AN OPEN LETTER FELLOW VOLTARIANS

Dear family,

We find ourselves among the poorest regions in the nation. Socioeconomic wise, the Volta Region is nothing to write home about. It is a very hard pill to swallow knowing very well that the Volta Region has enormous human and natural resources. The situation is more embarrassing when one recounts that the Volta Region has been very faithful at the polls to the political party that has reigned for over 65% of the duration of the fourth republic thus far.

We have always appreciated the work of the erstwhile PNDC government led by Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings. Papa J did well to ensure our people were released from their social agony, and this we salute him for.

Even though the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has done very little in the capacity of a political party for the region, we, Voltarians have forever prioritised the NDC during all elections. Regardless, the NDC continues to take us for granted: they just know we will vote for them no matter what.

Times have changed, so has the needs and demands of societies changed. We must also change. First and mainly from our voting pattern.

We cannot always rush back to our region to vote for the NDC during each and every election, and immediately rush out of the region in search of greener pastures after casting our votes. The fact that majority of us pursue our destinies outside the region is a manifestation that we have been using our right to vote to our own detriment.

We ought to resolve to create a region that we would all be proud of. We need to provide evidence that we desire great development in our region. We can state our intentions in no uncertain terms when we begin to vote on policies and competences rather than political a party symbol and colour.

Thank you.

HOW #DUMSORMUSTSTOP POSES THREAT TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA'S RE-ELECTION BID

a section of the massive crowd.

The much publicised #dumsormuststop has taken off in ‘’peaceful’’ and ‘’successful’’ manner. Since the conception of the #dumsormuststop vigil idea, by the #dumsortrio, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been exasperated by the idea.

It is just normal that with the searing desire of Ghanaian politicians to continue enriching themselves with national resources, the NDC as a whole is not going to take it easy on anyone who dare pose as a threat to their re-election bid.

However, the John Dramani Mahama lead administration would just have to live with the threat an initiative like #dumsormuststop poses to them in their re-election bid.

The Mahama administration has comfortable botched up the entire nation-both social and economic wise. More so, the menace of dumsor is very real unlike most political propaganda that the Ghanaian political sphere has become used to. The reality of dumsor had already made a legitimate case against President Mahama’s competence. Coupled with the agitation of the people, the NDC government is heading for the grave.

Turnout on Saturday is an illustration of the fact that the people are increasingly conscious their sovereignty. Ghanaians are now becoming aware that power emanates from them. Now, citizens have come over the misconception that the politician is the main man. We, citizens, are ready to use our right to vote to effect positively impact our lives, and not fatten any one politicians’ wallets.

The pain being caused by the Mahama administration is being felt in all magnitudes across the nation. The numerous frustrated voices who added to the #dumsormuststop campaign on various platforms is manifestation of the fact that Ghanaians are not interested in being political fanatics any longer. Any leader who mismanages the nation shall get the displeasure of the electorates.

Social media has always been a daring tool. #occupyGhana has demonstrated the threat social media poses to governments in event of frustration on the part of the people. Now, #dumsormuststop has cemented the efficiency of the ravaging potentials of social media. Furthermore, the Arab Spring amongst many other revolutions is a testimony of the impact of social media on governments who citizens become disgruntled with.

Now, we, Ghanaians have a colourful elements necessary to ‘’fire’’ any government. I can only bet on one thing-Mahama and his people have their hearts in their mouths.

MARKETING PRECEPTS FROM GHANAIAN DISHES: INTRODUCING KENKEY

Earlier this year, l blog on the marketing precepts of two of Ghana’s famousfoods-akple and fufu. Today, l present to you the part two of the post as l promised and also introduce to you lessons from kenkey- another predominant food in Ghana.

credit:globalzoo.de

As an advancement on the last post, l shall delve into the nitty-gritty of preparing akple, fufu and kenkey, and espouse marketing lessons hidden in the preparation process.

First of all, marketing is an inexact science. Unlike all other scientific postulates, the results from a certain marketing strategy is not always reproducible. This chameleon-like nature of marketing is visible in the process of preparing akple/banku, fufu and kenkey. The uncomfortable situation in which a strategy that worked for UT bank does not work for another bank even though the rubrics of the strategy might have been followed to the core does not flaw a specific marketing strategy. So is the same when cooking akple, fufu and kenkey. The style of a cook could be different but at the end of the day, the same result is produced-a palatable akple, fufu or kenkey. In the same vein, two cooks could use the same cooking manual in the preparation of kenkey and follow it precisely but there would be huge distinction between the final dishes; one could be delicious whilst the other proves to be a complete failure. It is the reality in marketing; regardless of the procedure, marketing could be daunting. All the finest marketers have never been discouraged by the strategy for they understand the dynamics of the game.

Furthermore, the unique mode of serving of kenkey in particular is a fantastic marketing strategy. This practice his very much akin to ‘’applying heat’’ in on my previous post. The husks and plantain leaves used to package kenkey gives kenkey a leading brand in the Ghanaian local dish choice. Most marketers of today adopt exorbitant means and overdo their packaging onto the market to an extent that the product lose value even before going onto the market. Just keep it simple and be meticulous with it like it is done with kenkey. The good thing about packaging is that after a period, the market soaks it and can easily identify the product. Many of us in the 21^st century would not have liked the packaging materials for kenkey when it was first introduced because of our complex way of looking at things. Marketing will not forgive you if you adopt a complex approach to it. After all, most of the big firms in the world do not intricately design logos full of redundant features. You ought to be easy on the eye like kenkey or forget making any impact with your marketing ruse. Not being complex cannot be taken as not being detail-orientated. Even as one avoids redundant features, one has to ensure all feature of a product are of upmost importance.

