Nana Kofi, Nyani Quarmyne on Photography

Two heavy favorite photographers were among four artists featured in Alliance Francis new exhibition, Four Seasons in Ghana.

Nana Kofi Acquah, coming from a journalism background, had some very interesting words on being a documentary and commercial photographer in Ghana. "you have to live it or die for it," otherwise, one will find the pursuit hard to sustain.

Nana Kofi is seemingly having a lot to say about his object of the show, which about slaughter boys, who work day shift as goat killers, and aspiring boxers at night. Knowing the boys, after seeing thousands upon thousands of lives gone away, could equally easily kill a human, spent days and had to come back after a fist visit three years ago to gain trust.

When asked about advice for a beginning amateur who wants to get more serious about documentary photoshooting, Nana said finding something of passion, and gaining trust first.

Even so, he expects that many of his photos, such as people with HIV/AIDS are not going to be public until 10 years later, when the stigma disappears.

Nyani believes that the message should speak for themselves. His photos of sea erosion on coastal communities represent a striking contrast between the nature and humans. His adverse for a novice is to pick a topic of special interest, do a really good job, and get the word out so people can find you.

I definitely need to heed the call and start shooting soon.

Just Ask

Special piece for proud mothers, fathers, and anyone in between…

As a parent, have you ever wondered why your kids ask so much? They seem to have endless questions. And when they don’t get what they asked, they….cry, which is another way of asking. Grownups, however, forget the art of asking. So I am asking, why do you think there is a difference between kids and adults when comes to asking?

The reason, I think, lies in a fear of rejection. Adults, me included, have egos. And egos are like shoes, come in different sizes. When you start asking, you risk the consequence of being told, NO! So, most of the time, the fear overwhelms you, and you tell self No before even asking. You may very well get a no, anyway, so, why bother.

Kids, on the other hand, have very small sized (act out) egos. And trust me; they are well aware of that. When they desire for something, they don’t self-doubt themselves, they simply ask. Quite often, you will find these questions range anywhere from reasonable, to regrettable to ridicules.

Not only do they ask, they also ask multiple times, in various forms, in order to get what they desire. “Mom, Can I have this?” “No. How about that?” “I love you, Mom, but if you give me that, I will love you more” No matter what techniques they use, the message is loud and clear-- they are not afraid to ask for what they want.

I am not a behavior scientist, I am nevertheless keen on asking why some people are more successful than others, my answer is, they succeed because they not only ask, they ask more and they keep asking.

Don’t these people be considered as needy? You might ask. Fair enough, the difference, however, according to their individual definitions, needy people either have disasters and manmade reasons to have little means to support themselves, or have low or no self-confidence, so they rely on emotional and material support of others. While persistent people know the support they need is the wings to help them take off, so they only ask what exactly they need and when they need it.

When you ask, make sure don’t ask wrong questions. When you are stopped by a policeman, and he thought you are speeding, what’s the first thing he will ask you, “How fast had you been driving?” Do you think he will ever ask, how slow had you been driving?

Similarly, we want to get certain results, like a pay raise, bonus, promotion, etc, we need to ask the right questions. Something like, I have just saved million dollars for the organization, what should I do to have a bigger role to save the company even more?

The right questions open doors, and windows, encourage discussions, deepen relationships and create a learning environment. They are necessary in any relationship, be it at work or at home.

So next time, when you hear a kid keep asking, ask yourself, do I need to start asking as well? However, no one in this world gets what he or she wants, not even a fraction of that. Professor Randy Pausch, author of the Last Lecture, once said, experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.

The next time when you ask and get rejected, think like a kid. You won’t be asking, are there anything worse than the humiliation or embarrassment than the sound of a NO? Instead, do what a kid would do. They cry, they shrug off and they move on.

5 Ways to Gain Resilience and Bounce Back From Lows

Several years ago, I felt I was the anathema of the world: struck with a job that drained my energy like a vampire, day in and day out. Getting up becomes a chore. I woke up in the middle of a night, dreadful of repetitive tasks ahead. Like a boat drifting along a river without a direction, I had a low moment in life.

