Statement on the Cote D'Ivoire Crisis-The Socialist Forum of Ghana

The Socialist Forum of Ghana (SFG) has today 21st December released a press statement on the crisis in Cote D'Ivoire after the 28th November second round election which led to the swearing in of both the incumbent,Laurent Gbagbo, and main opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara as presidents.

I reproduce here the full text of the statement.

STATEMENT ON THE COTE D’IVOIRE CRISIS

The Socialist Forum of Ghana (SFG) calls urgently on pan-African nationalists to challenge the dominant “international” narrative regarding the crisis in la Cote d’Ivoire (CI). Actions based on that narrative, driven as it is by deliberate misinformation, shallow analysis and chauvinism will push the country into prolonged conflict and its working people into even deeper misery. It will also ultimately undermine the credibility and efficacy of our regional institutions like ECOWAS and the AU. Progressives owe it to Africa and to the people of la Cote d’Ivoire to offer a factual, scientific, historical and constructive perspective on this crisis.

Pan-African activists must challenge the false assertion that Alassane Ouattara won the November elections. This does not mean support for the opposing claims of Laurent Gbagbo. The truth is that neither the results declared by either the Independent National Electoral Commission nor those declared by the Constitutional Council can be said to reflect the will of the Ivorian people. All the evidence (and this is widely available now) suggests a fatally flawed election. This in turn is the result of a badly flawed electoral process superintended by a UN bureaucracy with little commitment to the rights and aspirations of ordinary Ivoirian’s or willingness to confront the deeper crisis of Ivoirian society.

The growing buy-in to the claim that Alassane Ouattara won the November election is a classic application of the Nazi “Big Lie” technique (“tell a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”) by neo-colonial (especially the US and French) interests, cynical UN bureaucrats and the international corporate media. The global public has of course been primed for over a century to accept facile, a-historic and self-serving Northern narratives about African realities.

Africans have also had 50 years experience of corrupt and intransigent African leaders. As a result it is easy to convince people that the CI situation is nothing more than “another African dictator clinging to power against the demonstrated will of his people”. It is clear that both leaders enjoy significant support and that their supporters genuinely believe that others seek to cheat them out of deserved victory. The imposition of either leader on Ivoirians can only escalate the conflict. La Cote d’Ivoire deserves better.

Pan-African activists must challenge recent declarations made in the names of ECOWAS and the AU as well as the processes through which our regional bodies make critical decisions. The “AU” position was announced by a secretariat official without Council approval and purely on the basis of the supposed ECOWAS position. The Abuja ECOWAS summit itself was attended by only 5 out of 15 eligible heads of State and was apparently conducted on the basis of their “seniority” – i.e. longevity in office. Three of the heads of state present (Presidents Jonathan of Nigeria, Wade of Senegal and Compaore of Burkina Faso) endorsed Ouattara. Presidents Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia and Mills of Ghana urged caution and engagement. The only other ECOWAS leader that has taken a public position on the matter (President Jammeh of Gambia) has come out in support of President Gbagbo. Three out of sixteen is hardly a democratic majority. It is certainly inadequate for making life and death decisions affecting millions. That the majority of ECOWAS leaders have not spoken to the Ivoirian elections whether of reluctance to attract scrutiny to their own electoral credentials or fear of antagonising the “international community” or sheer short sighted indifference is simply not acceptable. We must demand more of our leaders.

More fundamentally we must challenge the narrative that suggests that La Cote d’Ivoire’s problem is an electoral one. A credible election in La Cote d’Ivoire would help to resolve the larger political crisis. However, the election dispute is only the most immediate of the deep divisions that afflict Ivoirians like. The fundamental division that drives African politics is the division between the incredibly wealthy foreign and local elites that control continental resources and the dispossessed and oppressed African poor that have to sell their labour and surrender their dignity to these elite machines just to survive. This fundamental division in African society has been compounded across the continent by many decades of elite divide-and-rule tactics that promoted secondary identity differences between ordinary working Ivoirians precisely to prevent them from uniting and challenging the elites responsible for their misery.

