My latest submission to Global Voices Online. Savor on this in the interim!
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Ashanti Regional Minister, Kofi Opoku-Manu, has recently taken great heat for remarks he made during a speech to supporters of the ruling party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) on January 6th.
According to Ghana’s Ato-Kwamena Dadzie, Opoku-Manu “urged party supporters to resort to violence to resolve their differences.”
Dadzie reports in his article, “Opoku-Manu Must Go” with a direct quote from the Regional Minister:
"If you can slap him, do so."
Dadzie states:
"Comments like these are reckless and irresponsible. You don’t expect a man in Mr. Opoku-Manu’s position to utter them. But he did.
Two days later, he had no recollection of what he had said until a recording was played back to him. That was when he came to his senses, acknowledged his momentous folly and offered an apology, which only came after some big wigs within the government instructed to clear the mess he has created." Read more....
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What's New?? Happy New Year!
I've been cooking up some stuff for you and I haven't forgotten about my article regarding the anti-corruption initiative by the UN and World Bank. I'll be posting that very soon.
So here's to my followers and readers...I haven't forgotten about you, I'm coming back very soon!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Introducing...Real African Women (R.A.W.)
Today, Dec. 21, 2009 (I started writing this before the clock turned 12 a.m.!), Obaasema Magazine in a partnership with Gye Nyame Empowerment Project (GNEP) launched Real African Women (R.A.W.) on Facebook! My partner, Akua Soadwa and I have been so psyched about this initiative that we felt like kids in the hours leading to the launch.
Here's a note I posted on Facebook saying why R.A.W. is important to me:
"R.A.W was birthed when Akua and I met this summer at a special gathering. After about 10 minutes into REAL conversations, we realized that we both possessed very similar traits and most surprisingly, carried around similar challenges! Why would I engage in a conversation about one of my biggest struggles - vulnerability - with someone I had just met? Why did we both nod at almost every personal challenge that surfaced during our conversation? We laughed at each revelation – the only thing that may have ruined any thoughts of us being twins was the fact that I was born in Ghana and she was born in the U.S. We knew after this exchange, though, that we had to act and we were both quick to admit that we couldn’t do it alone.
My desire to grow and to use my personal growth process to inspire others is one of the things that drives me – whether it is pouring my heart into empowering women through Obaasema Magazine or engaging in initiatives such as R.A.W, I seek to see a different woman in me.
You see, R.A.W was not only created for “them,” as in the “other African women,” but also for Akua and me. We are both women who deeply appreciate the beauty of personal growth and choose to seek the support of our fellow sisters. It should be obvious by now why we have decided to create an open forum discussion to invite other African women to join the movement of helping each other grow by sharing our experiences.
R.A.W intrigues me and is important to me because it hinges on personal growth; it’s about inspiration, it’s about empowerment. All I hope R.A.W can do for you are these 3 things: inspire you, empower you and challenge you to grow! Embrace the movement, baby!"
I'm extremely excited to have begun this beautiful journey with a woman who is as passionate about inspiring others and contributing positively to the world. The first R.A.W. forum session will be held in May 2010 and we're equally as excited about that! You'll be hearing more from me soon on this subject.
Support this initiative by becoming a Fan of our Facebook page! ... and...ahem...tell your friends, girlfriends, wives, sisters, aunties...ummm everyone about it! :-)
Monday, December 14, 2009
Uganda Makes African Women Proud
If you've been follwing my blog entries you should know by now that I'm a Beep fan -- in other words, that's where I get most of my news about the continent. So, just in case you haven't yet heard the news, Uganda dropped "FGM" from its list of embraced acronyms. I'll interpret -- Female Genital Mutilation is now legally banned in Uganda!
The BBC reported: "Anyone convicted of the practice, which involves cutting off a girl's clitoris, will face 10 years in jail, or a life sentence if a victim dies."
The news comes just weeks after a world acknowledgement of "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women," (read my post on that). The human rights status of Uganda is still in the dark, considering some of the charges that have been brought against the government in the past: Reports about violation of refugee rights, torture allegedly is a well-known practice in security circles and of course, who can forget the arrest of the country's main oppostion leader, Kizza Besigye?
