Every culture has to deal with its “thing” – a question or problem that pricks at the conscience of a people – at one point or another. China has Tibet. India has rape. America has racism and hypocrisy. Ghana has filth. Let’s just face it: Ghana is a pretty nasty country. We can boast all […]
The year was 1988. It was a hot day. I know this because we weren’t in the rainy season, and all days outside of the rainy season in Ghana have one temperature: hot. There we stood; a ragtag mix of children with short-cropped hair, brown and beige uniforms and shoes shined with that wonderful black […]
Don’t misread what I’m saying oo! I’m not talking about Concentration Camps and Con men. I feel like I have to clarify this at the onset because I have an (unjust!) reputation for being a cynic. No, Random Readers and MOM Squad, I am referring to something far more pleasant and saccharine than bullets and […]
There is a new web series online called ‘An African City’, and if you have any device imbued with magical internet powers and any connection to Ghana in any way, chances are you’ve heard of it. Created by Nicole Amarteifio (whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting once at a bazaar), the show styles itself […]
Ghana is 57 today. Wow. The gravity of that statement really just struck me. Fifty-seven years old as a sovereign nation… [youtube=http://youtu.be/lTTdi8AjZg8] I wonder if Kwame Nkrumah, Ebo Taylor and my sainted grandmother imagined on that glorious Independence Eve that Ghana would look as she does today fifty-seven years on. Most likely not. I shall […]
Are you all fired up? Good. Then we can begin. A story that is quickly eclipsing all others in Ghanaian news this week centers around three girls, a few bagful’s of panties, and human rights abuse in Ghana. The “facts” have been hard to decipher, since everyone with a smart device or PC has managed […]
Saints and the Most High: We need fewer churches in Ghana. Considering Jesus never once preached in a church (churches differ from synagogues, right?), I don’t think this is a very controversial statement. Jesus preached on mountains, by rivers, in the city square…if you – Mr. Pastor – really want to get the gospel out […]
If you sit in the lobby of the African Regent in Accra during the brunch hour, you can literally watch the direction the country will be going in unfold before your eyes. You’ll find out what’s coming to your screen in the coming months. You’ll discover the latest celebrity gossip. You’ll even discover what you’ll […]
It’s not often that I’m moved to violence. Okay. That’s I lie. I consistently harbor violent thoughts. But it’s rare that I ever act them out. I fear jail. The closest I’ve come to violent behavior was just last week when Somebody* and I were on the Tema Motorway. There was gridlocked traffic. The air […]
I’ve got my shoes. MAKSI is making my dress. I have my books packed. I think I’m ready. Almost everyone in the MOM Squad has read my debut novel, Daughters of Swallows, either in blog form or on paperback. You’re familiar with its contents. The book covers a myriad of topics, ranging from marriage, romance, […]
There is a well called Stupidity in Ghana. It runs ever deep. Our politicians, civil servants and officials – elected and otherwise – draw from its depths daily. I, like most of you, have never visited this well, because I’ve never had the means or need to. One must be oiled with copious amounts of […]
You don’t know who this is, do you? I’m talking to you, my non-Ghanaian readers. This lovely (and boobie-licious) young lady is Victoria Hammah (former, as of this morning) Deputy Minister of Communications in the West African nation of Ghana. In the last 36 hours, Miss Hammah has been embroiled in a scandal resulting from […]
I woke up on Sunday morning with a start. I had had the most bizarre dream and my heart was pounding wildly. With my head throbbing and throat aching, I tried to recollect the details of my dream as my eyes adjusted to the pre-dawn light. Ah. I had it. I had dreamt about a […]
Warning: This is a rant, not a political analysis. You’ve been warned. Sometimes, a person – or in this case a group of people – can say something so mind-numbingly idiotic that is takes one’s breath away and chills the brain. What? You’ve never had one of those moments? Prepare yourself. When Mr. Rashid Pelpuo […]
People laugh at me because I have crushes on local Ghanaian artists and entertainers. Like they are not good enough to be groupie-fied and – potentially – groped. To that I say: “Whatever!” My father is a full blooded Larteh man and still catches the eye of young ladies all over the streets of Accra. […]
Shyous. It’s the only word that aptly describes President Mahama’s digitally captured image in front of the towering CNN letters at the doors of the media giant’s headquarters in Atlanta: Shyous. You’ll have to forgive me Random Readers and my regular M.O.M. Squad who are not Ghanaian. This may same like a non-issue to you, […]
Labone, 1989 “Do you want to go to Prince’s house?” My breath caught in my throat on that crisp, rainy season day. I felt my eyes involuntarily fly open and morph into a pair brown half-dollars. “Oh yes! Please! Can we go now?” “Yes. Ask your Mummy of we can go for a walk, […]
It’s finally come. August 29th, 2013. The day many Ghanaians have waited for to come and pass. At long last, the Supreme Court of Ghana is going to deliver its verdict on the 2012 presidential election results – a verdict that is expected to mean absolutely nothing, according to pundits like Murtala Mohammed – because […]
“Honey, what’s for dinner tonight?” “I didn’t know if you wanted tilapia for beef, so I told Constance to prepare both.” “You’re so attentive. I’m lucky I married you. Hey! Did you hear about what happened at the Osu Children’s Home?” “You mean that Anas report? Yes! It was shocking!” “We should try to do […]
Last week, Ghana celebrated its 56th year of independent rule from Britain. Reactions on social media were varied, but there was one dominant theme: disappointment. The usual hand wringing over the lack of basic utilities (like a dependable supply of water and electricity) and public amenities (like roads and safe, affordable transportation) were at the […]
The Obolobo Show: A (fictional) reality show focused on women of a certain size who have to navigate life in Ghana while simultaneously being called all manner of pejoratives and being offered useless advice, remedies and commentary on their ‘obolonity’. I have found myself as unwilling cast member of this show. I was feeling really […]