Also, anticipation is key in marketing. One need to always be ready for some development and changes in the course of marketing. Development could either be positive or negative, but just like the fufu pounder, akple cook or kenkey woman, the surest way to stay in charge is through sharp anticipation. When you have forethought of a possible development base on premises, you will be able to rectify the situation in your favour. For example, a good anticipator will reduce the intensity of the fire immediately upon recognising too much heat would be a recipe for disaster in the preparation process of either akple or kenkey and fufu. The only challenge anticipation presents is that it looks herculean to first timers. Only two traits are needed for a sound anticipation during marketing-focus and open mind besides experience. And experience in marketing just like preparing akple/fufu/kenkey is best gotten through practice and under a connoisseur’s tutelage.

Finally, competition is a blessing in disguise. Unlock and utilise it. Apart from competition being a force that compels a marketer to think outside the box, it also has other benefits; more so when observed form the viewpoint of cooking. The three famous Ghanaian dishes are prepared on commercial bases and even though vendors may see themselves as competitors, they are not. They just serve the purpose of meeting the demands of a market. No vendor can authoritatively lay a claim to akple/fufu/kenkey as his or her brainchild. Marketing is ideal when seen as an opportunity to serve a cultural setting rather than a competition. However, we cannot undermine the competitiveness of marketing in modern cooperate world.

LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE

It was one faithful afternoon in Keta. The sound of political mantras were reverberating all over the place in a fully packed soccer field. Ushers served the audience with cooked rice in white ‘’take-aways’’. I saw on the face of old Bobi a big excitement, l was so happy for him because l have always believed our grandfathers are custodians of wisdom in every community. Little did l know that was the first time Bobi felt joy in four years. I saw some kids made fun of him. I was so curious l decided to dig a bit around Bobi. Everything l found our sent waves down my spine. Astonishing will be an understatement.

I have come to realise it is not only Bobi who is left to his fate of sorrow-getting a good meal like plain rice with chicken once in four years at a political rally. Scenarios of persons struggling to make ends meet are abundant in Ghana and the world. The story goes beyond the daily routine of menial jobs, begging for alms, starvation, lack of shelter, abuse, and the list goes on. Poverty is a very familiar sight in Ghana.

Whenever one sees people like Bobi, many questions come to mind. How come someone could be too poor? Where are their families? What efforts has government made to lessen their plight? Many more questions come to mind that we may never get the right answers to.

One thing for sure is the poor person really hustles for survival. It is such a shame that only a countable people care about the plight of the pauper. Worst still, when the pauper passes by a group of people, even the presence of a ghost would have been more felt. To the contrary, even before a member of parliament arrives at a particular setting, people had already aligned in expectation of him. Should we always judge on social status? Why can we not give the deprived the chance to make a meaningful contribution to society? If the rich in all their glamour cannot solve a primary challenge like ‘’dumsor’’ upon attempts to do so for decades, then why the sudden allure for the rich? We are being blinded by hypocrites who parade themselves in stolen national assets.

Some say poverty is a disease. They may just be right. The little l know about diseases is that it is not always one’s fault that one gets an infection. Someone else’s actions and inactions could lead to another person being infected.

We can identify blatantly our greedy politicians who amass national resources for their personal benefit as a root cause of poverty in the country. Nations who have established their reputation as corruption-free low prevalence rate of poverty. The reality of the issue is that those at the top of the national financial ladder are making no efforts to give a helping hand to those sinking below. One would cite a typical scenario where a pauper could be legitimately be blamed his/her distress. Regardless, help cannot be classified as help if all efforts made to give an assistance proves futile. A true helper ought to adopt all possible measures in order for a positive change to occur in the situation that he/she is contributing to. In a nutshell, l am saying we have high prevalence rate of poverty in the country because we have failed as a people in making concerted efforts to help our fellow citizens who are deprived in a complete manner. Jesus has given a blueprint of help by dying to save us, and this is all what help is about-sacrifice.

I am of the opinion that until we have-nation and individuals- for more than enough resources to ensure no citizen languishes in poverty.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHIEFS IN BRINGING BACK PATRIOTISM IN THE NATION

In the 21^st century, Ghana and patriotism seem to have been divorced from each other. Elders in society who lament incessantly about the lack of patriotic youths nowadays are right. Reckless and selfish disposition towards national resources has now become the order of the day. Clarion calls for concerted measures to be made in order for to restore the love of nation over personal interest have all fell on deaf ears.

Before we begin talking about the measures we ought to adopt in order for a patriotic spirit to be restored and in the republic, let us first take a look at personalities who would be required on our quest to restore chauvinistic spirit in the nation. From a theoretical perspective, all and sundry have a part to play. We need to make it a national goal to achieve a nation full of nationalists again. There are a group of eminent members of society who could lead the way. They are our chiefs/kings.

Chiefs are viewed as custodians of the land. This very sacred attribute makes it highly unlikely for a chief to choose personal preference over national/societal interest as it was the case in time past. The rich history around every chieftaincy position throughout the country makes all traditional leaders in the nation special and revered. Also, chiefs are mandated to protect the nation and people. Chiefs/kings of any area throughout the country have the honourable duty of ensuring good welfare for their citizens. The primary responsibilities of chiefs is one which discourages any portrayal of skewed personal interest. Further the people owe allegiance to chiefs. Our traditional customs enshrines chiefs and kings as the highest rank in the traditional setting. This presents traditional leaders with abundant prospects of influence devoid any blemish.

source: timgrahamstock.photoshelter.com

Furthermore, traditional rulers possess external sovereignty. Chiefs are the only personalities in the country who are legitimately allowed to rule for life. The unlimited period afforded to chiefs enable them to establish a solid influence barring any scandal. Even in the unfortunate incident of a scandal, chiefs have the requisite elements to make wrongs right. Also, the everlasting sovereignty of chiefs afford them the avenue to adopt a systematic approach to all undertakings. Because we have had a derailed patriotic spirit for a long time now, any action to restore the good old days would be needing a gradual and measured approach. Chiefs are the only personalities with the luxury of time to implement such a rigorous development.

