A recent news item by A1 Radio (101.1 MHz) sparked public debate when it quoted the CEO of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) as saying: “Northern Ghana has many NGOs and funding support, but there is no visible change. The truth is, the money rarely gets here.” The comment, interpreted by many as questioning the effectiveness of NGOs in the region, reopened long-standing concerns about development accountability and coordination in Northern Ghana.

Taken at face value, this headline appeared to suggest either widespread inefficiency among non-governmental organizations or even questioned their value entirely. For a region where NGOs have played a vital role in filling development gaps left by the state, this statement, however unintended, was bound to provoke a reaction. Indeed, for many practitioners in the sector, it felt like an affront to their decades-long contributions toward improving livelihoods, building local capacity, and addressing systemic neglect in Northern Ghana.

In response, the NDA CEO quickly issued a clarification, disassociating himself from the media’s interpretation. He asserted, “The statement attributed to me yesterday on NGOs’ work in Northern Ghana is misleading.”

His timely intervention offered some relief, particularly to those who felt unfairly criticized. More importantly, the CEO did not stop at a mere disclaimer. He went on to provide insight into what the NDA has been working on under his leadership. He stated: “We are developing a comprehensive implementation framework for Northern Ghana including NGOs who are playing a significant role,” thereby reaffirming the relevance and contributions of civil society actors in the development of the North.

However, this reassurance opened a new line of discussion, one rooted in terminology, institutional memory, and clarity of approach. Alhaji Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, CEO of STAR Ghana Foundation, contributed a critical yet constructive perspective. He urged: “Let’s build on the comprehensive framework developed by SADA under Charles Abugre. It remains one of the most comprehensive frameworks I have seen for the sustainable development of Northern Ghana.”

To this, the NDA CEO agreed, highlighting his own historical involvement in drafting the SADA Master Plan, which he now refers to as the current blueprint. He elaborated that the NDA is now working to develop a coordination framework that brings all actors, regional, cross regional, district, and community levels, into alignment.

He stressed the importance of defining roles, implementation mechanisms, and accountability structures to ensure efficient use of development resources.

All this, while laudable, begs one fundamental question: Are all stakeholders speaking the same language? Terms such as “comprehensive implementation framework,” “SADA framework,” “master plan,” and “coordination framework” have been used interchangeably in these discussions.

But are they actually the same? Or are we witnessing a deeper issue, one of conceptual confusion and unclear communication?

Let us then take a step back and clarify these terms, which are not merely semantic but foundational to effective planning, coordination, and execution.

What is a Policy Framework? A policy framework refers to a structured document that sets out the broad goals, values, principles, and guidelines that govern actions in a specific sector. It provides direction for decision-making and is usually endorsed at the highest levels, by a government, institution, or legal authority. Importantly, a policy framework does not prescribe specific actions but instead lays the foundation upon which strategies and plans are built.
What is a Strategy? A strategy is the bridge between policy and implementation. It outlines a coherent, long-term approach to achieving the goals defined in the policy framework. A strategy prioritizes actions, sets out sequencing, defines partnerships, and guides resource allocation. It is adaptive and flexible, allowing for adjustments based on evolving realities.
What is a Plan? A plan is the most operational and time-bound tool in this trio. It lays out specific actions, timelines, budgets, and responsible actors required to implement a strategy. Plans are typically short- to medium-term in scope (e.g., 3 to 5 years) and focus on execution and monitoring.

So, What Is the NDA Really Working On? When the NDA CEO speaks of a “comprehensive implementation framework,” it would be helpful to know whether he is referring to a policy-level document, a strategic roadmap, or an operational plan.

His reference to the SADA master plan as the NDA’s blueprint suggests a strategic-level framework, while his mention of a coordination framework implies an operational model for managing partnerships and responsibilities. But for NGOs, donors, and local stakeholders to engage meaningfully with the NDA, there must be clarity and coherence in how these concepts are used. Without that, even the best-intentioned framework risks being misunderstood, underutilized, or ignored.

