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

REASONS

REASONS REASONS WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

9

WHY GHANA IS SPECIAL

Exotic fruits The freshest and sweetest

Courtesy Evelyn Akuetteh

Ghana is blessed with moist, fertile soil and a warm climate year round which means extended bounties of fresh sweet fruit. It also means we can produce more cycles of fruit each year. You don’t have to go far to find it either! Besides the markets, of course, vendors can be found at roadside stands, or plucking offerings from overflowing baskets atop their heads as they gracefully weave through traffic.

The variety of tropical fruit includes

oranges, bananas, mangoes, pineapples, watermelons and many more. The Cape Coast pineapple, usually still green when ripe and smaller in size than a regular pineapple, is the sweetest in the world. One visitor wrote “I promise you that you have not eaten pineapple until you have popped a piece of this in your mouth. I don’t care where you’ve had pineappleHawaii, the Galapagos, some remote island located at the edge of the world- this stuff melts in your mouth and fills you up in places you didn’t even know existed in your body. I am pretty certain they inject them with sugar and opium while growing because they are that good.” http://laurenincapecoast.blogspot.com/2010/09/speaking-of-pineapple.html

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

21

10

The Cuisine Hearty and comforting

The first thing people mention when sharing tales of their time in Ghana is...the heat. We know, the heat is serious. But right after that, they usually mention the food! The various meals and snacks enjoyed throughout Ghana truly speak to the culture of the various regions and the people as a whole. Sharing a meal with someone is the most traditional form of welcoming them and it’s a major part of Ghanaian

hospitality. Traditional meals vary by region but some of the most common are our infamous Jollof - a traditional seasoned rice and meat dish, Fufu and Light Soup - an often searingly spicy soup made with fresh vegetables and fish or smoked meats, and Kontomire - a stew made from cocoyam leaves (or spinach).

While many of the meals have a fish or meat base, fret not vegetarians,

22 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

a lot of these meals can be made without meat and some, like RedRed - a plantain and stewed beans dish, are already vegetarian.

But Ghana is not the place for your low-carb diet. The meals are hearty and rich and almost all include a hefty starch presence. They ensure you’ll have energy for a long day of laboring in the heat but no one would be surprised if you instead find yourself ready for a nap.

AA AA AATT UU UU M M AA GG AA ZZ II NN EE .. CC OO M M // SS EE PP TT EE M MB B EE RR -- DD EE CC EE M MB B EE RR 2 20 01 16 6

23 23

www.aaatuumagazine.com

JULY 2016 PUBLISHED SINCE 1957 ISSUE 63

Ghana Fashion Designer Uses U.S. Internship F AR ACTOR O T S , H A T T A ABRAHAM N, BAGS YET IO T A N O N F HIP to Fight Malaria BEASTS O A SCHOLARS — D R A W A ER

F

rom designing a collection in collaboration with Swarovski to interning for Rosario Dawson, everyone knew that Papa Oppong, Ghanaian fashion designer, would go places. But it wasn't until his U.S. internship at the DC Fashion Foundation that he would find his passion project: combatting Malaria through fashion.

Papa is an artist at the DC Fashion Foundation Incubator (DCFI) through our Train USA J-1 Internship Program.

Located on the same block as our D.C. office in the Macy's building, Papa shares a studio with six other designers on the program.

He was nominated for the program by his Head of Department at Radford University, the only Ghanaian university that offers a fashion program. As soon as he graduated, he flew to the United States to join the incubator in October 2015.

“I feel like I've matured so much in the past seven months. This is the first time I've really been on my own.

It's taught me so much about myself and doing things for myself…it's forced me to grow up.”

A Fresh Take on Design and Fashion Shows “Art chic,” is what Papa calls his style. “I always want to tell stories through my different collections.”■

ANOTH THE US TO STUDY IN

Thomas Mensah: First African inducted into US Academy of Inventors

Thomas Mensah was part of the team that did the first large scale practical demonstration of Optical Fiber processing in the world and the experiment was conducted in the Laboratory at Sullivan Park Research center at Corning Glass works. The demonstration also involved three key inventors namely Dr. Bob Maurer, Dr. Don Keck and Dr. Peter Schultz. Mensah helped solve the speed of manufacturing impediment, which at the time, remained at 2 meters per second.

Thomas’ works in Fibre Optics reduced the cost of producing them on a large scale, which led to the speedy spread of Fibre Optics around the world. In this regard, he received the Individual Outstanding Contributor Award Prize of $10,000 at Corning Glass works in 1985.

24 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Some of the engineering positions he has held in US industries include: Air Products and Chemicals (from 1980–83), then Corning Glass Works, in Fiber Optics research Sullivan Park, New York (from 1983–86). It was at the Sullivan Park, New York at Corning where he built the fastest Fiber Optics draw and coating process at 50 meters per second.

He joined AT&T Bell laboratories in 1986 where he led a program to develop the first laser guided weapons for the US Department of Defense guided missile program which enabled the development of missiles that travel at the speed of sound (Mach 1). This technology developed by Thomas Mensah earned him 3 patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Thomas Mensah is President and CEO of the Georgia Aerospace Systems that manufactures nano composite structures used in missiles and aircraft for the US Department of Defense.

Thomas also serves on the board of a number of organizations including the AIChE National Board of Directors (1987–1990) and is a current Trustee of the Board of AIChE Foundation, and member of the board for the NASA Space Grant Consortium at Georgia Institute of Technology. Mensah was elected a Fellow US National Academy of Inventors in 2014.

He created a 21st-century environmentally friendly Amusement Parks; The World Success Park that includes Success Park America, Success Park Europe, Success Park Japan, Success Park China and the first African American and Latino Theme Parks. ■

Australian based Ghanaian surgeon saves man’s life by roadside in Australia

A Ghanaian doctor based in Perth, Australia, Dr. Kwasi Yeboah, has been making the headlines across the globe after he performed roadside surgery without anaesthesia on a man involved in a fatal road accident.

The victim known as Simon was returning to Perth when the unfortunate incident took place and was critically injured with multiple broken bones and a punctured lung.

Dr. Kwasi Yeboah, a registrar at the Royal Perth Hospital, was the saviour on the day when he chanced upon the accident after missing his turn in search of mangoes at a mango farm.

Having come across the victim, who was in a critical situation, Dr. Yeboah believed the only decision was to operate him right there if there was any chance of him surviving.

“I was going to find mangoes to buy on a mango farm and I think I missed my turning or I couldn’t find the sign so I kept driving north.

“It was chaotic and hard to describe as there were cars driving past and people pulling up as well and at a distance running across the road, I didn’t think he will make it.

“At that time the assessment was

that he had a tension pneumothorax which is a life threatening condition and could be fatal.

“He was deteriorating before our eyes, his blood pressure was going down, his heart rate was rising, his oxygen level was dropping, and I thought he was going to die.

“Anything you do for a patient is a calculated risk and at that time it was a calculated risk that had to be made within seconds.

“He was going to have a cardiac arrest so I said to him, mate I am going to do something which is going to hurt, but it will save your life, then he put his hand on my knee and said go for it.

The Helicopter “When he was ready for transfer back into the helicopter, he deteriorated again so he kept saying doc doc doc you’ve got to do something so I run back, and they took him out of the ambulance unto the road and then I had to open up his chest again through the old wound to let out the air trapped in his chest.”

The victim after four months is still in a wheelchair and is expected to walk again.■ ghanaweb.com

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

25

ARTICLE

My Unshakable Love for Ghana

By Ivanna Parry

A US Born Ghanaian student, believes Ghana is the best place to live.

M

y name is Ivanna-Grace Adwoa Oparebea Parr y (Pronounced : Ee-van-ah Grace Aj-woa Oh-pah-re-bee-a Parry). Can you pronounce that? If not, I totally understand. My parents where born and raised in Ghana, West Africa (speciďŹ cally from the tribes Anum and Larteh) ; But as an 18 year old born and raised in the United States, people always seem to be impressed and dumbfounded when they hear me listening to Ghanaian music from the 60's , speaking my tribal language, or even dancing no different from the people in Ghana. Why are they so surprised? I've asked myself the same question multiple times and have come to the conclusion that people like me who were born in the U.S., most of the time, seem to be disconnected in one way or another from the African culture. But I seem to do the total opposite.

The reason I express so much love for Ghana is because i am Ghanaian. I may not have been born

there, but I surely eat Fufu and light soup every sunday after church ; and every time I do something wrong, I surely get disciplined in my moms language. I feel more connected to Ghanaians than Americans and I always have. Most likely because at growing up at home, the American culture was never prominent. Rather the Ghanaian culture was. I am also

When African adults hear me say this, they usually try to persuade me not to live there, but the reasons they give me are quite sad and pathetic to me. very open-minded to the African culture which allows me to relate to them, dance the way they do, and

more. A lot of people like me who were born abroad think it's weird when they see things that they are not used to seeing. Instead of realizing that it's just their way of living, they are stuck in that mentality, which makes it hard for them to understand different cultures in general. Everyone has their own way of living and what may be weird to you is normal to someone else and vice versa.

The people of Ghana are very respectful and welcoming, which I ďŹ nd very interesting considering the fact that Ghana is a Third World country. If you see the joy on the faces of the people there, you'll think the opposite. I've been to Ghana twice and will go again in July, 2016. I love the environment there, and one day I plan to live there. Oh and when I say "one day" I mean a few years after i graduate college. When African adults hear me say this, they usually try to persuade me not to live there, and the reasons they give me are quite sad and pathetic to me. A man who was born and raised Continued on page 78

26 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Ancestors

M

artin Kofi Dartey, is one of Ghana's renowned and talented artist. His keen sense of observation, craftsmanship, use of color and thought provoking themes, distinguishes him as a leader in his field.

An alumni of the prestigious College of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, Martin taught Art History and Painting at the same university between 1988 and 1996. From the year 1995 to 1996, he was a Visiting Lecturer at the Fine Art Department, Kenyatta University in Kenya and has delivered lectures in other international Universities.

Martin has exhibited in several countries including Ghana, Kenya,

the Netherlands, USA and Japan and has executed several commissions for corporate bodies; NGO's and homes, etc all over the world. Martin has also worked as a Test Examiner, Trainer, Illustrator, and Consultant for organizations such as UNICEFGhana and the Government of Botswana.

Martin who currently lives and works in Nairobi, is also the owner of Monda African Art Limited, which specializes in glass and stone recycling for fashion jewelry and accessories. Some of their latest jewelry collections are going to show under the Kenya Export Promotion Council stand at NY NOW, Javits Center, New York, between 21-24 August, 2016.■

Faces 1

Flowers

Faces 2

Faces 3

Martin Dartey AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

27

Ekuwa Dadson

Fashion in Ghana and the West African sub-region has evolved through decades of constantly creating demands by being stylish and fascinating. Today we have well branded designers who are breaking boundaries in the international market with sophisticated, creative and timeless designs! Many have made their mark in jewelry and attracted super stars like Beyonce, Alicia Keys and the likes! The evolution of fashion in Ghana especially has propelled designers like Christina Harvey Ewusi who has taken the world by storm through social media.

Christina Harvey-Ewusi is a renowned Ghanaian fashion and creative designer based in the United States. She is the owner and C.E.O of Twena Fashions, a remarkable fashion industry making airwaves globally in the fashion world.Specialising in African wear and using authentic rooted African fabric, Twena fashions has been able to showcase Africa as a potential goldmine for the fashion industry. With its unique blend of subtle African cultural oriented theme and artistic masterpiece,products from Twena fashions is distinctly classy. Their rich crispy catchy colours, exclusive cut and style have been the toast of many fashion and catwalk lovers.

Christy, a stylist began her fashion and creative designing at the tender age of 7 where she put a twist to whatever she was made to wear. While growing up she engaged in numerous activities to do with creative design and was recognized by receipts of awards through her childhood.

In high school she designed her own clothes and spent time grooming her school mates, redesigning their clothes and also engaged in fine art as a subject in the school curriculum. Extremely talented in creativity and designs Christy worked as an interior decorator and make-up artist in her teens and is well known in her community and beyond for her hard work and talent in fashion design. As a fashion Consultant, she's been a rock for quite a huge number of fashion businesses including models and designers who have relied on her expert advice to develop their industry. Christy's prowess in the art of fashion design is the inspiration behind Twena Fashion, the company that represents fashion.â– Twena Designs on pages, 14, 17, 30, 46-47, 66, & front cover

28 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

1

2

Accra Stuff Crossword Puzzle 3

4

5 6 7 8 9

10

11

12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Across 1. Popular Beach 3. Festival in Accra 6. Black Stars Defender 8. Habour 10. First cellphone 12. Beautiful girls come from this town 13. Ghana small money 14. Ga happy dance 15. Botanical Gardens 17. University 18. Daily Newspaper 19. Famous Pastor

The World of Email

Down 2. Teenager who was at the 2016 Oscars 4. Christening 5. Old school term for fraud 7. Evening Snack 9. Big Hospital 11. Disaster Relief 14. Water works 16. Beer Answers on Page 71

World wide email use continues to grow at an incredible rate. In 2015 the number of worldwide email users was nearly 2.6 billion. By the end of 2019 the number of global users will increase to over 3.billion.

Over one third of the world population will be using email by

2019. In 2015 over 205 billion Emails were sent DAILY. This number is expected to be about 250 Billion emails per day by 2019.

