The Sharing Forum

Case - I'm Missing You

2011-11-11T23:50:00.000Z

Shock, Horror!

2011-08-10T21:11:00.000Z

I sat watching Sky news completely aghast by the turn of events in the UK. My beloved London had become a war zone. I say beloved because I spent the latter part of my teenage years in the UK whilst doing sixth form and subsequently tertiary courses.
Though it was late, I started sending text messages and making Skype calls, leaving messages via Facebook to a number of family and friends who are also living in some of the places that had the worst rampages. I have fond memories of the Arndale Shopping centre in Manchester and tears filled my eyes just watching looters go wild, bashing the glass doors, lighting fires, etc.

I do know for a fact that the morale fabric in the UK has broken down over the years. Indiscipline, lack of respect and an aversion to people in authority, are some of of the things the youth can be accused of. Some young boys and girls who cannot find jobs are frustrated and do not have much faith in the government. Primarily because the government has let them down in more ways than one and in addition, are cutting back on certain services available to the youth.

I think David Cameron and his party need to sit back and take a long hard think about how they can bring about peace and gaining the trust of the youth. Maybe the re-introduction of the National Service may be the answer or redesigning the National Youth Scheme...I don't have the answers and I am only speculating. I do want to say congratulations to Mr. Sheldon Thomas for doing a yeoman's job in helping teenage boys get out of gangs. He saw and discussed a different angle of the looting and mayhem going on in the UK and it was refreshing.

I do hope and pray that the rioting stops and people can get back to feeling safe in their homes and shops.

Holiday

2011-08-01T14:51:00.002Z

I had not taken a holiday in a long while but in August 2010 I took the plunge and visited Switzerland. I love Switzerland and first came here at the young age of 9. I fell in love with it and even then told myself I would be back. I did come back in July 1982. At the time the hit band "Imagination" had just come out with the top hit "Illusion". Anytime I hear that song, I remember walking by Lake Geneva, ice cream cone in hand and just enjoying the view of the Jet d'eau against the backdrop of the mountains.

I'm back again in Summer 2011 and this time staying for much longer and enjoying every bit of it. Weather has been great though we have had some rainy spells. Been up to Lugano and I will recommend it to everyone. Wow...that place really made an impression on me. I have made some new friends, people who are friends of friends from back home and it's been great.

I know I shall be back again and will take a whole new set of photos. In the meantime, enjoy some of my photos.

Shouting out Loud!

2011-06-01T18:37:00.003Z

It's the first day of June and I am on my soap box. Mainly because things are generally going downhill and no-one seems to want to do anything about it. The largest teaching hospital in West Africa, reported last week that its anaesthesia equipment had broken down. As a result, all operations have been put on hold except for super emergencies. The public relations officer for the hospital had the gall to inform the public in such a way that it sounded like the machines (themselves) were responsible for breaking down.

Important arterial highways which should have been completed in 2009 are still being worked on and are causing motorists severe headaches. Illegal warehouses which stocked expired goods by some unscrupulous business owners were discovered by an ace investigative reporter who broke the story last week. However, the Food and Drugs board as well as the Revenue Authority have been told to drop the charges on the owners as they had powerful "friends" in the government's ruling party.

The Power generating company, Gridco have announced that there is going to be some load shedding however they cannot tell us which areas are going to be affected.

Seems to me like services are going downhill and no-one seems to be making any objections. Today I am shouting out loud because I have had enough. We had a huge fire which burnt a significant part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reason: the ladder of the fire service truck was not long enough to reach the upper floors. Today 1st June, I was in traffic when I heard the head office of the Volta River Authority was on fire; predominantly the 11th and 12th floors. Did we learn from the Foreign Affairs building fire? Did we try and acquire trucks with longer ladders? NO!! So what are we waiting for? Another disaster?

The service providers have to be made accountable, the Ministers in charge of the ministries that are lagging behind need to be made accountable for the poor delivery of services and utilities. People really need to ask questions and be persistent with their line of questioning, if not, we are going to be fed the same spineless excuses we have been fed from time in memorial. Any wonder why a lot of the Ghanaians who live abroad but are looking to moving back home cannot make up their minds? Go figure!

Getting Vexed

2011-04-17T12:09:00.005Z

Haven't been vexed in a long while but in the past couple of weeks it seems to be happening quite a bit. Vexed with circumstances that I find myself in, vexed with the routine at work, vexed with my ancient car which has decided to go crazy. Vexed with the drinking bar down the road for the blaring music day and night, vexed with shop keepers who don't give you the right change, until you do the calculation out loud (no paper mind you) just VEXED!!

Vexed in the morning, vexed in the afternoon and evening. Think the only time I'm not vexed is when I am sleeping. Vexed when you call people and they don't pick up their phones, vexed when they call you back much, much later when the spontaneity of the moment has dissipated. Was having a Skype conversation with a friend of mine a a couple of days ago and out of the blue, he asked a question and I replied in the negative. He told me he did not believe me and started to go on and on about the answer I gave was not correct. I was livid!!!" What did he know "I asked myself. "What proof does he have?" "Who has been feeding him with stories?" I have never been fond of people who could not take my word because I really do not see the point in telling untruths. I told him if he did not believe me,then that was his problem. What is the point of arguing with someone who has made up his or her mind already.

A friend of mine's favourite saying is: "He who angers you, controls you." So I am going to rid myself of all this anger because it seems like I am letting circumstances control me. "We run tings, tings don't run we.."

I need to detox. I shall go for a long walk, indulge in a massage and a facial, buy some lingerie...and of course read some of my favourite passages in the Bible.
Ok enough now, reading this is making me smile, which is a good sign but hey c'est la vie, n'est-çe pas?