The NDA stands at a critical crossroads. Its mandate to catalyze development in Northern Ghana is both necessary and urgent. However, to succeed, it must communicate clearly, and coordinate inclusively with NGOs, traditional authorities, and local governments.

More than anything, the conversation sparked by the A1 Radio headline is a timely reminder that language in development is not just semantics. It is structure, strategy, and accountability. The NDA and all its stakeholders; NGOs, traditional leaders, district authorities, and donors, must work from a common playbook, clearly defining the roadmap ahead, roles, and responsibilities.

That is the real foundation for transforming Northern Ghana from a landscape of fragmented efforts to one of sustained, inclusive progress.

My two pesewas on the matter is that the NDA should consider the following:
Publicly share and clarify its working definitions of key terms such as “framework,” “strategy,” and “plan.”

Clearly indicate the current stage of its work—is it at the level of a framework, a strategy, or an operational plan?

Establish a multi-stakeholder coordination platform that includes strong representation from civil society actors, ensuring transparency and shared ownership.

Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inya (though spelled Abeere-Inga, in Gurune it rightfully reads Abeere-Inya, meaning “Because of tomorrow”)—kudos on a commendable start.

We recognize that the development terrain is riddled with complexities and challenges. But let’s begin by anchoring our efforts in clarity of language and communication—it’s the first step toward carrying everyone along.

By Jonathan Adabre

In a previous article, we highlighted Kobina’s efforts towards promoting canine welfare through the breeding of high value Dobermanns. As an experienced breeder and owner of K9 Pioneers of Africa, he has invaluable nuggets for dog owners, breeders, and pet lovers. Therefore, we decided to do a random Q&A with this Dobermann aficionado.

Background to K9 Pioneers of Africa Kennel’s Kobina Andah.

Kobina is a Development Finance professional. He started hobby breeding dogs in the late 1980s and founded K9 Pioneers of Africa Kennel in 2017, after a break of almost 10 years. He’s working at establishing his own bloodline with which to work in urban search and rescue and also successfully compete in major international championships.

Kobina’s preference for the Dobermann stems from its loyalty, intelligence and high trainability. The breed is known for its protective instincts. Dobermanns are versatile, excelling in various roles (e.g., service, police work). They require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Q & A with Mr. Kobina Andah – K9 Pioneers of Africa Kennel’s view on the impact of winning at Dog Shows

Thesavannaonline: How does this achievement impact the breed’s reputation and your future breeding plans?

KA: The show is a tool for my breeding plan, not the other way around because a breeding plan exists before and many years beyond a show. Shows pick out who amongst peers is producing dogs closest to the breed standard because producing a dog that’s 100% accurate to the breed standard is impossible, and that is why even an excellent specimen cannot be perfect.

Thesavannaonline: What was your reaction when you learned the puppy had won?

KA: I expected him to best all the adult dogs, but he wasn’t even the overall best puppy on show that day, so we have a lot more work to do and shows to attend for the diverse opinions of as many of judges of high repute as possible.

Thesavannaonline: How have clients or other breeders reacted to the news of this win?

KA: It’s mostly our handlers that have the most significant celebrations because they make heavy investments of their time and emotions, and the aim is to win, so we also need to teach them sportsmanship, which is why no single handler works exclusively with one dog. They must be happy for each other and stand ready to step in as substitute handlers if needed.

A few buyers on our paid waiting list showed up to watch. That being said, I have not received any feedback based on Elijah’s performance, maybe because I haven’t made any noise about it or have any content for my social media handles.

Thesavannaonline: Will Elijah be involved in further competitions or breeding?

KA: The answer to your question is yes and yes unless he’s purchased and resides way beyond our reasonable reach, because we export more dogs than we sell locally.

Building on the effects of winning at Dog shows

Thesavannaonline: How do you plan to build on this success for your breeding program?

KA: The show results affirm that our breeding plan is on the right trajectory. Apart from the Dobermanns of totally unknown parentage, we were the only breeders showing off dogs produced locally. I wish that everyone, especially prospective buyers, appreciate the foolproof route of showing high-value livestock produced to get globally accepted affirmation rather than almost exclusively relying on social media hype.