Email is very strong in the business world and also for social media and online shopping. Pretty amazing statistics.

by Frank Zanetti

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

29

TWENA FASHIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAR SHOT STUDIOS

30 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

ARTICLE

It's time for Africans in America to identify with African-Americans

M

y name is Moji Akinde, and I am an African from Nigeria.

And I am American. And I am black. And I am AfricanAmerican.

I am baffled that, in light of the murders of innocent black lives, a disturbingly large number of my fellow African brethren refuse to identify and empathize with being African-American. We are of the rhetoric that African-Americans could somehow avoid being racially profiled, targeted and killed by simply altering the way they dress, talk, act and live. We believe that if only black people would say their “Please” and “Thank Yous,” if only they wore a 3-piece suit to bed, if only they didn’t speak unless spoken to, if only they didn’t drink or smoke, if only. . .

We tell them to “just go to school” but refuse to acknowledge the bravery of little Ruby Bridges, the first black student to attend an all-white school post segregation in 1960.

We tell them to “just get a job,” yet we forget that we walked the roads paved by Ms. Rosa Parks, whose courage inspired the civil rights movement, which led to the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972. This enabled all of us to secure reasonable jobs and gave us the ability to send monthly money transfers to our loved ones back home.

We tell them to “just stay out of jail,”

yet we forget that it was AfricanAmericans like Dr. King, Ralph Abernathy, and Fannie Lou Hamer who spent time in jail, with hopes that one day we would not be unjustly beaten or persecuted simply for the color of our skin.

We say “they have no African home training” but forget that Amadou Diallo was a 23-year-old immigrant

They will kill ‘Tunde’ as quickly as they kill ‘Tyrone’. from Guinea who had only lived in New York for 3 years when 19 of the 41 shots fired at him killed him. His African home training did not save him.

We say “they are always fighting,” yet we forget that Abner Louima, a trained electrician from Haiti working as a security guard in Brooklyn, was breaking up a fight when he was assaulted and sodomized by NYPD officers.

by Moji Akinde

My African people, blinded by an inexplicable superiority complex, fail to see that we are no different from African-Americans, whose ancestors (and our sisters and brothers) broke down walls of oppression and built roads to liberation so that we African immigrants may enter this country of our own free will, not forcefully stuffed in the bottom of a boat. And because we did not sail 7,000+ miles in a ships’ hull, we think that we are exempt from racism, prejudice, injustice, harm and in more frequent cases than necessary, death, based solely on our Africanness.

We believe that racism is and can be influenced by ones’ accents, affluence and accolades. We delude ourselves in thinking that the racist man only need take one look at the nice camouflage we’ve bought ourselves with our nice money, at the nice department store, in our nice neighborhood and see that we are not like “those people.”

Almost all Africans living in the Unites States know someone who dreams of the day they too will be in the “land of opportunity.” We all know of the horror stories, the challenges and obstacles that our African family members go through just to obtain entry into the United States. Because we fight so hard to get to America, many of us feel that African-Americans take their citizenship for granted, and we come Continued on page 55 31

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

ByMojiAkinde www.fehinti.com

Fèhìntì is a brand of custom handmade home accessories made by Moji Akinde which uses the best of Nigerian fabric. The collection consists of brightly colored patterns on pillows, placemats, and wall art pieces. The products have been featured in the South Side Weekly, on Slay Culture as Top Women Owned Businesses to support, and a handpicked seller for the curated Vends + Vibes 2015 boutique marketplace.

PEOPLE

F

èhìntì (Feh-Yin-Tee), is a verb in the Yorùbá language that means "To Lean Back, Relax". A brand of custom home accessories, handcrafted

by Moji Akinde, using the best of Nigerian fabric.

Here, you'll find bold and bright patterns in pillows, placemats and wall art pieces to instantly transform your space - all made with the love and passion I have to share my Nigerian culture with you.

My products have been featured in the South Side Weekly, on Slay Culture as Top Women Owned Businesses to support, and a handpicked seller for the curated Vends + Vibes 2015 boutique marketplace.

Find me at the Hyde Park Handmade monthly bazaar, or send me a message here. I'd love to meet you too!

Fèhìntì is more than pillows and placemats. More than decorative art pieces and textured fabric. I want you to see accents and hear them too. To come with me to 1800s Abeokuta, see my great-grandmothers flamboyantly hang their Indigo Àdìre cloths to dry, and onward to Ibadan city for handsome hand-painted, starch resist fabric. I want you to accompany me to 1930s West Africa when my people fell in love with the waxy prints and patterns of the Dutch tradesmen on their way to Indonesia. I would love for you to understand that the cotton-dry hands of the Aso Òkè weavers are a dedication & sacrifice to historic preservation and quality.

This, is the essence of Fèhìntì by Moji Akinde. A showcase of the vibrant lifestyle, of warmth and comfort that is synonymous with the Nigerian/African culture. ■

Come in, relax, #KeepCalmAndFehinti.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

33

by Padi the Mechanic

I

f you live in Ghana’s tropical climate, most of your vehicle purchasing concerns will be essentially the same as if you lived anywhere else – you want a car that looks good, offers decent gas mileage, and suits the passenger and cargo space requirements of you and your family. You are also, however, going to have to consider the best type of vehicle to drive when the rainy season hits, and you’re buffeted by all that wet and wind.

With Ghana’s climate and road conditions in mind, I have evaluated a number of used vehicles, and determined that your best choices come from the all-wheel drive family. My top picks are the Toyota Rav4, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Sienna, Kia Sportage, and Toyota Matrix.

Toyota Rav4 2014

Toyota Rav4: This mid-size SUV has a reputation for performing very well in even the sloppiest weather. It is also a good-looking vehicle, and has several navigational features.

Subaru Impreza: The Impreza is not by any means the most expensive all-wheel drive (AWD) sedan on the market, but if you want a vehicle that can hold its own against even a BMW without the hefty price tag, consider this great car that will hug the road even in the worst tropical downpour.

Subaru Impreza

Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna: This minivan seats up to eight, or you can remove or fold down the seats for additional cargo space. Like the Rav4, it also has a reputation for superb performance in nasty weather.

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage: This crossover is attractive, loaded with features, and offers anti-skid technology for even greater safety. The Sportage will get you where you need to go, and it performs very well under adverse driving conditions.

Toyota Matrix: The Matrix is basically a Corolla with a hatchback, and it delivers all the reliability that has been the trademark of the Corolla for the past 50 years. With AWD and anti-lock brakes, you can drive safely even in a downpour. Of course, you should take it easy just the same, since not everyone on the road is driving a Matrix.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAR SHOT STUDIOS

When the skies cloud over and the rain pours down in tropical climates, you are always better off with an AWD. We recommend any of these five vehicles for superior handling and safety in inclement conditions.■

Toyota Matrix

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

35

Ghana’s International Reggae Superstar

ROCKY DAWUNI is a GRAMMY nominated musician and activist from Ghana, West Africa. Named one of Africa's Top 10 global stars by CNN, his music and electric live performances have attracted thousands to his concerts around the world at many of the top Reggae a n d Wo r l d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l s , prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as his own solo concerts. He has collaborated and performed with Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Bono, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae and John Legend, among many others.

Rocky Dawuni has spent the last year touring his new "Branches of the Same Tree" album across the United States, Canada and Europe.

He has performed at many of the top US, Canadian and European festivals

including California Worldfest, G l o b a l q u e r q u e , A f r i k a d e y, Harbourfront Festival, Summerjam, Mundial Montreal, Montreux Jazz Festival, Afro Pfingsten, Festival International d'Louisiane and many more.

Dawuni's eloquence, cultural diplomacy and successful melding of music and activism have led him to become a passionate spokesperson for various global causes. He has joined forces with Product (RED), UNICEF, the Carter Center & the UN Foundation. Dawuni was appointed the Tourism and Cultural Ambassador of Ghana and World Ambassador for the Musicians Union of Ghana. The United Nations Foundation's Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves named him a UN Global Ambassador, alongside actress

36 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Julia Roberts and Chef Jose Andres.

Rocky's new album "Branches of the Same Tree" fully captures his unique fusion of Afro Beat, global sounds and Reggae while confirming him as an artist in the tradition of both Fela Kuti and Bob Marley in utilizing his music to uplift, unify and inspire. The first single from the album African Thriller has already been licensed by Electronic Arts for the FIFA World Cup 2014 which was accompanied by a smoking hot new music video for the track that is making waves around the world!

Rocky Dawuni released his sixth solo album on Cumbancha in March 2015, a WOMEX Top Label Award w i n n e r. " B r a n c h e s " w a s subsequently nominated for a GRAMMY for "Best Reggae Album" for the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards.■

Lily Mensah Yeboah Her services to others span a life over 15 years; the last 7 of which have taken her as far as Accra, London and the Space Coast in Florida Here is a conversation with Lily...

1) Tell us a bit about how your career started?

I have always been a one-off – no copy, no-one really like me and of course would always stand out and be prominent and fearless in trying new things. There was an opening and I applied for it with no marketing qualifications but I was prepared to learn which involved and going back to school whilst learning on the Job. College was one day a week would and would catch up with my work in the evenings and weekends. I had a great boss who could see my promise and she was my sponsor and a great advocate. It also helped that I could be persuasive and passionate about what I wanted and saw the opportunities my qualifications could add to my resume and the team as a whole. I was the first to get a proper marketing qualification at a postgraduate level. For me it was the enthusiasm, I was hungry and was prepared to literally work round the clock to get to the goal of being a qualified marketer in a globally respected organisation. I then went on to specialise in branding and more recently Personal Branding because I prefer to work with people rather than ideas or widgets.

2) Can you explain what a brand strategist and social entrepreneur does?

Developing strategy for a brand

involves the whole organisation and on the Personal Branding front, the individual and their unique promise of value. It’s about looking at all the various ways in which all stakeholders perceive the brand.

My job as a strategist is to help understand what the brand represents and provide advice on tools to support it or if on looking

Social media is a game changer which has somewhat levelled the playing field for industries and sectors so for instance, a small unknown brand can run a sustained social media campaign for pennies in the dollar and take on the big boys. deeper it is to re-brand or reposition, then that means supporting tools and tactics to change direction or markets. As a entrepreneur and brand ambassador of Lyncs Media, my job is to manage clients brands at which ever touch point that they have and ensure that what they put out there is in line with their values and those of their audience too. It

has to be the right fit for the right reasons. A social entrepreneur essentially creates opportunities that are non-commercial for the benefit of society at large. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t make money – it means any money made is pumped back into growing the concept for more people to benefit from its original idea. My current social enterprise is Tea With Lily.

3) How does social media create experiences for social customers, and what which platforms normally be your main focus of attention when creating a strategy?

Social media is a game changer which has somewhat levelled the playing field for industries and sectors so for instance, a small unknown brand can run a sustained social media campaign for pennies in the dollar and take on the big boys.

Customers get to experience newer brands much earlier and thus allowing a much better competitive landscape for the larger organisations. Of course this has to be supported by off-line activities which do cost more. Larger organisations now have to be more agile in their approach or they will be left on the platform at the ‘social media’ station. I focus on three main platforms but have a cursory interest in others and those three in order of importance are LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Instagram

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

37

and Pintrest are coming up and are huge for certain markets whose products or services are visual in nature, so they cannot be discounted either. The idea is to hang out where your clients and potential clients are.

4) So, what does a normal workday look like for you?

I’m an early riser and would start at around 5.30 and can’t function without my coffee, but I’m cutting down, promise. A to-do list from the previous day then gets reorganised, if necessary. Being an entrepreneur means no one day is the same. I could be behind my desk all day, fielding queries, writing, managing suppliers, reviewing client’s information or a report that is probably a week or so late, like this article. Or I could be out in the field meeting and greeting clients and prospects, training, speaking, networking etc. I work better under pressure, often because I have so many competing priorities. I’ve learned over the years not to jump on everything that comes to me because the more you do, the more will be expected of you and in the end you will be exhausted and will not bring any value to anyone.

5) Which are your personal favourite success stories, and why?

A great question. My children’s

success because that’s the job I’ve done and know inside out for over 35 years. It’s a job with no manual and you have meander through it. On the professional level, it’s about seeing a client success and each client is special so each success is a direct reflection on a job well done. That gives me the vigour to do even better with the next project.

It’s online and can be accessed through http://my.blogtalkradio.com/ladym ensah which is available 24/7. The great thing about technology is that once upon a time one needed to have a radio license to do this but now with the right strategy, one is able to showcase talent that would often be the preserve of the ‘celebrity’ class.

6) You travel a lot for seminars and to give speeches; in your field of work, which have been the most challenging or difficult questions to answer?

What do you think of my brand? And I’m expected to have an answer on the spot! This is a question that I often get asked and without any background research or knowledge I often tell people that your brand is in the hearts and minds of your consumer. Ask them first and then let’s talk.

8) Finally, tell us a bit about who your heroes in life are and why you look up to them?

My mother – need I say more. She’s a matriarch, who is revered by many both near and far, for her strength of character. I grew up watching her not waver with support for us kids and her siblings. Her own mother died when she was in her early thirties and had to bring up her other 5 younger siblings and us, so her remit was a huge one. Never did I see her raise her voice – she just had to give you the ‘look’ and you straighten up pretty sharpish! I’m blessed to have her in my corner and of course with her, comes my siblings, extended family and friends who continue to suppor t and encourage me daily. God has also been kind to me bringing me lessons everyday that validate that I am here on this earth to use my talents to serve others to be the very best versions of themselves in all that they do.■

7) Tell us about Tea with Lily; what it is and how often people can tune in?

