Breaking News: 1,000 plus workers at GCB [Ghana Commercial Bank] are to be laid off….

1,000 GCB workers to be laid off (Updated)

Feb 29, 2012 at 9:08am

About 1,000 workers of the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) are likely to be laid off as part of moves by the management of the bank in a restructuring process.

Citi Business News (CBN) investigations have revealed that the would-be affected workers will be laid off within a year, starting with 300.

This is not the first time such a move has come to the fore.

Last year, the bank faced serious agitation from workers when it announced it will lay off about 1,500 workers.

Sources close to the commercial bank, however, say the bank has offered a voluntary exit package which is targeted at staff, who have spent longer time serving.

Some workers who spoke to CBN on condition of anonymity expressed outrage at the package which they say is not attractive enough.

The workers of the bank are also up in arms against the union, UNICOF, for not negotiating on their behalf. Industry players say the bank may face yet another crisis as it appears it will stick to its proposal.

This comes barely a year after workers protested against a similar move among others which led to the replacement of the bank’s former board chairman Kojo Thompson.

**Credit: http://www.citifmonline.com/

Breaking News: Serbia has booted Samuel Valis-Akyianu, Ghana's Ambassador to Serbia, out of the country after a major diplomatic row….

Diplomatic row: Ghana, Serbia close down missions; Goran’s job in danger  Feb 29, 2012 at 12:38pm

Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni

Serbia has booted Samuel Valis-Akyianu, Ghana's Ambassador to Serbia, out of the country after a major diplomatic row.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, told Parliament on Wednesday the hitherto “cordial relations” between the two countries suffered serious bruises after Ghana recognised break-away Kosovo in the former Yugoslavia as an independent state.

Following the row, angry Serbian authorities sent Ambassador Valis-Akyianu packing in an attempt to mount pressure on Accra to reverse its decision to recognise neighbouring Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, a decade after a bloody separatist war with Serbian forces that claimed 10,000 lives.

Beyond announcing the order to close Ghana's mission in Belgrade, the Minister did not say if Valis-Akyianu is to be reassigned.

“The long standing cordial relations between Ghana and Serbia, which dates back to the days of the former Yugoslavia can now be based more on political considerations, rather than on mutually beneficial economic interests,” the Minister told lawmakers in a statement he read on the floor of the 230-member legislature.

“Following the decision of the Ghana Government to recognise Kosovo, the Serbian authorities have asked Ghana's Ambassador in Belgrade to return home and consult with the Ghana Government to reverse the recognition,” the Minister said.

He added: “Moreover, the Serbian Government has requested its Honorary Consulate in Accra to be closed down.”

“The reaction of the Serbian Government to Ghana's recognition of Kosovo leaves us with no better choice than to order the complete closure of our mission in Belgrade,” Alhaji Mumuni said.

News of strain relations between the two countries is coming at the time Ghanaians continue to express outrage over the continued stay in office of Goran Stevanovic, the coach of the Black Stars, who is also a Serbian.

Local football fans have been calling for his head following what critics have called poor performances at the just-ended Africa Cup of Nation and subsequently, allegations of witchcraft he had since made against members of the Ghana squad.

It is, however, unclear how the bad blood currently flowing between the two countries will affect the Serbian coach, whose fate will be announced by the Ghana Football Association in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs Minister has announced Cabinet has approved the opening of two new missions to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Ghana, Turkey and China.

***Credit: http://www.citifmonline.com/

Niche -Ghana’s Premier gift shop opens in Dzorwulu…..

 

Located in Dzorwulu, on the Blohum Road is Accra’s latest must-visit treasure trove, Niche -a gift store that offers the very best, quality presents/gifts for you and your loved ones. A big thumbs-up to the people behind Niche -as they’ve brought an end to years of Accra’s finest -having to ship quality gifts from overseas. Stockiest for high end perfumes including Ghost, fabulous wallpapers, perfumes for the home, fluffy towels, delectable cut glass crystal bowls, wine glasses & flutes, on-trend shoes like the Vivienne Westwood look-alike shoes with bow detail (above), statement pieces including designer vases, picture frames, trendy crockery -including the colourful teapots above, silver jewellery with precious stones detail, a selection of quality polo shirts, clocks (including alarm clocks), stylish storage boxes -and a host of children’s gifts including; soft toys, key-rings, clothes and much more. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/Nichexpressions?sk=wall