Advice to people interested in breeding

Thesavannaonline: What advice would you give someone new to breeding and interested in showing dogs?

KA: The biggest and most common mistake is to begin with mediocre dogs in an attempt to improve your stock, because those mediocre genes may pop up when you can least afford them to. 

The best way is to seek out a mentor with high value stock. When they’re comfortable that you’re ready, they will start co-owning their dogs with you. The situation will further align the interests of both parties and guarantee mutual benefits.

Even international co-ownerships are possible, but those have higher entry points.

Thesavannaonline: Are there any common misconceptions you would like to address about breeding or showing?

KA Yes, as is quite common, the least informed are amongst those with the most potent convictions, followed by the partially informed. 

For this reason, we hold an open day/immersion once every Saturday so people can visit our facilities for a free hands-on experience and education. 

The list of old wives’ tales and ludicrous misconceptions is endless. It will be a futile exercise to attempt to mention them all here.

Thesavannaonline: What is your view on Dog Shows in Ghana?

KA: Since KUG started hosting conformation shows almost 10 years ago, this show has had the most impressive turnout of high-quality spectators, which indicates that whatever the show committee did differently regarding marketing and publicity yielded positive results.

Thesavannaonline: What is your favourite aspect of breeding and showing dogs?

KA The most heartwarming aspect of breeding is the unexpected feedback you get when new owners are awed by their new charges. It never gets old, which is what we breed for—excellent specimens of the perfect breed.

Looking for a superior quality Dobermann right here in Ghana?

Read the story below.

K9 Pioneers of Africa Kennel has a Perfect Dobermann for you.

Kobina Andah is a banking professional who ventured into the business of Dogs from an early stage. Starting as a hobby, he transitioned into a formal breeding program, birthing K9 Pioneers of Africa Kennel. He is pursuing an agenda to have an established bloodline of a superior quality Dobermann “to compete and win both working and conformation championships at the highest international levels”. At this point, he may consider retiring as a breeder.

Kobina Andah’s love for the Dobermann.

What the average person sees in a dog is different from what a breeder in love with a specific dog can see, desire, and nurture. While one may see commerce, a man of honesty sees an opportunity to create the best companion for a man – a friend that will protect. And that is where Kobina Andah stands as a Dobermann breeder of great repute. Kobina Andah’s affinity with dogs came from a very young age. However, his introduction to the Dobermann breed as a child around the 1970’s, the love peaked.

He got his first dog from one of the earliest imports of the breed to Ghana. Young Kobina Andah was now face to face with the lovely canine he had come to love so much.  Dr Sydney Quartey and his son, the late Kenneth Quartey, were behind the dogs that gave young Kobina Andah his first Dobermann. As he sought more knowledge to ensure he provided maximum care and got the most out of the dog, Dr Poku Pare and Hans Roth (a breeder of German Shorthaired Pointers) taught him the ropes in breeding.

Why Kobinah Andah chose the Dobermann

As a powerful and muscular dog within the Working Group category of dogs, the Dobermann is a protector and perfect companion. The courage, loyalty and intelligence of the Dog continue to be its selling point. Excellent at Police and Military work, this lovely short-coated canine has proven to excel well in homes.

The choice to breed the Dobermann is one founded on the uniqueness of its qualities.

According to Kobina Andah;

“Dobermanns are the only protective breed developed to live in close contact with humans because the breed was developed exclusively for personal protection. To experience a well-bred Dobermann is the definition of total, unconditional love and devotion.”

Despite loving and breeding the Dobermann, he also has a love for the Dogo Argentino; however, because they require highly experienced owners, he only keeps some for himself and not for breeding.

Having participated in several Dog Shows, Kobina Andah’s K9 Pioneers of Africa has won every category possible since they started doing conformation in 2018.

According to Kobina Andah;

“That was easier because there weren’t that many good quality dogs or serious, knowledgeable breeders and owners. To date, the population of Dobermanns in Ghana is minuscule compared to the other popular guardian breeds, so if a Dobermann can come out of a field of 4 dogs and hold its own against a dog that’s come out of a field of 30-50, it’s quite an achievement. The numbers for Dogo Argentinos are smaller still, but we persevere.”