But I think it's important for the world to acknowledge this bit of news as an indication of what Uganda could become. That perhaps taking this step against genital mutilation demonstrates the government's progress in tackling women's issues? This statement may be a stretch, but I say let's give them the benefit of the doubt and monitor any advancements on the issue.
The World Health Organization asserts that between 100 and 140 million girls and women are living with the brunt of FGM today. This violation of the human rights of girls and women, viewed in some countries as a right of passage, is one of the most torturous experiences any woman should be subjected to. (Read this article)
I think African governments taking the initiative to ban such practices are commendable. But what happens to unmonitored areas of a country? It's one thing for a government to pass such a law, it's another, however, to ensure that traditionalists are held accountable and adhere to these new rules. Anyone familiar with African "laws" will tell you that with the bribery of a local official, one can get away with almost anything.
I would suggest - and I'm yet to see detailed official documents regarding this new Ugandan law - that any country that passes such a law should invest in resources that'll ensure that they're carried out. This is not just a law. It's the life of a young girl who may someday want to become an entrepreneur, a doctor or lawyer but lacks confidence as a result of the ordeal because she feels incomplete and insecure. It's the life of a woman who desires to build a family but never imagined that the sexual pleasure missing in her marriage would directly be linked to what was taken away from her as a child by someone who held a skewed view of preserving virginity.
I call on the voices of all women, specifically African women, whether you've undergone this procedure or not, to join forces and fight against the brutality. No human deserves this.
The BBC reported: "Anyone convicted of the practice, which involves cutting off a girl's clitoris, will face 10 years in jail, or a life sentence if a victim dies."
The news comes just weeks after a world acknowledgement of "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women," (read my post on that). The human rights status of Uganda is still in the dark, considering some of the charges that have been brought against the government in the past: Reports about violation of refugee rights, torture allegedly is a well-known practice in security circles and of course, who can forget the arrest of the country's main oppostion leader, Kizza Besigye?
But I think it's important for the world to acknowledge this bit of news as an indication of what Uganda could become. That perhaps taking this step against genital mutilation demonstrates the government's progress in tackling women's issues? This statement may be a stretch, but I say let's give them the benefit of the doubt and monitor any advancements on the issue.
The World Health Organization asserts that between 100 and 140 million girls and women are living with the brunt of FGM today. This violation of the human rights of girls and women, viewed in some countries as a right of passage, is one of the most torturous experiences any woman should be subjected to. (Read this article)
I think African governments taking the initiative to ban such practices are commendable. But what happens to unmonitored areas of a country? It's one thing for a government to pass such a law, it's another, however, to ensure that traditionalists are held accountable and adhere to these new rules. Anyone familiar with African "laws" will tell you that with the bribery of a local official, one can get away with almost anything.
I would suggest - and I'm yet to see detailed official documents regarding this new Ugandan law - that any country that passes such a law should invest in resources that'll ensure that they're carried out. This is not just a law. It's the life of a young girl who may someday want to become an entrepreneur, a doctor or lawyer but lacks confidence as a result of the ordeal because she feels incomplete and insecure. It's the life of a woman who desires to build a family but never imagined that the sexual pleasure missing in her marriage would directly be linked to what was taken away from her as a child by someone who held a skewed view of preserving virginity.
I call on the voices of all women, specifically African women, whether you've undergone this procedure or not, to join forces and fight against the brutality. No human deserves this.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Zimbabwe's Economy Taking on a Positive Turn?
The Beep reported last week that there could be a positive turn in Zimbabwe's economy. The article stated: "Zimbabwe's first budget since its unity government began sharing power 10 months ago predicts a healthy economic future for the country." This could be the best news the country has heard in a very long time if you ask me. Before moving any further, I should state that I do not support any one party, but it would be a shame for me to not commend Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for his efforts.
I mention the Prime Minister because although I know Robert Mugabe would've probably loved to be the one to shop around for funding for his ailiing country, Tsvangirai was the one who did. I admire Tsvangirai not for any reason (because I don't know much about the man...yet) other than the fact that his actions in the last couple of months have demonstrated his heart for his country. I remember a meeting with President Barack Obama in June, while on his week-long globe-trotting hunt for money, in which the U.S. president pledged $73 million in aid to Zimbabwe. There was a catch though, or I should say a rule attached to the funds: That the money would not go directly to the government but instead to direct services for the citizens of Zimbabwe. After meeting with Tsvangirai, Obama commented, "We've seen progress from the prime minister," in a report by The Washington Post.
