Get Wooded!!

Round Beaded Mask With Metal ($59.99) from African Art -http://www.africanart.com/ashantibeadedmaskstool.aspx

Ashanti beaded mask stool ($149.99) from African Art -http://www.africanart.com/ashantibeadedmaskstool.aspx

Hand carved wooden bench is crafted by artisans in Ghana ($225.00) from Swahili Imports -http://www.swahili-imports.com/

Medium Djembe Drum with Adinkra (£65.00) from Goldcoast Drums -http://www.goldcoastdrums.com/index.php

Ashanti Sun God Mask -($40.00) -http://www.happinessafrica.com/1632844.html

Akua'ba Fertility Doll -($29.99) -Africa and Beyond -http://www.africaandbeyond.com/

Branches Necklace by Pretty Afrika Designs ($115.00) - http://www.prettyafrika.com/

Wooden buckle belt from Etnick Collections -http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3097&id=1457003118#/profile.php?id=1457003118

Fashion: Priscilla Kwateng

(Styling by Priscilla Kwateng for Guardian's weekend magazine)

I love Guardian stylist Priscilla Kwateng. This fellow fashionista's work [above] has a sophisticated/sexy -verve about it. And I predict that Priscilla is fashion's, 'Next Big Thing'.

Fashion: Pretty Afrika Designs

Pretty Afrika Designs -is a collection of fashionable and innovative, quality -designs by mother and daughter duo, -Madam Theresa Obeng Sam and Sandra Aya. If like me, -you love custom made jewellery -the above chichi and 'on trend' feather earrings and this exquisite, 'Turquoise spiked necklace' ($110.00) -will be right up your street. For more gorgeous styles visit http://www.prettyafrika.com/
and www.myspace.com/prettyafrika

Politics: Barack and Michelle Obama in Ghana

"We think that Ghana can be an extraordinary model for success throughout the continent" President Barack Obama

"Part of the reason that we're travelling to Ghana is because you've got a functioning democracy, a president who's serious about reducing corruption and you've seen significant economic growth," President Barack Obama

The first family of America landed in the motherland yesterday. President Barack Obama, first lady-Michelle, and their two beautiful daughters landed in Ghana on his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa since taking office [at 9 p.m. local time] and met a group of dignitaries, -led by President John Atta Mills. Ghana Rising (Paulina Opoku-Gyimah) thanks God for this historic visit [an indicator to the rest of the world that Ghana is moving in the right direction]. And even though I am forever -wanting our government to; move/progress/improve etc -I am pleased that 'our' Ghana is a beacon of light/Hope in Africa. As I was researching and searching for materials and pictures to accompany this story, -I came across http://allafrica.com/stories/200905180910.html -a reflective piece about why The Obamas chose Ghana -and it is an eye opener. The following is an extract from the aforementioned website:

Africa: Why Obama Chose Ghana
The question of why Barack Obama has chosen Ghana rather than Kenya, his father's homeland, or Nigeria, Africa's giant, for his first trip to Africa as President of the United States, is exercising newspapers from Nairobi to New York. Nairobi's Daily Nation said Monday that "in skipping Kenya, the first African American president is signalling that he puts political values over ancestral allegiances." Although the Nation quoted Kenyan foreign minister Moses Wetang'ula as denying that Obama had snubbed the country, it also referred to recent U.S. criticism of the country's struggling coalition government." Mr Johnnie Carson, President Obama's top Africa official, recently made a stop in Nairobi where he delivered a stern warning to President [Mwai] Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to get the reform process on track or face unspecified sanctions," the Nation reported.

In Lagos, This Day carried a harshly-worded opinion piece from 'Jibola Asolo, a Nigerian lawyer based in Britain, saying that the failure of the first black U.S. president to stop over in the world's most populous black country "should really serve as a moment of reflection for us as a nation. It should shame us as a people." But, wrote Asolo, Obama's decision should not be a surprise. "The reality is: on the world stage Nigeria is not ready to play ball. We, as a nation, are still stuck on stupid while other countries are buckling down and taking the issue of good governance seriously. This considered, the President of America would be hard-pressed to grace our land with his presence in light of the joke that is Project Nigeria."