Elijah is BEST DOBERMANN – JUNIOR CLASS, ACDS

The Kennel Union of Ghana, in partnership with the Shihtzu National Specialty Show, brought to the fur-loving public the 2024 edition of the August Classic Dog Show (ACDS). The event sought to crown the best dog breeds in Ghana and West Africa. Several Kennels and Dog Breeders participated in this annual event.

The highlight of the event, which also had a socialisation component, was seeing the majestic dogs taking turns to mesmerise the crowd and judge with the physique, trod, and conformation to the breed standards. One Dog that stood out was a Dobermann named Elijah. Coming in with an excellent head and movements, he was crowned BEST DOBERMANN in the JUNIOR CLASS, suggesting the exploits of Elijah as a top dog are just beginning.

Elijah’s journey to being crowned at the ACDS 24 event was quite easy, as dogs from K9 Pioneers of Africa are well-trained. However, he required some weeks of “beefing up” to get used to gaiting alongside a handler. Gaiting alongside a handler is quite different from the heel work Elijah is used to in obedience class.

With a strict regimen of maintaining the breed standards of a Dobermann and ensuring desirable traits via pedigree lines, Elijah required very little socialisation prior to the event. He is from a genetically balanced bloodline and gets to interact with visitors to the premises of K9 Pioneers of Africa under supervision.

Kobina Andah had the following to say to buttress the point of socialisation:

“When we want to lay the finishing touches of personal protection training on them, we actually need to bring in people they don’t know; otherwise, protection training is just a game to the dog which we conduct repetitively to achieve muscle memory.”

Elijah is one of Kobina Andah’s Dobermann at his K9 Pioneers of Africa Kennel. The facility is a breeding and training kennel of reputation in Ghana and Africa. Elijah is from the Kennel’s anchor bitch, Ch Ace Ancora and Chairman Carmelo Made in Sicily, both Italian imports from very old and respected lines.

Considering the fact that the definition of breeding is to improve and maintain the breed standard, Elijah’s win indicates K9 Pioneers of Africa is on track. Thus, it is an affirmation of the quality of the Kennel.

Elijah’s synergy with handlers at the ACDS was easy. He learnt to stacking alongside handlers. It made the judge’s examination and inspection much easier.

Regarding Elijah’s future, he’s gone back to his obedience training program and will be prepped for the KUG All Breed Show in November 2024. Kobina Andah will enter Elijah and into the COBA Nationals dog show in Lagos, Nigeria, in December 2024.

About K9 Pioneers of Africa

When you think of a pioneer in the breeding of dogs in Ghana, look no further than K9 Pioneers of Africa, owned by Kobina Andah. The Kennel has a reputation as one of the finest places to get a fur friend. It prioritises the well-being of the dogs vis-à-vis their purpose as companions and protectors. From Puppyhood till when a K9 Pioneer of Africa Dog finds a new home, dogs go through varied training sessions to ensure they are up to the task when rehomed.

K9 Pioneers of Africa consider a variety of factors when choosing breeding dogs. Health and Temperament are at the fore; however, physical attributes and genetic diversity also play a vital role in the choice.

“Due to the nature of purebreds, each breed has unique genetic vulnerabilities that may not even be possible to test for, so the rule of thumb is to intimately study the four most recent generations in a pedigree for longevity and quality. Some breeders advise seven generations, but I believe four generations work just fine.” Kobina Andah

Do you need a Dobermann as a Pet or for Personal Protection?

K9 Pioneers of Africa is the ultimate place to get that loving Dobermann, which will stand with you at any point. Aside from offering a number of services, including Dog training for all purposes and Boarding facilities, It is the right place to get a Dobermann bred for your desired purpose.

Locate K9 Pioneers of Africa in Agbogba, North Legon in Accra. Reach them via pioneersofafrica@gmail.com and +233502081233.

They are also available on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

A dog lover and Dobermann breeder, Kobina Andah has bred dogs, especially the Dobermann, for nearly 40 years. Starting in 1987, he went from imports to being born and bred in Ghana Dogs. He has also exported Dobermanns to several other countries.