 
****Address:
100 METRES FROM DZORWULU JUNCTION TRAFFIC LIGHT, WORD MIRACLE JUNCTION, BLOHUM ROAD, DZORWULU Accra, Ghana

Photography: The Akan Fishermen, The Gold Coast, Ghana by Elisabeth Sunday

All Photos © Elisabeth Sunday

“Note about this series: The Akan Fishermen have been fishing the shores of West Africa over hundreds of generations. I met six Akan fishermen along the shores of the Gold Coast in 2009. After talking a while, they began to express concern over the declining fisheries. They fish by night from handmade canoes using only lines and small nets. I asked the men if I could photograph them and they agreed. I urged them to express their love for the sea by using the fish they capture as metaphor in the way they hold them. They chose the fish and made their own poses understanding that their body language and expressions would tell their story. I photographed the same men in 2010 and again in 2011. This last March of 2011, they were much more comfortable with the camera and their deep connection to the sea and to themselves is fully evident.” Elisabeth Sunday

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: There’s a haunting stillness to these images that strikes at the soul. With Ghanaian fishermen at the mercy of mother nature’s whims -many are barely scratching a living from this unpredictable [traditional] profession -and photographer Elisabeth Sunday has captured -their uncertainty -perfectly. I don’t know if Elisabeth Sunday has exhibited [this work] in Ghana -but it would be good to see them on show -with the various fishermen in attendance. For more information about Elisabeth Sunday visit: http://elisabethsundayafrica.blogspot.com/


More Info….
For 25 years, Elisabeth Sunday has found her muse in Africa: a place of origins, devastating beauty, great troubles and unyielding expressions of life. A few years ago, Elisabeth traveled to the West African country of Ghana to scout out a new location. There, she met a group of Akan fishermen living along the beach who were willing to be photographed over a period of time. The fish, sometimes cradled in the arms of the powerful fishermen, are an ancient symbol of higher awareness and provide a proof of their continuous link to nature. Elisabeth simply asked the men to express their love for the sea through the fish they capture. The resulting portfolio of the Akan is an intimate look at their bond with the sea and the natural world and the respect they have for both. Credit: http://www.lensculture.com/webloglc/mt_files/archives/2011/06/

***P.s …how evocatively beautiful are these black & white photographs on Ghana Rising’s dark background? I want some prints -now…

Buena Vista’s Beach Drive Development -the hottest place to buy a property in Ghana -right now...

DELUXE APARTMENT -Three Bedroom

Price: $ 140,000.00

Features :
3 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
2.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom




AVANTI -3 bedroom Double Storey semi-detached

Price: $ 180,000.00

Features :
3 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
3.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom
Plot size 100' X 35'



CASERO -3 Bedroom Single Storey Detached

Price: $ 220,000.00

Features :
3 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
2.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom
Plot size 100' X 70'



TERRANA -4 bedroom Single Storey detached

Price: $ 240,000.00

Features :
4 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
3.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen and Store
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom
Plot size 100' X 70'



MARGARITA -4 bedroom double storey detached

Price: $ 250,000.00

Features:
4 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
4.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom
Plot size 100' X 70'




ZENITH -4 Bedroom Double Storey Detached

Price: $ 260,000.00

Features :
4 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
4.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom
Plot size 100' X 70'




BELLO -4 bedroom Double Storey detached

Price: $ 280,000.00
Features :
4 Bedrooms including en-suite Master Bedroom
4.5 bathrooms including visitor's toilet
Kitchen
Dining Area
Store room
Living Area
Front gate and fence wall
Hedge and lawns
Paved driveway and walkways
Gate to House Intercom
Plot size 100' X 70'


***All the above properties are location: Sakumono, Tema, Ghana

To talk to the Buena Vista Homes' sales team about the above properties or to view the floor plan visit: http://www.mybuenahomes.com/



More Info…
Over the past decade, Buena Vista Homes, Ghana has emerged as one of Ghana's pre-eminent builder-developers, with a reputation for good quality, well designed and built homes. Our gated residential communities offer all homeowners secured neighbourhoods with community amenities. These attributes are well known among our homebuyers and respected among our peers in the industry.