In addition, chiefs are prohibited form involvement in partisan politics. The laws of the nation deters any chief from indulging in active politics. Politics stains reputation of individuals. The type of politics being done in the nation is unhealthy. The last thing we need now to re-establish a loyalist spirit in the nation is a political brouhaha surrounding the torch bearers of the process. Also, the biggest culprit of unpatriotic spirit in the country are the politicians. Politicians have brainwashed people and led them away from pursuing national interest in favour of party agenda.

The role of chiefs has been undermined in recent years due to the influence of Western democracy but our chiefs remain the ideal personnel to restore the much looked-for patriotic spirit back into the nation. Chiefs possess the pivotal attributes which will enable them to strategize and implement conditions necessary for the revival of patriotic spirits in the nation.

THE SECRET BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF UNIVERSITY STARTUPS

Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Apple, the list goes on. All the aforementioned companies were birth in colleges. Many more successful companies’ roots can be traced back the colleges that the founders of these companies attended. Even though, the trend is common in the West, the success of many college startups is a manifestation of the fact that colleges may just be the best environment for a startup.

UG and other colleges in Ghana also hold the Silicon Valley potential

The success or otherwise of a startup depends hugely on management. Students who are in colleges usually have more time to spend on their startups than a full-time-working-professional who is looking forward to making time in between work in order to take care of personal company matters.  The employed graduate always come home tired, and with several other responsibilities, he/she gets to spend less time on his/her personal startup whilst the college student has all the time in the world to direct his/her startup.

In addition, college students get to use the services of their tutors and colleagues at a reduced rate if not for free as compared to a graduate who contracts the services of other professionals. The college student who has less liabilities in this case is duped for bigger assets than the graduate who spends higher cash on crediting liabilities; because the balance sheet is very critical to the financial strength of every firm. As a student startup flourishes in assets, a grad startup languishes in liabilities. Some may argue that a professional will do a better job than a college student; l do not for one second buy this notion. The only difference between a graduate and a college student is a piece of paper-certificate. The certificate does not do the job, ability does the job. Further advantage of using a student for a job rather than a professional is that students tend to explore more creative avenues in the discharge of duties as compared to professional who mostly adopt methods that are cast in iron and repeated over the years.  

Furthermore, the enclosed nature of colleges also make them an ideal ecosystem for business startups. Take for instance, the time and technique that it would require to understand and segment the populace of Ashaiman as a target market as compared to the time and technique that it would take to understand and segment students of University of Ghana or any other university for that matter as a target market. The wide range of variables in the ‘’real’’ world makes it more complicated for startups to understand thus explore the market avenues. However, the simplicity of a somewhat enclosed environment like a university campus enables startups to measure and reach their target market.

When you examine circumstances under which companies like Aple, Microsoft, Google and Facebook were born, l am convinced that Ghanaian students have an ideal environment to carve a niche for themselves in the cooperate world. Numbers also count a lot, and we are blessed with more numbers than Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg had as primary target market. For example, Harvard had a student population of about 20,000 when Mr. Zuckerberg started Facebook. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has a current student population of about 40,000. The implication of a doubled population is that double as many as believed in Zuckerberg’s idea could patronize a student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s startup-of same relevance as Facebook was eleven years ago.

MARKETING PRECEPTS IN AKPLE/BANKU AND FUFU I

Successful cooperate firms root from dominant marketing strategies. Marketing gives direction to a company on its future. Marketing is so crucial in business organisations that it is the controlling concept in the product design process. Any firm that disregards the impact of marketing in its product formation has set the stage for her own failure. The only headache marketing offers is its nature – an inexact science. Unlike all other scientific processes, the results from a specific marketing strategy is not always reproducible even if one follows its rubrics to the letter.`

apply the heat   credit:globalzoo.de

Akple/banku are two of the most popular foods in Ghana. They are indigenous foods. The people love them. It would be a major shock for a native of the Volta Region to say he/she does not have akple as a top three food choice, and the same bewilderment would be associated with an Ashanti, Fante, Akwapim et al who maintains a similar stance when asked about fufu. Interestingly, there are a lot of marketing lessons in the process of cooking akple and the pounding of fufu, which could be lethal to competitors if a company puts them into practice.

Firstly, the foodstuff for the preparation of both akple and fufu are mainly cassava & maize, and cassava, yam, plantain respectively. Cassava, maize, yam and plantain are all traditional foodstuff in Ghana. They are the foundation of the feeding culture of the people since time immemorial. Ghanaians have always had the love for high carbohydrate foods. One of the finest issue to consider in the marketing process is to design a product that the people /market could easily associate themselves with. Ghanaians tend to be more comfortable with products they could easily relate themselves to. Marketing best works when it connects naturally and directly with the culture of the market. A company marketing soaps in Keta should use a picture of the sea shore as the background image of her billboard and observe the magic that happens thereafter. 

Furthermore, meeting the demands of the market does not come any easier than understanding the cultural dynamics of the people more so in a nation like Ghana.

Communication is also a cornerstone of marketing. A good communicator could easily pass for a good marketer. The principle of communication is illustrated in the heat applied during the preparation of akple and fufu. Heat is used throughout the preparation of both akple and fufu. For akple, heat is involved in the entire process whiles heat is only used at the preliminary stages of fufu- i.e to boil the foodstuff in readiness for pounding. It is essential a marketer turns on the heat whiles marketing. Heat in this sense means the adoption of linguistics/graphics that would boil your target. At the end of the day, your targets boil to your advantage. A typical example of heat being used in marketing is tigo’s ‘’drop that yam’’ promo. ‘’Drop that yam’’ may not be the most acceptable phrase in the Ghanaian setting, but tigo was able to use it to boil the Ghanaian the market, and now the youth-most notably-are all enthused about dropping that yam.

