13 dead; 600 hospitalised in Accra cholera outbreak

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Is Ghana all fur coat and no knickers?? With numerous hot nightclubs about to open, fabulous spas offering high-end treatments -not yet available in the UK, several new fashion boutiques planed for later this year, and some important/big fashion shows about to take place in the Accra Metropolis etc etc -why is it that many of its citizens don’t know how to wash their hands -and many still, don’t have access to toilets in their homes…. What’s going on -Ghana???

I’m really upset and angry -people.. I’m really angry and embarrassed by this latest cholera out break -and suggests we do something about it -this time… Surely,-we can’t just sit and passively watch as Ghana regresses backwards into stinky, filthy medieval jagger-jagger-ness.  Remember.... the world is watching and routing for us in our quest to develop…and this is embarrassing -paaaaaa.

This is a national disgrace; its internationally -embarrassing and does nothing for our tourist industry… We need to make some noise… because its not good for our health or Ghana‘s progress… The government needs to act now…

The thing is…we [Ghanaians] are clean people -mostly, but there’s a small minority who haven’t been educated about such matters.. I remember an incident way back -when a friend of a friend came to stay with my son and I -and it wasn’t easy but; -I had to remind her to wash her hands after going to the bathroom -and she turned to me and said, "but I only went pee-pee" -OMGoodiness!!!. I had to explain to this sister -it didn’t matter whether it was a number 1 or 2 -you always wash your hands!!!!

I also [after she enquired] -had to explain why -I changed into what my son and I call -house-wear -every time I entered the house.. I had to make clear that when you’re outside, -you pick up allsorts including; germs/debris/dirt etc -so when you get home -its best to take it off and put on stuff you only wear indoors etc…

I also think back to when my father, a dialysis technician, finally retired and was moving back home for good… I remember clearly his reservations about -the lack of good personal hygiene practises by some back home…

He moved back home but resolved to eat from only two people, his partner and my auntie -because people just don’t wash their hands in Ghana!!!!

The government needs to start educating people -again… The ordinary Ghanaian needs to understand the importance of ‘better personal hygiene’ -right now..


When will they [government] start running those short films they used to run -you know, the ones where -market women are told not to change their babies nappy at their stalls, and warned about the importance of washing their hands after said act,before they serve the next costumer etc etc etc etc etc….

According to the world bank our [Ghana’s] GDP stands at $31.31 Billion US dollars at current prices (2010Source: World Bank) -which means a GDP - per capita (PPP) of $2,500 (2010 est.) -that is $2’500 per person -people….-Could we not use some of this money to sanction/roll out public toilets, -you know, ….a place where people can do their business, change their babies nappies, wash their hands -and wash themselves -if need be????

The thing is … we all know that -elsewhere in the world, cholera’s a medieval disease -destroyed way back in the dark ages ..but not Ghana, what on earth is going on??? The following is taken from Ghana web .com -and makes for very sober reading….



Title: 13 dead; 600 hospitalised in Accra cholera outbreak

Dated: Thursday, 5 April 2012


At least thirteen people have been confirmed dead in the latest cholera outbreak that has hit the capital, Accra.


600 more are bed ridden in various hospitals across the capital since the first case was reported last month.

This was confirmed by Dr Edward Antwi Deputy Greater Accra region Health Director in an interview with Joy News.

According to him, Adabraka, Odawnaa, Nima, Maamobi, Newtown, Madina-Abokobi are some of the worst hit areas.

Dr. Antwi blamed the outbreak on poor personal hygiene, saying, “You get the cholera disease when food or water that has been contaminated with faecal matter; that is the faeces containing the germ is eaten.

He said food and water sources must be protected and “we have to ensure that we eat from safe places.”

He said the Directorate is liaising with the AMA to disinfect areas identified as worst hit.

Meanwhile, the AMA has begun prosecuting land lords who do not have places of convenience in their homes.

The move is part of efforts to ensure cleanliness in the region.
Credit: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=235147

Born Again: Wow…..Lord Kenya’s now an Evangelist…..

**Lord Kenya back in the day….



Wow …. Ghana’s Tupac, rapper Lord Kenya has left the music industry to become a pastor….and fellow musicians and beyond are taking note. Having had a ‘Road to Damascus’ conversation -the former rapper’s now a ministering ‘man of God’ -and Ghana Rising is sending ‘big’ love and praying for pastor Kenya and his family.

