Sky Magazine - Edition 14 by SkyGirlsGh

We are a community of teen girls. We stay true to who we are. We are confident about our choices. We enjoy the things we love doing. We celebrate and support each other.

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Words we live by I’ll be true to myself and what I believe in. I will be who I am not who someone else thinks I should be. I’ll hold tight to the things I’m all about – like friends and dancing. And I’ll stay away from yawa things I know I’m good without– like backstabbing and smoking, because knowing what’s my thing and what’s not my thing helps make me who I am. I will make choices that are true to me. I will find my SKY.

Si l G ste rI st i D iff a S rl S nte K r t er D e en Y 2 orie vie SK cis w tY 2 s i 20 18 ou Pr Y G on s , D B ess uy ec Diff irt u I nt er hd re is e e i A ay fa rvie ons nt M Sh w W 2 e al o 28 6 24 lo D a ut 3 s 31 0

W h Ed at 10 ito Is S r’s K T D Y N aa hin 2 ot R g b e ec iM s 4 SK ip en We yɛ Le Su Yr e 1 0 eo ar g 8 M nt ee ar S ke La Su tT pi 11 st rp he ce Ye ris N G ar ’S e i r Su ls 6 au 14 rp ce ris 3 e 12 16

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FROM THE TOP! What’s popping besties? I’m so excited about this edition. I know we’ve all been waiting for such a long time, ugh. It’s finally here! Your ideas for this edition were awesome. Y’all are the real MVPs. This edition is a cocktail of exciting, super useful tips and big news. You’ll love every single page. We know saying “NO” to our friends can be someway. It could be due to so many reasons and trust me we can all relate. Keep flipping and watch us break this down as well as give you some tips to help you say “NO” when you want to and make the choices that are right for you! Guess what? You can also pocket these tips to help you be supportive for all those times when your friend might lowkey be saying ‘‘NO’’ and you don’t even realize it.

Y’all sent birthday shallouts to your friends. Check them out! We also featured the most deebee Gari and shito recipe everrr. You know how we do. We linked up with our favourite girl techie too. Can you guess who it is? Last but defo not least, sing it with us, yɛ bɛ soreeee! That’s right! Your boy Yaw Tog is our SKY Guy for this edition. Kumerica stand uupp! There’s so much to enjoy in this edition. Remember the big news we mentioned? Keep flipping to find out. You’ll be so hyped. Love, Shaaiba.

Whew! Another year, new us. Right girls? Haha, just kidding. 2021 taught us so much though chale. We’ve learnt so much about our friends, our schools and ourselves. It could be the tiniest thing like remembering to carry a pack of tissues to learning to overcome a big fear. We’re celebrating it all! We asked you all what you learnt in 2021 and this is what you said. Let’s go!

Nora: I’ve learnt that my friends are okay when I say no. Sometimes we think our friends might shun us when we say no to them but they actually respect us for standing up for ourselves. Go me!

Marie: I have learnt that words said cannot be taken back. Trust me sis, you literally can’t take the words back lol. So, I have to be careful what I say to people. Yeah.

Becca: You won’t believe it but last year, I learnt that brushing your teeth before bed is actually better than in the morning. Sis, if you’ve been missing that evening brush, gotta take it seriously. It’s the best.

Esi: Make the best out of every day. I’ve learnt to live every day and just enjoy myself. I’m cruising.

Naana: Last year, I learnt to love my name Naana because I have no English name, haha.

Bertha: I learnt that we have to be nice to people. You never know who you might be making smile and how you’ll change someone’s day from good to better. So, be extra nice today sis.

Jill: Shisha is so not cool. Like girls, I know we’ve all heard it before but last year, I met so many super cool girls who felt just like me and agreed that shisha is yawa. It really just got me feeling like I wasn’t alone and hardly any of us actually smoke. I feel so seen, ughhh!

Ann: I learnt to love myself unconditionally last year because I am beautiful and I don’t have to change a thing.

Akua: I learnt how to bake. Ouuu, look who’s the neighborhood chef. So, I made some cookies and my friends want to visit every Saturday, haha. So proud of myself.