J Martins - Cool Temper (Hot Naija!)

2011-02-20T20:29:00.000Z

A New Year

2011-01-30T17:56:00.004Z

Happy New Year everyone! Like the saying goes, better late than never but honestly don't know where the end of 2010 went and now it's the end of January!Christmas was great. After 18 years of living without winter, it was great to experience the cold, snow flurries, chilly winds etc. all over again. I have always loved the snow and I was in seventh heaven being back in it. My son whose first winter this was, loved it also. From our house, we had a lovely view of the Jura mountains and each day it was fun to see more snow settling on the peaks. Other times, it was just covered in low hanging clouds.

New Year's day was even better. An old friend whom I had recently gotten back in touch with before travelling came to spend New Year's eve and day with us. Was really good catching up and talking about old times back in the early 80's. I don't know what it is about being on the cusp of a new year but one somehow gets nostalgic about the past, though at the same time, looks forward to what the new year will bring.

So far January has started well with lots of prospects and I hope this can be the trend for the next few months to come. If you don't stick to your resolutions, don't worry just try and do what you can.

Have a wonderful new year.

Gratitude

2010-11-08T14:20:00.002Z

What are you grateful for? Have you thought about making a list of the things that you are grateful for? In our busy lives, we tend to forget to take a moment each day and be thankful for both the little and big things that occurred in our day.

Start something new, make a list of all the things that you are grateful for each day, and see how that makes you feel. I can assure you, it will give you such a sense of gratification, you will be amazed.

I started my gratitude list today and was surprised at how many things I was able to list. One of the main things I am grateful for is having this blog. It has given me the ability to speak my mind and for that I am grateful. I know it's been hard to keep it going but from today, I am going to make a conscious effort to write something everyday.

Start yours today and let's hear how it made you feel.

Social Networks - The Good and the Bad

2010-08-11T10:13:00.004Z

Social networks are the 'in-thing' these days. There are three social networks I belong to; two for business and one for my personal use.I have been a member of Facebook, the social network going places, for almost 4 years. At the time I joined, I was wondering if I was doing the right thing as one puts their pictures and basically their life out there for close friends to see.

For me it has been a great experience and I love it to bits! I have reconnected with people from college whom I thought I would never see again. It has also given me the opportunity to promote my business and at least people get to know what I do...

However with everything, there is the bad side to it. Some people who have bad intentions are hacking into accounts, sending out false information about great deals and it was reported in the papers the other day that a chap had used a female member's picture and name from Facebook, to apply for the USA visa lottery. She received an email telling her that she had been successful in the visa lottery and she became suspicious as she had not applied. To cut a long story short, she reported the matter to the police and two people were nabbed!

On numerous occasions, I have been able to look at pictures of members whom I have not yet connected with and some people have had their profile pictures used in adverts on the network.I know they have to check their privacy settings, but it does give you a creepy feeling knowing someone can check out your pictures without necessarily connecting with you.

A week ago, a friend made a comment on my page and two hours later, the comment had been removed...by whom, we still do not know. I put a message on my status stating I did not appreciate comments on my page being removed, and 10 minutes later, the comment reappeared! My friend has since then changed his password thrice and keeps getting attacks on his laptop from weird countries. He's a computer engineer and knows how to trace these things.

So do watch out on those networks but have fun too and don't go adding people you don't know.

It's all about having faith!

2009-08-21T09:24:00.003Z

It's been a trying couple of weeks...just thankful that all the worrying and fear is over. What do you do when a loved one goes missing? Especially when the individual is high profile and it cannot be put out on the airwaves? Well that's the situation I found myself in a few weeks ago when someone close to me did just that....it was like I was watching a feature film because the events were just incredible! All the worry, loss of appetite, you name it, I went through it.

I even did some P.I.work myself...travelling down the road that goes right to the Togo border and stopping at each police barrier, making enquiries, showing a photograph of the missing person with the hope that someone will spot this person. The trip was a good one, especially as I had not been to the border we share with Togo for yonks! However I was not there for the sight seeing...but I tell you that trip made me realise how under-utilised the Volta River is.

As soon as I alighted from the vehicle, a young boy started speaking to me in French, asking whether I wanted to change some money. I replied that I didn't, then he started to ask if I needed accomodation, this time I stoppped in my tracks and told him to back off....I was on a mission and didn't need people distracting the purpose of this trip! It does pay to speak the lingo (French I mean) because you will never know when one might need to get out of a jam. Anyway I am digressing..unfortunately my trip did not attain the results I was looking for so all I could do was to leave my contact details and the photography behind.

One of the policemen who took my number at one of the barrier posts, called me a few times before I got back to Accra and I was not pleased because I know he was not calling to give me good news but for personal reasons. The same policeman called me the following morning and I had to tell him where to get off....sexual harrassment is not what I needed at that time of the morning (or at any time for that matter).

An sms from a strange number brought good news! My missing person had been spotted west of Accra. I was told to get there quickly but as I was waiting for my car to return from the fitting shop, I called a close friend of mine to tell him the good news and he offered to go and pick up my missing person. After all the worry and anguish I thought I was ready for this but my hands started to shake so badly, I could hardly dial numbers on my mobile phone.

A number of people still ask how I was able to stay calm during the entire period and I answered it was my faith that kept me going. All's well that ends well.