Those of us who have had some experience of the music industry know ….it doesn’t give up its talented ’ones’ -easily … but instead turns many of them into mini Gods -with fans/disciples that follow their every word/move and style….making unseen faces lots of money!!!!. Also, many musicians won’t let-on …but many have had to sell their soul along the way to make it -and in doing so -have entertained and recruited for the Devil (and the likes). Thus, to declare yourself a ‘Christian’ or confess -your now going, ‘God’s way’ …is no small thing and needs the guidance of the Holy Sprit and the Blood of our Lord and Friend -Christ Jesus….. [from your head to your toes, over your going out and your coming in; over your family and friends, from henceforth now and for ever -Amen]…

In Ghana many so called musicians -have been exposed as consulting with witch doctors and the like to achieve success. Many musicians have become Freemasons/illuminati(s) to make it -thus its soooo refreshing to hear such lovely news. We’ve all watch the ever handsome Lord Kenya’s musical rise and now its going to be a pleasure to watch him winning souls for the ‘Kingdom of God’ -Amen…

The following words were written for me a hundred years ago by a wonderful ‘Man of God’ called Nicholas. This prayer has enabled me -on numerous occasions during my ‘journey’ -grow ‘wings’ -Amen. Today, I use it as a prayer for Lord Kenya -as he starts his ministering journey:


May God grant you every of your hearts desire -Amen.


May you come to dwell always in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty -Amen.


May his Angels guard you, watch over you and protect you -Amen.


And may the Blessings of God, the Almighty, father, Son and the Holy Spirit come upon you and remain with you [always] -Amen….

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah x

Object of Desire: ‘Oh Chale’ Women’s t-shirt by Kayobi ….

£25         To buy the ‘Oh Chale’ Women’s t-shirt by Kayobi visit: http://kayobi.bigcartel.com/


“A very popular Ghanaian (Pidgin English) expression used in multiple senses in the same sense as the words "Dude" or "Homie." Used with "Oh" as an expression of disappointment, pity, and sympathy. This design employs the classic Yo MTV Raps design and gives it a funky Ghanaian twist.” Kayobi

In the pursuit to find the best t-shirt -ever … I’ve found it …..in the shape of a green ‘Oh Chale’ Women’s t-shirt by kayobi.  -I’m crazy about this t-shirt -and believe its about to become a staple in every fashionista’s wardrobe…

Note they do men's as well -and priced at £25 -its uber reasonable -too.. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kayobi-Clothing/41708022346



P.s you know I’m constantly looking at images of the latest this-and-that -and the just-about-to-launch this and that, -and most of the time, I have to really investigate and scratch out enough information to accompany such post…. -but most frustrating of all -is trying to find beautiful images that I feel are worthy of my blog (you know I like to keep it looking high-end (laughter -come on you know me by now) -and its such a pleasure to have these two images (above) on my blog.

Quality beautiful t-shirts, a real model, fabulous styling and a very good photographer -what a joy and a wonderful breath-of-fresh-air.

To all Ghanaian fashion designers/beauty companies owners/hairstylists/MUA(s) /creatives - out there, do invest in the services of reputable photographers/stylists/hairstylists/MUAs (make-up artists) to achieve the above glossy [photographic] looks …

I very rarely share this, ..but if you’re based in the UK (or at times -Europe & the States) and are a fashion designer (or other fash-industry creatives) -do check out ‘who is testing.com’. -An incredible site for those wanting to up their game -and achieve magazine really promotional images/look books/ professional glossy high-end photo shoots etc - ‘who is testing.com’is a database of uber talented people looking to collaborate. There are others -but what’s truly fabulous about this site is that even though you have to be of high calibre (with some images/portfolio etc) -to get on said site, -many on there are testing or updating their portfolios and will work with you to attain high-fashion images -for next to nothing £££ -if you’re truly hot and are what they’re looking for in terms of clothes/model/MUA etc. Anyway try…because the ‘pedestrian’ images clogging up my mailbox -is getting boring…

Philomena Kwao goes stellar as Britain’s first plus size supermodel….

Striking: Philomena wears multi coloured fluro Kaftan £29.50 available at style369.com

Wow how beautiful is Britain’s first plus size supermodel, Philomena Kwao? Having won a “nationwide contest run by curvy clothing brand Evans in conjunction with Models 1 and Style369.com” -former Miss Ghana UK Philomena Kwao is set to go stellar and shake up the modelling industry with her unique look.


I’m uber excited about Ms Kwao -and look forward to her ascent in the fashion industry as she’s now signed Models 1 -one of the worlds top modelling agencies. The following piece comes courtesy of www.dailymail.co.uk/ -and features an interview Ms Kwao did for the May issue of Cosmopolitan, which goes on sale 4th April 2012. Anyway I’m off to buy a copy -enjoy… x






'I want to empower girls': Student's hopes of being Britain's first black plus-size supermodel after winning High Street fashion competition...