In this edition, Charles Prempeh, a professor has some interesting words based on his interactions. I have produced exactly what he shared below.

Charles Prempeh Inspired to Write

l usually don’t chat on group WhatsApp platforms. But yesterday, l had the pleasure of exerting epistemic madness on two professors.

After all said and done, wisdom prevailed that we should suspend the needless, uninformed comparison between Ghana and the late industrialized nations – the Asian Tigers.

I graciously succeeded in convincing my interlocutors that the problem of Ghana and the world isn’t technical (how answers), but adaptive (why answers).

After politics suffocates the nation, splitting us into needless tribalistic pieces, l relax with the sagacity of the sages on GBC every Friday.

The Prayer of Charles Prempeh

I pray that, as a nation, we will take a break, see the ontological nobility of the other and polish the pearls of ancient wisdom to advance human flourishing.

My readings allow me to surmise that the world has progressed technologically in a manner that is unprecedented.

Similarly, we have retrogressed morally in breaking all ethical and ontological boundaries.

The above antinomy is precise because, whereas the “why” endless questions were anterior to the “how” pragmatic answers, the inverse of the two has been the aporia of human civilization.

Whenever l read the Bible, especially the Egyptian enslavement of the Israelites, l see the wisdom in enslavement for building in us, resilience and empathy.

No wonder, God’s major concern wasn’t about the “how” progress of the Israelites, but the “why” issues of their civilization (cf. Deuteronomy 8).

The Wishes of Charles Prempeh

If l were a leader, l will cut down all needless and pretentious democratic and political shows by 90 percent.

The too knowing and half-baked, partisan journalists are sinking the nation.

Similarly, comprador civil society groups keep trading Ghana cheaply, keeping the nation in the orbit of perpetual recolonization.

In replacement, l will assemble young men and women to dialogue with the older generation to take Ghana from our between and betwixt state to the next level.

At least, in my home, no politics. No anxieties about material things.

We hold the philosophy that when one shares power, one loses influence. When one shares the wealth, one loses worth. But when one share love, one receives life.

Enough of the needless partisan politics. Let’s reinstate wisdom and sanity in the public sphere.

The noise is too much, no wonder logic runs in the reverse in the public sphere.

Kasa no adoo so. Maganganu yaa ya wa mu na.

Satyagraha

Charles Prempeh

The crippling effects of fear on the average Ghanaian

The Ghanaian populace will soon be bedridden with what seem a national canker which has gradually eaten into the minds of people. Every Ghanaian in one way or the other has been affected by this canker-FEAR, from students to workers, traders, politicians, mad men, the aged, the young, sick, down to the little child.

Fear, which is known to kill champions before their time, has spread its malicious tentacles across the breadth of the country. Harbouring fear leads to some form of stress, which can cause depletion of the immune system, errors in judgement and can even prevent one form making reasonable decisions. Fear leads to the loss of confidence, fatigue, anger explosions and sometimes stomach upsets; and this is affecting every Ghanaian. Let’s delve into a few of the category of Ghanaians that are suffering from fear.

Among Students

Ghanaian students studying in schools to become the leaders of our motherland harbour in them the fear of failing their examinations. Right from the word go, students have been raised to fear exams and hate the very word with all their might and with all their hearts. Beginning for their “first world war”-Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) to the so called the almighty West African Senior Secondary Examination (WASSCE) to the End of Semester Examinations in the Tertiary level, students face these requisite exams with fear, ample enough to kill a giant, in their hearts. Little wonder yearly results of students’ exams come with many surprises.

Among Children

Children in their development stage become very curious and tend to ask a host of rhetorical questions, some answerable, others simply unthinkable. In bid to escape the barrage of questions and non-existing answers children expect their parents, teachers and guardians to conjure for them after each round of their “curious endeavours” parents, teachers and guardians tend to formulate weird superstitious tales, to scare the little ones rather than educate them. Among these many tales are stories of Ghosts appearing in the night to catch children who refused to sleep early enough, stop talking or refuse to bath, Stories of dwarfs, witchcraft and wizardry.