TWL is a social arm of my company, Lyncs Media and affectionately known as my expensive hobby! It’s a space for informal discussions where I interview people from all walks of life on their own experiences and they provide tips and tricks for those looking for professional and personal growth.

Ghanaians vs Americans AMERICAN POST: Hello, my name is Whitney Brown, I am from New York, I love my husband so much and I do anything to please him, but recently I am falling for his brother. What should I do? Please advice me.

COMMENTS: *James Silva : I think you need to talk to your husband because marriage is all about communication *Sarah Walter : Oh my dear, sorry about that. I have been in your shoes before and I had to wake up and face the fact that I am married.. *Michael Paper: Well just take your

mind off him and make your husband do the things you like in his brother.

GHANAIAN POST: My name is Ama. I stay in Accra and I am married with a kid, I think I am falling for my husband's brother.

What should I do?

COMMENTS: *Okyere Asante: Fool, is love food? *Joy Banson: You are a disgrace to womanhood..shame on you! *Kofi Sarpong: You're possessed Witch!!

38 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

*Micheal Afrane: Are Doctors still on strike? * Yõûñg Äçïd : If you want to fall for me too, call my no. 0550987881 *Mary Kwakye: I won't blame you at all, better go find something to do with your life. *Richard Oko : Please who has Nokia charger (small pin) *Ernest BarcaTillDeath: eeii God is coming oo repent *Law BigGirl: You're a prostitute, you need deliverance! *Emi Sekyere: What time is kotoko playing?

I JUST LOVE GHANAIANS !!

100 AMAZING

GHANANIANS

I

n a countr y where many women are still struggling to find their voice, one woman is boldly stepping out to speak her mind and encouraging other women to follow suit. Dr. Joyce Akumaa Dongotey-Padi (more popularly known as Akumaa Mama Zimbi) is shaking things up in Ghana with her popular talk show Odo Ahomaso on Adom 106.3 FM and AdomTV. The show explores topics regarding marriage, love, relationships, and the ever taboo sex education. She encourages women to take control of their sexual lives and try new things in order to increase pleasure for all parties involved. This comes at

a time where women around the world are becoming more comfortable with their sexuality and asking “why aren't we allowed to enjoy sex as much as men?”

Mama Zimbi has received much criticism for discussing sexual topics

Lost and alone, women were frequently contacting Mama Zimbi for assistance and advice during these times which prompted her to start the MZF

such as forepl ay and sexual positions; leading some to call the show "vulgar" or "disgusting". But one needs only to visit Mama Zimbi's I n s t a g r a m p a g e (@akumaamamazimbi) to see an outpouring of support and praise.

One writes "[I] am not a fan of any celeb...but I love you mama. You're a strong and unique woman. God bless you for your loving heart. Medaase".

She also posts many inspirational videos encouraging women to live their best lives. In one video she encourages women to join her #MamaZimbiGTPscarfchallenge, where women attempt to wrap their scarves in her iconic mile high style.

She states “Believe in yourself and take a step. The step is now….You're a winner believe in yourself that you are a winner!”

While Mama Zimbi has been a marriage counselor for over 15 years, she is much more than just a relationship advisor. She is also a staunch activist and the founder and executive director of Mama Zimbi Fo u n d a t i o n ( M Z F ) , a p r i v a t e organization which seeks to empower and suppor t widows through its Widows Alliance Network (WANE). The organization works to bring awareness and an end to harmful rituals surrounding widows.

The alleged purpose of these rituals is to ensure their deceased husband's passage into the afterlife.

However, methods range from locking widows alone in a room with their husband's corpse for many days to even having them drink a soup made of the deceased's fingernails, teeth and hair. Many widows also find themselves ostracized from their families once their husband dies, regardless of the circumstances.

Lost and alone, women were frequently contacting Mama Zimbi for assistance and advice during these times which prompted her to start the MZF. The MZF steps in not o n ly t o s u p p o r t t h e s e w o m e n emotionally through this tough time, but also to provide financial support and advice regarding business and education. The foundation, funded primarily with Mama Zimbi's own money, initially provides these women with a loan of 1,000 Ghanaian cedis ($253.00) which are used to cover materials and transportation.

The women then come together and create profitable businesses. Mama Continued on page 55 39

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Courtesy of legacybase.com/entertainment

L

ast year we made a list of the most watched Ghanaian music videos on YouTube. This year, after over a week of research and nearly a year of waiting, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Watched Ghanaian Music Videos On YouTube. We included only artistes using Ghana as their as their mainstream market. The ranking is based on number of views on YouTube according to the views counter used by YouTube. In cases where there were more than one video for a particular song , we used the video that had the most views.

The particular video used is added to the list as shown below.

There were new entries this year, like Bisa K'dei who entered the top 10 for the first time and snatches two positions, and a lot of position shifts, some dramatic increase in number of views and new records set. The

10

ranking is from bottom to top. #10. Bisa K'dei – Metanfo (1.977 Million+ Views) Bisa K'dei makes an entry into the top 10 with the song that was his major break into the Ghanaian music scene.

Written and produced by himself, 'Metanfo' is at number 10 with 1.977 Million+ views. #9. Shatta Wale – Dancehall King (1.999 Million+ Views) Shatta Movement king Shatta Wale makes number 9 with his hit track 'Dancehall King' a drop from number 6 in 2015. As the only Dancehall artiste to make it to the top 10 with a solo track, he does prove he is the King of Dancehall in Ghana, or at least on YouTube. #8. Castro – Seihor ft. D-Black (2.534 Million+ Views) Castro comes in again at number 8

9

40 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

with hit collabo track Seihor with DBlack a drop from number 7 last year.

The song was produced by DJ Breezy and video directed by Kwame B. Ohene. He might be missing but there is no doubt that this song would have still been a hit whether he was here or not. #7. Kwabena Kwabena – Adult Music ft. Samini (2.927 Million+ Views) Music for adults which does not really contain anything explicit by singer and lyricist Kwabena Kwabena featuring dancehall/reggae artiste Samini titled 'Adult Music', comes in at number 7, dropping from number 5 last year. The video clearly show a lot about love (or lust, we're not sure) and the song itself is catchy and makes you want to move to the beat. #6. Bisa K'dei – Mansa (3.080 Million+ Views)

8

1

2

Bisa makes his second entry into the top 10 with 'Mansa' at number 6. This is the only song released in 2015 which made it unto the list and set a record as the first Ghanaian video released in 2015 on YouTube to hit 3 million views. Off Bisa Kdei's Breakthrough Album, the song also won 'Most Popular Song' at the recently held VGMA's.

3

#5. Sarkodie – Down on One ft. Fuse ODG (3.128 Million+ Views) Although Sarkodie is not a new entry, this song is. Featuring Fuse ODG, this video was shot in the UK and directed by Mr. Moe Musa. Music production credit goes to Killbeatz. #4. Sarkodie – Pon Di Tin ft. Banky W (3.568 Million+ Views) Sarkodie's 'Pon Di Ting' featuring Nigerian singer Banky W comes in at number 4 switching places with Guru's 'Akayida (Boys Abre)' which held number 4 position last year. The video which is in High Definition was shot in South Africa and directed by Sesan. Sarkodie is still proving he is going for the big numbers and making Ghana proud.

4 #3. Guru – Akayida [Boys Abre] (3.932 Million+ Views) This video is by no doubt a must watch, especially since it includes the comedian Kwadwo Nkansah a.k.a. LilWin in it. This could account for the number of views for the video because no other Guru video has nearly as much views as this one. Guru's 'Akayida (Boys Abre)' track and now popular street anthem comes in at number 3, kicking Sarkodie's Pon Di Tin to number 4. #2. R2Bees – Slow Down ft. Wizkid (10.527 Million+ Views) The award-winning duo R2Bees takes the second place again with 'Slow Down' featuring Nigerian award-winning singer WizKid. This video's views is more than twice the number of the views on Guru's 'Akayida' which makes it an awesome feat. One of the few videos by Ghanaian artistes worldwide with tens of millions of views.

5

#1. Sarkodie – Adonai (Remix) ft. Castro (28.526 Million+ Views) Bring together two people who have already got tops spots each on the most watched videos list and you should expect nothing less than the most watched of all. Sarkodie collaborates with Castro for the remix of his song 'Adonai' and is the most watched Ghanaian Music Video on YouTube racking 28.526 Million Views (over 18 Million more than last year) and the highest any Ghana-based Ghanaian has ever reached. He set the record for most views for a Ghanaian Music video in a year since around July he had about 9.9 million and has gotten over 18 Million more to add. He does have a lot to brag about and he still has the right to.■

7

6

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

41

S

o….. you do belong to at least one social media group chat, don't you?

I presume everyone who has a smart phone does these days.

Which means they are 'trending'?

Where did they come from? Who invented them? These questions are from a '50 plus' writer..... so excuse me, I would really like to know where this all started from without being told to 'google it' Let's do a quick survey – check your phones …. How many groups do you belong to? Four or fourteen? They range from 'Christmas chicken' wherein two years ago the decisions on who cooked what for Christmas dinner were made, to 'Youth Support Group' which informs you who is making a presentation when to the 'youth' to supposedly help them avoid pitfalls you made when you were their age. Then there is 'Bridal shower'…. Where you bickered about who was buying what for the newly wed to be….

And learned how to buy online using apps you'd never heard of! No joke!

Between you and me…. how many of these group chats have you made any comments on in the last 48 hours? Seriously, how many of them do you belong to but never contribute to? Mind you, they can have from 2 up to 256 participants my phone says….. which means 256 from all around the globe, all different time zones… and if you are not speaking on them, what is holding you back?

Do you belong to an old school classmates group? That is one of the most common groups and recognised by many for their good sides and their not so good sides.

Dr. Jean Morkor Owiredu Harare Zimbabwe

But let's get back to general group chats First of all, they chats never sleep.

Frankly, the group just will not be silent…. Even when you quieten them down by muting them for a year or more, they still manage to wake you up because there is a conversation going on in another time zone. Then they take up all your battery power. They do this even when you and your phone are

There are then those members who just rub you up the wrong way, and yet one cannot complain lest one draws the sharp dagger like responses that come to any who protest both supposed to be asleep.

Secondly, the issues 'discussed' are so diverse……some are such fun and so full of humour ……. others are 'vexations to your spirit' ………… Full of the latest gossip which you can read without indulging in the actual sin of gossiping. It's funny how much even supposedly quiet people can say when they can't see the faces of listeners……. And there are so may listeners! Some are completely silent. Others direct all conversations and come up with the most unusual and sometimes awkward comments and topics.

And then there are the mishaps of messages of sent to the wrong

42 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

group when you are multitasking .. with messages meant for the 'Fab Five' group to the 'Church Sisters' group There are then those members who just rub you up the wrong way, and yet one cannot complain lest one draws the sharp dagger like responses that come to any who protest….. like 'grow up, we are all adults here' or 'Which political party do you belong to anyway'……

Result……. Many end up not speaking out, they just shut up and continue to listen. But like my daughter says, if you entertain drama in your life, it is because the drama is entertaining you Does the assembly realise how large the group of 'silent observers' are? There are just a few usually very interesting chatterboxes who dominate, decide on the topic for discussion, what's trending, who is right and who is wrong. They tell you about every little thing they or their clan is doing or not doing.

So you decide to deal with the issue by leaving chats........ Never taken lightly my friend, unless sorted out by the initiator of the group which was set up for a particular purpose, you still dare not leave a group.

Who is responsible for dismantling the group for the surprise birthday party after it is done anyways?

So back to the original questions, and if you are not speaking on group chats, why do you stay on them?

They are 'chats'. Come on! But more importantly, let's get the inventors to get a way out for those who want to get off chats without the 'chatexit' telling everyone you have left and setting you up as the next discussion topic!!■

Grandma Knows best

SELECTING FISH FOR PURCHASE

T

oday in Ghana, grilled tilapia has become one of our favorite dishes but what do we know about choosing the best fish at the fish mongers?

Selecting high-quality fish is easy when you know what to look for. A simple inspection of seafood selections at the fish market will tell you whether the fish is fresh or prefrozen; handled properly or improperly; healthy or unhealthy.

Here's what you need to know for your next seafood shopping trip.

Before you handle the fish, check the eyes. They should be crystal-clear, plump, wet, and shiny, with no sunken features. If the eyes look good, you can bet with reasonable confidence that the fish is fresh and healthy.Once the fish begins to deteriorate, the eyes dry out, become cloudy, and sink in or shrivel away. This indicates an unhealthy or improperly-handled fish.

The tail and dorsal fins of the fish should be healthy-looking, wet, and intact. A fish that's been mishandled will have torn or ragged fins, while an

older fish's fins will be dry and brittle. Try touching the fish for further signs of health and freshness.

It should feel cold, wet, and slippery, but not sticky. When pressed, it should spring back to its natural shape, just like if you were to press on your own flesh. If it doesn't spring back, it is a sure sign that the meat has softened and is no longer worthy of your money.

Check the gills for vitality and color.

When first caught, a fish's gills appear bright red, and slowly darken over time. The brighter the color, the fresher the fish. The gills should also feel clean and cold, not slimy. After several days, a fish's gills will become dark brown or even black in color, indicating that the fish's gone off.

Mucus will build as time passes, too, so as the fish ages, he gills will become slimy and sticky.