In the U.S., the New York Times reinforced the African commentary. In a report based on unnamed White House sources, it said that "A year after Kenya exploded in political violence, it remains a tense and unsettled place. Ghana, by contrast, is an outpost of democracy and civil society in a volatile region." The Times quoted a senior official as saying that ideally Obama would have preferred a longer trip to Africa. But time constraints meant that such a trip would have to wait until later in his tenure." So his advisers agreed to tack the quick Ghana stop onto the end of his Russia-G-8 trip to at least get a marker down before too much time passed," said the paper. And, in a reflection of how difficult it is to get yourself onto the agenda of an American president, the Times quoted the official as saying Ghana offered an opportunity to promote important values even on a one-night visit: "We have limited time and we tried to figure out where we could get the most out of limited time," the official said. *Credit: John Allen (18 May 2009) to read the rest please visit: http://allafrica.com/stories/200905180910.html

I have to confess that the commentaries made [above] by our fellow African brothers were a, 'breath of fresh air'. Their commentaries were based on their truths and not hate for Ghana. I have found over the years that when it comes to us Ghanaians, -some of our fellow African brothers -are very harsh indeed. I have [often] come across -what I can only describe as pure an adulterated jealousy -where we Ghanaians are concerned. Like the Jews -it would seem that we too are a 'thorn in the side' of some [Africans]. Because there are some [and I use the word -some, please note) fellow Africans that can not get their heads around the fact that God (and only God oO) chose Ghana to become the first sub-Saharan African country to gain Independence. And this jealousy manifests its self -in so many ways. For me, -it's the, 'you can not be a Ghanaian because; -you are too beautiful/not dark/speak good English/ you dress well etc -and I know that many of you will have experienced this.

From our pioneers (Kofi Annan-7th UN Secretary-General, Awe Kludze-Nasa, David Adjaye-Architect, Freddy Adu-Soccer, Freema Agyeman-Actress, Ama Ata Aidoo-writer, Kwame Anthony Appiah-philosopher and novelist, Ayi Kwei Armah-writer and social critic, Yaa Asantewaa-Anti-colonial resistance leader, Kofi Awoonor-writer, Reynold Bediako-Entrepreneur, Ozwald Boateng-Fashion Designer, Paul Boateng-Politician, Marcel Desailly-footballer, Edward Enninful-Fashion Stylist, Michael Essien-footballer, Nana Gbewonyo-actor, Jeanette Kwakye-sprinter, Nazr Mohammed-basketball player, Azumah Nelson-world champion boxer, Kwame Nkrumah-founder of Pan-Africanism, Lawrence Henry Yaw Ofosu-Appiah-author, scholar (John) Atukwei Okai-poet and President of Pan African Writers' Association, John Paintsil-football player, Francis Ernest Kobina Parkes-poet, Nii Ayikwei Parkes-author and social commentator, Hugh Quarshie-Actor, Danny Sapani-Actor, June Sarpong-TV presenter, Cynthia Torto-Writer, Nana Ama Serwah Nyarko-British Entrepreneur, Adelaide Damoah-Artist, Marilyn Heward Mills-novelist, Jacqui Agyepong-Athlete, Johnnie Sarpong-world renown Hair-Stylist, Adjoa Andoh-actress, Lisa I'Anson-TV and Radio, Shirley Selase Anku-model, Dizzee Rascal-Musican, Julius Amedume-Filmmaker, Adam Afriyie-Politcs, Amma Asante-Actress and Director, Claire-Hope Ashitey-Actress, Ekow Eshun-social critic,writer and TV Presenter, Idris Elba-Actor, Neutrino of Oxide & Neutrino-Music and Rugby, Belinda Owusu-Actress, Arthur Wharton-footballer, Tinchy Stryder-Musician, Joey Ansah-Actor, Joe Casley Hayford -Fashion Designer, Bridgette Amofah-music, Karen Cummings-Palmer-Entrepreneur, Ben Addo-Furniture Designer, Adwoa Aboah-Model, Vicky Boateng-Model, Belinda Baidoo-Model, Doreen Adusei MBE-Fashion, Didi Danso –fashion writer, Reggie Yates-TV Presenter, Samata Angel-fashion designer and socialite, Lethal Bizzle-Music, Akwesi Duodu-Finance/ Columnist, Kojo-Comedian, Michael Blackson-Comedian, The Mitchell Brothers-Music, Priscilla Kwateng-Fashion (The Guardian), Kanya King-MOBOs, Charles Thompson-Screen Nation Awards, Boris Kodjoe-Actor, Patrick Awuah-cofounded Ashesi University, V.I.C-Music, Sheriff Ghale-Music, Anna Reynolds-Music, Betsie Dsane-Model, Okomfo Kwadee-Music, Salimi Akill-Fashion Designer, Selasi Kwanu-Beauty, Arabella Kiesbauer-TV Presenter, Angela Asare-Beauty, Elsie Owusu-Architect, Dorothy Koomson-Novelist, Freddie Opoku-Addaire-Dance, Yvette Nsiah-Beauty, Andrew Mensah-Fashion/Entrepreneur, David Mensah-Musician, Zandile Blay-fashion/Blogger, Teiko Dornor-Beauty/Entrepreneur, Pearl Amoah-Beauty, Adowah Hagan & Lloyd Mensah -Food (founders of the Jollof Pot), King Ayisoba-Music, Koranteng Ofosu-Amaah-Blogger, Atongo Zimba-Musician, Margaret Busby CBE-Publisher, Faustina Agolloy-TV Presenter...-to name but a few) -it seems that even though Ghana is not the richest African country, nor the most populous or the largest -whenever there is an African making headway's [be it: Art, TV, News, Innovation, Fashion etc] -they are always Ghanaian.