Buena Vista Beach Drive Development is our latest enclave and comprises 100 homes and 24 apartments in an attractive complex along the Accra-Tema coastal Road. This attractive location offers a 5 minutes walk from the warm and sandy beaches of the sea and enabling our homeowners to enjoy the tranquil sounds of the Atlantic. The residential enclave is fully gated with 24 hr security and a swimming pool. The residential units will comprise 3 and 4 bedroom detached and semi detached single and two storey houses. Each home has been carefully designed in the tradition of Buena Vista Homes. We have as usual paid particular attention to our construction detailing. Our special choices of materials and finishes will ensure that the homes last a lifetime.”  Buena Vista Homes


Location of Buena Vista Beach Drive Developments, courtesy Google Earth.

http://www.mybuenahomes.com/
 
 

Ghana Rising Hearts actor Michael Afrani…..

I know I’m always going on about how I don’t watch African movies etc …The honest truth is ….I’ve seen a few and the ones I’ve enjoyed [I can count them on one hand] two have starred the very handsome Michael Afrani -and I’m sooo glad that I now know his name and can finally celebrate him on Ghana Rising. How special is he?? Anyway its got me thinking?? Have we [Ghana] celebrated this talented actor -enough?? If not, …we need to do so -now. …..


**P.s ..Is it me or is this clip -beyond funny??

Lets keep real Ghanaian art -valuable ….

ASHANTI (GHANA)

ASHANTI (GHANA)

FANTI (GHANA)

FANTI (GHANA)

FANTI (GHANA)

ASHANTI (GHANA)

You’ll know from past post just how I feel about all those African masks & akua’ba dolls et al that are churned out daily on the streets of Accra… I can’t stand them but please note…. - don’t begrudge my fellow brothers -their right to make a living. I love the http://www.aaoarts.com/ website and refer to it when I need to verify African art pieces. Today I had more time and thought I’d explore more and ….I wasn’t surprised to find out that Ghanaian objet d’art goes for a lot less than other African art.

I’ve got two exquisite akua’ba dolls!! I bought them both from second-hand shops and one has a bit of age and the other is sooo beautiful and colourful and even though its has some damage and is dated circa 1990’s -I don’t care because I love it. I’ve had others bought for me …but I’ve sold them at various car boot sales as I truly can’t live with akua’ba dolls bought from T.K.Maxx or souvenirs shops or wherever. …. I don’t mind accusations that I’m an akua’ba doll snob but the truth is ……………. I’m sick and tired of seeing us with cheap -uber-replaceable-just-made-Ghanaian-artefacts when some of the most beautiful homes in the world are filled with [our] ancient funeral heads, exquisite antique Fanti dolls, museum fabulous Ashanti gold and brass weights and much more!!!

Why can’t we control what is made in Ghana??? We churn these so called Ghanaian art out sooo quickly that -‘our’ wooden art has lost its appeal and value!!! Also, I’m always shocked when I visit a Ghanaian hotel and they’re packed full of these cheap just made wooden bits & bobs….can’t we up our game and buy some of our ‘antique’ gems back and fill our places-of-importance with valuable art??? Why don’t we value our art -and why aren’t we trying to buy/get them back?

I must point out that I don’t begrudge those educated folks in the west who have and want beautiful ‘old’ African art.. - If they are clever enough to do their research and sniff out the best and the most valuable African art be it Ghanaian or whatever -then they deserve to have them and we don’t.

Anyway…… I know I’m going on but…acording to AAO Arts.com even our brothers next door, the Baoules from Côte d'Ivoire’s pieces are marginally more valuable -I wonder???

Link: http://www.aaoarts.com/

ASHANTI (GHANA)

V.I.P & Tiffany play NYC on 17th March 2012 at the Ghana Independence Concert BENEFIT…..

*Boogie Down Nima's Annual Ghana Independence Concert BENEFIT*.
2012 concert comes on the heels of 2011 performance by the king of high life the ladies man OFORI AMPONSAH; History will repeat itself again on 17TH of March, 2012 with International super stars,2011Ghana Artist of Year and stage stoppers VISION IN PROGRESS (VIP) AND Ghanaian number female artist the Queen of AZONTO TIFFANY.