Tribute to Michael Jackson

2009-07-21T23:25:00.001Z

Been a while since I wrote anything and there's been a lot on my mind. Still trying to come to terms with the fact that MJ is no longer with us. He made me feel Bad and Dangerous...almost like a Smooth Criminal and that was totally Off the Wall. However, Looking Through the Window, it made me want to Scream but then again, I was just a Stranger in Moscow.

Just been rhyming like this for the last month and don't think it's going to stop...on the contrary I Want to get something Started but after looking at the Man in the Mirror, I will Remember the Time, it was Human Nature and Ebony & Ivory were a Thriller.

I grew up to the music of the Jackson 5 and later when Michael strived out on his own bought each album that he realeased. Even got my son hooked on all his music and taught him how to do the Moonwalk (yes I used to be a dancer many decades ago) and still have all the moves.

Rest in peace MJ you worked Day and Night, tried to Heal the World and got my dance crew call me PYT.

MJ, Gone Too Soon.

Polygamy

2009-05-20T16:50:00.002Z

Polygamy is still practised in Africa, parts of the Middle East and some other places. However I am tackling this from the African perspective and how it is still popular in our society. I was asked a question yesterday about if I would like to be in a polygamous relationship. I giggled when asked this and confessed to the person (whom I shall refer to as Nana) that if I had been asked that question twenty years ago, I would have said no and that would have been the end of it. However these days, I was ready to listen to one's reason for taking that path. He proceeded to explain why he was asking me the question, though it sounded like he was either contemplating it, or was trying to see if it would be considered "cool" seeing as he is a celebrity, or wanted my response as a test. Still not clear why he asked me and we shall be having a second discussion next week.

These days my interactions with a number of polygamous families has given me an insight as to how these families do thrive. Do not misunderstand me, I do not discriminate between monogamous relationships or polygamous ones or choose my friends based on what type of relationship they were procreated from. Everyone is welcome to be my friend. It is only that in the last decade or so, I have had the opportunity to really see how a polygamous relationship works as I have been linked to few families who still embrace this type of relationship. I marvel at the way the 'wives' all seem to get along as well as the children. Back in the UK in the late eighties during my student days, I will never forget the night a close friend of mine, jumped on the tube armed with a box of Kleenex Men's tissues, ended up ringing the doorbell to my flat like a mad woman, only for her to announce that she had just found out her father had some other children. We were both in shock and felt that her Dad had betrayed ALL of us. These days that sort of news is not shocking anymore.

I happen to know a gentleman who has a number of wives (I am still not quite sure of the number) who shares his week among the wives. For example from Sunday to Tuesday he can be found at house A, from Wednesday to Thursday house B and so on. I do not know how he does it, especially as he is not quite as young as he used to be.

What I would like to know about polygamy, especially from the men, is, why does one have so many women or is it that one cannot find the one woman with the most qualities, hence the different choices? Or is it that given the shortage of men, one is trying to make up for it, hence giving the ladies a chance? I would really like to hear from you gents out there.

I still have not answered the question I was asked yesterday and still debating if I should. Quite frankly I am not the type to share so at least you know what my answer is going to be......

Sort the Power Problem Now!

2009-05-18T18:28:00.002Z

Yesterday there was a power outage and we had not received any prior warning. The lights were off from about 0900hrs and came back on at 22.30hrs. This morning there was another power outage which lasted from 0850hrs to 1700hrs. We have only just been told that the 33,000 KVA transformer blew at Achimota which controls the main power stations for Accra.

We all know that the Akosombo Hydro Electric dam cannot provide electricity to the growing population of Ghana. Currently the Bui dam which had its blue print ready since the late fifties and early sixties is being constructed. Already the villagers situated near the Bui dam have been complaining about their relocation etc. but that is another story for another day.

What I would like to know is, what are we doing about solar and wind power? We are blessed with long hours of sunshine and still there are high import duties on solar equipment. Wind power is also a great option, seeing as cities such as Accra and Takoradi are situated along the coast but there has not been much talk about that as a solution either. The government should know by now that hydro dams are only one solution. We do have a thermal plant in the Western region but that relies on crude oil. Though large deposits of oil have recently been discovered in the Western region, the companies have not started producing commercial quantities, so we are stuck with using imported crude to run this plant.

The populace have been stuck with long months of scheduled and unscheduled outages and one would think that after 52 years of independence we would have been able to sort out our power problems by now.

Let me hear from you and how you are dealing with power solutions and/or outages wherever you are.

May: the month of Women for High Office

2009-05-18T18:10:00.003Z

Congratulations to the four women who won the parliamentary seats in Kuwait's election a few days ago. To think women in Kuwait were only given the right to vote in 2006. I salute you four! Also Lithuania has its first female president.. May is certainly the month for women vying for high office and getting the positions.

However when it comes to Ghana, I will say that we are stuck in a rut. The current president promised a 40% inclusion of women in high office but unfortunately, 100 days and counting, we are only at 11%. How disappointing! I really would like to know why there is a delay in appointing more women and believe me, we do have quite a bevy of qualified ladies out there both in the diaspora and in Ghana who are keen to assist; me included :)

The most disappointing act came Friday 15 May, 2009 when it was announced that the most senior female police officer who was acting as Inspector General, was passed over for the appointment and rather to be made an Ambassador. The job as Inspector General of Police was going to...can you guess? A man. I have the highest respect for Inspector General Paul Quaye as I have had the opportunity to liaise with him on an IT project for the Police Service I was working on with the late Danny Whyte. However I think, the President would have gotten the approval of the women in Ghana if he had given Mrs. Mills-Robertson, the job of Inspector General.