Efia: I’ve learnt to give. I am going to be a cheerful giver.

There you gooo sis. Did you learn something last year? You can share with us and continue the conversation by telling us one thing you learnt in the last year on our social media platforms. That’s on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @Skygirlsgh.

ɛ. Where all my girls at?? Mmm mempɛ, bad energy memp really t. You remember that one time you Come close and let’s have a chit cha ycon dress but you ended up wearing that bod wanted to wear jeans and a T-shirt t or the h! That has been all of us at one poin because your friends said so? Her easy and trust . Saying “NO” to our friends ain’t other. If no one will say it, we will want to we can all relate. In your head, you us when we say you’re not alone cos out. es open your mouth, a “YES” com say ‘‘NO’’, but somehow when you got to to feel free with our friends. So, we But here’s the thing- we do want , we’ll crack reasons why we struggle with this thinking- maybe once we know the “NO” when we need to. the code and figure out how to say Get ready. Fire kor wakyi kakra.

AIN’T STAYIN BACK

wanting to be Yes sis, there’s that feeling of not us. We want to left out of anything and it’s all of be able to join understand the jokes, we want to say “I was there in on the conversation, laugh and stories; we the r some”. We don’t want to hea why even if we want to tell them too. And that’s t to, we agree. can’t afford to or don’t really wan Yɛ blɛ ooo.

SORRY PADDY We love our friends, we do. Sometimes, it’s the one reason why we can’t seem to say ‘‘NO’’ to them. We just don’t wanna hurt their feelings. We’ll be there thinking, do I really want Akosua to be alone at the party? What if she becomes angry with me? It’s always these thoughts that have us saying a big fat ‘‘YES’’ with smiles on our faces when deep down, yeewu, haha.

WE DO SOME

and “Do I really want to be the only one eating kenkey If ish?” the is Rice Fried fish when the whole group says know you you’ve asked yourself this question before, then you’re on your way to saying ‘‘YES’’ because you don’t want to look like the odd one. Guess what girls? This is not how it ends. We don’t have to live like thisworried and unsure about our choices. So, like the dope group that we are, we’re going to give you some apor for the next time you’re in a situation and you want to say “NO” to your friends in a way that you’re comfortable with. Keep reading cos we got all the sauce and the juice. If you have some apor too, hit us up on WhatsApp (0540124008).

Gashit If you’ve ever been to boarding school in this Ghana or you’re looking forward to it, one meal that will save your life is Gari and Shito popularly called Gashit. Let’s take you to SHS with this upgraded and deebee Gashit recipe.

Ingredients - Crisp Gari - Hot black shito - Tuna flakes - Corned beef - Sardine - Baked beans - Ketchup

Steps

- Pour your Gari into a bowl - Add as much shito as you want and stir (make sure the Shito enters the gari well well) - Add tuna flakes, corned beef and sardine - Stir well and evenly - Add your baked beans for that touch of boujee and garnish with ketchup - Serve with fried egg - Watch the squad go crazy over your GaShit

Don’t forget to send us a picture of your Gashit when you try it on WhatsApp (0540124008). You can also make a video and tag us on Tiktok or Instagram @skygirlsgh.

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So many SKY Girls say music is their thing! You know, the only thing better than listening to your favourite song is knowing the words and singing along. You feel like a rockstar. Jam better with these lyrics to Gyakie’s fresh tune, “Need Me”. And hey, if you and your squad are feeling this song, send us a video of y’all jamming to it on IG or WhatsApp. Intro Woyoo (Flip the Music) Na na na na eyy ya Gyakie uh huh Verse 1 Baba don’t stop, no, don’t stop Come close to me, baby, no, don’t stop I want this daily I’ve fallen in love, I cannot deny What you wanna? mmm Twe ben me!