However, caution must be the taken in the kilojoules of heat applied because so much heat could destroy the target and turn him/her off just like what would happen when too much heat is applied during the process of cooking akple. The finest result one gets in the event of too much heat is likely to be charcoal.

In addition, the process pounding fufu is a very great example communication technique. In the case where two people are involved in the pounding process, they need to time and coordinate well lest one-the person turning the fufu in the mortar-gets injured. In the circumstance in which only one person is involved in the act of the pounding the fufu, he/she still needs to ensure good timing and coordination between his/her hand holding the pestle and the other hand turning the fufu in the mortar. It is imperative in 21^st century marketing when you put out a message and how you put the message across. The target must be must be conditioned for the message and the product must also supplement the target. In terms client-supplier relationship, the supplier needs to coordinate with the client in speech just like the pestle and the turning-hand-in-the mortar coordinate. Coordination and timing are also paramount in managing customer-producer relationship, which is a major guiding principle in marketing. 

  an ideal communication technique    credit: ghanatoghana.com

Finally, creating awareness on products is another hurdle a marketer has to overcome. In most Ghanaians homes, it is not unusual to know when either akple or fufu is on the menu. It is a routine. Every clever marketer should work on achieving a routine cycle to create awareness about his/her new/upcoming products. Let the customer always expect something new and exciting at a particular point of the year/production season. 

It establishes a totally amasing euphoria about if the producer constantly blows the mind of customers on schedule. Sooner than later, customers and the media cannot wait for that time of the year. Apple has mastered the act of getting the table set before time through their Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Now we all look up to September each year to know what Apple has in store for us. Applying the practice of knowing before-hand when to prepare fufu/akple in Ghanaian homes does not only give the producer knee jerk publicity but also it adds to the branding of the company- a unique customer relation approach [we shall take a look at branding some other time].  

The preparation of akple and fufu take hardwork, pinpoint concentration, flexibility, brute force and passion. All are skills and attitudes are available at the disposal of marketers who aspire to be extraordinary to utilise. I shall catch up with you later with episode II on this post and also introduce to you another fav Gh food kenkey. 

THE DILEMMA OF THE INDIGENOUS GHANAIAN ENTREPRENEUR

In the world of entrepreneurship, if seeds were ideas, water would be funds. It is inevitable the success or otherwise of a business firm depends on a lot of factors and funding is chief among them. Sufficient funds give the freedom to an entrepreneur to implement his/her ideas in a natural free flowing manner. I believe availability of enough funds for start-ups is a lynchpin between ideas and businesses. The importance of funding in a business be it social/commercial cannot be underestimated.

the demise of Merchant Bank says all about the favouritism shown by state banks             credit; rokfmonline

It is a very sad to see that due to unavailability of funds, multi-billion dollar business potentials are shattered in Ghana. Even the ones that are able to strive in the harsh financial ecosystem in the country do so in so much anguish that they also deliver below par, and never reach their full potential.

I am not insinuating that the survival of a business firm is solely dependent on funding but l have realised that the business czars that we could produce are somewhere below the poverty line due to lack of funding. I am aware to be an accomplished entrepreneur; one has to roar across the turbulent waves of funding expertly. 

Also, l have listened to a lot of motivational speakers in the past- and still on-going- one should not focus on money when one sets out to establish a firm, but l do not concur fully.

Looking at the annual turnovers of the indigenous companies in the country as compared to the foreign ones, there is a huge gap. This gap is mainly due to the varying financial muscles of the various firms. Now you understand when l tell you that the motivational speakers speak just for the sake of motivation. How many indigenous companies have had an annual turnover of at least $100m since three years ago? Are we trying to suggest that the foreign businessmen understand the marketing dynamics in the country more than the indigenous businessmen? In any case, it is the locals who work for these multi-million foreign firms in the country. Why have we not got any locally owned telco? Let us forget about the text book talks and face the pressing challenges;

To start with, the private banks and investment firms have failed at financing the Ghanaian entrepreneur. There cannot be any excuse from banks in Ghana on part of their failure to adequately finance the Ghanaian entrepreneur. At best the private banks give meagre loans at ridiculous rates to the poor indigenous entrepreneur. I cannot recall from the facts the last time a Ghanaian entrepreneur was granted a loan of $20m by either a private bank or investment firm in the country.

UT Bank; a model of Ghanaian excellence       credit; utbankghana

It is high time the private banks began to stock out the cash with believe in the Ghanaian entrepreneur. The avalanche of foreign entrepreneurs trooping in the country on daily basis is enough proof of the revenue capacity Ghana hosts. In the usual event of lack of trust in the Ghanaian entrepreneur by the financial firms, a part ownership agreement of the project could be struck. Furthermore, the part ownership approach allows the banks and investment firms to gain their huge interest returns although the actual rate is lower in principle. The banks should stop playing it safe with the government syndicates and treasuries.

In addition, the government is most culpable when it comes to empowering the Ghanaian entrepreneur. Quite paradoxically, the state is at chance to benefit largely when we harbour multi-billion dollar firms in the nation. The Kuffour administration started with the comedies of funding initiatives but l have been absolutely stunned by the Mahama approach. EDAIF, YES and GYEEDA, just name them; these are all initiatives for elementary school pupils who want to take lessons in business management. I am overwhelmingly disappointed in the government of the current and all governments of the past on their approach- if there was even one-to funding.

The state owned banks are also not helping the course of the Ghanaian entrepreneurs. It is a shame to know that families and affiliates of the leaders of our nation get fat loans from the state banks when more viable business ideas from the ‘’common man’’ gets peanuts or no funding at all. Ever heard of the collapse of erstwhile Merchant Bank?