The amazing thing is that these children grow with the fear of these non-existing phenomena glued to their thoughts and transfer it, like a contagious disease, to the next generation.

Among Theists

The doctrines of the two populous religions in Ghana-Christianity and Islam, imbibe in their members the belief in a final day of Judgement, where the Almighty God will replay to mankind all of his activities on earth. The Judgement per the indoctrination of the religions of Islam and Christianity, will see some men taken to Heaven and others cast into hell, an abode of ever burning fire and perpetual suffering.

The fear of being cast into hell or Janam’ah (as described referred to by Muslims) appears be a sort of headache for some religious folks as it has been described to be the worst ever place ever imagined. Residents of hell will be plagued with thirst and unimaginable diseases, as narrated in one bible story.

This stories when rehearsed creates fear in the hearts of the theist.

Among Workers

The fear of being sacked and losing one’s job is an ingrowth that has eaten deep into the minds of Ghanaian workers. Daily, under the guise of pleasing their bosses and a lukewarm way of securing their jobs, workers join long winding queues in lorry stations or join the struggle for bus to their destination. A minute’s lateness would find one smiling on the wrong side of his or her mouth. With the current state monetary affairs in the country, you better not lose your job.

It’s a different story, however, when it comes to output of production.

Among Travellers

Accidents have become rampant in the few months in this New Year. The latest one claiming about 6lives on the Takoradi-Winneba Road.

Travelers now fear for their lives, as they have little control of happenings on their way as they travel.

Among Politicians

It is election year and one of the common seasonal fears is one notable among political figures. The fear of losing election. I bet you don’t want to experience this sort of fear. It capable of killing a fully matured lion and making one’s hair turn grey in a twinkle of an eye.

The latest fear of all is the fear of terrorist attack.

Written by Edwin Abanga – 0249475585 (Student Journalist)

In this article dubbed the “Good old Days”, a student journalist recounts the nostalgia from old. He reminds readers of the fun games that made the childhood of most Ghanaians exciting. The Good Old Days is a journey that takes you through the intricate friendships and support that govern societal living. It draws the inner child in every reader whilst drawing their attention to the contrast of now and yesteryear. Take a dive into something that will make you smile and call old old friends. It is the Good Old Days by Edwin Abanga.

Good old days – bambam

A group of children huddled together in a circle, in the middle of the untarred road clapping and slapping their bare hands over their thighs as they sang their hearts out merrily and played;

“bam bambambalika

baaambaambambaalika

bambaambambalika,
have you seen your friend

shakeyshakey shake your body,

shakeyshakey shake your body,

shakeyshakey shake your body have you seen your friend”.

Not everyone could participate

The younger kids who were not allowed to join the park for the sheer childhood reason of being “underage” satisfied themselves by dividing themselves into two different groups and played “Police and Thief”. Each player secured a stalk from a pawpaw tree, broke awake the leafy end and used it as a Pump Action gun affectionately called “Kafungbe” among the kids.

The better skilled kids divided the stalk into several uneven parts and joined them together by inserting broomsticks into them; it was done so dexterously that it easily passed for a pistol.
Though there were little less than fifteen children in all, the noise they made out of their sheer ecstasy was as thunderous as that of a hundred kids.

The lone wolf

Kwabena Kwakye, the only albino in the park, was unfortunately the most teased kid. He was teasingly called “anopasaman” which meant, “ghost of the morning”. He joined his peers in playing “Police and Thief” but he was the worst player in the “Thief group”. His light skin color always betrayed his tactics; he was easily spotted from far, arrested and put in an imaginary prison.

Among the lot, Boi bi Boi was the most annoying; he would often run home and get everybody searching till night came, only to be found eating in his mother’s kitchen. The kids, boys and girls alike, will come together after supper in what was like their “court” and discuss what happened at school and whose teacher was the wicked and talk about all the childhood fantasies. Often times they unanimously agree to suspend Boi bi Boi from the play group for ruining their fun, but that little chubby boy always found his way back into the play group, especially when he came around with his black and white case five football.

