Saturday 31 March 2012

Preacher One-Touch is Free???????

I remember some time back, visiting a friend in Belgium who had just returned from Ghana -and whilst recounting her travels of back home, she mentioned an incident that got me worried…

Staying with some relative (not her immediate family oOo) in a village just outside of  Sunyani in Brong-Ahafo Region -she was awoken by a little boy, a distant family member -who was moving up and down on her body, mercifully she was under the covers and he was on top!!! After jumping out of her skin and bed she asked him (he was about five years old) -what on earth he was doing -and apparently he just laughed and run out…later her cousins explained that perhaps …he had seen his parents doing that and was emulating what he saw!!! Shocked by this story and the families' reaction -I asked her if she had thought for one second …that the little boy might have been abused? And her reaction, common in the Ghanaian community was, “no, never, surly not, such things don‘t happen” and this, I‘m afraid is the reason many abused children go undetected and thus don’t get the help/support they need in Ghana.....

I remember falling out with my son’s father a couple of years ago over an incident that he… still believes I overreacted -over!!!

My then five year old son was spending the weekend with him -and as usual, I decided to call him at around six pm to see if he was ok and find out if he was eating etc etc -and instead of getting his father on his mobile I got my son. My baby explained his father had left him with an uncle -so he could pop to the shops to buy some drinks and get him a sweet … Well I never!!! My heart started beating … my son didn’t know the uncle but he was apparently a very good friend of his fathers’ and even though I also didn’t know him…my Jojo was alright and watching TV.

Trying to stay calm for my baby‘s sake, I asked to speak to this uncle and Jojo was right I didn’t know him…but he, the 'uncle' in question -did assure me my baby was fine and that his father had just popped out to buy some drinks and food -and would be back shortly… At that moment I was outside Oxford street Topshop with my mate Talib -and I felt sick..

I didn’t know this uncle/man!!! My son didn’t know this man and I felt sick. I know for many of you reading this ..I was uber irrational, overreacting maybe - but thoughts I can’t even begin to share with you but are experienced by most parents at least once in their lives flashed through my mind… I prayed -and just believed this stranger wouldn’t hurt/damage my child (Amen)… I decided to keep talking to him but my baby become distracted and told me he was missing his cartoons… so I told him to get his father to call him as soon as he got back home…

How did this story end [I'll serve it to you a lot neater than it really was]….I let my baby’s father have it!!!!!! I wanted to know how he could leave my child with someone I and my child didn’t know???? I wanted to know how on earth he could do that!!!! I wanted to know why he didn’t take my son with him -or if he was worried that his sooo called friend might steal something from his house, -his designer clothes -say; -so he instead left my son with this stranger ….to protect his goodssss…

As always…..I was, according to Jojo’s father -overrating!!! He also suggested that ….maybe ….I’d finally gone mad!!! …. I didn’t give a s**@*# and my questions ensued…“how long had he known this man to think it's alright to leave my baby with him?” And even when prodded further (my true fears coming out) …“had he any idea the things some people do to children” ……his answer(s) was as above….“no, never, surly not, such things don‘t happen.”

I don’t know…….was it just his mulish-Akim Oda-satellite-dish-head -jagger-jagger-ness or lack of education or just plan ignorance -because…… people …..‘all sorts’ are happening to children right under the noses of their family members’ … and we have to be aware.

Anyway it got me thinking about the ‘One-Touch’ preacher and the ongoing sad saga of a defiled ten year old girl….

This sad story truly amazes me!!!! Whatever the truth…… I have yet to meet a child who talks about rape -never mind makes up such stories, thus my prayers go out to this girl. May she not be defined by this life altering horrific incident and may she go on to become all that she was destined to be and more (Amen)… The following is a piece about human rights lawyer, Nana Oye Lithur and her feelings about the very, very, very, very early release of Pastor One-Touch…

You know…….. I’ve always known there are unforeseen forces at work in every field, in every country; that the super rich/powerful/special lodge members (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, special handshake brigade) exist everywhere -soooo I’m wondering? Is this another case of a powerful man ‘getting away with it” or do the high courts of GHANA truly believe Pastor One-Touch is innocent?????

