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.