And can someone please tell me why oh why are ambassadorial positions used in this country to pat people on the back? If you ask me, I think the ambassadorial position which is going to be given to Mrs. Mills-Robertson is an insult. This lady would do Ghana a greater honour if she were to continue to work in high office.

Your thoughts? Waiting to read them.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:30:00.002Z

Today is Mother's Day in Ghana...seems like we chose to follow the US and the rest. It has been an excellent day beginning first with a service at Church were all Mums were called forward to be prayed for. We were also given lovely presents; bright beautiful scarves. The residing Pastor, Andy Yawson, read out a lovely poem which had been composed by him together with the Men of Honour's group at church. Will just like to share it with you mothers out there as it really describes us.

The Winning Woman
They come in different shapes and sizes
And none seems to be like the other
It simply isn't worth comparing
one to the other
We call this unique creature
the Winning Woman

Life's expectations sometimes suffers great delays
while we scrratch and plan how to endure these
She waits patiently on God to display
O yes, this kind of waiter is
the Winning Woman

Battles are the integral part of life
And loyalties are tested in strife
The one who will not sell out
come what may
Is the unique warrior we call
the Winning Woman

God created Man and set him an assignment
He had great abilities but God noted a flfaw
He put man to sleep and performed a wonder
And behold the wonder we call
the Winning Woman

Pastor Andy Yawson

It was also a day of reflection as I paid tribute to my late Mum. She was such fun to be with and considered all her children as her best friends. As the morning began, I felt a tinge of sadness bringing tears to my eyes, however it was the fondest memories of her that put a smile back on my face. Memories of her whilst I was a child, a teenager and when I became a mother. She had so much patience, and was deep in the Christian faith. I miss her dearly especially on a day like this but I am consoled by the fact that she was my mentor and my guide.

She may not be here physically but her presence is still so great within and around me. As a mother, I look at my son and I am overjoyed that he is growing up well. When he was put in my arms I looked at him and wondered when he will grow up. He's will be 12 in 3 weeks and I am truly blessed to have had him.

Happy Mother's day everyone!

Another Year

2009-04-21T17:42:00.000Z

Giving thanks for another year....made it to 42 and so grateful to you God. Certainly would not have done this without you. You have given me the patience and guidance to go through the mill of life which has its ups and downs but thankfully I have had more ups than downs.
This is definitely going to be one of my best years and I am embracing it. My verse for my birthday is Psalm 31:1-5

The Run Off

2008-12-16T11:09:00.002Z

The election run off in Ghana is gathering momentum. On Sunday 28th December we shall return to the polls and vote once more. This time we shall only be voting for the presidential candidate as on Sunday 7th December, we voted for both the parliamentary and presidential candidates. Unfortunately none of the presidential candidates could get the 50 plus 1 per cent to indicate a clear lead, hence the second round.

Both presidential candidates of the NPP and the NDC have began campaigning to rally more votes. This is a special time for Ghana as the two main political parties have served 8 years in government. However the incumbent party, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) are hoping to continue for another 4 years with their presidential candidate Nana Akuffo Addo. The previous government which was ruled by the National Democratic Congress (NDC)and its flagbearer, Prof. John Atta-Mills,(former vice president) are itching to come back to government as they claim the NPP have not done all that they said they would for the citizens of Ghana.

The electorate will be the deciding factor in this battle between the two opposition parties and the rest of the world, is keenly watching Ghana as it has been the leading star in the multi-party democratic process on the African continent.

The first round of elections were held in relative peace and we are hoping the run off will also be held peacefully. Ghana is proud of its multi-ethnic population though in certain quarters they like to think otherwise. All in all, Ghanaians want peace and this election should be seen more as a "battle" of wits and skill than a "do or die" process.

Personally I wish Nana Akuffo Addo the best of luck as I believe in his agenda for Ghana. Good luck Nana...we are certainly moving forward!

The Ability to Forgive

2008-11-13T17:27:00.002Z

To be able to forgive is something we urge our young children to do. As a young Christian growing up, one hears about how we are blessed when we are able to forgive. However as we leave childhood and enter adulthood it seems as if we are less reluctant to forgive; or rather we find ways of telling ourselves in what form or conditions we should attach to the act of forgiveness.

When you forgive, the burden you carried is no longer on your shoulders...it frees you up and you can move on with your life...and the most beautiful thing is when you can look at the person who caused you so much pain and say to them" I FORGIVE YOU". However when you try and tweak the framework that governs forgiveness, then you are not doing the right thing. We seem to think that the "little" things are easier to deal with but coincidentally, as we grow older, the acts become more serious, more complex and sometimes inexplicable. Such was the situation I found myself in three weeks ago when I was faced with a serious, complex an inexplicable situation which indeed was a big test for me. My ability to forgive was being tested and those were the longest and hardest three weeks I have faced in my life but I am glad to say I was also able to pass the test!

No matter what one goes through, just remember the good Lord is on your side and will take you to the rock which is higher than you when you think you cannot cope.

A Woman for Vice President

2008-08-05T21:30:00.001Z

Hello everyone,

I received this email from a dear friend and I will like to share it with you all! If you are in agreement just post your comment on this blog!

Dear Friends,

I write to ask for your support in a delicate matter. In recent days, there has been much discussion in the media about the suitability of women for high positions generally, such as that of vice-president with specific reference to Hon. Alima Mahama for vice president.

Some of the objections that have come up have little to do with her competence for the position. As a psychologist, I understand that these objections may have something to do with discomfort for a woman taking on a role traditionally reserved for men. I also understand that this discomfort is expressed in ways that often make many women fearful of rising to the tops of their professions. Please join me in fighting this. Today it may be Alima, but tomorrow, it will be you and I as we rise to the very best that we can be.