Chorus But then if you need me now Tell me now ‘Cause I dey one side for you (Oh nananananana) Babe, and my heart don’t lie It beats so fast, very fast around you O you dey make I go insane So insane O you dey make I go insane So insane

Verse 2 Akosua Dzigbordzi Forget everybody Hook If you fall, fall hard, I try to go low low low odo pa You got me going low low low dier ede o Woyoooo I found the one I need And when I’m with you oh no no For this, I’ll never leave I misbehave, I kolo It’s for a lifetime, mmm, Oh, this is crazy e be so Repeat Hook Repeat Chorus

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One thing about SKY Girls; we always keep the h’energy on a 100! We did it once, we did it twice and we are doing it again because no one does it like we dooo. We bring you Sugar, Spice N’ Sauce 3. Lemme see your shouting!!! We know you loved Sugar, Spice N’ Sauce 1 and 2 and we saw the heartbreak when we pranked y’all that it was over- it wasn’t babes. It’s back! Bigger and better with a new squad.

The story: Our new girl Tracy is trying to win Entertainment Prefect in St. Stevens SHS and as you already know, competition nu ay3 tight. The suspense on whether she’ll win and all the action before, during and after the election will have you jumping from your seat. Plus, will her crush stick by while all of this is happening? What do Maame and Marcia think about all this too? Get ready for a lituation. Trust us, you’ll love it. All we can say right now is Anticipate! Watch out! Don’t miss this!

meeet th of ce i p s r a sug’ sauce ‘n We know just how much you loved Sugar Spice N’ Sauce 1 & 2 and trust us, this 3 is bigger and better with a mix of the old squad plus a new one. Here’s a sneak peek at our leading ladies in the movie.

Tracy: 17-year-old Tracy has it all. A charming personality, the cutest boy on campus has a crush on her and she’s well on her way to becoming the next Enter Pee. The word “chale” was invented for Tracy because she’ll say it in every two sentences, haha. Organizing events is her thing and everyone knows she’s great at it and so they’re rooting for her to win the Enter Pee race. No one is more agrɛ to see her win than her two bestfriends. Will she give in to their antics in order to win? What will happen to her friendship with her besties?

Shorme:

If you see any gathering roaring with laughter, best believe Shorme is center stage. She’s the comedian of the school and her ability to make people laugh gets her a spot to contest for Entertainment Prefect. Will that be enough to win her the coveted spot?

Akpene & Farida: Akpene and Farida are Tracy’s besties who will do literally anything to see her win the Enter Pee race. Their wish to see their friend win sometimes blinds them and they go overboard. But how far is too far? Will their actions result in victory for Tracy, or will it cost her? Let’s find out together loves.

Owusua:

Owusua may not be as deebee as the rest of the students in her school. But that doesn’t stop her from being confident, ambitious and a strong candidate for the Enter Pee position. Her personality wins her the admiration of the school. But when a scandal threatens to ruin her reputation, what becomes of her?

Pay now, play later. Meaning do all the hard work now so that you can have a lit future.

Tell us, who is Ivy Barley? Since you’re reading this, I’m now your big sister lol. *hugs* I’m a Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, so I basically help build software for schools around the world to help them improve students’ performance. I’m also very passionate about supporting girls who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) so I spend a lot of my time mentoring them.

So, we know you work at Microsoft, has that always been your dream? Growing up, I had a Windows computer that I loved so much. I remember the days when I was learning how to type using Microsoft Word, drawing my dog using Microsoft Paint and playing the Solitaire game. I didn’t really think about joining the company until 2020. Here I am now, a part of one of the biggest tech companies in the world. That’s dope, right?

What does a typical day look like for you? I usually start my day early by thinking about my goals. Then I jump into work. When I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me on my favorite social media platforms, Twitter and LinkedIn. I also watch Netflix shows during the weekends.

What do you think about Girls joining the Tech world? Girls have everything it takes to get into tech. We are smart, creative, empathetic and bosses! If you are interested in tech, you can start now. There are many learning resources online for tech newbies that you can search for by using a phone or laptop. If you know someone who is already in the field, you can also reach out to them to help you get advice to get started.

What’s one thing your friends would say you love? They’d probably say I’m the type of person who loves to go all out to help people. I believe that each one of us can be a blessing to others. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money. When you help a friend with something, you are giving.