Less-fresh fish will often shed scales as you run your hand over them, and they may appear dry and flaky. Now you are on your way to a healthy meal.

Enjoy!!■

Grandma gives us numerous tips on treating coughs, headaches and other conditions using natural ingredients, through to ways to avoid chemical-laden products around the home. This should also save you money as well as providing healthful alternatives.

Why Grandma uses GINGER The health benefits of ginger root have been touted for centuries, but now we have scientific evidence of its curative properties. A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or a sore throat. Research suggests it can also ward off feelings of nausea that so often accompany influenza. For example, one study published in the British Journal of Anesthesia found that just 1 gram of ginger can “alleviate clinical nausea of diverse causes.”■

Benefits of Palm Kernel Oil Palm kernel oil, which is extracted from the nut, or kernel, of a species of African palm tree, is commonly referred to as tropical oil. Palm kernel oil is primarily composed of fatty triglycerides, with approximately 80 percent saturated fats and 20 percent unsaturated fats. Palm kernel oil can be found in a number of products, including margarine, vegetable oil and shortening, creamers, chocolate and ice cream. Depending on the amount per serving, palm kernel oil may offer some health benefits.

Cholesterol-free One benefit of palm kernel oil is that it is completely free of cholesterol, which is not the case with animal-based fats like

butter. Due to the cholesterol-free nature of vegetable-based oils and margarines, like palm kernel oil, there has been some speculation that these types of oils and fats are healthier than butter.

Vitamin K Palm kernel oil also contains vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is important in bone health and as a coagulation factor in the blood.

While you could potentially get 67 percent of your daily recommended allowance of vitamin K in a cup of palm kernel oil, you would be highly advised not to do so. The same serving size would deliver 94 percent of your daily

calories, and nearly nine--times the recommended allowance for saturated fats in a single day. This would be one benefit of palm kernel oil that does not outweigh the risks.

Long Shelf Life While the overall health benefits of palm kernel oil may not be overwhelming, there are benefits that are touted by the commercial food industry. According to the American Palm Oil Council, palm oil resists oxidation under high cooking temperatures and upon storage, which makes it a better alternative than other vegetable oils for commercially fried products like doughnuts, ramen noodles, potato chips and French fries.■

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

43

half of the settings on my camera.” He confessed Yaw Pare is a Ghanaian photographer and traveler changing the Ghanaian narrative through his lens in a way you will never have thought possible.

A born artist, Yaw painted in various mediums with pencil, charcoal, oil/watercolor and stippling till he Firstly, Yaw, the gentleman who is celebrated for his found photography. According to him, he felt it was photography has no training in photography. Quite quite time-consuming and changed his art to capture images when he moved to Ghana. shocking but very true. Everything he knows has been self-taught.

“Well you wouldn’t consider me as a Ghanaian According to Mr. Pare who is an adventurous photographer…I am a capturer. Let me rephrase Globetrotter he first started shooting Ghana in 2010 it…A capturer of Ghana because I still don’t know after living in the United States for close to 16 years.

44 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

“When I was away from Ghana there weren’t any pictures that really made Ghana appealing to me to invest or even return it was sad.” said Yaw when we spoke to him about why he started this style of photography “My dad being a former footballer for the black stars and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Real Republican Team had stacks of pics he had documented and I found it intriguing… he is till date one of the best record keepers I have come across and he has beautiful handwriting I guess part of the reason” Yaw share his travels and experiences religiously on his personal Facebook page and a Facebook group he’s named Random Ghana Pictures which has become sort of his digital journal with over 31 thousand members who keenly follow and interact with him about his adventures and perspectives.

Aside the photos of places, food, and clothes that express the beautiful Ghanaian culture and identity, he educates his fans on the history and other important facts of the images.

Ghanaians in the Diaspora and other Afro-Americans who have a connection to the country continue to speak about the kaleidoscopic nature of his works having drawn inspiration from them.

The beauty of Ghana is captured on his Polaroid starting from escarpments of Gambaga to the coastlines of Accra in the south down to Wiawso in the West and Keta in the East.

The photographer who wears several hats as a Father, CoFounder & COO at Access Accra, an app guide dedicated to tourist and locals alike on the most exciting and undiscovered locations in Ghana’s capital of Accra and CEO & Founder of Consulting company, Gold Coast Consulting Group LLC is passionate about Ghana’s tourism and the general attitude of Ghanaians to sanitation around landmarks in the country.On the issue of poor patronage among Ghanaians, he shared some very strong words with us on the matter.

“I feel there is great potential but the reality of it is sad. When you consider the fact that tourism is a major contributing factor to our GDP but it’s been sidelined you feel sad and appalled.

Monies collected from tourism end up going into other things which are not related and in ways that are not reinvesting into the industry to see it grow. The 1% levies collection from hotels and restaurants in 2010 alone was $2.5 billion dollars but you go to the tourism sites and they’re in abhorrent conditions.

Look at our pavement and medians on the roads, they’re so unkempt. It’s easy to fix this……Simply don’t litter, rather let’s keep our environs clean.” Yaw remarked. Most folks first noticed Yaw Pare’s art when his photos of the Airport City in the past and current state went viral earlier in 2016.

“I have had some moments of excitement. Once a couple of pictures goes viral and the testimonials people give about how my Photography has affected them in a positive way. Those are the priceless moments I cherish.” disclosed the photographer Yaw is not only changing the way we see Ghana but most of all he is connecting people together through photos of what it means to be Ghanaian.■

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

45

“My biggest regret is not pursuing the course I wanted and instead going ahead to do Nursing. I’m not satisfied!

When I get to work now, I do the work but when I get home I feel like I should be doing something else. I wish I could do something in entertainment or be an event planner. The stress of organizing events is what I really love.”

“I want to be the greatest motivational speaker in Africa.”

46 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

“My mom gave the best advice I ever received. She said, ‘be nice to everyone and smile always’.”

University of Ghana level 100girls. Its good to be young

“What's your fondest memory of your friend Biggie?”

“Room dancing! Hahaha... my friends and I were dancing in 'Conti' Unity Hall when he suddenly joined in.

He took off his shirt and started shaking his body and all those things. It was really funny and I even have a video of that.”

“I'm smiling for him."

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

47

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAR SHOT STUDIOS

48 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

TWENA FASHIONS

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

49

Food Ghanaian food is rather simple, but very flavorful cuisine. The majority of meals consist of thick, wellseasoned stews, usually accompanied by such staple foods as rice or boiled yams. Stews come in a variety of flavors. One of the most popular is kontomire or palava sauce (spinach stew). Here is the recipe: Akua Quarcoo Akua is the CEO of Maqtrex Enterprise Viacell International Trade Finance LLC and runs B&G Pub in

Kontomire stew /palava sauce Recipe Ingredients 1. 2 packs of kontomire/spinach 2. A cup Egusi 3. Meat, ďŹ sh, (of choice, mushrooms also good) 4. 2 tins of tomato plumbs 5. 2 large onions 6. Ginger, garlic to spice 7. 1 large chilli pepper 8. Palm oil 9. Salt 10. Stock cubes, (or seasoning of choice) How to prepare kontomire stew /palava sauce: Directions NB : Steps 11 and 12 can be done interchangeably 1. Wash the leaves thoroughly with lukewarm water 2. Cut the kontomire/spinach into small sizes 3. Chop 1 onion 4. Blend tomatoes,1 onion, pepper,ginger and garlic together 5. Put pan on ďŹ re and pour in the oil 6. Add the chopped onions and stir fry for about 3 -5 mins 7. Add steamed meat/kobi; allow to cook for about 5 mins 8. Add the chopped tomatoes (if you prefer them chopped) and cook for 3 min 9. Add the blended tomatoes, pepper,ginger and garlic 50 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

10. Add any stocks / stock cubes/ seasons(Allow to cook for about 10 min, for the sauce to reduce) 11. Make agushi into a paste and add to the stew, and allow to stay for a couple of minutes before stirring to create the bubbly effect.(Allow to cook for another 3 mins) 12. Add the spinach/nkontomire leaves under a low heat now, and allow to slow cook. for about 5 min 13. Add smoked ďŹ sh and taste fr salt.

Let it simmer and its ready Serve with Yam, Cocoyam, Green or Ripe Plantain, rice, gari ball( eba) , etc.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

51

“When I was young, I used to think my happiest moment was the day I was born. But recently, I realized it is the happiest moment for my mom rather.

Mine is yet to happen. I think my happiest moment will happen when I finish school and secure a better job and maybe when I’m married too and have my kids.”

I’m sitting here waiting for my chance to come.”

“What chance?” “I've been a mate since 2012 and my former bosses never allowed me to move their cars. I came to Accra because my in-law assured me that he’ll teach me how to drive. I was supposed to start work here last week but my in-laws mate is still working with him.

So I’ll be around for a while and my chance will come soon.”

52 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

“Water used to be a major problem for us since we started building this place in Nanakrom. This problem was cut short when an NGO built this water pump for us which we use to get water up into the Polytanks for the children’s use.

"In 2007, I lost my dad after a protracted illness, then my mom also passed shortly afterwards. I was brought to the Nungua Children’s Home. As part of giving back to the orphanage, I teach at their kindergarten.

by Ben Owusu Firempong

N

ot too long ago, I saw a movie in which a battered wife (played by Jennifer Lopez), went and got some training in self-defence and returned to literally beat the life out of her abusive husband. Alas, that was just a movie! She-Whose-Behindis-Allegedly-Insured played a role that, I suspect, battered women must fantasize about daily.

When I was growing up in Koftown (cool word for Koforidua), wifebattering was fairly common, often relegated to a sentence or two in local gossip. The beating itself was no news, though the severity sometimes drew comment. What would have made the gossip columns, but rarely occurred, was when a wife fought back successfully. The defeated men were the subjects of ridicule often banished to the outer rings of palm wine drinking circles and offered the dregs of the daily brew. Men who could not successfully physically dominate their wives could not drink with real men!

Consider my reformed ex-US marine friend, John (not his real

name). He's well-schooled in both armed and unarmed combat and has seen action in many places.

He too was of the 'Slap some sense into her' school of thought until quite recently. John leaves out major details when he tells the story of his reform process. But one gathers that he had a minor

One conclusion is that they are cowards and would rather take out their frustrations, whatever they may be, on some defenceless person. altercation with a new significant other whose hobbies he had not researched properly. Having decided to administer a slap to the face of this lady he moved swiftly to put this decision into words. At this point John is a little fuzzy on the sequence of events. Suffice to say, his slap never reached its

intended destination and when he came to, he was lying on his back and, obstructing his otherwise clear view of the ceiling was his lady in a kung fu pose. Turns out she was a black belt. These days, constructive dialogue is John's preferred method of conflict resolution.

I've seen some pretty bad cases in my time and every time, I wonder what drives men to visit such violence on their partners. One conclusion is that they are cowards and would rather take out their frustrations, whatever they may be, on some defenceless person.

Case in point, my friend Nii and I walking down the street (there's only one) in Akim-Achiase when suddenly a young woman dashes out of her house with a furious cane-wielding man in full pursuit.

But Marion Jones she is not, so seeing two soldiers she dashes behind us and begs us to save her.

We move into peacekeeping mode and separate the combatants using our bodies as a buffer zone.

Negotiations follow but the onlooking crowd is somewhat hostile. The husband, supported by the gathering crowd, is adamant

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

53

that this is not a 'Soja' matter.

Nothing seems to be working, "threats, prayers and entreaties all useless". Finally, Nii offers him another option. Instead of beating his wife, would he be willing, say, to vent his fury on one of us? The angry husband hesitates….

You see, Nii is a mountain of a man with a severe crew cut, a great moustache, callused knuckles and arms like tree trunks.

I am much smaller and my haircut is no less severe, but there are these rippling muscles everywhere, even on my forehead, plus we both look like will defend ourselves vigorously. The prospect of venting his fury on targets which could strike back is not the husband's choice option. He reverts to dialogue. And oh, the reason for his initial fury? His dinner was late because his wife had gone braiding her hair and gossiping with neighbours.

There appears to be a proliferation of laws specifically protecting women from all forms abuse, but in most places on our continent, they are so weakly enforced that they are ineffective. Additionally longheld cultural practices and value systems don't seem to help. One of our old 'abongo' songs actually prescribes a slap for irritating wives, followed by a punch in the chest for the interfering brother-inlaw and the ready-made excuse for the father-in-law's inquiries after the event. For those who can read Twi, it might be familiar: "Wo yere gyegye wo'a, b n' asum,

A pastor was stopped by a traffic officer on a fictitious driving violation. Sensing trouble, the pastor yelled back: “I am a pastor not a thief”The officer replied: “Please, leave that pastor thing. In any case, if you are indeed a pastor, then you must have a Bible in your car. Bring it.” The Pastor speedily brought out his Bible to prove his honesty. “Please read Matthew 5:25-26 to me.” Said the police man. Incredulously, Pastor opened to the recommended passage and read: “Settle matters

(if your wife provokes you slap her face) Akonta bε kasa a, pim ne bo. (if your brother-in-law-protests, punch him in the chest) W'ase bebisa a ka sε "Mase ei, wo ba na w'ayε b ne".(if your father--in-law makes enquiries, tell him it's his daughter's fault) A female colleague of mine from Eastern Africa told us a story of how she had to lie to her older relatives that her husband, the gentlest of creatures, occasionally beat her up. Apparently, wifebeating is considered an expression of love and affection fully at par with hugs, kisses, flowers and kid words. What a way of keeping up with the Joneses- or the Mwangis - as the case may be!