I think its also important to remember that Ghana’s still somewhat behind -and victims of rape etc etc, are not really seen as victims… but rather as, “why did you let him do that to you” verve?? And this disgusting attitude persists, thus rendering Ghana a place where raped victims are afraid to reports said crimes.

When will things change? I'm guuessing....... when the likes of human rights lawyer, Nana Oye Lithur have bigger voices -and when other powerful women in the public eye decide to confront this vile act -head-on!!!

Honestly…. I’m really blown away by this story -especially as it involves ‘another’ pastor etc etc…. It makes you wonder -no??? The following text comes from the Ghana To Ghana website….


Nana Oye Lithur


A human rights lawyer has expressed utter disappointment over the acquittal and discharge of Prophet Kofi Yirenkyi popularly known as Jesus Onetouch by a High Court in Accra, Friday.

Nana Oye Lithur is even more disappointed with the Attorney General and his office for the lackadaisical manner in which they handled the case and suspected it is partly the reason why the pastor has been freed.

Jesus Onetouch was slapped with a ten year jail term for defiling his own ten year old daughter but after five months in prison a High Court Friday reversed the Circuit court’s decision on appeal.

The sitting judge Justice Emmanuel Dzakpasu ruled the prosecution could not prove beyond every reasonable doubt that the girl’s hymen was broken by penis penetration and more importantly if it was the father who defiled her.

MultiTV’s Curtis Howard reported that two separate doctors’ reports tendered in evidence could not also vindicate the position by the prosecution.

The judge therefore set the accused person free. But Oye Lithur is not happy.

“We are disappointed with the judgement… We are also very disappointed with the way the Attorney General’s office and the Attorney General and the State Attorneys have handled this case because they were not in court today.

“The case was called, they were not in court and the case was stood down and still they did not appear in court.

“So we have to look at how the Attorney General’s Department and the State Attorney on this case has handled it and whether or not this has contributed to the judgment we have today,” she said.

Lithur questioned how the two doctors’ reports were tendered in evidence on appeal and questioned who ordered the second test and challenged how it was done.

She was convinced that with time the scars on the victim’s private parts and which was basis for the first ruling against Jesus Onetouch may have been healed which made a second test a fait accompli in favour of the accused person.

Oye Lithur urged the Attorney General to appeal the case.


Credit: http://www.ghanatoghana.com/

Fashion: The House of Osei-Tutu





"The House of Osei-Tutu is an exclusive, luxury fashion house specialising in contemporary couture, attire and accessories for men." The House of Osei-Tutu


Jerry Osei-Tutu’s menswear label, The House of Osei-Tutu is new to Ghana Rising! I don’t know much about Jerry but I love his somewhat provocative style and verve… His designs are elegant, grown up and sexy with a something, something, something -and I like it. For more information about the The House of Osei-Tutu visit: http://www.osei-tutu.co.uk/

Thursday 29 March 2012

Ghanaian Fashion designers /celebrities and fashionista at the 2012 Arise Magazine Fashion Week…..



Photo credit: Sefa Nkansa


Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: I applaud this year’s Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2012 -and from the little I’ve heard, -it was fabulous and professional bar a couple of days that didn‘t happen.

I’m very proud of the organizers behind this colossal event. Truly, its not easy to have the worlds gaze on you when you have to deal with events of this magnitude on a continent struggling with jagger-jagger politics, crap infrastructure, inconsistencies with regards to electricity et al and basic -African palaver!!!! …But I still have issues …and its not with the organisers!!!

My gripe is with …..the lack of photographs or reportage with regards to the numerous Ghanaian fashionistas/ personalities at said event!!! Surly they walked the red carpet, attended the various shows and parties and were spotted on the streets?? Really…we [Ghanaians] aren’t represented in any of the various ‘street-style’ segments on any blog/websites???