Kindly email back if you have ideas about how we can fight this in the public domain. For instance, would you be willing to call up the media or write in support of women in leadership generally, or specifically for Alima. Radio is the most effective way of spreading information. Could you call up a coalition of which you are a part to support her? Could you get your local group of women (e.g. women's fellowship, women in your work place) to show support? Please think about this quickly and act. Please email me as soon as you can.

You know of course that she is emminently qualified for the job: lawyer, Harvard, Legon, Wesley Girls, etc. Mother of a son in law school, and yes, once married. Development work, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Minister of Women's Affairs, etc, etc.

Please let's do this for the cause of women.

Angela L. Ofori-Atta,
Clinical Psychologist/lecturer
Former Deputy Minister, MMYE.

Rising Prices

2008-08-04T17:34:00.002Z

WOW August is here already....you know the way time flies these days it is amazing. Went down to my local grocer Auntie Maggie and gosh have prices gone up or what? It's just amazing how a couple of weeks ago, smoked fish was 60 pesewas and now it is 70 pesewas. The Daily Graphic, Ghana's most read daily paper, also shot up from 50 pesewas to 70 pesewas!

For those of you reading this, Ghana had it's monetary currency re-denominated (what a mouthful) and we have gone back to the days of coins and paper money. The New Ghana Cedi is almost at par with the US Dollar...though many will argue it's 96 pesewas to the Dollar.
Anyway whichever way we may wish to look at it, the price of food has gone up and this trend the economists tell us, is going to go on till we get an injection of cash into the system. Yes the dreaded saga of Vodafone buying Ghana Telecom is what some economists have said will help boost the economy for us. That is the money obtained from selling 70 per cent shares of the nation's telecom provider.... Yes possibly but they can do that without adding the fibre optic from Volta Com. Voltacom is a subsidiary of the Volta River Authority and they were to provide various telecoms services using the fibre optic link which runs from the south to the north of the country. Unfortunately, their ideas have been discarded by some idiotic policy maker who has only dollar signs in his eyes!

I have been angered at the way some of these policy makers have been very foolish about this deal. I am not against a sale but it is the modalities of the agreement that I have a problem with! Oh and that reminds me, would it not have been a better option to have just sold the mobile and the internet subsidiaries? Media convergence is the buzz word but I do not think that some of these 'so -called' policy makers even know that that means.

Well sale or no sale, my local grocer is going to give me more grief when I go around the corner again next week. Wish me luck!

Proud to be Ghanaian

2008-07-02T17:37:00.002Z

Just read about a young wrestling contender who is originally from Ghana but is now pretending to be a Jamaican because unfortunately no-one knows about Ghanaians doing wrestling. SHAME ON THIS CHAP!!! for the love of show biz he is denying where he is coming from and pretending to be something else. His mother even said to him that his cousins back in Ghana will be watching him and will be wondering why he is choosing to be from another country.

It also shows his ignorance of the Jamaican people as some of them actually are Akan..that is those who are known as the Maroons were orginally from Ghana then called the Gold Coast and still practise the traditions they brought with them from Ghana. This includes the naming of children and other traditional bits.

Well it is his perogative but honestly anyone who denies his/her roots need to have their heads checked!! Pity as Ghana is known for brilliant footballers such as Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Abedi 'Pele' Ayew of old! Not forgetting Junior Agogo, who happens to be an old family friend.sssh don't tell anyone!

So to Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah shame on you S-H-A-M-E!!!!! You should be proud to be a GHANAIAN!!!!

July

2008-07-02T14:09:00.000Z

The month of July for me has always been associated with the long vacation, what we call summer holidays in Ghana. It's the month for lots of birthdays, weddings and acting silly.

In Ghana, July is one of the months that one can still get quite a bit of rain and it is much cooler to visit this dear country of ours around this time of the year. Lots of festivals going on from regattas to yam festivals; it is as if the entire countryside comes alive with a myriad of colours bursting from every corner.

It is also the time when most of the expatraites living here tend to go away for their summer holidays and thus business though still brisk in the industries such as hospitatlity, tourism etc. slows down for commercial activity. Well somewhat but not all together before someone decides to challenge me on that score.

July is for making plans for the rest of the year like I am doing currently. I am using this time to re-strategise my business and do things that I have wanted to do for ages...like a television programme I dreamed up a few years ago. I think this year will be the best time to put my script to the screen and educate the good people of Ghana, especially the youth.

July is also the time when we celebrate International Women's Day and part of my programme will be directed at the young ladies who are in various areas; whether tertiary education, working as trainee managers or in adminstration, sales support, information technology...the list is endless but it will be to empower them and to make them aware of what is out there for them.
More for July in the next few days....

Samson and Hercules

2008-06-03T22:40:00.000Z

Before my son dozed off this evening, he asked me a question. "Mummy who is stronger? Samson or Hercules?". I rolled my eyes up to the ceiling and scratched my head and replied "Hercules!" He made a sound which reminded me of a question answered wrongly on a television quiz show so I frowned and asked him why my answer was wrong.

He said Samson was stronger and I quote: "because he just was and also because his strength came from God. Hercules on the other hand got his strength from Zeus and well God is more formidable than Zeus." With that finality in his voice I smiled, nodded and told him that was a very good answer.

We all get our strength from God but how we choose to use it is another matter. Sometimes we think the strength is from 'ourselves' and think we can do anything until we are faced with a tragedy. I was really humbled by what my son said and began to think about how it applied to my life.