The state must adopt a paradigm shift if we are to get any solution to the menace of funding of the indigenous entrepreneur. If not for anything let the managers of our economy be motivated by the results that would be produced if the indigenous entrepreneur is well funded.

GCB;the hope of  any transformation in the state banking sector        credit:gcbbank

Finally, the citizenry at large needs to aid the home-grown entrepreneur. We just need to cultivate the habit of investing and learn to make smart investment decision. An Ewe sage is translated ‘’when the mouth over-fulls, the beard gets its share’’

Funding is a big deal more so in a country like Ghana with all the potentials. It is evident from the success of the bigwigs in the Silicon Valley the huge role funding plays in a business establishment.

ABOCCO; THE MIGHTY AFRICAN

I present to you a young African full with vim and ambitions. His name is Ato Ulzen-Appiah, an entrepreneur. I met Ato for the first time back in 2012 at one of his initiatives Barcamp Tema- an event l attended with some of my mates from Ketasco under the supervision of another vim dude Gameli-at the Central University Campus, Miotso, and later on l had the privilege of meeting him again at last year’s Barcamp Ho in October. I prefer to call him by his twitter handle-Abocco- because the most impact he’s made on me has being via the social media: something he himself admitted when he referred to me as his ‘’twitter friend’’ when we met at Barcamp Ho. 

Ato Ulzen Appiah

It is with so much inspiration that l write this post and l hope you also get inspired reading it.

AtoUlzen-Appiah is a Ghanaian by birth. He hails from Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana, and grew up in ‘’an open environment’’ at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where he stayed with his family due to his dad’s work as a lecturer. His early educational life span out at KNUST primary & secondary schools, and then later Presby Boys School, Legon. He spent ten years in the United States of America where he pursued civil engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and subsequently management at Stanford. He had a working stint with Google as a programme manager building sustainable tech communities in Africa.  

With all his credentials, Ato could have chosen to stay in the US and make a name for himself, but rather boldly, he chose to come back home to Ghana.

Ato founded GhanaThink Foundation (and currently serves in the capacity of the Director) together with a colleague in the US. GhanaThink is a Ghana-US based organisation that focuses on mobilising and organising talents for the primary benefit of Ghana. Now one would understand why he chose to come back to Ghana over staying in the US and being a google millionaire.

GhanaThink has had many initiatives since its inception. These initiatives includes: BarcampGhana, a networking event in all the regions of Ghana bringing young people of Ghana together from diverse fields of life. Barcamp Ghana has held over 30 events since its pilot programme in 2008.

In addition to Barcamp Ghana, Museke is another brainchild of GhanaThink under Ato’s co-leadership. Museke solves the problem of African music space.

Furthermore, GhanaThink gave birth to Kasahorow. Kasahorow is an African dictionary. Credit to Ato and his team you can conveniently type your  Ewe and Twi and all other African keys on your devices.

Also, GhanaThink founded and supervises the activities of JuniorCamp Ghana. JuniorCamp seeks to shape future leaders in Ghana through mentorship, networking and training.

The Ghana Volunteer Programme (GVP) is also an initiative of Ato. GVP has set out to awake patriotism in Ghanaian youths through voluntary activities that are 3-day events held all around the nation usually around 21^st September each year- Founder’s day.

Personally, Ato has spearheaded the revolution of some really cool movements on twitter. Some of which include, #233moments #SoboloSaturday #WaakyeWednesday, and I am myself a fanatic of all these three hashtags.

In furtherance, Ato is currently the product manager building new avenue services at Rancard Solution, a mobile software company he co-founded. Ato is increasingly becoming an accomplished entrepreneur as the days roll on.

Ato and team #bcho breaking bottles after #bcho 

Ato is also a member of Global Shapers Hub, Ghana, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and just recently, Ato was one of the fifty members of Global Shapers in attendance at this year’s World Economic Forum congress in Switzerland.

Finally, Ato blogs The Mighty African and has a girlfriend.

I leave you with my collection of the top five quotes from the man Ato Ulzen-Appiah.

• ·          Iwork with countless people in Ghana who had their tertiary education in   Ghana and are as good as my MIT colleagues.
• ·       Teamwork makes dream work
• ·        The destiny of a nation at any given time depends on the opinions of its young men and women.
• ·        You can start small but do not play small
• ·        I have a passion for connecting people and building a movement of forward thinking Africans.

THE POLITICS OF Gh LADIES

Relationships are part of the human life. To many, building and sustaining a relationship is tantamount to success more so when the relationship in question is one that could lead to marriage- a life-long companionship.

In this post, l espouse the behavioural patterns of Ghanaian ladies and uncover reasons why most Ghanaian ladies tend to behave in certain manners. I actually did not do much on this post except to compile the views of my analysts on the issue, in this light, l introduce to you my panellists; Stranger, Benbrittle, Abodie, Annor, Raphael, and Dr Steve all of University of Health and AlliedScience (UHAS).

The Nature of Gh Ladies

How are Gh ladies really like?

‘’like all ladies over the world, ladies are somehow peculiar in nature, even though they do not have any textbook nature. It is just a matter of getting to understand them better’’ Dr Steve.

‘’nature of Gh ladies? Simply complex’’ Stranger  

Stranger; an experienced lover

Indicators That She Likes You

What are some signs do help guys know a lady is interested in them?

‘’ok this is easy; she gives you absolute control over her life. She could go as far as allowing you to choose her outfits for her’’ Benbrittle

‘’eye contact is key, you would normally catch her stealing a peep at you. In addition, she would always want to hear your voice and this usually is when you were in a friendship before she develops an affection towards you’’ Stranger

Abodie confirms and adds a bit to Stranger’s theory ‘’. . . she definitely would always want to hear your voice but more importantly, she loves being around you’’

‘’times have changed, the ways that a lady behaves when she likes you is different from what happened in the past. It is an evolution that has taken place’’ Annor

‘’when she likes you, she is always the first to comment and ask about your social media posts and photos’’ Dr Steve 

the Biblical Dr Steve

‘’she constantly queries you on your preferences when it comes to choosing a spouse. Also she asks about your past relationship and tells you a lot about herself’’ Raphael

Why Gh Ladies Cheat

Why do some ladies choose to have spare parts?