ALSO LIVE PERFORMANCE BY
FOI
NANA NYC

VENUE
@ Armenia Ballrom,
630 Second Ave, NY. NY

MUSIC BY
DJ.Ice from UK,
Dj RONNY
Dj E-love-
DJ LG
DJ NIYAH

MC PAPA LINC & FLIPMAN

ADVANCE TIX $40. MORE @ THE DOOR
VIP TABLE AVAILABLE

TICKET LOCATION
EXECUTIVE IMAGE MOVIE WHITE PLAINS ROAD BRONX
WEST AFRICA MOVIE MALL WEBSTER AVE BRONX
MATAHEKO RESTAURANT JAMIACA QUEENS
DRED BARBERSHOP BRONX
CELEBRITY HAIR SPOT flatbush BROOKLYN

FOR TICKETS IN THE BRONX.... FOR TICKETS in HARLEM
Hashim 7188666648 Cos 3472002509
Nana Nyc 347 867 6812 Lady k 347 6451428
Bernard 917 362 8967 ************************
Ransford 917 232 9822 FOR TICKETS in QUEENS
LV 718 813 2223 Betty 646 423 3012
Samed 646 667 4426


FOR TIX in NEW JERSY FOR TICKETS in BROOKLYN
**********************
Nayah 973 207 7805 Jerry 917 204 1461
Anita 718 709 1128



STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO

FOR MORE INFO
BDNENT@GMAIL.COM

ONE NIGHT, ONE PEOPLE, ONE LOVE
GOD BLESS OUR HOME LAND GHANA


For more information about Boogie Down Nima's Annual Ghana Independence Concert BENEFIT* visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/297462813640470/

Yippee …Miss Dee’s Le Chic Doux Collection is available now…

“Miss Dee Clothing is an online boutique that specializes in using African Prints, Chiffon and Linen to create beautiful and affordable ready-to wear outfits for both men and women. Our mission is simple; to erase the frustration one goes through dealing with a Tailor/Seamtress when he/she want to rock that beautiful African Wear.

We make sure that all our designs are wearable without compromising... on style. We sell mainly in Ghana and the United Kingdom through our website and facebook page.

We introduce to you some of our designs in our 'Le Chic Doux' Collection for the first half of 2012. For this collection, we used our usual materials of Chiffon, African Prints and soft high quality Linen to create beautiful wearable attires selling at prices as low as £ 12.00 in London and Ghc 30 in Ghana. For the Ladies Collection, we’ve created the ‘Chiff-Afric’ outfit, a combination of Chiffon and African Print (usually a Chiffon blouse and an African Print skirt). The Chiff-Afric by Miss Dee is a must have if you want to look Africanely Chic this summer.” Miss Dee Clothing

For more information or to order the above designs visit: http://missdeeclothing.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Dee-Clothing/101916089902710

R2bees are playing London Indig02 for Ghana’s 55th Independence Day Dance, on Saturday 3rd March 2012.….

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: Yep my favourite collective R2bees (Refuse 2 be Broke) -are playing London Indig02 -this Saturday. To buy/book tickets for this fabulous event visit: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/3500475491E35D31?artistid=1656385&majorcatid=10003&minorcatid=54

For more info about R2bees visit:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/R2BEES/93042650789


For the London Indig02 website visit:
http://www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2/index.html

Object of Desire: African Wax Print Pillow Cover in Ewe Gray by A Amani Bush at Etsy ……

$32.00      You can buy it from: http://www.etsy.com/shop/amaniathome?ref=seller_info

More info:
Size: 18" x 18"
Face fabric: Black, White (Kente cloth print)
100% Cotton
Black Piping
Back fabric: Gray

Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/amaniathome?ref=seller_info

Gurunsi Architecture -The Next Big Thing…

“The Gurunsi (Kassena) tribe live in fortified houses in the Tiebélé region on the border of Burkina Faso and Ghana. The Gurunsi women create beautiful abstract frescoes that decorate the walls of their mud huts, situated in a round formation. The Gurunsi architecture, known for the beauty of its functional lines, inspired the Swiss vanguard architect Le Corbusier. Architecture-balar.com

I don’t know why the world is like this!!! I don’t know how we got here. The politics, the inequalities and the feeling that anything pertaining to Africa; its people, its cultures, the black skin, its varying cuisines etc -is immediately perceived as inferior -primitive, having less value then its western counterpart - is crazy but we [Ghanaians/Africans] have unconsciously bought into this untruth!!!

I don’t know why …but I cried watching the above film clip, its sooo beautiful and elegant -and our sister in Burkina Faso (I believe this was filmed more on the that side of the boarder) -quietly painting and lovingly looking after her neat home -really moved me and got me thinking….can you imagine these breathtaking beautiful Gurunsi homes; found mainly on the boarders of northern Ghana and Burkina Faso -on a much grander scale in Accra? Can you imagine them made out of concrete -say, with wooden doors and glass windows -covered in the same exquisite designs or in Adinkra symbols? I would pay good money to live in one -wouldn’t you? Why don’t we value our art, our homes, our designs etc?