The thing is….. I don’t know if its because they [AMFW 2012] didn’t invite enough Ghanaian media representatives or if the GH-media reps present -just don’t understand the importance of covering this paramount event -properly (mercy)???

Its beyond infuriating how Ghanaian media-rites don’t get ‘the fashion’ thingy… Firstly, they think fashion’s all about glamour, or making errrrmmm whatever garments out of wax print cloths or getting a group of Miss Ghana(s) together to walk the catwalk (I shudder to think oOO). They have noooo idea about business never mind that ..fashion’s a multi billion dollars industry -and every part of its process -must be covered/exposed properly…

The concept of the front -row is also non-existent… The notion that the FRONT-ROW (now called ‘the frow’ by insiders) will ultimately decide how hot -bloggers/journalists etc find the collection -is lost on many Ghanaians. The BACKSTAGE photographs, those yummy up-close images that enable true fashion aficionados to get a feel of the garments, or to see the enormous amount of work that’s gone into a collection, -or the ability to see the hair & make-up we’ll all be sporting in the next six months -is just not a reality for many GH photographers/bloggers et al…. What a shame!!!!!

There are no images of Ghanaian designers, doyennes, bloggers or whatever…….-never mind the BUYERS -why? Do they [Gh media-rites] think the people behind Arise Magazine fashion Week are having a laugh or do understand the work being done to promote African fashion designers -globally? And it very expensive work -I hasten to add!!!

Please note …. most of the aforementioned creative(s) mentioned -all have a part to play …in making the cogs/mechanism at the base of this incredible industry -the fashion Industry, -move/grow/work/expand/make profit etc etc.

Also (this is something I’ve cried over in the past ) -why don’t they understand that the internet has turned every post ever written about African [Ghanaian] fashion -into a possible opportunity for said fashion designer/model/fashionista/blogger to achieve success -way beyond their bedrooms!!! The world has become a global village, a much smaller place -and those with money/style/know-how etc etc -are no longer prepared to limit their WANTS to just their local high streets, cities or countries etc …but are prepared to travel the globe to buy an innovate piece by some obscure Ghanaian designer that been written about by a single mother in north London -do you get me??? And that goes for candles, toiletries, cosmetics, shoes, food et al… if I told you about the amount of emails I get from various designers/creatives etc who have received sales/emails/enquires from the other side of the world because of something I blogged about in 2009 -you wouldn’t believe it … but words/photographs are powerful…

At this juncture, I’ll like to take the opportunity to bring to mind the numerous Ghanaian businesses that are operating without websites/blogs/tumblers etc …why? What a wasted opportunity to sell your designs/goods/services to the world….because, and this might come as a bit of a shock to some of you…-the world is a ‘small’ market place and the internet is a ‘shop front window’ into your business!!!!

Do you know that some of the Ghanaian designers present at AMFW have yet to upload their catwalk photographs onto their Facebook fan pages -never mind their website? Now if a buyer from say ….Merchants on Long in Cape Town (http://www.merchantsonlong.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/merchantscapetown), the hottest boutique in Africa in my opinion -wanted to check out their designs and have another look at their collection….it would be a wasted opportunity -right??? **Anyway if you’re a high-end designer why not get in touch with the stylish people at Merchants on Long and get them to check out your designs -unless like most Ghanaian fashion designers -you’re happy to sell to only those in your local. Also…. do check out their [Merchants on Long’s] face book page, -where their address, telephone number, website and a lovely description about their services is elegantly and professionally provided for potential clients -it might just help you [fellow fashion designers/boutique/service providers) -to up your game…

Getting back on track…please remember,… there are numerous boutiques in South Africa, Canada, Spain et al with some serious money to spend ..looking for new designers to promote -and it can take just one photograph or blog post -to propel one Ghana based designer from a village called Kissi onto the catwalks of NYC or London… -so why don’t Ghanaian media-nistas -get this? By not covering Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2012 fully, the few Ghanaian journalists, photographers and bloggers present at said event -have let us all down!!!