‘’girls are like trotro. They sometimes deliberately pick overloading though they know it is inimical’’ Socrates

‘’there are varied reasons why ladies in general cheat. Lack of affection is one, and to others it just psychological- no apparent reason for cheating’’ Benbrittle

‘’ladies cheat because they do not know what they want. Most ladies believe in worldly delusions that is the underlining factor that causes them to lose their focus and thus cheat’’

On this issue, Annor and Raphael stipulates ‘’when you do not show her affection and give her attention’’

‘’lack of respect towards could compel her to cheat’’ Abodie 

Abodie, an ardent observer of ladies

‘’when you do not make love to her, she is likely to cheat. I once lost a girlfriend because l never kissed her. Lack of kissing in a relationship sends the relationship bankrupt. Another factor that could cause her to cheat is when she has had a very fractious relationship in the past’’ Stranger

  The Magic Manure

For every relationship to burgeon, there are dos and dons. My guys have their take;

‘’if you really want your relationship to grow, do not talk about your past relationship especially when it was one that had a wonderful beginning. Appreciate her efforts to look good and always compliment her. Furthermore be careful with the words you use especially when you are having an altercation; most Gh ladies do not forget easily’’ Stranger

In agreement with Stranger, Abodie throws more light on the compliments ‘’ be specific on her body parts with the compliments and also, be gentle, sweet and nice with her. Always be willing to accommodate her’’

Annor, a relationship enthusiast

Annor ‘’ pay attention to her and do not address her in a rude manner even if she does something wrong’’

Benbrittle ‘’be real with her, when she discovers that you are fake, you are doomed’’

Raphael ‘’it is just a formality. You ought to be kind and gentle towards her’’

The Pretentious ‘l will think about it’

It is common to get a response of ‘l will think about it’ when one proposes to ladies these days? What is it really about the ‘l will think about it’??

To me, ‘’when she says ‘l will think about it, it is an indirect yes. You can go and party. It is just that most ladies would not give you an instant yes because of the perception that most of such ladies are cheap’’ says Abodie

Benbrittle thinks ‘’a lady says l will think about it because she just wants to add a bit of value to herself and raise her stock so the guy does not take her for granted during the course of the relationship’’

Stranger also thinks in the same line as Ben and Abodie. . . ‘’Gh ladies in general do not swallow their pride and say yes immediately upon the proposal of a guy. ‘l will think about it’ is just a political clause ladies use to use protect their pride. Just do well to put in measures in place to prevent her from extending the ‘thinking’ period and she is all yours’’ 

Socrates, guest contributor

Dr Steve admits the assessment of my previous analysts but holds somewhat different view. . . ‘’there is the possibility a guy will think a lady is cheap when she says yes instantly to a proposal albeit most ladies are aware a guy is about to propose even before he does. Even the lady eagle tests the man eagle before they mate by dropping a rock for him to catch. It is all about persistent, the lady must know you are in for real. In furtherance some ladies wish to respect the feelings of guys who have been long being their friends before the proposal, and in this case, she may be genuinely not interested’’

Crazy? Daring? Courageous?

What do you make out of a lady who proposes to a guy she likes?

‘’oh she is courageous. I like such ladies’’ Stranger

‘’well it is a scholarship, thank you’’ Benbrittle

‘’uhhmm l do not see anything wrong with it, splendid’’ Abodie

‘’a lady who proposes to a guy is in love. It is just unfortunate must guys take advantage of the situation. It is better for the lady to just put in her best and allow the guy to propose rather. Personally, if a lady proposes to me l am not going to accept it- the relationship does not end anywhere’’ Dr Steve

Annor ‘’ebi vim this’’

Raphael ‘’ hahahahh l think it is a bold step’’ 

Raphael, believes Gh ladies are the best

Finally

Final words from the panel.

‘’Gh ladies should not date just for dating sake. They should make painstaking effort to remain single and start dating by age 22 because they would be grown enough to make matured decisions. Also, all ladies l employ all ladies to be Christ like and not give themselves to guys before marriage’’  

Annor ‘’Gh ladies should take initiative, they should just muster the courage and propose to guys who make them (ladies) happy’’

Raphael ‘’l would like to advise Gh ladies to be humble, just give attention to the guys and see what next’’

Abodie could not agree with Raphael more . . . ‘’l second Raphael. Gh ladies should give a fair chance to every guy. Ladies should not be deceived by money because the guy with the cash may just want to hit and run’’

Benbrittle, always full of fun

Stranger ‘’ Gh ladies should change their mentality. There is a misconception that the moment a guy approaches you, he is interested in making you his girlfriend whilst he may just want to ask about the direction to an unknown destination he is heading to’’

Not all the escapades of Gh ladies can be enlisted in the one blog post. There are many tales that we would like to share with you. I thank all my analysts for their candid submissions. Keep watching this space . . . #in7tweets

OUR JOURNALISTS; THE MISTAKEN CULPRITS

Ghana is a nation that has had a lot of prominent personnel in the past from all fields of life. There still are very eminent people being hailed from the nation and today, l took the chance to write on the Ghanaian journalists. The Ghanaian journalist is probably the second in line for most flak after the politician. It is very unfortunate on them owing to the point that the Ghanaian journalist has made tremendous contributions to the development of the nation and still continues to add their quota to the survival of the nation. 

the late Komla Dumor; an epitome of talent courtesy myjoyonline.com

To begin with, the media landscape in Ghana is generally not the best that one could boast of. The media is saddled with all kinds of problems and challenges. The journalist is always at the centre of every activity involving the media so much that the journalist could almost be synonymous to media in the country, so in the midst of all challenges, it is sacrosanct the Ghanaian journalist gets a pat at the back, even if it will take a blog post to do so.

