Exports of the Highest Quality

Riddle riddle- I am thinking of a country known for its amazing hospitality. A country with a severe pathological respect for guests, such that we give up our hard earned profits to ensure their comfort in our homes. The virtue of the perfect host who gives up his bedroom for his guest so he may sleep on the kitchen floor with his family. (The guest brought his children who are in the guest room, and some friends who presently occupy the children’s room).

I am thinking of a country whose greatest and strongest nationals leave for the greener pastures of the New World. A country I love so dearly that my heart bleeds when I hear the essential pricy PREPARATIONS to straighten out the appearances and wild insects in order to create a comfortable haven for the President of a country ‘overseas’. Then my soul bears a blood curdling cry when I hear that the centenary celebrations for its own Founding Father, an African icon and hero to many was a pathetic half-hearted show put on for sore eyes to behold.

I am thinking of a country once home to many of us, which has become a popular “Christmas in the sun” vacation spot, where winter flings and “meet me there’s” occur. This past week, I have read the lamentations of a fellow blogger: http://tsutherl.wordpress.com/ who was almost starved to death in his dear country because he had too much skin pigmentation and the wrong accent to be perceived as a foreigner and hence did not warrant quick pizza service.

I am thinking of a country gutted and gouged of great potentials, professionals and great future ones. I used to celebrate the great KNOWNs such as Boris Cudjoe, anyone with roots or ties in this country, but I have grown to yearn for more and desire even better.

In reading about the young stars of Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself, I felt a hollowness, that far fell short of my friend’s celebratory shouts. I wondered if young Kwesi Boakye would have had the chance of stardom that he did had he been a native, a child of this country rather than having it as a mere “heritage” (ghanalinx.com).

Then I wonder what this country really has to offer its people, to prevent the export of its finest. Can it hold on to the brightest and the best?

What country am I thinking of?

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This article was written by LSG Staff Writer Flossy Matekwor Azu

Photo source 1: http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/49/37749-004-59C43CEB.jpg
Photo source 2: http://www.blackcelebkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/kwesi.jpg

Speak Out Time

I miss home! There are more than a million moments in a day when I wish I was strolling down the streets of Osu. On Saturday, it took all the muscles in my body to hold down the tears, and to fight off the desires to be home. On Saturday 22nd of August, poets and word lovers in Accra had an experience I have turned green with jealousy of. At Expressions Smoothie Bar, adjacent to Papaye in Osu many young professionals and recent returnees from the Diaspora were audience to the spoken word performed by young Ghanaian writers.

The literary night was put together by a group of dynamic Ghanaian talent, with the help of the owner of the smoothie bar. Ayesha Haruna Attah, my latest favourite writer and author of Harmattan Rain, Esi Cleland and Eric, the owner of Expressions. All performers were of course the biggest helping hands to make the event a success.

I have always thought of what it would be like to have an open mic night at a jazz club in Ghana. Would it be patronized, will it even work, were among the doubts that racked my mind. Would I be the only crazed fanatic present and cheering my lungs out? A cliché says, be careful what you wish for; it just might come true. My wish did and I missed out on it. I am happy though that it was very well attended and enjoyed. One of the organizers told me that it was essentially to fill a void in Ghana’s literary scene, by allowing new and established talent to find a platform to share their work.

I got some feedback from members of the audience and all were immensely impressed both by the performances and the turnout. It makes me glad to see that the thirst for such an experience was acknowledged and lightly refreshed. “I loved the people that were there too: college students and people in all kinds of work. It was a great experience for Ghana!” said one college student who was a member of the audience. People from different walks of life have an appreciation for literary works but this void has not been filled in a long time.

As one of the constructive suggestions people mentioned, a person very dear to me pointed out that the event might draw an even bigger crowd if alcoholic cocktails were served. Bless his soul, he knows the essentialities of beverages that hydrate your body and inundate your mind till rationality slowly oozes out.

In addition I learned from the audience that “The primary population at the event was young artists, writers and young professionals ranging from 24 to 31 years. Most of the people looked like they had come straight from work. The event attracted the likes of returnees - Ghanaians who had been abroad for school and were returning for the summer for research or graduate work. I would estimate that probably about 70% of the people I met were educated outside Ghana.” Now I am thinking of the value that such an event would have to the younger ones, teenage children who are still in Ghana, with an interest in Literature and who can start to carve out a future for themselves that involve this interest.

I am eager to be a part of the growing literary conscious generation of Ghanaians!


--This article was written by LSG Staff Writer Flossy Matekwor Azu.
   Photo source: http://blue-pearl.com/wallpaper/microphone.jpg

Sakawa Money - The Life Changing Factor

As a little girl, I hated it when my mother “lied” about buying me a new toy, dress, or socks (I adored the little white soft cotton jackets that kept my feet warm in the Accra sun). To me, she just tricked me to get me to stop asking her for things, so I asked harder, and longer…more persistently. It did not make a difference; well maybe it did. It annoyed her, but still no new socks. I have my own money now, yet I still don't get new socks whenever I want them. It turns out that back then, life prevented my mother from getting them for me. And now, there always seems be something more important to do with my money than buy new socks. I am thankful, that somehow, I find the money I need; or at least some of it. The rest, I just have to wait for it to come from "somewhere". Luckily, I live in a land of loans, credit, spending lavishly and living off money that is not mine. I can buy a car I do not have to have because it looks nice, and then pay for it later. In the course of events, life takes a left turn, and I end up…in a rut. Mortgage payments, credit cards, loans, federal loans, school loans, car loans, home loans. It all seems so easy! That is, till you have to pay. What happens when there isn’t this luxury of "spend now sweat later"?