Anyway I’ve waffled on for far tooo long -and no longer care ….whether the Ghanaian media-nistas at Arise Magazine Fashion Week 2012 were few (and far between) or not -and I’m over the lack of images/write-ups etc …. but I still wanted to bring you the little info I managed to scrap together…… -so here goes….enjoy..



Highlights From AMFW 2012....

Ozwald Boateng takes a bow to rapturous applause…..  Photo credit: Arise Magazine




The ever beautiful Erzumah Ackerson, designer of Bestow Elan is photographed on the red carpet by One Nigerian Boy’s Terence Sambo…




AMFW chief hair stylist -Johnnie Sapong surrounded by fellow hairstylists backstage --Photo credit: Arise Magazine




Fashion 101 presenter Sandra Ankobiah on the red carpet at AMFW 2012….






**Fashion 101 presenter Sandra Ankobiah, actress Yvonne Okoro and editor & publisher of Glitz Magazine -Claudia Lumor appear at the beginning of the above clip…but why the lack of Ghanaian fashionistas????





***I don’t know……… anyway the above film -even though it whizzes past in a flash [why? I don‘t know??] -does have a few seconds of Ghanaian fashionista and presenter of the ever popular Fashion 101, Sandra Ankobiah -at the very end.


Street Style
I also spotted the following photographs of Sandra Ankobiah, actress Yvonne Okoro and editor & publisher of Glitz Magazine -Claudia at Arise Magazine Fashion Week via Fashion 101’s face book and blog page...







Very Important facts…
AMFW chief hair stylist was Johnnie Sapong, songstress Efya performed and Ozwald Boateng won the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the ARISE Magazine Fashion Awards 2012...




***The lovely film above -is a video dairy by beautiful Nigerian/American model, Fancy Tracy's and gives those of us who weren’t there -another perceptive of the shows -its really a gem. And shows Johnnie Sapong back stage, the front-row fashionistas -and that must-have purple dress with the clashing print detail by Ghanaian designer -Jil.



Designers

Featuring; Clan, Ohema Ohene, Amine Bendriouch Couture & BS, Zooni and AMFW chief hair stylist Johnnie Sapong. (Credit: ashionistaGH & Bella Naija collaboration)





Ohema Ohene



***Wow what can I say,…. the Ohema Ohene collection blew me away! Designing for both men and women -Ohema Ohene’s ode to the majesty of Ghanaian Kente cloth was evident from the black and white woven pieces worn by the men. I love her use of clashing bold wax prints -just feast your eyes on that delectable nipped-in-at-the-waist jacket and cigarette pants and her take on the shape of the season -the peplum top and skirt…sexy magic -me thinks…



Clan



***Clan is a new uber sophisticated label by Ghanaian/Nigerian sisters and daughters of fab Nigerian fashion designer, Deola Sagoe. Made up of my new style crush -Aba (not just because we share a name but because Aba has incredible style and dresses-to-kill), Teni and Tiwa Sagoe -their collection was the ‘me I want to be’ -when I grow-up, uber....hot-hot-hot!!!

Clean lines, structured, sexy, to-live-for show stopping pieces -made for elegant nights out, -the Clan woman is no wall flower. I’m glad that like Bestow Elan, they felt no pressure to give us wax prints oOo (mercy) -thus, -it was a breath of fresh air!!! -I’m crazy about the entire collection especially their Le smoking-esque gold tux (I want it now) and that somewhat ‘delicate’ flesh coloured itsy-bitsy dress with the daringly low plunging neckline… yummy.



