African or American? I Know.

Last night I had a conversation with someone - a childhood friend it took me weeks to remember - that made me want to write this short piece about identity.

In one of our conversations I mentioned that I was part American, which didn't seem to sit very well with him as though I were denouncing my Ghanaian heritage. His response was, "Just because you've lived somewhere for some time doesn't mean you're no longer Ghanaian. Linda, you are a Ghanaian ok. You were born in Ghana and lived here for quite some time." Ha! Of course, his response didn't sit very well with me either because anyone who really knows me can attest to the fact that I WEAR my Ghanaian heritage as though it were my lifeline and I flaunt my African-ness because I AM proud! I tried to explain to him that by saying I was part American had nothing to do with identifying one's self by way of birth or legal right, though those are valid, but instead based on values, perspectives and way of life. Obviously he didn't get it at all and still somehow believed that I was denying my Ghanaian heritage just because I had lived in America for the amount of time I did, how sad.

Sad because of the narrow-mindedness I have witnessed in some Africans, myself included sometimes. For years, I never identified myself as American when I lived in the United States. I was always the Ghanaian or African. I even created a special slot for myself on last year's (2010) census forms: For the part that asked about "race" I added "African" to the categories (since we're always included in the African American slot) and checked the new addition. I always made it a point to state that I was African, although I must add that I had assimilated very well into the American culture: my work ethics, the way I related to people, my choices in food, the activities I enjoyed and preferred to do, my speech/accent, my views on social and even political issues, the list goes on.

The interesting thing about this is, it wasn't until I relocated to Ghana that I realized how much of an American I was, although I could've fought anyone who "accused" (note I placed "accused" in quotes) me of such a thing four months ago, as though being American or claiming to be American were a filthy thing.

Which brings me back to an area I diverted from earlier. There seems to be this notion held by some Africans, or perhaps I should say some immigrants, that a person can only be one thing, in my case Ghanaian because I was born in Ghana and any strong identification with another culture is some sort of "sin" or abomination. Heck no! It will be a tragedy for me to deny that parts of what make me "Linda" or "Abena" is American. I grew into the woman I am today in America and this woman was formed by life events shaped by the American experience. Important decisions I've made in my life as a result of these experiences were influenced by Ghanaian and American values, not just one.

So yes, I refuse to deny that I'm part American just to get "my people" off my case.  I'm not embarrassed to say that I embrace parts of the American culture that I have grown to identify with. I didn't migrate to America when I was a full grown adult at age 25 or 30. I was a teenager whose identity hadn't fully been formed yet and definitely had room to grow. Am I happy that were the case? Heck yeah! Because I believe that I possess a very rich perspective by being able to merge my Ghanaian and American values.

So how will I feel anytime I hear the American national anthem? My heart will continue to swell and tears will cloud my eyes in the same way they do when I hear the Ghanaian national anthem. And I'm very proud of that.

Taxi Ride + Radio = Politics

One of the things I'm enjoying in the three months that I've lived in Accra is my taxi ride. There's something special about riding in a cab in the morning on my way to work, listening to a radio talk show (mostly political) hosted in the local language and observing the driver's and audience's reaction. Whoever thought Ghanaians didn't love politics has been lost for a while! And whoever thought Ghanaian women fit the general, stereotypical role, assigned to African women, of being obsequious with little or no ability to form opinions of their own is in for treat, ha!

I've been amazed by how women take to the radio to voice very strong views about political issues in the country and suggest solutions to them. Callers range from women lawyers and professionals to illiterates who may not have the academic knowledge, but still believe have opinions to contribute to a topic. And the same applies to the men.  

I love my taxi rides, really. I love watching and listening to say, an illiterate taxi driver suck his teeth at a comment made by a caller or host and offers a solid opinion/solution. I love the vibrancy of Ghana's political climate - the freedom to speak your mind (although there have been few reports of alleged abuse by those in power towards overly outspoken opponents) and feel that you belong, that even if actions do not take place, someone is listening to your voice. I simply love it.


After 54 years of independence I'm proud to see my people progressing, politically, although there's much more work to be done.

Hopefully in 20 years, a 10-year-old girl can sit in a cab, listen to a political radio talk show and have enough knowledge to engage in a dialogue with the cab driver. That would be sweet.

New Beginnings, Same Ol' Habits?