And still; -we continue to fear God [Amen], are laid-back, never boastful -and respected by the world -to God be the glory. Haters of Ghana must marvel at just what makes us great. They must wonder why a nation, with [just over] 23 Million inhabitants -have made such an impact-globally. And that's why, -like Jewish people -they do not want us to be [also] beautiful, well dressed, or speak well, or prosper etc. But thank God, -because, whom God Blesses, no man can curse [Amen]. So while I plead the 'Blood of Jesus' on all Ghanaians -around the world (now that the Obamas have paid us a visit -ooOO -we need God more....hehehe) -we must all continue to fear God and put him first, -and stay humble. Bye for now...................................xx

The Human Tsunami -Northern Ghana

A truck loaded with people leaves Nandom...

The Brutu dam, near Nandom, which has almost dried up....


A Nandom farmer harvests yams.....

Accra's busy Neoplan bus station.....


"In resent years, with economic development taking place elsewhere and erratic rain making, rural life increasing difficult, more and more people are taking to the road. The figures are inexact, but about 20% of those born in northern Ghana are now thought to live in the richer, more urbanised south. In Nandom, the numbers are much higher; half the population has gone. People from the town offer varying reasons for the exodus -lack of jobs, enticing "greener pastures", deteriorating climate -but they agree that it cannot go on indefinitely, this whittling, or Nandom will never prosper.." Sam Knight

I often wonder, -if Accra was in the north of Ghana, -whether northern Ghana would be as dry, -and about to become a -desert? The 'north / south' divide in Ghana has always pissed me off -and pictures of desert like conditions in northern Ghana has not helped. And so, when I picked up the FT Weekend Magazine (a couple of weekends ago) and saw the above pictures of, -a very parched Nandom [a deserted region in northern Ghana]; -in an evocative but well written [and bleak] piece by Sam Knight called, 'The Human Tsunami' - I felt worse. 'The Human Tsunami' spoke of the grave climate changes ahead for Ghana. It claims that, "10% of the worlds population will be, inundated by a 1 metre rise in sea levels -possibly by the end of this century -while another 30%, more than 2 billion people, live in dry lands, like Nandom, that are vulnerable to endemic drought" -will desert their habitats and become burdens to host communities -like Accra / London etc -changing the landscape of these cities for ever.

I know that the government of Ghana can not control the weather -nor are they wholly responsible for the climate change that is forcing our brothers to flee from the north as "environment refugees" [so called by Sam Knight]. -Because northern Ghana has always been hotter, dryer -with less rain rainfall than the rest of the country. And when the rain does come, -it does more damage than good. But leaving our brothers up north to go-it-alone, -is not working. And as the photographs of [an overcrowded] Accra shows, - mass exodus -is not the answer. Also, the environmental cost -of, deserting the land -is numerable. And if we are not careful -the dry, desert like conditions [of northern Ghana] -will erode its way down to the south of Ghana. But I also know that this is a complexed, and political -and an environmental situation.