By Sadie Whitelocks / Dated: 3 April 2012

She's always been a high achiever academically and now 22-year-old student Philomena Kwao is hoping to excel out of the classroom as Britain's first black plus-size model.

The self-confessed economics geek beat thousands of other hopefuls in a nationwide contest run by curvy clothing brand Evans in conjunction with Models 1 and Style369.com.

She has since starred in numerous fashion features including a beach-inspired shoot in this month's Cosmopolitan magazine.


Shot on the shores of Miami, size 16 Philomena who is from Dartford, Kent and of Ghanaian heritage showcases her striking looks in a range of bold beachwear.

In preparation for the assignment she looked to some of the most renowned plus-sized models including Crystal Renn, Tara Lynn and Candice Huffine studying the way they flaunted their curves.

She was one of five girls to make it through to the final of the modelling contest and is now signed with a new division of Models 1.
Over the years the model agency has represented the likes of Yasmin Le Bon, Linda Evangelista and Twiggy but last summer it launched a sister company called Excel-Models1 tapping into the trend for curvier women.

But it wasn't Philomena's first foray into fashion and in 2008 she was crowned Miss Ghana UK.

Commenting on her recent win she said: ‘I hope to use this as a platform by which I can hopefully empower girls and young women like myself.

'I also want to be a figurehead for young girls today who sometimes may become disillusioned by 'the glamorous lifestyle'.

Philomena in the May issue of Cosmopolitan wearing embellihed kimono top £55, style369.com


'I want to show them that you can really do it all if you try; that is to pursue your dreams, whatever they maybe and get an education. Your education doesn’t have to suffer!

'I also want to help spread the message that there is beauty in everything: every shape, colour, size, and height … whatever. We are all beautiful.’

Fiona Ross brand director from style369.com hopes that curvier representatives such as Philomena will help change attitude towards body size.

'Whilst there are a lot of really beautiful plus models around, the vast majority of them are from the US.

'As a British brand, we really wanted to find a beautiful healthy British girl, so we launched our UK model search in association with Models 1 and Cosmopolitan, who were also very excited about finding stunning UK talent.'

Since graduating from Bristol University with a first class degree in Economics Philomena is currently studying for an MSc in International Health Management at Imperial College, London which she is set to finish this September.

She added: ‘I know it sounds very cliché, but I didn’t even think I would win.

'Since being announced as the winner I have been lucky enough to have such an incredible journey, from shooting in Miami with Cosmo to shooting for Style 369.com.'

Shelly Vella, fashion director of Cosmopolitan UK said: 'She has an incredible face and body, not to mention a professional and driven personality.

'She will excel, whatever she decides to do. Personally I would love to see her front a beauty campaign.

'The industry is definitely progressing its attitude to curvier girls.

'Healthier body attitudes and a backlash against REALLY skinny models have led a fair few designers to rethink the models they send down catwalks, and magazines to appraise their approach to their fashion pages.'

See the full shoot in the May issue of Cosmopolitan, on sale 4th April


Credit:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2124574/Philomena-Kwao-hopes-Britains-black-plus-size-supermodel.html

Fashion: Duafe Denim

Duafe Denim, a new label offering wax print embellished jeans for all shapes and sizes -is to launch (I believe… the first ever made-in-Ghana denim collection) on Saturday 7th April 2012... Designed by, new to Ghana Rising radar -Chantal Korsah, -this unique blend of denim cotton and lycra jeans -is about to become a staple in every fashionable girls wardrobe in Ghana (and fingers crossed -beyond).


I’m very excited about this venture, and wish Chantal Korsah and her team every success -and look forward (once the dust settles) -to some glossy high-end photo shoots/images of their jeans on some of Ghana’s uber fabulous high fashion models.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/duafedenimofficial
http://www.duafedenim.com/

Why not head to Magnolias, for delicious American style breakfast and Southern American dishes -on your next visit to Ghana…..

Spicy Pork Chops. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, & Vegetable Medley…..

“Magnolias offers Southern American Cuisine & BBQ, come and experience our garden setting serving delicious American style breakfast, Southern American dishes and Pitt BBQ… Magnolias Weekend Brunches are always great...come over and see for yourself…. Magnolias delivers lunch to your office Call 0302 917 527 to order…
Large Property also available for private events. Great for Groups.” Magnolias

If you’re a lover of fresh pancakes and fruits, New York style cheesecakes, Belgian waffles and the best omelettes in town -then head to Magnolias in Cantonments, situated near Christ the King, Russian Embassy. Famed for their uber yummy brunches (its Sunday brunch buffet is a favourite of Accra‘s hip-young-things) and Eggs Benedict (and so much more), -Magnolias is a must on your next visit to Ghana… For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Magnolias/186895887991673

Address:
Magnolias
Switchback Lane-
Cantoments,
Accra, Ghana

‘Ayefe Notse’ by King David featuring Samini brings back memories of Glen’s ..London’s former hottest Ghanaian nightclub…

Wow this tune brings back some serious memories (laughter) ….I’m sure some of you remember that fabulously notorious Ghanaian nightclub that was located just a stones throw from Tottenham Police station [????] -on the corner, sort of opposite Tottenham town hall, just down the road from present day Seven Sisters’ Tesco -called Glen‘s?