Hi blog! Sorry for the five-month hiatus! Phew! What a cool couple of months!

So, I've been living NOT visiting or staying but actually living in Ghana for about two months now. My short stay, I must say, has been packed with much fun, crazy excitement about the unknown and, of course, frustrations! Ahhhh, who can live in Africa without getting frustrated, really?

Here's one for you:

I recently resolved an issue with some employees of Electricity Corporation who kept postponing an appointment to work on my electricity pole. It took almost one week for an issue as simple as tightening the wire on the pole to be resolved, a task only ECG workers are authorized to perform. When the electricity folks finally arrived at my house, the line's man to fix the problem tried to sell this cock-and-bull story about my wires being in need of replacement and that he could supply new cables, get this, for GHC 300 (roughly $200) and charge a workmanship fee of GHC 50 (a little over $30). Now, $200 for electricity cables and $30 workmanship fee aren't much if you live in the U.S. But to even sell something of this sort and for that amount in Ghana is simply ridiculous. Not to mention that my house is not a new building to be in need of new electrical cables! Oh my! Dude was obviously trying to find a quick way to make some bucks because he picked up my American accent, figured I was fresh in town, and thought he could dupe me! Ha! Little did he know my eyes are wider and brighter than an owl's!

I returned from work rather late that day only to be briefed on the story. Apparently someone from my household had given him the GHC 50, after which he promised to return in a few minutes to fix the problem because he needed to pick up equipments from the office. Mind you, this was about 8 a.m.and guess what? At 7 p.m. the line's man hadn't returned from the office to fix the problem after 13 hours! And oh, he had switched off his phone. I definitely went into flip mode. Now, there are absolutely no words to describe the fire that imploded in my chest at that moment. We'll just say the mad African woman in me emerged. Of course, I reported the incident to someone higher in command who apologized and told me the cable story was ridiculous! So after threats of taking this to the police and practically calling all phone numbers I had for the ECG workers, the line's man finally came the following day to fix the pole. Ummm, he fixed the line alright AND returned the GHC 50. That's what I call a consumer exercising his or her power..

I refuse to believe that a nation such as Ghana, the first African country south of the Sahara to gain independence, cannot empower its citizens to stand up to crooks like this line's man. That such a person can be given so much dirty power to be used at the expense of others. I understand the culture of giving "tips" for EVERY WORK someone does for you in Ghana, even if it means performing duties the person is already getting paid for. I understand that, although it doesn't make sense. But I REFUSE to give power to anyone whose only job is to take advantage of me and other citizens of Ghana. That's doesn't work.

I believe these issues can be solved only if Ghanaians would stand up to these people.We need to feel empowered enough to say, "No, I won't allow you to take advantage of me. I pay me taxes, Ghana is mine as much as it is yours. I respect the words of the national anthem and I take my country and her people seriously."

Now I'm getting ideas... 

Introducing Obaasema Online TV

Interview With 54 Kingdoms

It's here! Obaasema Online TV was launched this week (1/27/11). Check out my two-part interview with two of the continent's burgeoning entrepreneurs: CEO and President of the clothing line, 54 Kingdoms. 

(Part 1)



(Part 2)

Need I Say More?? Stay Tuned!

Can Mbeki do for Côte d'Ivoire What Annan Did for Kenya?

In March 2008 Kofi Annan succeeded in assisting with the resolution of the  2007 Kenyan political conflict (read report here). Two years later, Thabo Mbeki is embarking on the same road, this time far West, Ivory Coast, to calm the waters (read the Beep's report here).

Beats me that after the 1999 and 2001 coups and civil war, nothing has been learned by this West African nation, contributing to stereotypical views that Africa knows nothing other than conflict. It's not even worth analyzing anything anymore; not even worth writing about. And hearts continue to bleed, while once again, avaricious leaders devour the vulnerable.

Waiting to see what Mbeki's visit will produce. *Sigh*

You Can't Miss This!! OBAASEMA-OLIBERTE Giveaway Contest!

I  know, I know...I've been away for too long but i come bearing gifts!!!....well, that is, if you're selected! Don't miss this amazing chance to win one of the coolest sneakers today! The fabulous footwear company, Oliberté, has partnered with Obaasema to offer you this great holiday contest. Send your entries for a chance to win a FREE, classic sneaker!! Enter Contest Page or simply click on the image below. Good luck! :-)