While teaching AU troops and police officers in Darfur on the nature of human rights violations in conflict situations, we cited wife battering as one of the more common violations. One participant was particularly furious.

How, he asked, was he supposed to 'discipline' his wife if he could not beat her? We tried to educate him on the differences in disciplinary methods applicable to human beings and livestock. I doubt that we were successful and he remained unconvinced that wives are partners, not subordinates.

Some experts in the field say that gender roles in any society are about power and how it is shared.

quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to a judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny”The perplexed man of God “QUIETLY” made an “offering” of a few bucks to his newly found “preacher”.The Officer collected his bribe and said to the pastor, “End of service go in peace and argue no more.

54 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

I couldn't agree more. In most societies, men have more economic, political and social power and the deck is heavily stacked against women seeking equality in all aspects of life. One Darfurian man asked me how I would feel if my wife earned more money than I did. I confessed that my wife did indeed earn more. He wanted to know what I would do if she did not take my instructions. Another confession: in the matter of instructions, I am usually at the receiving end. He was shocked that I, a man for whom he had so much respect, should go home and perform such 'unmanly' tasks as doing laundry, dusting furniture and even cooking occasionally. I hoped he would still respect me after our discussion but I wouldn't swear to it.

Funny enough the winning argument seemed to come out of scenario when I asked how the men in the group would enjoy making love to a woman in great pain from the beating they themselves had administered earlier in the day. There was a pregnant silence and a collective sigh…..

But also everywhere in the world, there is that under-reported of group of men who are agonising silently over the bashing they receive from their spouses. They too have their story - and my sympathy.

BOF

SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES

English towns, cities and places with obscene names

Answers on page 71

It's time for Africans in America to identify with African-Americans to resent them. However, their centuries of struggles for a more fair and just America should dispel that myth. We have to stand with them as they continue to fight against injustice. We are the literal definition of African-American, and their struggle is our struggle too.

If we ignore this fight, we risk waking up one day to our son being the next Tamir Rice. He will not have an African accent because he was born and raised in America. He will speak English as a first language with that Chicago, New York or Houston drawl. He will not have that “African home training,” and he will tell his friends he’s African-American because it is true. He might talk back to his parents. He might talk back to

Mama Zimbi Zimbi has many success stories resulting from this assistance including a mango farm and a business that makes clay pots and bowls. But Mama Zimbi does not believe in handouts and stresses the importance of Ghanaian women being able to support themselves.

She offers her assistance to women who are willing to shake the stigma and work hard to achieve their own success.

Mama Zimbi has received multiple accolades and awards for her activism. Most recently, she was the recipient of the 'International Humanitarian of the Year' 2016 award from the UK based ' Wo m e n 4 A f r i c a ' i n t e r n a t i o n a l organization. Her work is ongoing and she is touching the lives of many women, helping those who previously felt only despair to regain hope and purpose for their future. We appreciate you, Mama Zimbi!

To s u p p o r t t h e M a m a Z i m b i Foundation or for more information about Mama Zimbi's current work, please visit her websites: IG: akumaamamazimbi FB: Akumaa Mama Zimbi (search: akumaamamazimbi21) Web: www.mamazimbi.org www.medaase.com

his teachers. He might skip class. He might play loud music or stand on a corner with his friends. He might do something silly like play with a toy gun or buy some snacks at the convenience store. And because of the color of his skin, it is possible he could be killed. With what narrative would you justify his death? The forces that we fight against respect no shade of black or brown. They will kill ‘Tunde’ as quickly as they will kill ‘Tyrone.’

Moji Akinde is an event planner & hospitality professional, who writes poetry, talks loudly about social issues and models in between. She can be found online at facebook.com/mojiakinde

1. Cock Hill- an alleyway in London.

2. Juggs Close- a road in East Sussex.

3. Back Passage- a street in London.

4. Balls Green - a street in Kent 5. Beaver Close- a road in Surrey 6. Fanny Avenue- a road in Derbyshire 7. Nob End- an area near Bolton 8. St Mellons- a district in Cardiff 9. Shitterton - a road in Dorset 10. Titty Ho - a street in Northhamptonshire 11. Hooker Road- a street in Norwich 12. Backside Lane- a road in Oxfordshire 13. Bell End - a village in Worcestershire Next time you hear a place name with an “alternative” meaning, try not to laugh!

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

55

56 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

AN ARTICLE BY DAWID KONOTEY-AHULU

They Always Say It’s Impossible.

Until It’s Done.

A Race Against Time and Cold-Hearted Bureaucracy

Dawid Konotey-Ahulu and Professor Nicholas Ossei-Gerning

A

few times in your life, but maybe never, you get to witness something heroic and awe-inspiring that changes your perception of humanity, the world, God and yourself. Perhaps once, you may get to play your own part in it.

Last weekend, that happened and it has changed me.

I have started writing this in Accra, Ghana, 3,100 miles from home, still in awe at what just took place.

The Background: Six weeks ago I discovered that one of my school friends was very sick in Accra with a major heart condition. He had been told that open heart bypass surgery was his only option. For that he would have to go to India. Another good friend, Professor Nicholas OsseiGerning, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at University Hospital of Wa l e s ( “ U H W ” ) l o o k e d a t t h e angiogram and said “I can treat him with angioplasty. He doesn’t need a bypass”.

So, he applied to the UK Home Office for a visa that would allow him to travel to the United Kingdom for emergency treatment on compassionate grounds and sent all the supporting documentation they could reasonably have needed, including a letter from a leading heart surgeon explaining that he had a cardiac condition that would be fatal if he is not treated urgently. We had raised all the necessary funding to pay for his treatment in full and we 58 A A A T U U . C O M / J U L Y - S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

sent the evidence. The Home Office denied him the visa. Said, in effect, that they didn’t believe his application. Said he had failed to prove he would not go on the run if they let him into the UK. To ram it home, they said: “By the way, you have no right of appeal.”

So, this is what happened after the UK Home Office said Visa Denied on Friday, 27 May 2016

If David is still alive when we arrive, Nick will operate. If we can find a cath lab.

given the angiogram pictures we have from last week, he is unlikely to make it. I ask Nick what he is doing for the weekend and he says, “For the first time in a long time, I am just going to put my feet up and watch the footie”.

We talk some more and 30 seconds later, we agree that David’s only hope is to get Nick to Accra immediately. If David is still alive when we arrive, Nick will operate. If we can find a cath lab. I say I shall book flights and find a cath lab. He says he is going to see his Clinical Director at UHW to make a plan, and we agree to speak at 13:00.

I need to source a cath lab.

09:50 I call Pamela, she says David is in the ICU and on oxygen, but he is stabilising. Two seats left on BA; I book the flights.

Friday 3 June 2016 09:30 City of London Pamela (David’s wife) calls me from Accra. She and David are going to reapply for the visa. It will take a couple of weeks but they don’t have a choice.

Suddenly, David is having severe chest pains, dizziness – cannot breathe properly. He is being taken to the Military Hospital in Accra. Please help, she says. She is about to lose her husband. I hear the rising panic in her voice and her distress.

10:00 Turns out there is a single functioning cath lab in Accra and it is run by Dr Enoch Anaglate. He uses it mainly for angiograms. It isn’t set up for the kind of surgery Nick needs to do. Also, Dr Anaglate is on a trip to India and so h i s c a t h l a b i s u n f o r t u n a t e ly unavailable. I call his mobile phone and it goes to voicemail. Three times.

I send him a WhatsApp message and after a few seconds the tiny grey ticks go blue. Somewhere in India, Enoch Anaglate has read my message.

09:32 I call Nick (the surgeon) and tell him.

He says: this is bad news. David is probably having a heart attack and,

10:05 Dr Anaglate replies on WA. He is arriving back in Accra at lunchtime in two days time, on Sunday. Nick can

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

57

use the cath lab to operate from 2 pm Sunday afternoon. Game on.

I am trying to stay calm, but I am close to the limit.

12:00 We need travel visas. This is not a trip to France or Germany. No visa, no fly. No exceptions. A visa application usually takes three days and we need a visa now. Three days is too late. I call my father (who knows people) and he says to call SH at the High Commission. “She’s my patient and will tell you what you need to do.”

12:30 Nick and I explain once again that THERE IS SOMEONE WHO WILL NOT SURVIVE MUCH LONGER and we HAVE TO C AT C H T H I S F L I G H T. PLEASE!!

SH is not around but her deputy is very helpful and sympathetic. But the visa office shuts at noon and it’s impossible to process anything until Monday. We don’t have until Monday.

13:00 Nick has run a detailed planning exercise with his Clinical Director and is bringing all the equipment he can reasonably carry in a giant canvas bag.

Stents, balloons, syringes, local anaesthetic. You know, standard weekend complex interventional cardiology angioplasty travel kit.

14:00 My contacts in Accra procure an official letter addressed to British Airways informing them that we will be issued with emergency visas on arrival. It is stamped by the Ghanaian Immigration Department. There will also be a note on the boarding manifest stating “Allow to Travel”. We have the visa thing covered off.

14:30 Check in online. Print boarding passes.

Flight leaves LHR at 13:30 on Saturday arriving Accra 18:50. Print Immigration Letter. We are ready. Call Pamela. She is, to understate it, very happy. David is still stable and on oxygen but very weak. Pamela hands him the phone. I tell him that we are coming to him. Mountain Mohammed time.

19:30 I have dinner in Chelsea with my wife to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary and I tell her I am going to Accra with Nick, back Tuesday.

Saturday 4 June 11:00 I arrive at LHR to find Nick in Costa Coffee with an enormous canvas bag.

We head over to the BA counter.

I produce the official letter from our

sponsor in Accra and stamped by Ghana Immigration. BA guy says: “That’s not the right document. I need to see an official letter from Ghana Immigration stating clearly that your visas are waiting for you. Otherwise, you cannot fly to Accra today”. Very calmly, we explain that David is in need of immediate cardiac surgery and we have to fly today; they say thank you for explaining that so clearly; you are not flying without the right documentation.

This is not good. This is really not good.

I call my contacts in Accra, and explain that we have an hour to get an official letter to the BA desk here at London Heathrow. Nick calls his own contacts. We call a lot of people.

BA has now worked out that there really is someone who will not survive much longer.

They are all calling Accra and Accra is calling them. Mobile phones are going off everywhere. But still no letter.

Still no fly. I begin to suspect David isn’t the only person in danger of having a coronary.

12:31 Michaela on the BA desk smiles. A letter has arrived with the required heading, format and signature. We are good to go! Gate closes in four minutes. We get there in three.

19:00 Sunset – Sahara Desert 21:00 We arrive in Accra, Ghana. We pay our three hundred bucks, (all official, folks) and our visas are duly issued.

21:50 We collect our stuff from the carousel.

12:00 The official letter from the Immigration guys in Accra has not arrived. We call the Deputy High Commissioner in London on FaceTime.

She is at home in her kitchen having brunch and BA says they can’t take her seriously because she is in her kitchen.

She asks where else she would be on Saturday morning. It doesn’t help.

She shows them her ID over FaceTime. It does not work. BA guy says: “There is a process, and this isn’t part of it”. Gate closes in 40 minutes.

12:20 Still nothing. Half of Accra seems to be calling BA but they are resolute. “We’ll get fined £25,000 per passenger if we fly you. Get the official Immigration Letter or you cannot go. Gate closes in 20 minutes.

This isn’t about missing a flight to Vegas or Mauritius. If we miss this flight, David’s life is in serious danger.

58 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 A A AT U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

I sense Nick thinks I am overdoing it with the selfies. He’s probably right.

22:05 We arrive at the Military Hospital in Accra (known to all as “Thirty Seven”) and are ushered into the Intensive Care Unit. David is clearly weak and breathless but he cannot hide his elation at seeing us. Nick checks David’s notes; then we gather around his bed, join hands with the nurses and Continued on page 60

A A A T U U . C O M / J U L Y - S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 59

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

59

pray for a successful operation tomorrow, Sunday. The Lord’s Day. Sunday 5 June 10:00 I interview Nick and record it on my iPhone. He talks me through the planned angioplasty procedure; but this is unknown territory and he is a bit anxious.

12:30 David’s cousin, Naana Halm, picks us up and we drive to the clinic where the operation will take place. It’s a small single storey building in the middle of Osu, one of Accra’s bustling districts.

It is a long way from being Grey’s Anatomy’s Seattle Grace Hospital. A very long way.

David is already there and so is Pamela, his wife. Dr Anaglate is waiting for us. He is clearly keen to help. He explains to Nick, however, that this is a mobile cath lab. Nick looks at me.

13:00 The family’s pastor arrives and prays for David; a prayer of strong confidence and faith.

14:00 Nick makes final preparations. There are three other people in the theatre with him including Dr Anaglate but two of them are apparently in training.

Let’s go to war!” he says!

I think to myself: At this moment, given the setting, this is probably the most demanding operation being performed anywhere on the planet.

David’s original angiogram had shown several major coronary blockages and lesions. It soon becomes clear that his actual situation is more serious than the pictures showed. In semi-disbelief, Nick says: “This is a blocked left main distal trifurcation with double chronic total occlusions in the Left Anterior Descending and right coronar y arteries. It doesn’t get any worse than this.”

This is like pushing David in a wheelbarrow on a wire across Niagara Falls. Without a safety net.

There is no back up, no Arrest Team, no cardiac physiologist, no registrar and no specialist hospital attached.