Challenges with regards to poor working environment, limited and substandard working resources, inadequate training facilities, meagre financial remunerations, and lack of security for the journalists have all become normal to the Ghanaian journalist. Ghanaian journalists have become accustomed to the harsh conditions in which they work that they deem them as realities of the job. Yet, the Ghanaian journalist continues to set new standards, inform, educate, entertain, and inspire the nation day in day out.

Talents of all forms abound in Ghana, and the field of journalism holds no different edition to the story of abounding talents. Be it in eye contact, articulation, voice control, and movement in front of the camera, just name them, the Ghanaian journalist fits in the bill perfectly. The exploits of the late Komla Afeke Dumor with the British Broadcasting Corporation, and Kwabena Yeboah with AFNEX are proofs of recent memory of the Ghanaian journalist, and a lot more examples are readily available in the country.

The honesty of the Ghanaian journalist is unrivalled. The Ghanaian journalist puts the issues across as they appear in black and white. The Ghanaian journalist is a divorce from fallacies and perversion. My journalist does not revel in causing any form of ‘’alluta’’ through deliberate misinformation of the public. The openness of the Ghanaian journalist is remarkable.

Furthermore, the accuracy of journalists in my country is simply mind blowing. It was with much awe that l watched journalists in my nation present petition at the supreme court of Ghana. Be it in sports, entertainment, politics etc, Ghanaian journalists are always at top of their game with regards to the presentation of the all facts.

Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a measure of objectivity and accuracy                           credit; spyghana.com

Another aspect of journalists in my nation worth noting is their enthusiasm and passion. Whenever on the airwaves to discharge their duties, which they always do with aplomb, it means much to them than just a presentation, it is their life- a dream they have always had since childhood. In the same light, whenever a freelancer, reporter and editor puts a pen to paper to write, they always do it with utmost dedication and love to set the nation better, and not merely with the mindset of making money. The love of the Ghanaian journalist towards the job is fascinating.

In addition, the Ghanaian journalist is always objective. Journalists in my country do not condone any propaganda neither do they carry out bias campaign against a particular ‘’subject’’. I always marvel whenever l listen to Mr Kwesi Pratt Jr. on any national discourse. Also, l rejoice as l listen to Evans (joyfm), Kokui and Patrice (viasat 1), Kwame Kayi (peace fm), Dzidodo (hogbe radio), Gary Al-Smith (citi fm), Jay Foley (y fm) and all other journalists in the various media houses in the country drill their panellist just to get to the meat of the matter. The Ghanaian journalist is devoid of any crooked act in the delivery of their duties. 

Kwame Sefa Kayi, major general of the airwaves credit; ghanagist.com

Finally, it is not all dancing and dining as made clear in our local parlance ‘’ there is a Kofi in every house’’. In as much as there may forms of dubious journalist in the nation, the white light from the majority outshine the few unscrupulous ones. In any case these dubious journalists are not Ghanaian journalists in my assessment. They are political journalists who are carrying out assignments of their masters/lobbyists. Let us not pay attention to them for their wrong doings will catch up with them sooner than later. I am convinced the Ghanaian journalist could give more if rightly supported. 

THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ENDING DUMSOR

electricity is always at the heart of economic transformation

OVERVIEW

In 1961-1965, a landmark dam, the Akosombo dam was constructed. The Akosombo hydroelectric project was a brainchild of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and it served about six million Ghanaians then. One would have thought this development was a precursor of greater achievements for erstwhile Gold Coast. Rather unfortunately, today, the Akosombo dam and electrical energy in general have become a headache for the nation. ‘’Dumsor dumsor’’ it is.

It is estimated Ghana currently has a power deficit of 550MW (megawatts) including 200MW for reserve. It is pathetic instead of stakeholders working fervently to ensure energy security in the nation, all the glamour is about political talks. It will be a grave injustice to blame a particular political leader/party for the dumsor mess we find ourselves in. Each and every head of state who once served after Dr. Nkrumah’s regime should be congratulated for our energy crisis- well at least that is what they expect us to do.

It cannot take a single blog post to consume up our entire energy sector but this post may just prove otherwise.

Akosombo dam has been the pulse of Ghana's electrical energy

THE CHALLENGES

It is becoming evident no crisis in my country can be divorced from poor leadership. Absolute lack of foresight is the virus for our current predicament in the energy sector. Imagine if all the eleven heads of states who served after Dr. Nkrumah at a point in time had decided to construct another 1038MW dam or better still look to other avenues of power. Even though ex-president J.A Kuffour did attempt a power to add up to the power generating capacity through the construction of the Bui dam, this project was just another political gimmick and it may take forever for the Bui dam to be fully operational. In addition, financial incapacity has cost us a lot in the power sector. We lack the financial muscles to improve on our power generation and this is by no fault of Nature’s. We have failed miserably at generating income from our power sector. Just about two weeks ago, we have been made aware of GHC500m debt owed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Last year at the public accounts committee, revelations on ECG’s annual turnover in 2013 was at best comical. One may be tempted to think inadequate indigenous scientific knowledge may be one of the challenges battling our energy sector. For instance, a friend quizzed me on why our professors could not lead a team of students to work on a power plant. Then again, you go back to my two previous points; poor leadership and lack of funds. Stories of low water levels on annual bases in the Akosombo dam may as well legitimise this claim of inadequate scientific capacity, but l do not agree. Test the Ghanaian professor and his students through the provision of all apparatus, and you see the results for yourself.