As humans, who hasn’t had such lows in life? Bad economy, sluggish job market, layoffs, uncertainties, life sometimes turns unexpectedly, whether we are prepared or not. Friends, familiar locations and comfortable surroundings give way to an unknown terrain, dark deep channels with no light in sight, crossroads waiting to choose, what should you do? Here are 5 tips for you:

1. You need to eat well and sleep 8 hours a night. It helps lift you up. Don’t let yourself down just because life shuts down on you. Better, get up at 4 and do some physical activities. If you forget nutritious meals and stay up at night, you will not only finish today poorly, but start off tomorrow on a wrong foot. No matter how tough the situation, remember to keep the priority, you, front and center.
2. Create value. Just because you are down, doesn’t mean you don’t have something of value to offer. Quite the opposite, since you have free time on hand; it could be the perfect time to be creative. Start from yourself, write down 10 ideas for your dream job, if you done that, treat self for a cake and come back to write 20 more. How about establishing a Facebook page for your friends’ shop, get 50 new connections through Linkedin?
3. Open up for all opportunities. Someone once said, there is never lack of chances, only lack of guided eyes. During the good times, we become so used to staying inside a comfort zone that we don’t always look for other opportunities. However, when you are low, chances are you need whatever available to get you out of the stinky swamp. Get out and show up at social events, speak up and seek help.
4. Give out for free. Offer your time and expertise to help others, mentor a youth, take care of your sister’s kids while she works, and make a speech to your middle school about the importance of education. Give and you will receive.
5. Read a lot, write a lot. Forget the “to do” list, Create an “I did” list. From time to time, you need to remind how much you have achieved. Forget the situation; forgive someone in your life. Who doesn’t like the feeling of completion and forgiveness?

To combat the life’s low, My Action Plans: treat self well, Lift self up from the bad situation, keep moving, pay attention to knocks of Mr. Opportunities, make self valuable. Create things that people will need and like, give these things out for free. Finally, remember how much you have done, and keep doing the right things.

Years later, I quit that job, start writing stories and editing articles, I also found another one I am passionate about and jumping out the bed every morning. The boat I am sitting in is steadily moving forward, I can feel breeze blows my face, picturesque sceneries swaying by.

Are you on board? Share with me your tips by leaving a comment.

Ghana, Osama, U.S.

The news of Osama bin Laden was killed got over 200 comments on the most popular news portal Ghanaweb on Monday.

However, many of the comments quickly linked the news to politics in Ghana, where facing a 2012 general election, has seen party politics heating up by day.

As a nation with second highest percentage of population who view the U.S. positively, Ghana has especially showed much admiration for American President Obama's handling of the issue, many comments praised him for a good job done.

Except the overwhelming comments, the reaction has been muted from Accra. Partially due to the May 2nd being a public holiday, no official reaction has been reported.

More Doubt over Beijing Loans

Here are the items of what's going on in Ghana in regards to China:

1. More voice of doubt over the jumbo loans signed between Ghana and China, during the President Atta Mills trip to Beijing last year. According to Accra based Joy FM, the Head of Bilateral Trade at the Trade Ministry Cletus Ayaaba said although government is aware of the China threat, there is very little that can be doneSome say a review of the loans and terms is a must. (Joy FM)


2. The Ghana Audit Service is hosting a six-member team from the China National Audit Office. (Ghana News Agency)


3. New wave of soft power to Africa? Chinese Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe Thrills Audience at National Theatre in Accra. (GNA)


4. More soft power? Xinhua opens photo gallery in the University of Ghana, which established Chinese as its sixth foreign language. (GNA)

News of Interest

Here are news items from Accra that might be of interest to you:

Chinese Embassy says over 15,000 visas granted to Ghanaians in the year of 2010. (Ghanaweb)

A Pan-African bank, Ecobank Transnational Inc, will open a China desk next week aimed at easing the flow of Chinese loans for African infrastructure projects. Located in Accra, the desk includes two Ecobank employees and two senior staff from the Bank of China. (Reuters)

The Parliament of Ghana's Minority leader is raising red flags over a loan agreement with a Chinese Bank in regards to oil. (JoyFM)

As China and Ghana signed loan agreement to lend Accra billions of dollars, were Ghanaians told the cost or negative effect of the amounts being sought? (PeaceFM)

China's mining sector to accelerate pace in foreign acquisitions. (YTWHW)

Chinese illegal gold mining in Ghana. (Reuters)

Liu Guangyuan on Sino-African Relations

At a speech to a meeting titled Towards a New Africa-China Partnership, held in Nairobi, Kenya, Chinese Ambassador Liu Guangyuan offered his views on the directions of the Sino-African relationship, which is at its highest ever.