According to Finance Minister Tendai Biti, Zimbabwe's economy will most likely see a growth of 7% next year - a LEAP since the country's decade-long contraction.
The reason I began my post by commending Morgan Tsvangirai was because the world has witnessed the authoritative rule of Mugabe for 29 years; his rule and ineffective policies have led to the downfall of a country that was once promising. It wasn't until a bitter power-sharing government deal was struck in February between Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change party and Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union -Patriotic Front that the world began to see some improvements in the country's economy.
The BBC just reported that Zimbabwe youths are still fleeing the country to South Africa for much better lives, after almost one year since the power-sharing government that was supposed to help rebuild the economy was established. But any economist, although I'm not one, would tell you that one year is a very short time to see recovery. Take the economic recovery process of the U.S., for instance. The country is further ahead of Zimbabwe in all regards yet it'll take more than a year to reach a point of economic equilibrium. How much more Zimbabwe, whose inflation rate or I should say hyper-inflation rate, was reported in July 2008 to be as high as 231,000,000%.
If perhaps more folks like Morgan Tsvangirai hang around to fight for Zimbabwe's best interest, I believe the world will live to see the country spring back to life. Yes, it'll take years, but it's not impossible.
I mention the Prime Minister because although I know Robert Mugabe would've probably loved to be the one to shop around for funding for his ailiing country, Tsvangirai was the one who did. I admire Tsvangirai not for any reason (because I don't know much about the man...yet) other than the fact that his actions in the last couple of months have demonstrated his heart for his country. I remember a meeting with President Barack Obama in June, while on his week-long globe-trotting hunt for money, in which the U.S. president pledged $73 million in aid to Zimbabwe. There was a catch though, or I should say a rule attached to the funds: That the money would not go directly to the government but instead to direct services for the citizens of Zimbabwe. After meeting with Tsvangirai, Obama commented, "We've seen progress from the prime minister," in a report by The Washington Post.
According to Finance Minister Tendai Biti, Zimbabwe's economy will most likely see a growth of 7% next year - a LEAP since the country's decade-long contraction.
The reason I began my post by commending Morgan Tsvangirai was because the world has witnessed the authoritative rule of Mugabe for 29 years; his rule and ineffective policies have led to the downfall of a country that was once promising. It wasn't until a bitter power-sharing government deal was struck in February between Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change party and Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union -Patriotic Front that the world began to see some improvements in the country's economy.
The BBC just reported that Zimbabwe youths are still fleeing the country to South Africa for much better lives, after almost one year since the power-sharing government that was supposed to help rebuild the economy was established. But any economist, although I'm not one, would tell you that one year is a very short time to see recovery. Take the economic recovery process of the U.S., for instance. The country is further ahead of Zimbabwe in all regards yet it'll take more than a year to reach a point of economic equilibrium. How much more Zimbabwe, whose inflation rate or I should say hyper-inflation rate, was reported in July 2008 to be as high as 231,000,000%.
If perhaps more folks like Morgan Tsvangirai hang around to fight for Zimbabwe's best interest, I believe the world will live to see the country spring back to life. Yes, it'll take years, but it's not impossible.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
"Anti-Corruption Day" -- What to do With it?
So, on Monday, December 7th, myself and other journalists/bloggers participated in a conference call with some officials from the World Bank and UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) about the issue of Corruption. I thought my piece about the discussion would be ready for today, "Anti-Corruption Day" -- unfortunately, it's not but I still wanted to acknowledge this day until my final article is ready!
Since I don't want to give away anything I'll be writing in my article, for now, I'd like to encourage YOU to get involved and create awareness about corruption in your country! Should I say happy or sad Anti-Corruption Day? You fill it in!
Stay tuned for my piece!
Since I don't want to give away anything I'll be writing in my article, for now, I'd like to encourage YOU to get involved and create awareness about corruption in your country! Should I say happy or sad Anti-Corruption Day? You fill it in!
Stay tuned for my piece!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Somalia - Forgotten or Not?