The thinking Child

The children played, except Abdul-Jaleel. He was seated at one corner with his chin cupped in his palm. He was a very lively lad and was always found in the playgroup, so it was strange to find Abdul-Jaleel sitting alone like he did today. His face looked pale and very unhappy. Kwabena Kwakye was the first to notice Abdul-Jaleel.
“Why are you not playing Jaleel?” he asked.
“I don’t feel like playing” was the curt response.
“But why?” he asked again.
“Kwakye koraa I am hungry don’t disturb me aah!”
“Why don’t you tell your mom you are hungry, have you done something wrong at home?” Kwakye asked again.

There was a Kwakye in the Good Old Days

Kwabena Kwakye was a very warm lad and fond of asking many questions like the rest of his play mates, wanting to find the “why” and “what” of everything he came across.
“If I were you, Kwakye added, I would ask Auntie Yaa for Gari and soak it and drink”.

Abdul-Jaleel shot a quick look at Kwakye like he had given him the answer to Hercules’ riddle. He got up and run to Auntie Yaa, the old lady who runs the grocery store. She was so loving and gave to the kids so freely, they all loved her, not just for the gifts but for also saving them anytime they run into some trouble and were to be beaten at home. She was their source of “salvation “.

Soorebia @ Kimakinna Concert 2016 (youtube.com)

Breaking the rules in the Good Old Days

Abdul Jaleel knew it was the month of Ramadan and was not supposed to be eating until noon as his father had instructed but he just couldn’t stand the desire to taste food not to mention the pangs of hunger that drummed in his belly. Abdul-Jaleel’s father had resorted to having him fast up to noon because of his age but that mischievous little boy had his own way outside the home.

He got what he wanted from Auntie Yaa who added some sugar and groundnut to accompany the mixture. “You will not be part of this year’s Salah celebration, Jaleel”, Auntie Yaa warned teasingly. But Jaleel was way gone with the Gari soakings, he knew he was safe so long as nobody reported to his Mom or Dad, he only had to tell a white lie and he would be gone with it.

“I feel good!” he jumped up after finishing the giant cup of Gari soakings. Auntie Yaa smiled as he watched the young lad, it gave her joy to see little children beam with happiness. Jaleel run off quickly to join the rest of his friend on the street to play. Those were the good old days.

Written by Edwin Abanga, 0249475585 (student journalist)

What’s Beef?

From obscurity many seek acceptance in mainstream music; from minority ethnic groups many want to be appreciated as a part of the big whole. This has called for the use of varied means to seek relevance and recognition. Many employ “beef” as a tool; however, urbandictionary defines beef as.

“To start a fight, to get into argument with another person, or group of people”.

We all know the results of fights & arguments in the context of beef in hip-hop…

The Surge in Beef

There is a surge in artistes seeking national recognition, global domination and the bliss that comes with being a success musically; however, we all agree that the convention is hard work and a respect for the craft. Hard work, love and respect for the craft is what has seen artistes like Sherifa Gunu, Wiyaala, Atongo Zimba, Rocky Dawuni, King Ayisoba, Delle and several other musicians originally from the savanna of Ghana soar and continue to stay relevant in an industry that is yet to fully develop.

The Struggle for recognition

Many would argue that the bulk of music from the savanna is ethnic and traditional in nature however a generation of hip-hop lovers have gradually crept into the scene; though often popular in their respective regions & towns, efforts by artistes like Soorebia, Saani, S.K.Y the Tamale Boy, Macassio, Fancy Gadam and several others are gradually making inroads into the mainstream music scene in Ghana.

Whilst the whole struggle to make “us” part of the mainstream music industry goes on, other artistes have chosen to beef albeit from absolutely obscure corners of the country.

Why an unknown artiste spends money in a studio to rain insults on another is way beyond my comprehension. Why an underground artiste would go to a studio to pay money and record a response to a diss song beats my imagination. Could it be the warped notion that beef is an element of hip-hop?  Could it be the warped assumption that every hip-hop artiste is a gangster of a gangbanger?