The four points raised by Amb. Liu, are stability first, valuing traditional bilateral ties, promoting all-around pragmatic cooperation, and prioritizing people's welfare.

The first point is drawn from China's own experience, Liu pointed. "no stability, no development," "Harmony is a concept we Chinese have always treasured and are so desperately willing to share with our African friends in our common endeavors to seek our own development paths."

"let’s start to vigorously advocate peace and harmony, without which a country can never be strong, prosperous, confident, independent, contented and well-off."

Secondly, Liu noted that the bilateral relationship, built on a traditionally strong tie,

will be withstanding the criticism of neocolonialism. "Some have gone so sensational as to claim that China is repeating the colonial path of exploiting Africa." Liu said the African will be able to judge.

What's "all around pragmatic cooperation"? Liu singled out cooperations in economy and trade, infrastructure, energy, culture, healthcare, education, science and technology and agriculture, among others. Liu said think – tanks and media in Africa should visit China and exchange with Chinese counterparts so a true “Chinese story” can be told.

"We must ensure that the achievements of China – Africa cooperation do benefit our people." emphasized Liu for his fourth point. "Let the people feel and see." Liu said.

From Tennis to Everything You Do in Life

With over 20 years playing tennis, I thought I could never be as good as the ones I had dreamed of. I am not even talking of stars such as Federer and Nadal, but more realistic ones such as the player who was nearly 20 years older than me but beat me in straight sets.

However, recent things have changed my perception. And now, more than ever, I believe I can beat the top guns inside my playing circle, and even some good players in the city. What have changed? It all started from a new coach and new perspective.

This new coach, let’s call him Eric, is not even a good coach by popular judgment. A tennis buddy even warned me that Eric is a good player, but doesn’t have a clue about coaching. Terrible, I was warned.

But hey, there is no deny about Eric being the No.1 player inside the Tennis Club, I believe that there must be something that Eric has that I can learn from. So I signed up. And I have seen changes kept coming ever since.

Eric has no mercy; he doesn’t treat trainees like trainees, but professional players in training. Eric believe that everyone can be equally qualified to be playing tennis just as well as him, if they put the right amount of practice, right attitude and never give up and give in.

I immediately felt the difference of the perspective change in my tennis. I was thrilled by the feeling of hitting the balls like a pro, the desire to improve, the determination to keep going even I was ready to collapse, and in return, the tangible improvement pushes me to move forward further and further.

Eric is not only bad at pleasing you so you will feel good about yourself, at the expenses of releasing your full potential and achieving the maximum goals, he is also bad at saving people’s face. “Where is your stamina?” “Your forms mess up”, he would say, to your face, so you will correct right away.

Coaches like Eric are not for everyone; you do have to stomach constructive suggestions, to-you-face comments and everything in between.

It has been going on for two months; I still have a long way to go towards my goal of beating the local stars with flying colors.

Do you have such a coach in your life that can motivate you to constantly improve?

Let me leave one quote with you, “You stop playing not because you become old, you become old because you stop playing.”

Ghana views China favorably

According to a newly released BBC poll, China is viewed highly favorably among Ghanaian public.

The poll shows that 72 percent of surveyed view Beijing in a positive view, up by 9% from last year. Ghana is also ranked second, only next to another West African country, Nigeria which have 85% share favorable views of China. In general, Africans share the good impression of China, in East African nation Kenya, the poll find that 73% like China.

Beijing is certainly taking note of these positive views reflected in Africa, at a recent interview, Chinese diplomat Liu Guangyuan cited the data, saying that, whether China is good or bad to Africa, let Africans judge.

"I am not going to explain anything, because I know that actions speak louder than word and seeing is believing. It is for the African people to judge whether China is good or bad for them. "

Liu also recognized a lack of voices in Chinese engagement in Africa, he said, due to an introverted personality, Chinese are preferring doing rather than saying. "Of course, we should try to change a little bit in this aspect by improving our publicity and raising our voices. More support and understanding from our African friends are most needed and deeply appreciated, especially those from the African media friends. "

Japanese Earthquake seen from Ghana

The near Sentai, Japan centered earthquake has shockwaves all over the world, even in the West African nation of Ghana, news spread out quickly about the disastrous event.