In this weeks’ Ghana news, there are stories of drug barons being released from jail. Minds are racing and mouths are busy spewing theories, thoughts and opinions. Some cry out that it's the end of the world as we know it, and others curse the incumbent party. Freedom of speech makes no exception for nonsense- I am hereby allowed to express myself - be it wise or not, it may be said. The drug business, in every country yields, when successful of course, a very hefty profit for those involved. Many get into it for the luxury of cash. Take Peter and Kwesi, both university students in Ghana, who have both jokingly told me where they got their sudden inflow of money from. “Chale, I just swallowed some, I went and I came back. Easy money.” Swallowed what and went where? And who sent you there and gave it to you? Unanswerable questions blocking my mind, unable to be uttered because as much as they confuse me, I do not want to know the answers. Some work two jobs, others less honorable jobs, generally, people do what they have to do; readjust their lives in order to gain the money to further change their lives.

Let us not talk about armed robbery! I live in Teshie Tsui Bleoo, somewhere so far from town you cross the jungle before you get there. Driving alongside the jungle, panthers and chimpanzees at midnight scare me beyond sanity, because somewhere in those bushes, could be a band of thieves armed with rusty nails, machetes, guns or even atomic bombs! Who knows? Rumour has it though that thieves rarely surive the Teshie mobs so, I have nothing to fear.

The Ghanaian Journal reports from the Today News that, a new strand of "sakawa" has been born among the Ghanaian youth. This is reported to be a form of cyber fraud. "It is a way of defrauding many unsuspecting Whites or foreigners on the internet." says the Ghanaian Journal, and this has apparently become vastly impotent with the newly found wisdom of the prey. Hence, the variant SAFAWA. Change one consonant in the name, and you have a brand new way to make money, however Safawa is said to be an "advanced form of Sakawa" as the Ghanaian Journal puts it. According to the journal, occultism is the very heartbeat of Safawa. Those involved may be asked to engage in unusual performances, as a heavy sacrifce to earn their money, these include abduction of babies and children for ritual purposes, sleep in coffins and with corpses; walk bare-footed, eat from refuse dumps and any other essential prescriptions of their occult masters. One has to work for their money!

A story that caught my eye in the Myjoyonline.com news this week was titled “Men Turn Snakes”. According to reports from The Daily Guide, four young men went to see Nana Ogya to turn them into rich men because they were burned out from the tedious life of the day-to-day job which had failed to make them extensive empire builders with a mass of wealth to their names. The great Nana Ogya asked for 500Gh Cedis from them (five million cedis) in order to make them rich. He also asked for the precious waste of their girlfriends’ monthly visitors. He warned that if they failed to produce the required goods, they could turn into animals or something bad could happen to them. Two of the men fulfilled all the necessary requirements and returned with the other two who produced no remnants of their female companions’ personal bodily contents. As Nana Ogya had warned, the poor young men turned to snakes.

Dear me! The lengths to which one will go to achieve wealth! I have heard some baseless and hearsay whispers about money-making tactics which include nights spent in coffins and the precious sacrifice of a friend’s life. However, poor Kofi Adjei, 28, Kwame Tetteh, 28 are still snakes in Ghana waiting for Mallam Fatau, who says he can turn them back into humans, to locate Nana Ogya, in order for their lives to carry on. The quest for money, is truly a life changing factor.

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This article was written by LSG Staff Writer Flossy Azu.

http://www.flossyazu.blogspot.com

Photo Source

Mirrored Culture

Present Ghanaian culture boasts of the latest in international fashion, and a lifestyle tailored by the pictures in magazines. The proud population of the “cream of the crop” enjoy the luxuries of labored summers in greener pastures, and of course, the joys of their rewarding acquisitions. It is more than amusing to watch, and it truly itches my brain to think why a reflection of another way of life appeals better than the legacy of our own.

Last week’s news announced the arrival of the hailed President Barack Obama of the United States of America. His existence was procured as a result of a Kenyan man’s contribution to the life of the pleasant Ann Dunham of Kansas, shortly before he returned to his beloved country: Kenya. Barack Obama has represented to Ghanaians: “A sense of hope” to others, “A sign of better days to come” to even more “A chance to get more visas and green cards” and to the chosen few, “Pity on us Ghanaians, because we are suffering here, by the grace of God he will give us more opportunity to join others in America.” Truly an icon of hope, and of national advancement.