History of Beef

A look at past events across the world would give you the results of “beef,” great artistes have had their lives cut short, amazing Dj’s and producers have died as a result of beef.  Successful careers have been dumped in the bin because of beef.

My focus is on 2 different artistes purportedly at loggerheads. For some time now they’ve directed a lot of energy into lyrically slaying each other, something I attribute to cowardice. If 2 grown men cannot talk reasonably over silly accusations but rather project “gangsterism” in their songs, then they don’t really understand the concept of life and living together. In fact, they might not even be fully immersed in their quest to become success stories in the music arena.

Rap Naygar & Fasetwo are both amazing artistes, even nicer is the fact that they come from the same part of the country; so, what informs their constant dissing of each other claiming to have some street credibility when none of them has a taste of what the streets look and feel like? For underground artistes to dedicate so much energy to nonsense, then they must have reached a “Kanye West” status but NO, I doubt if other than singles any of these guys have sold any laudable number of albums.

In this era of globalization trivialities like beef have no place, you are either seeking success or seeking to be taunted as a failure. Even worse is to have failed for pursuing absurd stupidity.

I am in no way trying to ridicule the 2 artistes; I just need them to understand that an ability to insult and threaten in songs does not validate your existence as a musician. What validates your existence is an ability to dutifully deliver mind-blowing music capable of making you into a Grammy nominee.

“The VGMA’s sef no see you, why would u waste time play a thug”

Any further pursuance of this 1990 mentality is only going to make you an area champion who only gets to mount small stages and spit “venom” only to go back home penniless, your existence as a music act will be confined to either Chiana or Navrongo.  If you fail to recognize that as ambassadors of your respective towns, it is behoved on you to be responsible individuals then GET THE HELL OUT OF THE GAME.

Mankind is destined to control and be controlled; in doing that, we encounter what can be described as a necessary evil or otherwise. In this article, Edwin Abanga takes us through his daily struggle as a young man in Accra. This is an encounter with a Necessary Evil.

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Encountering the Necessary Evil

Globules of sweat streamed down my face as I stood sandwiched between several other passengers who had missed the opportunity to catch a seat and had resorted to standing in the full to capacity “Kuffuor bus”

I grabbed the single bar that run above my head firmly with my right hand as the bus snailed its way through the long winding traffic.  Very few buses plied the route especially during the “rush hour” so the few that passed got flooded with passengers.

Times have changed, in the past, younger folks who had secured seats would readily offer their seats to older passengers, not to mention a neatly dressed smart looking young man, handsomely adorned in a perfectly pressed crispy white shirt that could easily mirror the reflection of one’s face.

The pair of black trousers I wore to match my perfect white shirt was “on point”, I had also not forgotten to cement my good looks with a tinge of Alvin Dior perfume.  The only absent thing here was a smile. I was beaming with smiles earlier, knowing how essential it was for my personality, but the light of smiles was taken away the moment the bus moved and people begun to rub their body against mine. I feared for the fate of my shirt.

I fetched a handkerchief from my pocket to rub the beads of sweat that had gathered across my forehead.

Then suddenly there was a queer rumble in my stomach, I doubted its potency and overlooked it, but the next two rumbles put me on red alert.

I squeezed my butt tighter to contain “the evil”, it appeared to be a fruitless fight but I dare not give up. I had tried for long and I had reached my breaking so I decided to allow it out at least in bits.

I positioned myself strategically, putting one foot ahead of the other. Looking away, I released my grasp and allowed it to descend gracefully. It felt hot and highly flammable as it passed. I knew I had made an evil decision but it was very necessary considering the situation.

Indeed, It’s a Necessary Evil

In the next few seconds “my evil” had diffused into the bus, and people had begun reacting to it, shaking their head in disapproval, and covering their noses. I pulled out a white handkerchief from my breast pocket and covered my nose with it just not to draw suspicion to myself, at the same time listening to the many curses that were being rained on the evil one who had done that.

Silently in my thoughts, I pondered, “Not all wrongs are evil, some are necessary evils”

By:Edwin Abanga

Email: eabanga21@gmail.com

Facebook: Edwin Abanga

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