On the same day, the Japanese Ambassador Katakami paid a farewell courtesy call to the Ghanaian President Mills. According to Ghana News Agency report, Mills expressed sympathy towards the Japanese people and hope to see a strengthened Japan emerging from the disaster.

Katakami expressed his government's assistance and hope to see Ghana to develop into an African Tiger.

However, the tie has not always smooth. Last year, the death of Ghanaian men at a Tokyo detention facility has prompted his Japanese wife to challenge Japanese government, asking for a appeal.

Outgunned in Africa by China, Japan has been playing catch up. Katakami has made efforts in his part to restore a yen-loan to Ghana that was previously suspended.

China, No more a Nation riding on Bikes

China is no longer a nation on bikes, can you believe it?

Without seeing it, I can't believe myself. But upon returning from a recent trip, I have no doubt that China is no more riding on bikes.

Just less than two years ago when I was there, the bikes were still everywhere, many of them are electronic bikes. However, even these e-bikes are only occasionally spotted on the streets, most likely on back streets.

Where are these bikes?

One reason is the fast growing car-owning class, who have since retired their bikes and start the four-wheel life. The previous car-owners, such as businessmen, sales or private enterprise managers are also replaced with school teachers, civil servants and other salary earners. Owning a car is no longer a dream, but a reachable goal.

Another reason is the unfriendlier road riding experience. In the past, since most of Chinese ride bikes to work, go shopping, picking and dropping kids and just about any other errands, the bike lines were wide and plenty. However, nowadays, the bike lines, as explained by New Yorker Beijing writer Even Osnos, are getting a facelift. The three classes all have trade offs, and the cyclists have to consider before setting for a ride. Sounds like a hassle?

Last reason, I think, is the culture perception of class. In China, a strong views associating certain things with a profession. Jeans and backpacks? Students. People with white scrubs are either physicians or dentists, (even illegal street corner dentists have to were these). So bicycles are considered as a thing of poor people (painters and day laborers waiting on the street), or poor students. If you have money, why riding a bike?

However, I had no problem riding one around. The fresh air just unbeatable to seating inside a bus. I just wish the bike lines will still be there, for many years to come. Because, with the soaring oil prices and unrest in the Middle East, the bikes may well be coming back in a big way.

(AP photo)

Ghana's new battleground?

Entering 2011, Ghana has seen a flurry of high level visits from China and U.S., the density of the visits could indicate an ongoing competition between the two giants in the African country.

First U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg came for a visit during his six-nation African tour which took him from Sudan, where a historic referendum to split the largest African nation took place, to neighboring Djibouti, and then to Eastern African countries Ethiopia and Kenya and then to Western African Ghana.

Following his heels, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Marantis visited Accra before heading on to Monrovia, Liberia. While in Ghana, he held a media availability disclosing that the bilateral trade between the U.S. and Ghana surpassed $4.8 billion and pledged to review the trade initiatives and opportunities available to Ghanaian businesses to make them more attractive.

"“We are working with the Ghanaian government on trying to identify new export opportunities for Ghanaian products into the US market,” he was quoted by local JoyFM.

For Beijing's part, right before the Feb. 3 Chinese New Year celebration even ended, Chinese vice president of People's Political Consultative Conference has arrived in Accra Feb. 13 for a visit on his African tour which took him later to Uganda and Mozambique. Mr. Li Zhaozhuo met the Ghanaian President Mills and House Speaker.

Following the heels of Mr. Li from CPPC, the Chinese Minster of Commerce, an influential agency who is overseeing China's foreign investment, commerce and assistance, visited Ghana Feb.15. Minister Chen met Ghanaian President Mills, Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Kwabena Duffuor, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning

China's Export-Import Bank signed the preferential export buyer's credit loan agreement on e-government platform projects with the Ghana, at the meetings.

Ghana is China’s fourth export market in Central and West Africa. In 2010, bilateral trade value hit US$2.056 billion, breaking through US$2 billion for the first time, up by 27.5% year on year, said the statement from MOC of China.