Nick said afterwards that a savage tiger was screaming inside his head: “This is total insanity. What are you doing performing this operation in these conditions?”

The only response he could think of was: “What else am I supposed to do, Tiger?”

His face gave away none of his misgivings. Despite being on his feet for four hours, at no time was there even a hint of anything apart from confident control.

We were watching a surgeon at the peak of his powers performing far outside conventional parameters.

Climbing Everest without oxygen; flying a fast jet at Mach 2 with only a compass and a paper map; climbing Dawn Wall the 3,000-foot vertical granite sheet on El Capitan using only your bare hands.

Take your choice of metaphor, my friend. They all work.

David is awake for the entire angioplasty procedure and, as he begins to feel the stress of lying totally still on his back for three hours in what he fully knows is a battle between life and death, Nick needs to keep him calm. He begins to sing.

Guide me O thou Great Jehovah.

Appropriate as he probes and feels his way using just a wire that feeds into David’s right wrist up his arm and down into the left side of his heart. Get it right, and he clears the blocked

B TEERM2B0E 1 60 AAAAAATTUUUU.MC AOGMA Z/ I JNUE L. YC-OS ME P /T ES M EP R6 -DECEMBER 2016

arteries. One wrong move and he perforates. If that happens, David will arrest and it will all be over. Right there and then in the middle of the hymn.

Imperceptibly, achingly slowly, the wire moves forward, micromillimetre by micro-millimetre. We see it all on a small screen. Suddenly, the pulsating grey canvas fills with an intricate myriad of pulsing lines.

Blood vessels! As the occlusion is destroyed by Nick’s wire, for the first time in a long time, the arteries and veins fill with blood and the front wall of David’s heart starts to work the way it is supposed to.

Half an hour into the operation, there is a problem. He is taking on a Chronic Total Occlusion – which is the stuff of nightmares. He attempts to insert a very small balloon but it fails to pierce the blockage. In a full-blown cardiothoracic operating theatre, he would switch to a Turnpike catheter but he doesn’t have one. He has no options.

Or, maybe one. He tries another slightly bigger balloon – which he doesn’t expect to work. If the small balloon doesn’t do it, a slightly bigger one, albeit different, is unlikely to. But it’s all he has.

It works! The CTO clears and the screen fills with the now familiar myriad of fine blood vessels.

Hallelujah! I remind myself of those timeless powerful words in Psalm 23: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

I realise I have stopped breathing; my chest hurts, and I have to force myself to suck in air. I have never seen anything that comes close to this for sheer insane bravery on behalf of surgeon and patient. For almost four hours, Nick has operated without making any mistakes. That was his mission and he delivered. I am close to tears. So is everyone.

17:50 After four hours, exhausted, but triumphant, Nick looks straight at us through the pane of glass that separates us and him, and mouths: I’m done! We just repaired a blocked

left main distal trifurcation with chronic total occlusions on the right. In a mobile cath lab. Without any APTT for crying out loud!

Get the tea and biscuits!

As he changes out of his scrubs, I ask Nick what APTT is. Oh, he says, that’s what tells you whether the patient’s blood is coagulating. You really need to know. We didn’t have any, so I had to guess.

18:00 Everyone is ecstatic. David made it!

18:30 David is out of the cath lab; the waiting ambulance takes him back to the ICU at Thirty Seven. He can go home in 24 hours and begin to get his life back.

Starting here To David: You are the coolest guy on the planet. I am in awe at your calmness and faith as you faced the storm.

To Pamela: Your support for David

and your family during this crisis has been incredible to behold. I love your kids. They are fantastic!

To Professor Nick Ossei-Gerning: You are a total legend, my brother. I am so proud of what you did. Thank you.

To Dr Enoch Anaglate: You opened up your cath lab on Sunday afternoon(!) and unhesitatingly got i n v o lv e d . I t c o u l d n o t h a v e happened without you.

To the UK Home Office: David applied to you on compassionate grounds for emergency life-saving medical treatment and you turned him down flat with no right of a p p e a l ! Yo u h a d p l e n t y o f information, including letters from heart specialists, from which to corroborate his humble request and you know it. All you had to do was call me or the heart surgeons and you chose not to. You decided he w a s p r o b a b ly a r o g u e . T h e unavoidable message is that your Working Assumption is that every application coming out of West Africa is bogus. That everyone is

guilty until proven innocent. That’s not fair. The United Kingdom is better than that. Please think about it and then change how you think.

To anyone who hears David’s story and wants to make a difference: There are thousands of people whose lives would be saved if they had access to basic cardiovascular diagnostics and interventional treatment. It doesn’t have to be “the way it is”. Nick and I and all the doctors in Ghana would love to see a fully specced up world class, cardio-thoracic centre that is affordable and widely available. Are you an interventional cardiologist?

Do you want to give a small amount of your time to train local doctors and to carry out life-saving angioplasty once or twice a year? Or do you have financial resources you would like to use to change the world? Or do you have any great ideas to help make it happen?

Tell Nick and me and let’s make that change.

It always seems impossible. Until it’s done! – Nelson Mandela

David and family AaaTuu Magazine wish David and is family all the best.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

61

Today, whether you live in Accra or Lagos, Los Angeles or Las Palmas, Brooklyn or Dansoman, the internet has made it possible to browse the shops of the entire world, without leaving your home. I love to shop and this column is an attempt to show you what I found that I believe every home should have. Sure, those of us in Africa and especially Ghana will have it tough purchasing items online but hey, where there is a will there is a way. Get friends and family to order these great items for you. Here are my top 5 picks for this edition.

Adwoa Thanki

My Favourite is the NutriNinja NutriBullet started a health revolution that has transformed millions of lives. Drink one delicious NutriBlast smoothie a day packed with fruits and vegetables - and feel the tremendous effects that real, unprocessed, nutrition-extracted whole food can have on your health and well-being. There are many blenders on the market, but there is only one NutriBullet. With its compact size, simple assembly, hassle-free cleanup, and exceptional nutrient extraction power, the NutriBullet is the ideal tool for health-conscious individuals looking to fuel their exceptionally busy lives.

But my favourite is The Nutri Ninja. It is 20 per cent more affordable than the Nutribullet, and I like its four different pre-programmed cycles (as well as the fact it's called a "Ninja").

It also tries to ape the Nutribullet in its presentation and design, even its marketing more so than the others on test - but it couldn't quite match the original for churning through harder vegetables. You can even make fufu with it, hurray! That should excite my Ghanaian family.

This great item retails for between $79.99 and $109. Those in Ghana should make sure the purchase the model that uses 220/240V or will have to get a stepdown transformer if purchased in the US.

2

The WonderWash is an egg-shaped, hand-cranked washer with a 5 pound capacity. Since it requires no electricity, the WonderWash is great for off-the-grid living.

However, like the bucket and plunger method, it requires some elbow grease. Some members say that they prefer to use HE detergent because the heavy agitation of the handcranking can create a lot of suds. For ease of ďŹ lling and draining, members say they like to set the WonderWash in the bathtub.

62 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

4

Big Vision glasses are ideal for hobbies, crafts and reading. Now you can enlarge any object instantly. The lens uses 160 percent magnification with no distortion for a close-up look. These clear night vision glasses work well at any time. They are designed to wear easily over prescription glasses, contacts or sunglasses.

5

ZEEFO Light Lamp Wireless PIR & Motion Sensor 3 Modes LED Indoor Step Light Battery-Operated LightSensitive Mobile Night Light (Round)

3

CarMD is more than just a diagnostic tool for your car. It’s a portable and easy-to-use device that tells you what’s wrong with your car and what it will cost to fix (no more guessing).

You’re no longer at the mercy of just one mechanic’s opinion; CarMD’s data is powered by real-life knowledge from thousands of certified technicians!

Whether you’re buying a used car, want to properly maintain your vehicle, or your check engine light is on, CarMD Mobile provides solutions for everyday vehicle owners.

This lamp will automatically turn on when motion is sensed and automatically turn off after a period of time.

Features energy-efficient LEDs that deliver superbright long-lasting illumination and with a daylight sensor installed the lights only activate in darkness saving the life of the battery!

It dutifully lights up your way when checking on baby, heading to the bathroom after dark, or making your way to the kitchen for a late-night snack, makes it easier and safer to navigate a dark set of stairs, by illuminating the space as needed.

Applications: corridor, household, hotel lobby, hotel rooms, leisure entertainment, exhibition hall, corridor, etc.

In these days of Dumsor, this is an asset.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

63

“We finished doing everything for the day but we called home and there’s no power so we decided to wait here for a while.”

“I have a cocoa farm but fertilizer prizes became so high that I decided to sell these things for a while and as soon as I raise enough money, I’ll go back to my farm.”

64 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

“I want to be a nurse in the future because heat rashes have been affecting my skin a lot so I want to treat people with it when I grow up.”

POLITICS

politics

Election 2016

What Kind of Leader Do We Need?

Who We Were and How Far We Have Come?

We have come a long way. We have been prodding the hot coals of democracy the way we understand it. Simply put, we don't want any coups again. We want civilian rule. We just want to be able to feed ourselves and our families.

This is where we are today. There is sad excitement and anxiety all over the place because everybody is thinking about the voting in November and all parties are juggling for positions – good or bad. The change has not been smooth.

1

I remember a time in 1992. Rawlings was contesting to be president with the NDC. We were in this little trotro from Achimota Village to Taifa. There was this guy at the back of the bus talking at the top of his voice about how bad Rawlings was for the country. He went on and on until jump other man suddenly jumped in furiously asking the first man why he should be insulting Rawlings. The next thing we heard from him was that he was going to fight him and that the argument had to be settled physically. Seeing tempers running that high, I chimed in telling him we

were now in an era of freedom of speech so the guy had every right to say what was on his mind.

Interestingly his reply was “Yes, I know there is freedom of speech in the country but he is doing it too much.” At St. Johns School the first guy got down. All of a sudden this other man also got out to fight him for “taking this freedom of speech thing too far.” Sensing the impending danger, I got down too, even though that was not my destination. I felt I had to initiate a truce. To me that was an important moment to make the two understand that in politics you could agree to disagree - no fighting when there is ample time later when you may need the other party to lean on.

That was the era of the Peoples' Democratic Committees - the PDC's – a time of transition after the Acheampong/Afrifa/Akuffo eras - the days of coups and counter coups. As the late historian Adu Boahen put it, it was “The arrival of the men on horseback.”

With time we have been able to absorb all the shocks that came with those days. But people knew in one

Paul Korkutse Vowotor lives in Columbia, South Carolina. He describes himself as a liberal with a sneer.

way or the other that they could have their voices heard. Call it a time of political “liberation” or “redemption.”

It worked somehow. Of course there were anomalies here and there. In s o m e p l a c e s w h e r e r u g g e d ly Peoples' Democratic Councils (PDC) ruled, the climate was that of survival of the fittest where the neighborhood thugs took over; just as happens among convicts in prison the weak had to align themselves with the strong thugs by kowtowing to them to avail themselves of the scarce necessities for themselves and their families.

How Our System Compares to Others But for the strong leadership of Rawlings, Ghana's case did not degenerate into anything crass as we see elsewhere.

In Cameroon Paul Biya has been in power for 40 years; Equatorial Guinea's Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 36 years; Angola's José Eduardo dos Santos, 36 years; Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, 36 years; Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, 30 years; Omar al-Bashir of Sudan, 26 years; Idriss Derby of Chad, 25 years; and Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea,

2

Continued on page 67 65

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

TWENA FASHIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLEAR SHOT STUDIOS

66 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

25 years. Togo's Faure Eyadema has been in power for 11 years since ascending the throne like royalty after the death of his father Gnassingbe who had ruled his country with an iron fist for 38 years.

An embarrassing scenario right now underway on the West coast is that of despot Yahya Jammeh who seized power in a coup with a promise to his countrymen he would make their lives better. He is still there after 22 years ago, claiming he has super powers, and acts with some false invincibility, claiming he can cure AIDS and other diseases. He imprisons, tortures, maims and kills his political opponents. To the embarrassment of Gambians he has given himself an official title of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Abdul-Aziz Junkung Jammeh Naasiru Deen Babili Mansa.

Ghana's comparison with others is not to give credence to whatever prevails right now in our country.

Down the ages the country has not degenerated into such confusion as to let Ghana experience a version of the hatred of humans by humans as we see elsewhere i.e., the dehumanization humans and the derangement of the human mind.

Throughout history are sad stories in other countries of racism, ethnic cleansing and other cases of man's inhumanity to man. To the envy of other countries in our West African sub-region, at least our country is trying to behave as politically correct as possible. We have our constitution and Rawlings will never run again.

We have a President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, parliament, cabinet, a council of state and an independent judiciary.

After Rawlings' NDC came Kuffuor's NPP, then Attah-Mills with the NDC. Sadly, he died “in the saddle.”

Our Descent into Days of Darkness This has been part of our recent history. But some of us for whatever reason, do not want stories of those days to be told, but would rather go about trying to rewrite our history. Their agenda is to cultivate the minds of the people to think their mass looting of the country's resources can be accepted. Right now the corruption in our system cannot be imagined years

3

back. And you hear some people now even questioning what Rawlings did for this country. Our history must be told to our children and grandchildren.

With these changes from party to party and our attempt at “democracy” the corruption that has crept into our system is unimaginable. Things were supposed to move on well for us to be in a political nirvana, but not so. If we compare law and order of those days gone by to now, we are asking ourselves what went wrong. How did we let our guards down so much to be seeing what we could not have imagined those days?