"It is striking that schemes in Ghana specifically aimed at reversing internal migration -ranging from resettlement to simply laying on buses to take people home -have tended to fail, and policymakers have noticed. Between 2007 and 2009, the European Commission funded a pilot study, known as EACH-FOR, to examine environmental migration in 23 countries and regions around the world. In its study of Ghana , EACH-FOR advised the government to stop trying to control the movement of the people, and instead to focus on the growing poverty gap between north and south and to improve transport links and trade between the two. " Sam Knight

Northern Ghana needs help and assistants. It needs 'real' irrigation knowledge to cultivate the land. They also need different types of employment -and I guess the government must help to re-direct businesses to the north. But what of overcrowded cities like Accra and Kumasi? Will the government sit and watch as the aforementioned cities become overcrowded slums, bursting at the seams with [an ever growing ] "environment refugees -and what of the Cholera outbreaks? Sam Knights talks about two cases of cholera outbreaks in, 'areas popular with northern migrants' in Accra????

Sam Knight ends by looking at possible solutions, -like the help coming from overseas [us in the west] to our families back home in Ghana (this also includes northern Ghanaian living in Accra -sending money home to their families), loans or insurance to farmers to buy seeds, 'if the rain fails' and some government support.

"The Overseas Development Institute, a UK think tank, has shown that money wired from migrant Diasporas -instantly, and straight into the hands of victims -can be just as affective as government -run recovery effects in the wake of natural disasters."Sam Knight

'The Human Tsunami' ends with a real eye opener. -The knowledge that, even though 'mass migration' is fuelling climate change, -it is also the -solution. Because unless these people move to 'richer pastures -and help their families -the situation will get worse.

Fashion: Metriz Jewelry

I am loving the above [customized] handmade jewelry designs by the good people at Metriz Jewelry. Founded by Ghana born, Christiana Younge [ a former accomplished pastry chef] -these exquisite gems are made exclusively for women. Fusing African beads with Western style is the the foundation for Metriz Jewelry. Made with traditional glass beads from Ghana [produced on the Krobo mountains] -these beads are made from recycled glasss and can be customized to match any dress, theme or occasion. For more information about Metriz Jewelry visit: www.metrizjewelry.com and www.myspace.com/metrizjewelry

Ghana Rising Hearts June Sarpong

I first met June Sarpong many, many moons ago -when I was an intern at British Elle and she was and still is -lovely. The meeting is so vivid because it took place at one of my favourite-est hotels, The Hempel Hotel (not that I can afford, The Hempel Hotel –but it was so sleek and uber minimalist, –and a place -I am one day, ‘going-to-stay-in’ -please God). June was with her cousin (who was doing her hair) and her make-up artist, –and they were all so lovely, -especially June, –who likes ‘a’ laugh. And this ‘ray of sunshine’ –had me in stitches all morning. But, I also learnt about –excellence that day. I learnt -that no one wakes up, and just 'becomes' a presenter [on British Television]. That, to achieve what June Sarpong has achieved on TV –does not happen over night [nor a small feat]. She was professional, disciplined, sharp [very sharp-witted] and knew her stuff -and much more. June has achieved so much [far too much for me to list] but I am always inspired when I remember that 'our' June has interviewed; Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Gordon Brown [to name a few]. June is also political -and is passionate about issues that effect the ordinary man -especially young people. Her, 'Politics and the city' website was launched last year -to encourage young people to get interested in politics and can be viewed at: junesblog.politicsandthecity.com

La Sarpong is neat. Her style is all about good grooming, cute dresses and that mega-wattage smile. A fan of quality high street apparel, cute designer dresses and Christian Louboutin shoes, -June has designers knocking down her door to dress her [ June is tiny folks, –one of the few people I know, -that can fit perfectly -into [designer] sample size]. And whether she is 'red hot' on the red carpet or laid back in a t-shirt and jeans combo –she always looks fabulous.