I know I get my strength from God especially after what I have been through in the last 7 months. Looking after elderly parents and losing one of them, running a business and being a super single mom...it can only be by the strength of God that I am sharing this. I thank God for my life and the strength he fills me up with each day and when I think I am running close to 'empty', I get down on my knees and pray and ask him to fill me up again.
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song and he is become my salvation

War in the Board Room

2008-06-03T18:29:00.000Z

The last week has been filled with fireworks in the board rooms. With a well known investment bank, the second largest shareholder has called an emergency general meeting as he has is displeased with the way the current Managing Director is handling affairs at the bank. With a utility company also, five of the top brass have been shown the door. Someone referred to that move as a 'tsunami' which had blown across their boardroom and I agree wholeheartedly.

Regarding the first saga at the investment bank, it has got a number of shareholders excited as some never knew they could wield such power. For those of you who may not know this, Ghana has a very vibrant stock exchange but in terms of shareholders rights etc. not many are aware of what their rights are.. they go to meetings like a pack of sheep and enjoy the refreshments served. Others are more vociferous in their lack of understanding of the balance sheet and why dividends were not paid this year etc. I say it is all good and in the line of what makes the corporate world tick.

We hope that the EGM will go on smoothly and there will be no flying missiles in the board room.
The managing director is an old friend of mine and I wish him the best of luck at the meeting.
To the utility company I say well done in making a bold move... let us hope that the new entrants will show dynamism and professionalism.

African Union Day

2008-05-28T17:32:00.000Z

African Union Day (AU) falls on 25 May every year but this year it was clouded with the violence that is going on in South Africa against other African migrants. South Africa at the last Africa Union Conference which was held in Accra, Ghana in 2007, were one of the main proponents of putting systematic measures together but not being hasty in order to become 'one' unlike their Libyan counterparts.

The violence that is being seen in South Africa is a deep-seated one and began way before steps towards a united Africa were rekindled by the present African leaders. The late Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana had plans for a united Africa but unfortunately he did not get to see his dream unfold. Fifty years on, we are still struggling to achieve this dream and rather the continent is being ravaged by unrest,civil wars, hunger, poverty, corruption and a host of other factors.

Some people wondered why we had to celebrate another holiday but for me, it was a day for reflection; to understand why this continent is still not united and why we are still not self-sufficient. A high percentage of the world's natural resources are to be found on this beautiful continent of ours but are we utilising the resources to better our individual countries? NO!! As a result of civil wars and economic hardship, a number of people have had to leave their home countries and settle in other countries. Some have honest jobs and others are even fortunate to own a business. However we need to understand that whatever problems the people in any one country may be facing, should not be metered out to the other nationals living there.

It is time the South African government woke up to the plight of their people and find out the true reason for all the violence. Violence never solved anything and the earlier we begin to appreciate this, the better.

Oh and for those of you out there is there a criteria for joining the AU just like that of the EU? If you do happen to know about a critiera for joining the AU kindly share it with us. I know about the African Peer Review mechanism but that is different. As always do comment and share.

Setting Good Examples

2008-05-19T13:18:00.000Z

The Police have been in the news for the last three weeks continuously..the news? some bad nuts in the service who have committed every wrong one can think of. I am talking about being involved in narcotics, corruption and the one that tickled me pink was the one about 2 cops who were involved in a carjacking. They forced out the car owner, zoomed off in the car, only to try and sell it a few days later. They were caught red-handed as the car owner had lodged a complaint with the local police station. You can imagine the surprise of their colleagues when they realised that the culprits were none other than old buddies from the force.

This is the headache of the current Inspector General of Police as there have been more sensational stories that have been making the headlines in the last 12 months. They have had a series of work shops and seminars to discuss the meaning of good leadership and how not to be swayed by material things. Even at the last passing out parade at the police academy, good leadership skillsserving a good example to fellow colleagues and learning to serve and protect were once again reiterated.

It is a pity this seems to be falling on deaf ears and we hope that the calibre of people on applying to join the Police force will be given the scrutiny they deserve rather than give them a chance because their uncle knows someone high up in the force.....a word to the wise is enough!

They Have Earned it!

2008-05-15T18:18:00.000Z

The was a story in the Daily Graphic a few days ago where some chap had been caught impersonating a medical doctor and had been found out by the Medical and Dental Council here in Ghana. Sadly when the case went to court, the judge said that the chap should be made to do community service. Unbelievable!!! Students in medical school spend all that time studying the human body, what makes us tick and swear the Hippocratic oath and some chap who is playing with lives, has no qualifications whatsover is made to get off lightly? What is this world coming to?

All the young doctors who have passed out from Medical School after their long hard slog have earned the right to be called 'doctor' and this should not be taken lightly. Some idiot on the airwaves who was contributing to a call-in programme said that the offender should be trained properly as a doctor and sent to the northern part of the country as most young doctors wanted to be in the capital city, Accra. I am sorry but that is not the answer to our health delivery woes in northern Ghana and this person who called in needs his head checked. It is this getting off lightly that has made people belittle professionals and think that they can impersonate them.
Come on honourable judge, you will not be amused if someone tried to impersonate you in a court of law so give the doctors their due respect because THEY HAVE EARNED IT!

Worst for Care

2008-05-15T15:50:00.000Z

"Worst for care" is the description the Ealing NHS Trust got from 76,000 patients who took part in a poll which was carried out by the Health Commission in the UK. The areas that is was judged on where: cleanliness, food, mixed wards, health delivery just to name a few...
I applaud the Health Commission for carrying out this poll and we in Ghana need to do the exact same thing here. Here in Ghana we do not have a Health Commission and when one wants to complain about health delivery or rather the lack of it, there is really no-one whom you can turn to and complain. This is very frustrating and one has to resort to the airwaves to make one's voice heard.