On Thursday, the Beep reported a suicide bomb in Somalia; the bomber was allegedly disguised as a woman in an attack that reportedly killed 19 people including the nation's Health Minister, Qamar Aden Ali, Education Minister Ahmed Abdulahi Waayeel and Higher Education Minister Ibrahim Hassan Addow. Also among the dead, the BBC reports, were students and two journalists. This attack is suspected to have been executed by a member of some radical Islamist group, although no one has come forward to claim it. The dissatisfaction running within such groups can be attributed to the idea of having a UN-backed government ruling some of Somalia's territories. But really, does this nation need any more problems? The issue of sea piracy is yet to be resolved and the internationl community doesn't seem to know where to begin to tackle it. Or have they given up?
The BBC reported the African Union (AU) as saying the latest attack would "not deter the resolve and determination of the African Union to support the people of Somalia in their quest for peace and reconciliation."
The AU has been smacked with numerous criticisms in the past for not having a "back bone." This censure hangs on the claim that the AU has failed to act in a timely manner when needed in the past. But does the AU deserve such criticism? Just this year the world witnessed as the organization scrambled to control the conflict in Madagascar as a result of a coup organized by Andry Rajoelina. I was personally impressed by the AU's swift suspension of Madagascar from the organization after conflicts arose in the Indian Ocean Island state and equally impressed to see it re-integrated into the Union after it began to work on a power-sharing government.
Reverting to Somalia, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke of the nation's UN-backed government, described the recent attack as "vicious and calculated outrage."
Besides religious-toned conflicts, this nation carries wounds so profound that mere funding wouldn't do. I would like to say the African Union can harp all it wants about maintaining peace but if the root of the problem isn't addressed and tackled, Africa will be watching one of its own deteriorate before its eyes. But it would be unfair to omit the fact that the AU is dealing with a convoluted problem. The African community - as demonstrated by most states - seems to be determined to assist Somalia emerge as a competent participant of the democratic process, but religious conflict encumbers this.
I wish I could say that the world should focus on tackling Somalia's economic problem first -- create jobs to discourage youths from joining rebel groups and falling in love with the world of piracy. But how is this possible when the country screams with instability? Who would even consider investing in Somalia to create economic growth? But what if this never happens; What if, for some reason, Somalia never reaches a place of peace, - hypothetically speaking - what would happen to its sons and daughters?
I am left to ask the questions: What can the AU do better? What can the international community do? What can Somalis do to resolve the conflicts? And what can the average African do to help?
The BBC reported the African Union (AU) as saying the latest attack would "not deter the resolve and determination of the African Union to support the people of Somalia in their quest for peace and reconciliation."
The AU has been smacked with numerous criticisms in the past for not having a "back bone." This censure hangs on the claim that the AU has failed to act in a timely manner when needed in the past. But does the AU deserve such criticism? Just this year the world witnessed as the organization scrambled to control the conflict in Madagascar as a result of a coup organized by Andry Rajoelina. I was personally impressed by the AU's swift suspension of Madagascar from the organization after conflicts arose in the Indian Ocean Island state and equally impressed to see it re-integrated into the Union after it began to work on a power-sharing government.
Reverting to Somalia, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke of the nation's UN-backed government, described the recent attack as "vicious and calculated outrage."
Besides religious-toned conflicts, this nation carries wounds so profound that mere funding wouldn't do. I would like to say the African Union can harp all it wants about maintaining peace but if the root of the problem isn't addressed and tackled, Africa will be watching one of its own deteriorate before its eyes. But it would be unfair to omit the fact that the AU is dealing with a convoluted problem. The African community - as demonstrated by most states - seems to be determined to assist Somalia emerge as a competent participant of the democratic process, but religious conflict encumbers this.
I wish I could say that the world should focus on tackling Somalia's economic problem first -- create jobs to discourage youths from joining rebel groups and falling in love with the world of piracy. But how is this possible when the country screams with instability? Who would even consider investing in Somalia to create economic growth? But what if this never happens; What if, for some reason, Somalia never reaches a place of peace, - hypothetically speaking - what would happen to its sons and daughters?
I am left to ask the questions: What can the AU do better? What can the international community do? What can Somalis do to resolve the conflicts? And what can the average African do to help?
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