What role have your friends played in your journey? My friends have been my support system, during the good and bad times. I’m very grateful to have so many good people around me. We’re all about the good vibes.

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you had to say “No” to your friends? I have learnt to say “NO” to anything and anyone (friend or not) that is not consistent with my values and goals. I have found that being able to say “NO” is a strength and not a weakness. If something doesn’t work for you, say “NO”.

Tell us one thing you do not like? Slow internet lol. You know when you’re trying to catch up on some gist and your feed won’t load, whew. I don’t like it kraa.

Do you have any message for the SKY Nation? You have something to offer this world so don’t dim your light. You don’t need to have all the answers now; it’s okay to figure things out as you go. When things get difficult and you feel like giving up, remember the big picture. If you decide to pursue a career in tech at some point, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter (@ivybarley).

Gist o Gist! Girls, you know how we’ve talked about how it’s hard to say ‘‘NO’’ and even given some tips and all yeah? Right! We know the struggle is real out there, haha. So, we asked you all if you’ve ever been in a tough situation and had the courage to say ‘‘NO’’, what happened and all that. The stories are juicy. Lezz gueaxxxxx.

Joyce: My friend wanted to prank her dad to send her money. So, she wanted me to tell him that she was sick but I told her I wouldn’t do that. She decided not to speak to me again. This happened in school. So we’re not on talking terms because of this. No shaking kraa.

Nana Ama: It was about me getting into relationships whiles I wasn’t ready. But my no was no, segeerrrr.

Grace: My best friends and I went for a pool party and they wanted me to try smoking and claimed it wouldn’t make me a smoker but I said ‘‘NO’’. It was hard for me but I said it.

Rahina: After writing an examination, a friend asked me to go and open the staff room so she could change some of her answers because I had the key to all the offices. I told her it was a bad thing to do so I didn’t help her. Even though she wasn’t happy with me, I didn’t really care because I knew I did the right thing.

Sena: I said ‘‘NO’’ to my friends when they told me to taste alcohol and it felt cool for me to say ‘‘NO’’.

Priscilla: We were in school and it was almost time for exams. My friends wanted us to sneak out to town because it was revision week but I said ‘‘NO’’, I wouldn’t go. They tease me till today. I no bore.

Khadija: I always say ‘‘NO’’ to my friends when it comes to night parties or going to clubs and they’ve come to accept this cos they know my personality. It’s just a few of them who complain. I no dey see them sef.

Philippa: I was encouraged by friends to date a guy who liked me. I wasn’t ready for any of that. The guy was close to my friends so he told them to talk to me but I didn’t agree. There was this day when two other male friends approached me and started talking about this guy and finally, they told me to approach him and talk to him first and that’s when I told them “NO” and I made it clear to all my geng to stop talking about him when they see me around. Now they hardly talk about him when I’m around. I love my squad for real.

Chale, don’t let the stories end here. Fa gist nu hooki yen. Tell us about all the times you had the courage to say ‘‘NO’’ on Instagram and FB (@skygirlsgh) or on WhatsApp (0540124008).

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Keep tagging us on Instagram (@skygirlsgh). You might just get featured in the next magazine.

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Ladies! Ladies! Ladies! Remember when we were talking about saying “NO’’ to your friends and all the wahala that you sometimes go through on the inside? Well, like we told y’all, it doesn’t have to be that hard. Sometimes, when you try to confide in someone about it, they’ll be like “ei just say “NO” eh!” But chale it’s not that easy for everyone. Why? Cause different you, different me. So, we’re here with the 411 on how you can say “NO” in a way that you’re comfortable with. Let’s go!

MAKE A JOKE Are you the funny friend? The class clown that can get everyone laughing even without trying? Or you dier you just like to laugh? Whatever the case, making jokes could be your own way of saying “NO”. Let’s break it down. When your friends insist on buying that new dress and you know you really don’t want to, you can make a joke and say “Santa Claus already dropped my clothes for the year enti ma y3 set”. Ok ok our joke is not that funny but you gerrittt?? If you don’t gerrittt…lol! Before you can say “Jack”, everyone would be laughing and there you go!