I recently was bereaved; I lost my mother and the sort of things we had to go through were just unimaginable. This teaching hospital is supposed to be Ghana's pride and joy but it is seriously lacking a number of things. First and foremost the staff lack human relations. These are non-existent and one is treated with disdain and contempt and woe betide you if you try and tell them that you happen to know some procedures, you will be termed as being "too known", a Ghanaian term for being a know it all. Next on the list is logistics. You walk into the pharmacy of the department only to be told that the items requested by the doctor are out of stock. So one starts one 'wild goose chase' for the items requested. One of such 'chases' lasted three hours until a doctor friend of mine told me quite frankly that the prescription the doctor had written was really for want of another word silly buggers!
Trust me I went to every pharmacy in this great city of ours but they all had variations of it and I was told to bring back the injectable version of it!! Third on the list of things lacking is training. I am an HR Consultant and how I would love to have those nurses and ancilliary staff in my training room! They would drop those snooty attitudes at the snap of a finger...my finger (smile)

At 2.30am we, that is my mother, myself and the 2-man ambulance crew, arrived at the Emergency Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the first thing that struck me was the ward was full and there were no beds left! I had seen this several times on the television but was hoping that somehow this would have been a situation that would have been alleviated. My mother had to sit on the gurney from the ambulance from 2.30am until 10am! As if this was not bad enough, I had to actually take part in assisting my mother as the nurses on duty just couldn't be bothered to take instructions from the houseman(or rather housewoman). The young doctor on duty was apologetic and I did feel sorry for her because if her own staff could not adhere to her instructions, then I wonder how she was ever going to earn their respect. At this juncture, I must congratulate the Vice President H.E. Alhaji Aliu Mahama, for his Ambulance Service initiative to support the health sector. This service is free (trust me we used it thrice) and the staff are friendly and ever eager to be of assistance. Citisearch owes you a free training session!

No members of staff were available to assist with blood samples etc. (mind you there never are and you have to do everything yourself)..between carrying the bag with Mum's personal effects, I was juggling 4 iv's which weighed a ton(didn't know those things were so heavy!) and blood sample bottles which as you know are so delicate. Amidst all this juggling I was running as the distances from one department to another are so far and walking was just not an option. I burst into the central laboratory only to see a bunch of men including the security man, snoring their hearts out! I rapped my knuckles loudly on the door and received a sleepy stare from the security chap who mumbled something. Unknowingly to me, there was a pool of water on the floor right at the entrance to the lab which were droplets of water from the airconditioner above and the 'mumble' from the security chap was to watch out for the pool of water...thank goodness I saw it in time and did not go careering across the hall...

The lab technician eventually woke up, rubbed his face several times and blinked about 100 times before he saw me standing by his counter. He told me how much it cost and then asked me to leave the documentation and bottles on the counter. He strolled casually to the counter, keyed in the cost and then gave me a receipt and walked back to his bench and lay down in the same position I found him in. I shook my head in disbelief and muttered an expletive under my breath..

To be continued...

Mother's Day

2008-05-07T13:10:00.000Z

Once again it is time to honour our Mothers for all that they have done and probably in some cases are still doing. My Mother passed away on Easter Sunday this year and was buried a little under 4 weeks ago.
It was a very painful experience....though my Mother at 72 years of age lived to be much older than her Mother,who passed away at 44, (Mum was about to turn 18 then) it was as if something had been ripped out of my heart. I am in my early forties and very grateful that my Mum could see me grow up, start work, have a child and then eventually start my own business, but like they say one is never really prepared for it.

I am thankful that she survived this long just to see how we all turned out etc. and it was so good to come home and start to tell her about my day and all that happened. Mum was always sharp, she would never meet my clients but as soon as I started telling her about something they did that wasn't genuine, she would warn me to watch out for them and truly she was always right!

One is never quite sure whether one does enough to let one's Mother know how grateful they are but I reckon my Mother knew that I was grateful. I wish now that I had told her everyday but then again I am sure I would have probably ended up writing a book. She taught me about patience and how to watch and listen before making one's move:just like the Leo she was and me the impatient Arian. :-)

For me it was as if she lived her life like she was playing chess, only making poignant moves that resulted in a win that would make your head spin fast.

To end my piece I would like to say that I loved my Mum very, very much and here is a text from a Hallmark card my son gave to me last Christmas which definitely sums up my Mum. It made me all teary-eyed...

2 parts patience

1 part strength

A dash of laughter

Wisdom and tenderness to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix well

Serve with warmth and grace

I love you Mummy, Rest in Perfect Peace!

October

2007-10-07T10:28:00.000Z

WOW cannot believe it's October already! September just whizzed past. Now it's time for Oktoberfest, Halloween and Breast cancer awareness programmes.Yes it might seem strange to some of you but we do celebrate Oktoberfest and Halloween in Ghana mainly because we have a large expatriate community. Lots of Germans, lots of Americans and Brits you name it, we have them here. You could say that Accra was a melting pot of different nationalities.
Oktoberfest is just another excuse to drink more beer and eat lots of wurst but hey in Accra we do do quite a lot of that already. Beer drinking is a favourite pastime of the locals and one just gets to do a bit more of it this time of year.

Halloween on the other hand is not popular. It is mainly the children in the international schools who tend to celebrate it by wearing scary masks to school, or having fancy dress parties where the person with the most horrific of costumes, wins a prize. (I should know as I did attend an international school myself many decades ago). Generally in Ghana, Halloween is seen to be a time associated with evil and is frowned upon by the charasmatic and pentecostal churches. We all know that it is a bit of fun but no, to others it is taken much more seriously than that.

