The Answer Key

I called to change the address for one of my bank accounts. they wouldn't do so until I verified my identity. So to do so, they contacted a credit reporting agency, accessed my credit profile and gave me a multiple-choice test about where I lived & worked and how I've spent my money.

When I told the clerk it is a horrible process, she chimed, it is what Citibank does to protect me from fraud. I don't feel protected. I rather feel abused. They have gone too far! This society does anything they want and justifies it in the name of "security". They have gone too far.

A complete stranger has the answer key on my life and quizzes me! Whoever came up with that protocol would have loved Germany under the Nazi's!

Independence Day for Whom?

The people are celebrating. They are shooting lights in the air to commemorate the founding of the US. On the eve of the 4th of July, fantastic display of lights can be seen from the highrise balcony on the West Side.

However, the reality is that we might rather be mourning the death of the republic. For the country envisioned by the founders has given way to an autocratic government of, for and by the wealthy people, against the majority. The republic practices every form of oppression, including torturing, spying on citizens, restricting the travel, privacy, and speech of the citizens, and the chief and most egregious oppression, that of lying to and withholding truth from the public. The government servants have forgotten they are servants and have fashioned themselves into officials and authorities. And they have written new "laws" to remold this society into their warped image. Here in NY, the city is passing an ordinance that would bar people from using video cameras on public streets. It's just one example of how far the republic has fallen into fascism. The founding fathers would probably be surprised and mourn with us on this occasion. This Independence day may the lights and the blasts wake us up!

Dentist Visit

I have the best dentist, Dr. Tanya Wilson. People are always stopping me and asking about my teeth. I keep collecting complements when people see my teeth. She gets so much of the credit. Unfortunately, it's been a while since my last check-up. Tanya found a little cavity and thinks there might be something else. She took x-rays and I will have to go back to find out if there are any other problems.
I am so proud of Tanya, having grown up with her on the same block in DC. Now she's working miracles of the mouth. Anyway, I wish her every success as she steps out on her own, in her new location and new practice. If you're in the DC area and need any tooth work done, definitely give Dr. Wilson a call, and tell her Kweku sent you: 202.549.5400

Ghana Turns Fifty !!!

Congratulations to Ghana as the West African nation commemorates 50 years of independence!

Crowds flocked to Independence Square in Accra to celebrate!

It is my hope and prayer that the next 5 years may eclipse the first 50. May Ghana's rich history and culture be summoned anew, may the spirit of Nkrumah instill her leadership with constructive vision, may she chart her own path with wisdom, and may her people young and old take on the challenge for survival with gusto, eschewing that which hasn’t worked for 50 years, embracing new solutions, born from within.


Spectators filled every square inch to hear the speakers arrayed at the Jubilee commemoration.
The frenzied display of patriotism characterized the day. It seemed to be a new thing in Ghana, but was an excercise well informed by the football fanatics. People went to great lengths to display their colors, red, yellow, green and black. 

Buduburam Refugee Camp Visit

Today, I agreed to ride to the Buduburam Refugee Camp about an hour out of Accra. Not knowing what to expect, I was a little surprised that this was by appearances a typical African sprawling town with structures, dirt paths, schools, commerce, plenty of people, and children all over. Bahia Akerele, having raised funds through her network, made official presentation/donations to some of the schools and community groups. She insisted I join her and I am so glad I did.

It was heartwarming to see the brilliant children who may have never seen their beloved Liberia, but are still learning about her culture, geography, and people. The children I encountered today were well-spoken, and clearly being well educated. It was heartwarming to see that through donations from Bahia's close friends, she could contribute so much and brings smiles to so many. She has really made a difference. Among the gifts, the scholarship students received bookbags, notebooks, writing supplies. A 9-month contribution of food was contributed to another school for its feeding program. 

Liberian Refugee Camp Visit

2007-01-17 Buduburam Liberia Refugee Camp

 

Ethiopian Childrens Fund Village School

On January 4, I traveled to Ethiopia to support designer friends Ben & Bee (Benign & B'xotiQ) in the African Mosaic benefit fashion show. Proceeds from the show support the Ethiopian Children's Fund Village in Aleltu, about an hour outside of Addis Ababa. Here are some shots from a day trip to visit the ECF Village in Aleltu. This school, founded by Anna Gataneh, currently educates 347 disadvantaged children and reaches many hundreds more through community partnerships.

Anna Getaneh is a world-famous model who has produced the African Mosaic Show since 1999. Seen here answering questions about the campus, their concept is a holistic approach to education. Children’s educational, health, emotional needs are addressed as well as their families’ support needs.


This school is amazing. The students, drawn from the at-risk children in the neighboring village, are hungry to learn. The center provides education, food, healthcare, and moral support to the children and to the village. Designed for sustainability, the school also features a biogas power generator and loads of space for growth and development. They are bringing sustainable technologies and really making a difference. (Fuel from processed cow dung helps light the school!)

The next day, the African Mosaic benefit fashion show. Shown here is Ben Nonterah, Ghana-based designer leaving the stage to applause.


This school is really making a difference. Send donations to:ECF USA PO Box 2803, Silver Spring MD 20915 USA. Or contribute online at: www.ethiopianchildrensfund.org 

Friends in Aburi

Ama and Eighlene hosted a delightful gathering in the Aburi Hills outside of Accra. I remember when Herman corralled his friends to buy plots in the undeveloped area. And what a wise move it has turned out to be. We enjoyed the afternoon in the wooded lot, smelling fresh cinammon trees and orange leaves in the wind. The tall aloe blades were all over and were used to refresh. We walked from plot to plot, greeted the neighbors, and visited the beautiful homes and the wonderful vistas . These, the wonderful weather and the wonderful hospitality made today a day to remember! 

Where in the World are Carmen Sandiego's BAGS???

2 days after my arrival in Accra, British Airways decided to send 2 of my 3 checked bags! They forced me to check one of my 2 carry-ons then proceeded to hold them for 3 days. I was in line with some 30 other passengers whose bags were put in the cargo hold. How does this happen?

On the first day, I asked that question. The rep. in Accra said he had no specific information about where my bag was, but that there had been a belt malfunction and a back up. Strangely, though, they didn't even send the bags the next day!

If the airlines made a deliberate decision to not transport my bags then that is serious. When my bags failed to arrive, I asked what kind of budget they would provide. They said the maximum for passengers in coach class was 35 pounds sterling! for 2 days, I should get clothes, toiletries, missing charge cords, etc, for 35 pounds. Impossible.

I picked up an outfit, (see below) but it cost much more. I also bought replacement chargers for my phone etc. On the second day, I was informed that I could keep my receipts and be reimbursed upon my arrival back in the states.

When my bag finally arrived, you can see the handle was broken. A couple of the zipper pulls were also missing. This is air travel in 2006! 

Capsizing Camion

The leaning tower of pisa! slowly, this capsizing truck topples while it sits on a roadside in Accra. Just one of the many interesting sites in this capital city.