Change the subject Ring ring, change subject pleaseeeee. Sounds familiar, right? Are you that cool, calm friend? The one who is fun to be with but you’re not gidigidi? Yep, you! A tip for girls like you would be to change the subject. When your friend asks you to go to that party and you know you don’t wanna go, you could change the topic of your discussion to something else like an assignment you guys have. You could also change the subject by suggesting something else that you know you guys all love to do. For example, you could say “why don’t we watch the new movie that we’ve all been dying to watch?”

shoot straight Yes, we know y’all! Straight to the point, no beating about the bush lol. Does this sound like you? If it does, then be true to who you are. Feel free kraa and say “NO” directly and keep it moving. Your friends naa they know you dada so no surprises there. You could also go all SKY on them and say “that’s not my thing”.

We hope these tips have been helpful. You can choose the one that works for you. Your real friends will definitely respect you and stick around. On the flipside, now that you have these tips, let them open your eyes so that you’ll be able to notice when your friends are not comfortable with something or they’re trying to say “NO” so that you can respect their choices, too. Do you have more tips for us? Share with us via WhatsApp (0540-24008) or Instagram and Facebook @Skygirlsgh

Whew, making decisions is literally like drinking water, we do it err day. But you know what? Sometimes, they can feel tough. So, we asked you guys and pulled up some scenarios that you told us about. Tell us, what would you do? You could pull this up at the next hangout and see what your friends would do, too. Leggo!

All your friends keep talking about the latest movie. You feel left out because you haven’t seen it yet. The only available viewing time is 5:30pm, which means your parents go bore if you get home late. Will you...? You attend a party with lots of people from other schools. The party is a vibe and the DJ is playing your favorite songs. Then you start to smell strawberries and you get excited. You suddenly realize it’s coming from a couple of students smoking shisha and they invite you to have some. What do you do?

A. Plan to watch it with your friends another time B. Turn your phone off and watch the movie to avoid your parents calls C. Head home, even if you catch FOMO (Fear of missing out) A. Laugh and tell them the only strawberries you like are fresh fruits or in your lip gloss B. Hang around and consider smoking it C. Make an excuse and go find your squad

A really good friend gets a part in a play and invites you to come and watch. When you go to school, you receive an invitation from your sitting partner to her birthday party. The party will have lots of food, music and every cool person you know in school will be attending. You take another look at the invitation card and realize the party date and time is the same as your other friend’s play. What do you do now?

A. Let them know of the clashing times, talk things out and decide which one to attend

You get your exam papers back and chale, wo y3m kloaa ashe wo. Your parents promised to buy you a new phone if you got good grades so you know the plan spoil. Your parents receive your school report, call you to their room and praise you. They show you your report and you realize that your class teacher mixed up your report with another classmate who has the same name as you. What do you do?

A. Be honest about the mix up and miss the chance to get a new phone

B. Choose one to attend and think of what to tell the other person later C. Just stay at home and chillax

B. Start learning new poses for when your new phone arrives C. Tell your teacher but beg them not to chuk you to your parents

, If yo u go t mo st ly A’s ow ch ale , go yo u! Yo u kn u wh o yo u are an d yo st ick to th at.

, yo u’re If yo u had lot s of B’s len ce loo oo l. he re fo r th e vawu cis ion s an d Th ink ab ou t yo ur de king th e wh et he r yo u’re ma ht fo r yo u. ch oic es th at are rig

d, Fo r all th e C’s yo u ha all yo u’re prob ably te am ch ill, no st re ss . is no t Yo u kn ow th at lif e a rush kraa .

So, what did you get? Take a pic and send us your responses on our WhatsApp (0540124008) or Instagram and Facebook (@skygirlsgh). We can’t wait to hear from you girlllssss.

What’s good superstar, we are so happy to meet you. Tell us, who is Yaw Tog? Yo! it’s Tog. I’m a versatile artist from Kumerica working to put his people on the map. I’m also an old student of OWASS. Shout outs to my boys!