Breast Cancer awareness on the other hand is becoming more popular and there have been lots of workshops and seminars over the last couple of years. Health and prevention of disease generally this month seems to be the hot topic of the Ministry of Health and there have been a number of health clinics and walks to promote good health and better diets among the populace.

Here's to October.. the month of healthy choices!

Here comes August

2007-08-01T00:23:00.001Z

Got my first comment and I am really excited. Keep it coming y'all. Cannot believe today is 1st August. The year is far gone and we now have four months left to the end.

August is one of those months that I like as it's the last month to really enjoy the summer holiday or as we call it here in Ghana, the long vacation. For me it has always been a month full of birthdays and truly I need to start buying greeting cards for the August gang. It is also a month that I hope to clinch a few more deals... wish me luck and let's have those contributions/comments.

My Best Friend

2007-07-25T00:16:00.000Z

My best friend KK passed away Friday 20 July. The world stood still for 5 minutes... I was stunned and devastated! I was literally immobile for 5 minutes.. I froze like an artist had captured me in a painting. We knew his time was drawing near as he was hardly responding to the treatment he was undergoing but when the phone call came, it still came as a shock. For a few minutes, I had flashbacks of when we first met till the last time we spoke when he was about to leave for his next treatment at Kings College hospital in London.

It is amazing how I remember each conversation, what I said or he said... everything is literally in my 'database'. There were a group of us, actually 8 (and sometimes 9) in all who used to hang out in the old neighbourhood during our teenage years but within the group of nine, there was another inner circle, the trio as I fondly called us. Over the years, the trio kept in contact with one another but after '91 it was just KK and I who knew where I was and I where he was etc. The other member of our trio, Keli just got lost; well we knew where he was living, but the communication had dwindled.

We were all building up our careers at the time so it was understandable. One would get the occasional update on how the other member Keli was doing and we were so proud of his achievements. So the trio became a duo and that was how it was until a week and a half ago, when I googled Keli (for fun), and was able to obtain an email address.

Gosh talk about catching up, and all we could IM and email about was KK, how we didn't want to lose him, how we were praying he would recover, the old days when we used to go strolling around the neighbourhood and talk at length about some topic or the other... I told Keli about some of the funny things KK and I used to talk about from the old days and he was amazed that we still remembered some of those crazy things... sweet memories of our childhood and teenage years. Found some old pictures the other day of when my son was being christened and KK had proudly accepted my request of being God Father. He looked so handsome, almost regal in his suit. Funnily enough, it was the first time I or any of the 'gang' had seen him wear a suit and did he look good. I remember we teased him the entire time as we all knew him for his casual attire. He and my son were such good pals and now he too has lost a good friend.

It has been great getting in touch with Keli because we have been supporting each other during this difficult time. We have lost our best friend but as a result of his passing, he has brought us back together.

Rest in peace KK... we will always love you. Till we meet again!

Keeping it Real

2007-07-18T20:10:00.000Z

Hi everyone!
This is an important time for us in Ghana as the political parties are gearing up for the 2008 elections. It is evident that there is a new breeze blowing over the political divide and new players are definitely going to emerge, some whom have declared their stance for the presidential race and others yet to surface.

Interestingly because I live in Ghana, I have been hearing and reading about potential candidates but a couple of days on the internet, I stumbled upon 2 websites that have shown evidence of serious work being done over the internet for this new presidential aspirant. For me it is reminiscent of how the two US Democrat presidential aspirants are using the internet to raise funds etc. Ironically, not much has been heard about this candidate's aspirations at home though there have been a few whispers here and there. Oh and I remember an angry regional chairman who called in to a radio breakfast show and was livid that this same candidate was wearing the colours of 2 parties but had a secret agenda of starting his own party.

Well I wish him and all the other aspirants luck. As usual, let me hear your views on this one...

Africa as One!

2007-07-17T00:17:00.000Z

Hi,

I guess you all heard about the just ended AU summit (African Union). There were 2 factions, those who wanted an immediate grouping as one and those who wanted a gradual move towards a united Africa. I have my reservations about doing this hurriedly so I am going for the gradual approach... after all the African Peer Review mechanism was set up not too long ago so we still have a lot of work to do in our individual countries.

Would like to throw this out to you... what are your views about a united Africa and how should we progress.. Would particularly love to hear from those of you out there in the diaspora (gosh I hate that word)..

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

M.

Turning 40

2007-07-17T00:00:00.000Z

Hello all,

I know this is going to be a challenge for some of you but I would like to know what is has been like for you out there turning 40. Don't mind if you are in your mid forties or you just turned 40 today, just share with us what is was like, what you have achieved so far, and what you hope to achieve, experience etc. before hitting 50!

Do tell us any changes re: health, work, family... do not leave anything out!

Hope to hear from you out there soon..

M.

What this Forum seeks to do....

2007-04-30T17:34:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

This is my latest fad. I turned 40 a week ago and like the saying goes "Life begins at forty". I wanted to do something positive; actually contribute to all that is going on in the glorious world of Blogging.

In this forum, I hope to be sharing a number of experiences both personal and professional but I would also like all of you out there to contribute whatever you may have experienced individually.

The basis of this blog is to ensure that whoever visits will definitely leave with some knowledge to empower them in whatever situation they may find themselves.

It is my hope that a number of my friends and family who are scattered all over the globe will contribute.

Happy blogging!

Mauvais