I remember this being the only place to be on Friday and Saturday night, and when DJ FiiFii Plat dropped said tune -the place would erupt, sending the numerous undercover policemen (the only white people in the club -oh…apart from the lovely blonde lady on the door. She was newly divorced from an Ashanti man -thus, knew all about the errmm ….. what can I call it… the nightclub loving Ghanaian crowd -she was fabulous) -scattering….

Glen’s nightclub in Tottenham was beyond tacky but hot, like some of those hot nightclubs in the meatpacking district -of NYC -say!!! …. Honestly there’s nothing quite like it now -what a shame!!!!
The great, the good, the bad and the ugly of the Ghanaian community and beyond -could be found there.....

Bijlmer’s wannabe footballers (Amsterdam) would fly in every Friday morning to party hard on those two-must-be-at-Glen’s-nights and fly back out via Croydon on Sunday morning.

One or two errrrrm musicians would also fly in from Germany, Belgium, Wales, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Luton ..-but mostly, it was packed full of London’s hot, some not so hot, hip, some not so hip, some working three jobs after a night stacking shelves at Tesco‘s, some working only one job during the day at JP Morgan’s, some serious fashionistas (moi and co. of course. I was sporting short blonde natural tresses with blonde eyebrows then -don’t ask??), some errrrm men without jobs who drove the hottest cars around town -and own houses in both Crystal Palace and Accra -all of them called K.B [I wonder why???], sisters who sold Brazilian hair, sisters who did weave-ons on the cheap, brothers who owned ‘cocaine houses’ in Sunyani, the odd Ghanaian film star, the odd Ghanaian errrm high commission staff (the type who could sort out your ‘Ghanaian’ passport or VISA for the likes of London born me, -without you having to queue with everyone else -wink, wink-give me money to buy my mistress a Gucci handbag oOo), those sporting real Louis Vuitton ‘it bags’ and those who bought their’s from China, one or two ’special’ pastors, plenty of north London’s mixed Ghanaian/Jamaican population, a few Nigerians who had travelled to Mecca and were now in the oil business (wink, wink -I can afford oOOo ), some of London’s ‘very, very special’ Akan Ivorians (we come via Paris in our Jean Paul Gaultier bondage pants /Probito’s D&G uber stretchy dresses oOOo. Gosh can you remember when we all used to shop in Probito’s in London’s west end?) -including one of my then BFF’s …special ‘dancing coupe decale Yamoussoukro gal’ -sweet red, red, red, red -Desiree (nobody was redder than Desiree including Desiree herself -mercy).

Glen’s was also a hub for some of Sierra Leone's finest newly arrived-from-Free Town ladies, a handful of handsome Zimbabwean men -who had all lived in Ghana in the late 90‘s, a handful of former presidents-of-Ghana-sikalicious-uber wastrel grandchildren -who bought and drunk champagne like it was going out of fashion; a lady who sold Kenkey, and another who sold Shito (the best in town) and then there were those of us who had finally discovered our Ghanaian selves/culture/roots and were embracing …errmmm some of what it had to offer (minus the errm grasscutter/bush meat element) …. Fabulous.. Viva La Glen’s oOOoo…

Yes La Glen’s nightclub was hot but bad, bad, bad -and was finally shutdown ….HARDCORE stylee by the authorities in the end…

Too many crazy Ghanaians from all over the place, some ascending, some descending, too many fights (surly not in the ever peaceful Ghanaian community???), a few gun shots, some men coming into Glen’s already tanked up to the rafters on Akpeteshie, a few bottles flying -too much of the wrong kind of spirits, too many sons of never heard-of chiefs looking for sika that other never heard-of sons of kings -owed them…asem!!

So this once hottest destination for errrrm partying Ghanaians in north London -is now relegated to ‘back-in-the-day’ memories, -and what a shame because it was fun!!! Those were the days…

**Also ....I’m sooo bored of Azonto -aren’t you …… and can’t believe this sweet-mango-pawpaw-delicious tune by the ever fabulous King David featuring Ghana Rising eye-candy du jour, Samini has also been relegated to ‘back-in-the-day’ -whatever, I still love it.. Enjoy xoxo

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM1UmrbEz88&feature=related