Can we say music is your thing, if what other thing would you say love? Right now, it’s music 100%. I’m thinking about doing more music you know, serving y’all the jams.

We know you were schooling and doing music, how did you do it? Whew, I’d say it was a little stressful cuz I had to be in school every day and then perform at shows on weekends. It meant I really had to plan my time well so my studies wouldn’t be affected. It wasn’t easy but chale, I did it.

What’s one thing you shun? I don’t like fake people and people gossiping when I’m around. If you want to, you can do it when I’m gone but not around me. I like to be real and I love it when people are able to call me out when I’m wrong. Those are my real gees, you know.

How was school life and would you say you’ve been pressured by your friends before? School was fun. I connected with so many people who supported me in my music. I am a shy guy though and that took some pressure off me.

yes, you just and

What’s the next thing for you now that you’re done with school? Chale, school deir for sure oo. I’ll definitely continue with school. I wanna be Prof Yaw Tog haha. I’m not going to put school on the side at all, I’m surely doing it. Chale, we are rooting for you paa, what are your last words? I appreciate you all for supporting Yaw Tog. I really love you all. We should totally link up. Yaw Tog and SKY party, whayasayyy.

Pressure deir, afa obiaa da. Finding yourself being influenced by your friends and people in your circle is more common than you think. It could come in various forms. Sometimes, we don’t even realize it oo. Like that one time our SKY sis Cathy started making Banku every Saturday because her friend always did that. Haha. Crazy, but it’s so easy to find ourselves doing things that we didn’t even know were as a result of our friends. We asked you guys, and here are some of the ways you admitted you could be giving in to peer pressure. Let’s dive in!

Picking up a new accent:

This can happen so fast errr, you’ll be there naa your friends will say “ei, you’ve started talking like Akos” and trust us, you didn’t even realize it. It could even be picking up some phrases from your friends. Next time you say “segerrrrrr”, ask yourself when you started saying it like that. Hahaha.

Your gut says no:

This one is more like a feeling. Sometimes, you can be in the middle of doing something and you can just feel like “nah, this is not for me”. You get that nervous feeling in your gut telling you to just dawg the whole thing. One of our SKY sisters, Adjoa told us the story of how she joined the basketball team just because her crush was a part of it. Right in the middle of practice, she just asked herself “Ei but what am I doing here? Do I even like basketball?”. Chale!

Changing the way we dress:

Plessure na afa wo anaa you already like jeans with sneakers? It’s so easy for us to start dressing like our friends because we find it cool and trendy. So even if the sneakers won’t fit sef, we’ll force and wear, lol. It could even be something as subtle as wanting to change your hairstyle because your friends did the same.

Glam for the gram:

You’ve never been much of a social media person but you’ll all of a sudden find yourself asking your friends to take insta worthy pics of your outfit cuz you gotta show it off like the other girls. The girls haven’t forced you oo, in fact, you don’t even know each other but they are giving you pressure high key. Chale you’re not alone.

It’s the month of love and what better way to show our besties love than to wish them an awesome birthday? We bet your friends will smile hard at your wishes. Happy birthday, girlies.

To: Rashida Happy birthday sis, God bless your new age. More of everything good especially long life,money, wisdom and knowledge. From: Priscilla

To: Blessing Akua Asante Dear bestie, it’s your birthday once again and I’m soo delighted that God has added a year to your age. Ever since we met, you’ve been supportive, helpful and caring. Happy birthday dear. From: Ewura Abena

To: Grace On your birthday I wish you long life with prosperity. I pray that you receive every thing that was locked up in the recent years. Amen. Happy birthday. From: Blessing

To: Epiphany Dzifa On your birthday, I want to give bags of hugs and kisses and wishes that all your dreams should come true. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a super year ahead. From: Ria

To: Titi A queen was born in the month of love. On this day I’m wishing you more of everything you’ve ever wished for. Happy birthday Titi. From: SKY Monday World 1

To: Chelsea Glorious birthday Elorm. Nice to have you as a classmate and a roommate. You are the funniest and most entertaining person to live with. On this day, l wish you all the best in life. Have a great one and bless you. From: Freda