Our system now is more than what pervades in other societies, e s p e c i a l ly t h o s e w e c o n s i d e r “advanced.” In our practice of democracy of one-man-one-vote, the reason to vote goes beyond what is very important to us in developing countries. To be a member of a party is for survival of you and your family to be able to “eat” for the rest of your live. We have a winner-takes-all mentality. We have ended up in Ghana where president, parliament, cabinet, council of state, and an independent judiciary are so twisted and unrecognizable.

Corruption galore - What a Lawless Country We Have Become!

Greed and more greed now triumphs humanity in our country. Should we be proud of ourselves that “We are so “advanced” and so civilized we are not like them.” No! With our so-called democratic advancement comes a sophistication of corruption. No day passes without reading or observing an exposé of the ridiculous act of corruption committed, mostly from members of the Mahama government and its apparatchiks.

The slogan of “We create and share” coined by one political party some time ago may now have come into manifestation.

4

Our form of journalism we cannot be proud of, but some of our journalists have followed cases and come up with results that have stun us. At l ea s t p a r t o f o u r i n f o r m a t i o n overload must be what we must read and study about what our government is doing in our name.

There are untouchables in Ghana right now who have committed serious crimes of fraud (at a level which we did not hear of in days gone by) because of heavy government involvement in not pursuing their prosecutions. We must never forget people faced the firing squad for monies they were accused of stealing from the country's coffers.

Those monies were not even onehundredth percent of what we see today. The culprits are out there with their loot and a tight-lipped Mahama's NDC government implicated in one way or another: 1. Alfred Agbesi Woyome - paid $35million 2. Messrs.' Waterville – to refund $30 million which was illegally paid to them.

3. IT company Subah - paid $30 million to monitor and verify the volume of calls generated by telecom companies for tax purposes 4. Government officials involved in the RLG and Asongtaba Cottage Industry Limited scandal ($27 million) are walking free.

5. Smarttys bus branding scandal – GHC3.6 million (almost a $1 million) 6. Contracts with shady Queiroz Galvao Road Construction and Engineering - $600 million 7. llegal lodging of monies in UBA by the Bank of Ghana - $250m 8. STX Engineering & Construction Limited (STX-Ghana) scandal - $10 billion 9. The Embraer Jet scandal where according to Martin Amidu, former 10. Attorney General under the late President Mills who says the president set up a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the acquisition of aircraft for the Armed Forces negotiated by then vice-president John Mahama - $88 million 11. We are still waiting for the White paper on how the government mobilized $1.3 million and a chartered flight to Brazil so the Black Stars could be paid.

12. President Mahama has been exposed in a leaked document from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of UK as being involved in the lifting of a ban placed on Armajaro Holdings in Ghana. This was an earlier Anas Aremeyaw Anas exposé.

13. The recruitment rot at the Ghana Yo u t h E m p l o y m e n t a n d Entrepreneurial Development

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

67

Agency (GYEEDA) where the government's own demanded the prosecution of government officials for taking bribes, forgery of multiple bank accounts and for services not provided.

And the list goes on at the highest levels.

Government has a problem with communicating its side of these stories. People will get concerned if they appear tight-lipped and the only things they hear are the nonsense spewed in their name are by their representatives.

Nobody has a problem with the few ministers and government officials who are seen to be diligently doing their work. But when people are aware of this laundry list of corrupt acts and nothing is being done about them, then they have cause to complain - and legitimately too.

Every Ghanaian has a stake in the resources of the country and if anybody put in charge of taking care of these resources (including the president), is not seen as doing his or her work but illegitimately amassing these resources to themselves, then government cannot give any excuse for not doing what they were elected to do. There was this former lady minister who was overheard talking about making sure she left her job with at least $1 million as her loot.

We hope these people declared their assets before they took office. They must be prevailed upon to do this again after they live, for the sake of restitution.

5

Our Once Beautiful Country Is a Filthy a State Boiling and Frothing with Corruption Yo u w o u l d t h i n k t h e l e v e l o f corruption that pervades our system would be happening elsewhere.

There is now an agglomeration of politicians, judges, police and socalled “men of god” harassing citizens to get what they can out of them in a broken down system.

The Police - There used to be a police barrier along the Accra-Aflao road with a covered pot that was supposed to contain drinking water.

Drivers were asked to go “drink the water” and they went to the pot and came back. Later on before we knew that they went to drop some coins

inside the pot for the police. That was an ingenious way of extorting money from drivers by the police. Now we see now we see blatant thievery where police can forcibly take people's bags and remove their money.

The corrupt label our police have acquired may not apply to all policemen and women. There are good policemen whose good works have been tainted by the actions of the bad ones, unfortunately. These good ones must be recognized and honored as standards for the rest to follow. The other day I saw President Obama presenting awards called Medal of Valor to thirteen police officers who “have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect others from harm.” Will that day ever come to our part of the world? It may but in another form where fake “winners” would pay bribes to those on selection committees so they are selected.

Afterwards they would share among themselves any monetary rewards.

Judges - Our judicial system has degenerated into a state of “whom you know and how much you can pay to the judge.” And so murders and other high level criminals have been set free by judges. Government acted impotent over all these rot until it took a private citizen, Anas, to expose some of them.

Clergy - What fake and lawless clergy do we now have? These “men of God” are in competition with each other in a market of anxious and financially beaten-down souls!

These men will say anything ridiculous to their audiences, promising to save them financially and spiritually. One came up the other day that “Moslems are invoking entities who reside in the Pleiades in the Zodiac!" The Pleiades is 300 billion miles away somewhere! His audience would gobble this up because they may think the bugaboo of all their problems must surely travel this distance to come to earth to cause the nonsense going on. Talk of shrouding yourself mystery and importance. This preacher had his watch night service at the Black Stars Square this year. What money he must have raked from the people that night.

The Filth and Trash - I remember meeting a former first lady of an African country. She told me Accra is one of the cleanest cities she had ever been to. The city and Ghana in general has become so filthy you are ashamed when plying the roads and neighborhoods because of what you will see around. The solution is not far out there. The saying goes that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

The group that label themselves “men of god” better start preaching these words to their congregations.

They must preach anti-pollution, including trash and noise pollution.

Nobody must disrespect others with the “holier than thou” noise they make thinking they are nearer to God than anybody, including setting up “churches” behind people's houses and bombarding them with high powered speakers. To them they are on the Lord's side.

There was a time the mayor of Accra (with at one time the president himself) was mobilizing residents to take care of their surroundings. It looks like that mobilization has been given up.

Our Rural Schools - These are nothing to write home about. We still have children studying under trees.

Our Roads and Drivers - Foreign contractors build the good and durable roads we see. They do their work right and we are happy. But let that contract be given a local contractor and he uses 10% of the money for the work and takes 90% as his booty. It is time to be taking the ministries and ministers concerned and the so-called local “contractors” to court (to upright judges!) to pay for all the damage they have done to vehicles, vehicle owners, roads and to transportation in general.

Most of the public vehicles have everything wrong with them and the drivers break all traffic rules with the connivance of police. Drivers of motorcycles no longer stop at the red light.

There is Hope and We Can Rise Again as We Did in the Days of Yore Sadly we have Ghanaians close to top-level government (and therefore to the juice of corruption) in the power cone, who will resist all constructive criticism and lash out at any dissenting voices that will remind government to do the right Continued on page 71

68 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

Our Boys doing us proud

Asamoah Gyan

G

hana, a tiny country wedged between Cotè d'Ivoire and an even smaller country, Togo on the west coast of Africa, apart from gold and cocoa, is best known for producing some of the best artists of the beautiful game of soccer, ever to grace the green turf.

Cameroonian legend, Roger Milla once said, "If you are mesmerized by the performance of Cameroun at the World Cup, wait till you see Ghana." Of course it took over ten years for that to happen at the 2006 Fifa World Cup in Germany.

Since then, this nation of 28 million people has qualified for two more after that, making it three in a row.

Baba Rahman

Many unique talents have been produced over the years by that unending conveyor belt.....from legends like C.K. Gyamfi, Osei Kofi, through Abedi Pele, Tony Yeboah, to Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew....and the list goes on.

Year in, year out, many more find their way from parched, dusty, obscure pitches in Ghana into Europe, Asia, America to ply their trade on greener parks, majority excelling in the process. These are but a few of them doing their nation proud abroad: 1.Asamoah Gyan - Shanghai SIPG, China (currently among top 10 highest paid in the world) 2.Andre Ayew - Swansea (BPL) being chased by Westham as of Aug 2016 3. Harrison Afful - Columbus Crew (MLS) 4. Baba Rahman - Chelsea (BPL) on a season long loan to Schalke (Bundesliga) 5. Amartey - Leicester (BPL champions 2015/2016)) 6. Jeffrey Schlupp - Leicester (BPL champions 2015/2016) 7. Abdul Majeed Warris - Lorient (French Ligue1) 8. Albert Adomah - Middlesbrough (promoted to the BPL) 9. Kwadwo Asamoah - Juventus (Italian Serie A champions.)

10. Agyeman Badu - Udinese (Italian Serie A) 11. Gideon Baah - New York Red Bulls (MLS) 12. Jonathan Mensah - Anzhi Makachkala (Russia) 13. Jordan Ayew - with Aston Villa currently relegated to the English 2nd tier at the end of 2015/2016 season but being hotly chased by several clubs just before the start of the new season of 2016/2017.

The list is unending.

Andre Ayew

Jeffrey Schlupp

Daniel Amartey AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

69

Sudoku Sudoku #1

Sudoku #2

4 6 5 8 5 4

9

4 8 7 2 8 6

6 7 4

5 2

9 7 6 4

9

3 1

3 6

8 2 4 3 9 7 6 5 4 5 7 6 8 2 4 9 1 3 1 2 4

Sudoku #3

Sudoku #4

6 1

9 3

9

6 3 9 2 8 7 1

8

3

6

2

1

7 8

6

3 7

1 5 8 4 9 3 6 4 6 8 4 3 8 5 5 7

8

8 9 6

5 2 3 3 5 9 7 4 7 8 6 5 2 9 6 4 4 3 1 9 1 5 3 Answers on Page 71

70 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

thing. One of their mantras is they deserve what they get because they pay their taxes. They forget that, as their civic duty, if you live and work in any country you must pay tax to the country to support the services it provides you. Moreover by their nature they can't sincerely say they pay their taxes fully because in a countr y like Ghana taxes are normally underpaid after bribing the tax-collector.

Where Are The Independents?

One way of not tainting yourself with the dirty linen of parties is to be an independent. Do not align yourself with any party but be your own thinker and decider. A former classmate called me some time ago and this was his advice: “Join one of the parties, especially those ones we have our colleagues prominent in.

Be sending monies to them so that they will always remember you.” The problem is that belonging to a political party just makes us hear only what we want to hear. We must listen to the rest of the people at all times, and not our party always. If not we may wake up in shock one day and star t asking “What went wrong?” There are people there who are not like us. They are the voiceless. Their children are the ones drinking the dirty roadside water at school - that is if they can even send them to school. There are those who are caught up in the “kpakpa-kpa” business so they don't have time to confront government inactivity. We should never keep our mouths shut about their predicaments, so we voice out there concerns. Our actions will strike raw nerves in those who don't want the boat to be rocked. That is a good way to let democracy flourish.

Our Hope for Years to Come in Our Present Political Climate Rawlings after serving his terms as president has retired as an elder statesman. He is trying to set a tone of balance on political issues, although he has, at times, not been able to keep quiet, especially when matters of crazy corruption arise. To think people lost their lives fighting such exploitation would never make him keep quiet as some would expect him to do. And he is right. His wife Yaa Konadu is right now contesting the presiden cy as candidate of her own party the

National Democratic Party (NDP) whiles their daughter Zanetor is aspiring to be an MP for Korley Klottey, a division of Accra, on a National Democratic Congress (NDP) ticket. Rawlings tries not to owe allegiance to anybody or party, trying not to be backing anyone candidate. His relation with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer has been so cordial to even have a member of the NPP call it a 'love affair' between him and their flag bearer Nana Akufo. There is the saying that chickens say they fight but they don't peck at each other's eyes. We are all Ghanaians.

Care must be taken so that we do not get so reactionary as to do or say things to each other and regret later.

Party politics is not a blood sport.

Let the laws of the land take their course.

The Leadership We Need Ghana has come a long way. What kind of leader do we need? What do people want in a president and his government? They want a president who will wipe away their tears and fears. If a leader promises the people he or she will help them, then he or she must. Elected officials must be challenged to work for the common good of all and not only for their party, cronies and family. Not be seen to be doing this is criminal.

Most of the leaders we see now do not have the leadership characteristics and strong backbone the people need.

I remember the day Rawlings came to Paa Joe Stadium at KNUST to talk to students. When he started talking to students about exhibiting caution in the goings-on, someone shouted "Let the blood flow!" Rawlings stopped his speech and said he would continue at the Great Hall where students would identify student who could be culprits to soldiers being killed in the name of a so-called revolution. Someone shouted “But we have no guns!” and Rawlings replied “You don't need guns; they could be lynched here on this field!” The gathering went into a shocking silence. What that meant was that anybody could be a victim of the mass His reply was, “You don't necessarily need guns. They can be lynched here on this park!” As students trudged to the Great Hall, some disappeared along the way for

whatever reasons. The first to speak was Vice Chancellor Bamfo Kwakye.