Hotel Obama recently opened in East Legon on the monumental 4^th of July, 2009 (The American Independence Day) and on ghanabusinessnews.com, the owner, Mr. Kwame Owusu says, “I call it Hotel Obama, because, President Obama represents all that is possible in bridging all there is in ethnic and racial barriers, and a good example of all that is possible,” He continued to disclose that after living in the US for almost 25 years, he understands what it means to be a minority in a society like the US. He therefore, finds it fitting to honour the US President as a living legend.

Also involved in the preparations for the great president’s visit to our humble nation, Former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, started a spraying exercise which he said would rid the city of mosquitoes ahead of the arrival of visiting United States President Barack Obama, as reported by Joy FM. Ghanaians were strongly advised to sanitize the country and call on truces, a façade for the benefit of the great president’s visit. The Minister of Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi on Friday called on Ghanaians, especially residents of Cape Coast to do away with their differences and unite for the visit of the US President, Barrack Obama, Joy FM reported. Our country was prepared for the performance of perfection for the benefit of the American President.

Just as an expected guest in anyone’s home sometimes invites a serious clean up in order to impress all, it especially irks some Ghanaians to think of how our country is thrown into the benefit of wall painting, flower-growing and mosquito murdering only for the benefit of another country’s hero.

I stop to think of our national pride. Of the wearers of the fur boots I see sometimes roasting their owner’s feet in front of Frankies. I wonder about the leather jacket and the leg warmers I saw Adjoa wearing to lectures at Legon. I wonder…which other nation of citizens is proud enough of being Ghanaian, of Ghana, of kente, beads and calabashes to mirror Ghanaian culture within the borders of their country? Not Ghana.

-By Flossy Matekwor Azu, Lifestylz GH Staff Writer

Photo Source: http://adeolaoladele.com/2009/06/

Introducing: The Lifestylz GH Editorial Staff

We're delighted to officially introduce the Lifestylz GH Editorial Team - Flossy Matekwor Azu, Masahoud Codjoe (Mash) and Kobe Asiedu! These individuals are great writers and interesting people, and we're certain they'll be bringing a burst of creativity and insight on Gh-related stuff through their articles and posts! Find out more about them below.

Flossy Matekwor Azu

Visionary, educator, writer and speaker; she is a vibrant young lady of many thoughts. A proud product of North Ridge Lyceum, Flossy graduated with the class of 2001. She then finished her International General Certificate for Secondary Education and International Baccalaureate in SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College, finishing in the class of 2005. She now holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Education from Mount Holyoke College, graduating in 2009 after successfully completing the Teacher’s Licensure Program in the college. She is currently employed as a behavior therapist and teacher for RCS (Realizing Children’s Strengths) Natick, MA.

Flossy has loved writing for as long as she can recall, and she remembers her first book to be “Amy’s Closet” which she completed when she was 8 years old. It was published also by Flossy Azu Publishers, complete with stapled A4 sheet binding and lovely print in HB pencil. Flossy started a writing project with Kofi Awoonor, and another colleague of his, studying his style of writing when she was 16 years. Flossy has also published a number of articles in the Mount Holyoke News.

Flossy intends to pursue a career in education, eventually rejuvenating the Ghanaian education system and building a bright future for the Ghanaian youth through education. In accordance with Maya Angelou's quote, Flossy practices an understanding for illiteracy but holds a complete intolerance for ignorance. The future for Flossy seems to entail a graduate program in Public Policy or perhaps, Public Administration.

She is a great public speaker; she debated in her early school years in North Ridge Lyceum, and participated in a school wide mock election when she was in JSS3, conceding to and impressive second place. In addition, Flossy has participated in school plays, poetry recitals, and spoken word, and has also been a part of theatrical and film productions throughout her school life.

In her opinion, the world is hers to take and she is one of the blessed ones to have found her talents and passion very early on in life. She aspires to change the future of the new generation of Ghanaians, being a part of the birth of an education hungry country.

Masahoud Cojoe (Mash)

Masahoud Codjoe (Mash) pursued his primary education at both Engelbert Preparatory School in Accra, Ghana and Fielding Drive Public School in Ottawa, Canada. He later went on to study General Arts at Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School, Legon. His passion for writing is evident in his choice of English Literature throughout high school which culminated in him being awarded a prize in English Literature in his final year. He recently completed the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies of the University for Development Studies. Mash has also written many poems and short stories and hopes to publish a novel in the near future. He enjoys reading anything from newsletters to novels and enjoys a wide range of music from hiplife to hip hop. Mash also has a passion for development-related issues, especially concerning Northern Ghana where he is from. He strongly believes in the saying, "before we can change the world, we need to change ourselves". In other words, with the right attitudes, we can overcome any obstacles."

Kobe Asiedu

Kobe Asiedu graduated from the University of Ghana with a B.A. in Political Science and Information Studies. Prior to that he attended Bishop Bowers JHS and then Pope John SHS where he studied Science. He's worked as a Teaching and Research Assistant in his third and final years of university and is currently looking forward to working with Beekman Management Solutions to assume the role of Trainee Development and Business Strategy Manager and hoping to later pursue a career in Law and International Aid. He enjoys watching movies, swimming, blogging poetry, humour and unfettered candour.