***********
Featuring; Kastle Designs & Treasure Chest, Vonne Couture, Viv La Resistance, Bestow Elan, Kiki Clothing, Grey and uber menswear designer Ozwald Boateng and Nduka Obaigbena publisher of Arise Magazine… (Credit: ashionistaGH & Bella Naija collaboration)





Kastle Designs And Treasure Chest



***The Piper twins’ Kastle Designs And Treasure Chest A/W2012 collection was very ‘Lolita’, think young it-girl raids mummy’s couture closet. Bursting with their signature sexy body-con dresses and soon-to-be firm favourites including a studio 54-esque disco fabulous green jumpsuit, a racy-lacy number  -and that long elegant cocktail dress a la 1980’s Dynasty…



Bestow Elan



***Ghana Rising fave, Erzumah Ackerson designer of Bestow Elan gave us sexy, grown-up woman in art gallery chic with touches of modern day Grecian goddess -and I love it. With it delicate splashes of starlight art-attack colours, statement dresses and to-live-for printed Capri pants (I’m predicating the Bestow Elan capri pants are A/W12 it-trousers du jour) - this collection is one of my favourite from AMFW and I see it stocked around the world. Another successful collection …go Erzumah….




Kiki Clothing



***Kiki Clothing by Titi Ademola went big on prints with some pieces made from two or more different prints clashing fabulously and a host of crisp white cotton dresses with wax print sleeves, hems and bow details.


**********
Featuring; Nkwo, Gloria Wavamunno, Duaba Serwa, Grey, Jewel by Lisa. Comments from Sacha Okoh, Sandra Ankobiah, Yvonne Okoro and Claudia Lumor. (Credit: ashionistaGH & Bella Naija collaboration)





Duaba Serwa /Sa4a Shoes & Bags



*8*Nelly Aboagye’s Duaba Serwa was a celebration of the female form. From her uber feminine statement dresses for ‘ladies-who-lunch’, stripy body-con ‘days at the races’ pieces -to must-have dresses with sweet-heart neckline -the Duaba Serwa’s A/W12 collection is dressed-up sexiness at its best. I have just found out via Sandra Ankobiah’s blog (http://myfashion101.blog.com/) that the gorgeous shoes and bags above are the creation of Ghana based accessories label, Sa4a (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sa4a/246999258686712?sk=wall&filter=12) .. A fabulous collaboration -me thinks..


*****
Featuring; JIL, Poisa, Christie Brown and Fashionistas: TV presenter Sandra Ankobiah, actress Yvonne Okoro and ESSENCE.com's Fashion Editor Zandile Blay (credit: FashionistaGH & Bella Naija collaboration)







Jil




Details -I’m truly thankful to One Nigerian Boy for this close up of the Jil collection. Not only does it show the amount of work that gone into the collection but just how beautiful it is -and stops it from appearing somewhat pedestrian…If only Mr Terence Sambo could have done the same with all the other collections…






Details photos all courtesy of One Nigerian Boy (http://www.onenigerianboy.com/)

***Jil by Adoley Addo gave us grown-up wearable pieces for sophisti-cats. Consisting of evening dresses with woven pieces of colourful majestic kente cloth, fringing and a red power suit that’s crying out to be worn to Ghana’s bourgeoning rounds of engagements & weddings parties, -I’m predicating that this collection’s going to be a hit. Me? ….I’m after the lilac lace dress with yellow details and the Kente skirt -worm above with a delicate coral silk blouse….




Christie Brown Designs / Mosaïque shoes…





****Christie Brown by Aisha Obuobi -was all about details. Using darker, richer colours like plum and dark green -coupled with dark velvet, and touches of leather and wax cloth -the Christie Brown collection offered innovative well executed pieces for the sophisticated -girl-about-town. Her peek-a-boo lace and shear dresses paired with sexy stacked Mosaïque heels -are dreamy and on-point. I’m especially loving the dark green trousers (I think its silk) -and the Mosaïque heels worn with socks, -a fabulous collaboration -me thinks.



Ozwald Boateng





***Ozwald Boateng didn’t disappoint and gave us one fabulous, well cut, dapper-peacock-about-town suit after another…. I heard that Ozwald Boateng’s show brought the house down, but why wouldn’t it…he’s the consummate professional after all, -way, way ahead of the pack…




Photos & Video Credits:

http://fashionistagh.blogspot.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/Fashion101gh

http://myfashion101online.com/

http://www.arisemagazine.net/amfw/

http://www.onenigerianboy.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/fashionistagh