He scolded students about having brought that situation upon themselves and anybody could die out of students' stupidity. Rawlings afterwards said it was not putting bullets through people we brand as culprits that would solve our problems and that the country should be wary of decisions it took.

That was the time some of us believed the guy was tired of the nonsense that was going on in the name of a revolution. Nobody ever mentioned the words "Let the blood flow!" again. That was leadership.

Some of us have always wondered how this man was able to survive those days of turmoil in the country.

This was the man who questioned the wrongs that his superiors were doing and was ready to pay with his life for the consequences of his thought and action. These are stories that must be told so people know Ghana has gone through some “cleansing” as have other developed countries. A friend keeps telling me he knew the guy was a tough man when he did not have a heart attack and die.

I recall these stories as examples of the characteristics we want in a president and government – Ghana needs a leader who will inspire us to get involved in our civic duties. There is a video going round of Ghanaians in Minneapolis, US cleaning a portion of a road they have adopted. They seem to have given up on their country of birth and taken those civic duties abroad. I don't blame them. I remember people were being mobilized to clean their surroundings as we did in the days gone by.

There is hope in the midst of all the filth in government. There is Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection. She just won BloggingGhana's Public Official with the Best Social Media Presence award. By her work, this lady is seen as an example of what Ghanaians want in their ministers – she is very dynamic and in close contact with the men, women and children she works for, i.e., those on the lowest rungs of the totem pole.

She takes charge. She should be Continued on page 73 71

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

By Stephanie Sutton

What’s up on

There has been a lot of buzz around Whatsapp, an app that allows users to make phone calls and send texts internationally, using an internet connection. While many people are excited about how much easier it is to stay in touch with their loved ones abroad, telecommunication companies have cited concerns about increasing revenue threats.

Many Ghanaian telecommunication companies have been contacting the National Communications Authority to call for a ban on Whatsapp, Viber, Skype and other such apps that allow users to bypass the traditional channels. The telecommunication companies have likened the apps to SIMBoxing, an illegal activity

72 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

that involves routing international calls through a VoIP connection which connects the call as local traffic and allows the user to bypass international rates. But the people are fighting back, one tweet states “We have shortsighted people in Ghana. We are already paying for the internet to make those calls.

Greed will cripple us.” (@neneodonkor).

Despite the controversy, Ghanaian officials vow not to ban Whatsapp and similar apps. Perhaps, as many people have expressed, the telecommunication companies should be working on pioneering new features and ideas instead of trying to squash those that already have.

What Kind of Leader Do We Need?

Soduku Answers Sudoku #1 7 4 6 5 9 8 1 7 3 2 5 9 4 6 7 3 5 9 3 6 8 1 2 4 6 7 4 8 1 5 8 2 2 3 9 1

8 2 9 4 3 2 1 6 4 2 1 8 7 8 1 9 5 3 3 9 5 6 4 7 5 7 6

Sudoku #2 2 6 8 7 5 4 1 3 9 7 3 5 8 2 6 1 7 3 9 6 1 5 4 9 6 8 2 4 4 9 7 8 3 1 5 2

4 9 2 6 1 8 3 4 8 5 7 2 5 3 6 1 9 7

Sudoku #3 2 7 3 4 5 6 8 2 9 1 4 5 6 8 1 3 3 4 9 7 7 5 2 1 4 3 6 8 8 2 7 9 1 9 5 6

9 8 1 3 4 8 7 6 5 4 9 2 8 5 9 6 3 7 1 2 4 5 1 3 2 7 6

3 1 6 5 8

7

5 9 2 4 7 6 1 2 9 3 4 8

5 3 1 8 7 9 2 4 6 7 9 5 1 2 4 6 8 3 9 1 7 3 5 2 4 6 8

1 5 9 7 2 7 6

thinking of running for president one day. Maybe, with her and Zanetor Rawlings coming together, Ghanaians would have their dream of good government in years and be happy. That's my hope.

As Ghanaians, we should have the ability to listen to, discus, weigh and accommodate ideas. We must be honest and react positively to acts of government that go against our civic interests or are criminal. People should grow more aware of their public duties. Our consolation lies in Ghanaians making the right judgment to vote in the right government we want. We shouldn't be manipulated by political ideologies. Truth is truth and it stands. It is not relative. I overheard Judge Lynn Toler of Divorce Court tell a couple, “Marriage is a beautiful thing but sometimes divorce is a better thing.” To preserve our democracy we may have to make some strong decisions and cut affiliations to “our” parties.

He can be contacted at korkutse@yahoo.com , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/korkutse and on Twitter at @korkutse.

SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES Answers

Accra Stuff

3

1

2 1

T

8 4 5 9 3 6 4 8

A 3 5 6

9 5 3 8 5 4 2 7 9 3 8 6 1 7 2 5 4 9 4 9 2 3 6 5 6 7 1 8 2 1 6 9 4 3 4 1 8 5 6 8 3 7 2 7

4

H O M O W O

K

P A

U I

N S T

L 9

1

I

T

8

Sudoku #4 4 6 8 2 3 9 1 6 2 5 7 4 8 3 6 1 7 1 5 8 9 2 4 3 5 8 3 7 6 7 2 9 1 4 9 5

2

L A B A D

T E M A

K

K O F O R

I

O

A B U R

K E

M O B

I

11

T E L

N

R

E

A

L

I

W

D

E

M

13

P E S E W A

N

E 15

7

D U A

R L

L

10

B

12

I

D

G I

14

K P A L O G O P

16

U

C

E

O

17

L E G O N 18

U 19

O T A B

G R A P H

I

I

C

L

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

73

Special Thanks to Mr and Mrs George N. N. Owusu-Yebuah

Whenamanfallsinlove Most men are attracted by breasts and curvy behinds (be they small or large). It's never about the whole package.

M

en and women alike, might feel the same emotions when it comes to love, but the journey to finding love is an experience differentiated by gender.

When women fall in love, they are filled with bursts of happiness and other mixed emotions, which a man may never be able to comprehend.

Men on the other hand, are completely different. Unlike women who experience intense surges of affection as soon as they meet a guy they like, men experience a series of

74 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

stages of emotions when they meet a woman they want to date.

Unfortunately, we are very shallow creatures. This initial stage is all about instant physical attraction.

Have you ever thought a guy initially liked you as a person only to later find out...oh boy, were you wrong! Some women may fall in love during the first conversation, but sadly, in the beginning stages, men are often only attracted to a woman's physical appearance. Don't be fooled by the idea of a 'physical appearance.'

to a lot of women for many reasons, and as a result, they will “scout” to see which one of them will respond to their advances. Yes, men try to bait as many women as we can, at any given time. It's only when a girl has passed the “scouting” phase (by accepting our advances) that a man begins to focus his attention only on her.

These advances are very discreet and are not up-front flirting. A man basically needs that little confirmation that if he does start to chase you, something will happen.

Even though he likes a woman, in this stage, he doesn't really care about the outcome, so if she rejects him or doesn't respond to his advances, he generally doesn't feel anything and moves on to the next woman that catches his attention.

Sure, there are exceptions, but generally, this is how guys think at this point.

If a woman a man likes gives even the slightest positive response to his advances, he will start the chase.

Sometimes those signs aren't even obvious; he just believes in himself that you like him back, and as a result, he starts the chase. The chase is all about winning your attention. In this stage, a man's aim is to get you to notice him and understand that he's into you. Once this has become clear, and you have given him a shot (by agreeing to go out with him, etc.), he moves into the next phase.

It does not include the whole package. Every man is different and enjoys different things about a woman. For example, most men are attracted by breasts and a curvy behind (be they small or large). It's never about the whole package, but more about a man's specific appeal in a woman. Sometimes, a guy may not even realize what attracts him most in a woman, but if he has such feelings, he will begin the “I Like You” stage.

Most guys find themselves attracted

By this time, some women are actually starting to fall in love, but us men are not even close to it. This stage is all about making an impression on you. A man will do everything in his power to show you that he is a worthy mate. He plans dates; he floods you with gifts, and generally tries to make you happy whilst hoping to really impress you.

It's in this stage that many women (that have held out until now) give in to a guy's advances.

If a guy is having success so far, he wants to know that you love him.

Gaining your love and commitment is his utmost highest achievement.

Instead of falling in love with you, in this stage, all he worries about is how to make you fall in love with him. He might even show his relationship

skills, thus proving that he is, indeed, a good lifelong partner. You might have already fallen in love by this stage, but this is when he needs to see it.

If a man makes it into this stage, it means you've clearly expressed your feelings, and he knows that he has managed to gain your love and commitment. Now, unfortunately, for both parties involved, all he did up to this point was prove to you that he is “exactly” what you are looking for in a man.

Because of this, two core problems arise: -He wasn't actually being himself 100 percent, so the man you've fallen in love with isn't exactly the man you think he is.

-He never wondered if you're actually right for him, since his desire to impress you was based purely on his INITIAL physical attraction.

It's at this stage that a man finally starts to wonder if a real relationship may blossom here. At this point he starts to actually observe you as a real person (and I know this may sound shallow) and see if he actually likes you in this department. Finally, he decides if you are worth trying a long-term relationship with. We ask ourselves: Do I love her? Do I want to be with her? Will I be happy with her?

Is she the woman I want?

It's easy for a man, even at this stage, to dismiss a girl based on some seemingly pointless reasons, but it's how we are as a species. We are genetically engineered to “spread thy seed,” so the girl that a man does eventually decide to love and be with has to be perfect from his perspective. It's also the same for a woman …the only difference is that she probably makes up her mind much earlier in the relationship.

If the results of the last stage were negative, it's at this point when the guy will either dump you (if your relationship was fairly new), or start ignoring you if it was just a fling. On the other hand, if he decided he does want to give love a try, he is now ready for it. The next three to four months will be the best stages of any Continued on page 78 75

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

E

UR T EA

F O T

O

PH

Beautiful Places This is how Lonely Planet describes Ghana: “ Hailed as West Africa's golden child, Ghana deserves its place in the sun. One of Africa's great success stories, the country is reaping the benefits of a stable democracy in the form of fast-paced development. And it shows: Ghana is suffused with the most incredible energy.

With its welcoming beaches, gorgeous hinterland, rich culture, vibrant cities, diverse wildlife, easy transport and affable inhabitants, it's no wonder Ghana is sometimes labelled 'Africa for beginners'.

It's easy to come here for a week or a month, but no trip can be complete without a visit to Ghana's coastal forts, poignant reminders of a page of history that defined our modern world.

Travel north and you'll feel like you've arrived in a different country, with a different religion, geography and cultural practices. The beauty is that this diversity exists so harmoniously, a joy to experience and a wonder to behold in uncertain times.�

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ghana/introduction#ixzz 4Gmbidrwb Below are a few photos of what awaits you.

Bojo beach at Dusk

Keta eta Lagoon, is the largest of the over 90 lagoons that cover the 550 km stretch of the coastline of Ghana.

Overlooking Accra from the Aburi hills.

76 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

PH

OT

OF

EA TU

RE

Sunset at La beach

Twin rocks, Shai Hills

The Umbrella Rock, is found at the site of the Boti Falls in Yilo Krobo District, Ghana.

AAAT U U M AGA Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

77

It may seem harsh and unrealistic that a guy has to DECIDE whether or not he wants to fall in love, but we don't always rationalize what we are doing. These things are imbedded into us at an instinctual level, and the fact that we DENY love early in these phases is only because it's our defense mechanism preventing us from getting hurt.

Whenamanfallsinlove

relationship. He will give into his feelings and be overwhelmed with love. You will start to see him taking care of you, acting jealous and all the other great things about love.

Important Note: This is how a man falls in love if the woman he is after gives into all of his advances. If you want to turn a guy on his head, don't give in to ALL OF HIS advances.

Don't say, “I love you” when he wants you to say it. Basically, turn his world upside down, and then, you'll see a man falling helplessly in love, not being able to control his own emotions.

Edem Ampo just completed school at the University of Professional Studies(UPS) in Accra where he majored in Business Administration. He loves photography and modeling and is currently working to become a Human Resource Manager. His photos are on pages 23, 56 and inside back cover.

78 A A A T U U M A G A Z I N E . C O M / S E P T E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

COMING SOON Find True

Connecting single Ghanaians everywhere...

Go to www.aaatuu.com/dating

My Unshakable Love for Ghana in Ghana told me that I should rather not consider living there because there is no money there. The land of Gold doesn't have money? Really?

Well I replied him by saying that there surely is money, it's just misused. He then told me that it will always be misused. I found that to be very sad, that he had no hope for his country to the point where he could utter something like that. Most Africans have been brainwashed to the extent where they look down upon their own country because of the state it currently is in. I do understand that there are a lot of people in poor conditions in these African countries. But people suffer everywhere in every country including the U.S. If us Africans don't help to make our countries better, who will? If we literally keep running away from our countries, who will be there to make our countries comfortable enough for us to live there? Kwame Nkrumah, a very honorable and respectable leader in Ghana, surely did not fight the fight that he fought for us to have the mentality that there is no hope for Ghana. He rather gave us hope by leading us to independence from Great Britain.

I myself plan to contribute in making Ghana a better country by working as a Civil Engineer there. I don't expect all Africans to dedicate their future towards making their countries a better place, but I do expect for us to have a positive mentalit y about our ver y own nations. I love Ghana and with God all things are possible. Not one person can take that away from me.■