leadership wahala, the vision of Osagyefo still missen

ABOUNDING HOME PROSPECTS

Even in all the management blues, Ghana still maintains a great potential to be an energy power house in Africa. The resources for all forms of electrical power generation are everlasting in the nation. The tidal waves, lakes, rivers, sun, biomass, winds, and thermal prospects are all encouraging. Luckily for us, there are text book approaches on the utilisation of all these available natural resources in the form of electrical energy. More intriguing is that all the potential power sources are limitless and unquantifiable. In addition, the controversial nuclear plant is also an avenue for power generation. Let us leave the politics out of the discourse surrounding the building of a nuclear plant in the country and allow science to take charge. Nothing could be impossible, more so when the blueprint is in other countries. The uranium deposits could finish in the next future but l believe can go beyond the realms of uranium. Why can we not pioneer with a new form of atomic electrical power generation even if it will take us the discovery of ‘’ghananium’’ to do so? Electrical energy potentials are all over the nation and that which is needed is the ever elusive harnessing.

tidal waves at Ada beach; a potential of power hub

THE SHORT TERM MAGIC BULLET

The crises are confronting our power sector, and all we should focus now on is finding a solution or risk dumsor make energy sector powerless. I have monitored His Excellency attempt to solve the problem in the interim, most recent of which took him on the plane to Berlin, and the formation of a power ministry. I do not see any hindrance to the Ministry of Energy that it could not roll out measures to arrest the menace of dumsor, and l do not believe it takes an establishment of a new ministry to provide energy security for a nation either. Well, young Barack Obama told our parliament and the nation at large in his address-way back in 2009 when he paid a visit-to pay important attention to make investments in the power sector. It therefore amazes me that the ‘’yevoo’’ opened our eyes, we chose to close our eyes and fly blindly to the white to bail our power sector out.

I have thought of a short term plan to generate 800MW of power in a matter of six months. 800MW is more than enough to end dumsor and also provides a surplus of 250MW, which could be sold out. My break down includes; 160MW solar project to be situated in the North, 480MW biomass project to be situated in the South, and 160MW wind energy project to be situated at the Central portion of the nation. 

I am aware of the fact that in economic terms, one would suggest we focus on just  biomass because it is the cheapest form among the three forms l have enlisted above, but l think the other two forms- solar and wind- are vital in the future and paying attention to them now is a watershed investment. In scientific tools, management, capacity building, etc, an investment in wind and solar now shall pay us back in the shortest possible future. Also, it is only expensive to install solar cells, afterwards it is all about reaping the fruits.

concentrating solar power in Spain, a blueprint

FUNDING

A 480MW biomass project will cost us $125m, a 160MW solar project will cost $460m, and a 160MW wind project will cost $240m. All these dollars sum up to 795m. It is an open secret the Volta River Authority lacks the financial strength to carry out such a project.

In somewhat a deviating sentence, l would like to express my displeasure at efforts give up huge stakes in our energy sector to the private sector to private firms; these private firms have nothing to offer Ghanaians, all these private firms seek is the maximisation of profit. We cannot keep burdening the Ghanaian with unreasonable tariffs due to investments by private firms.

In my capital tree to raise $795m, l have uncovered an indigenous way to come up with the funds;

Ø $267.5m syndicate loan from banks operating in the country at the rate of accumulated 130% in period 30 months.

Ø $100m investment from the VRA/Government of Ghana.

Ø $70m investment from Ghanaians in the diaspora under the supervision of Ghana’s embassies with mandate from Bank of Ghana by the sales of treasuries at 100% with a maturation period of 30 months

Ø $357.5m investment from Ghanaians at home through the sales of treasuries at 100% with a maturation period of 30 months;

1.     An investment of $100,000 each from 500 citizens

2.     An investment of $50,000 each from 1000 citizens

3.     An investment of $20,000 each from 4000 citizens

4.     An investment of $10,000 each from 5000 citizens

5.     An investment of $5,000 each from 15000 citizens

6.     An investment of $1,000 each from 30000 citizens

7.     An investment of $500 each from 30000 citizens

8.     An investment of $100 each from 40000 citizens

9.     An investment of $50 each from 70000 citizens

Due to the poor revenue generated by the VRA and ECG over the years, investors may be reluctant to trust their investments in the hands of VRA. Nonetheless, if proper logistics are put in place, investments shall flow in. It is obvious that the energy industry particularly in Africa is lucrative venture. It just takes a little bit of awareness creation to get indigenous Ghanaians to invest in the power sector of their nation-everyone wants to say goodbye to dumsor. The heavy profit margins- though they may look ridiculous at first sight- is a ruse aimed at encouraging investing at a fast pace. Besides, 800MW of electrical power at the current tariff rate rakes in well over GHC9.5bn in 30 months, so there is enough to give out. 

I do not want to bore you with the breakdown of the finances (you may forward any concerns over the finances to me at kizito8@gmail.com and l shall address all those l can). At the end of the investment cycle, the VRA should have well over GHC4bn to invest independently in other electric projects.  

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Africa in general has her fair share of the power crisis. It is good news for any investor who is keen on investing in the energy sector of Africa. Power generation and distribution in Ghana should never be limited to the borders of Ghana alone. The West Africa power crisis is a scholarship for our power sector to build and underline its pedigree. 

‘’ECG’’ can tap into this market by building under water cable through the gulfs. Mozambique, Gambia, Ethiopia, Sudan and Congo would not prevent Ghana from providing them with reliable power through the harnessing of their hydroelectric potentials. Furthermore, the principles of solar, thermal, wind etc holds elsewhere on the continent. It has been estimated Africa needs to invest $480bn to put an end to the erratic power supply system on the continent, and if you invest $480bn in electricity over period of three decades, you make hundred$ of trillion$.

    

VRA, still an awful lot of work to be done

To carry out the vision of this post, we must not rely on only Volta River Authority. Talks of nuclear, solar, and biomass means other forces must come to the fore. Parliament, it is now your turn.