In Cote La d’Ivoire several factors allowed those identity divisions to take on a life of their own in the 21st century. These included the growing challenge to French neo-colonial hegemony in West Africa from the US and from certain regional interests. These also included the collapse of local elite coherence following the death of President Houphouet-Boigny. As neo-colonial power fragmented in the mid-2000s identity politics degenerated to militarisation and partition and a massive increase in the woes of the Ivoirian people. Obviously, the imposition by the “international community” of Alassane Ouattara on such a deeply divided society will not solve the La Cote d’Ivoire crisis. What it will do is however is advance the overall cause of neo-colonialism and set the scene for further conflict between France and the US and allied regional powers for control over La Cote d’Ivoire and regional resources – in particular oil and gas.

The Socialist Forum of Ghana does not in any way seek to downplay the difficulties of making real progress in La Cote d’Ivoire. Nor do we pretend to have all the answers. We are however clear that the pseudo-answers being offered by the “international community” will lead only to disaster. What we seek is a fresh discourse amongst Pan-African activists regarding the best alternatives for La Cote d’Ivoire and the role of Africa in realising these. As part of that discourse the Socialist Forum of Ghana would like to put forward some ideas about an African platform for support to CI. We think Africa should commit diplomatic and other resources to demand:

a.respect for Ivoirian sovereignty and the exclusion of neo-colonial political and military

interference and specifically the withdrawal of all French troops from Ivoirian soil;

b.phased disarmament of all irregular forces and unification of the entire country under an interim government preferably composed of national civil society leaders and statesmen willing to forgo participation in elections for at least 10 years;

c.a popular national political process that seeks to develop Ivoirian solutions including a democratic and inclusive national constitution, social reconciliation and stronger national institutions; and

d.a credible election system and fresh elections within a reasonable period.

We have no illusions that this can be achieved overnight or without a major commitment of scarce financial resources. We are clear however that the ultimate political, human and financial costs to Ivoirians and Africans of a complete breakdown in Ivoirian society or a return to conflict will be much higher than the costs of a protracted peace project.

Long Live the People of la Cote d’Ivoire!

Africa Must Unite!

Kwesi Pratt, Jnr

For Convener

MTV EMA 2010 nominees to receive gifts from Ghana

Something unique is going to happen on Sunday 7^th November, at the MTV European Music Awards 2010 when the show goes to Madrid. For the first time in the history of MTV EMA’s, all the nominees will be given locally manufactured gifts from Ghana as part of the official merchandise.

If you are wondering what Ghana has to offer to the award-winning lyricists, then you are probably thinking that the souvenirs will be wooden artifacts and pieces of the famous Ghanaian Kente fabric. These two handiworks usually represent the country’s arts and crafts culturally, and internationally, for visitors who like to keep a piece of Ghana with them. But you guessed wrong.

For all the celebrities who are likely to win awards on the night, from Lady Gaga to Katy Perry, who both topped the nominees lists or from Justin Bieber to Eminem, they will receive the special gifts which have been made out of complete trash in Ghana.

Yes! You heard right, they will get smart looking and trendy bags of multi designs made out of plastic waste picked from the streets of Accra.

So while Rihanna may choose a tote bag, Justin Bieber might fancy a laptop bag produced out of iced yoghurt wrappers and pure water sachets.

Every year, 22,000 tons of plastic waste is generated in the capital city with only 2% recycled. You may have never thought of how the huge problem of plastic waste can solved, even with the chance of giving Bon Jovi and his celeb friends some 70pieces of plastic waste for each to keep.

So who thought of this idea?

The celebs will be saying ‘merci’, ‘gracias’ and ‘thank you’ to one man and no other than Stuart Gold, the Managing Director of TRASHY BAGS, a social enterprise based in Dzorwulu a suburb in Accra, Ghana. Stuart is bent on pushing the boundaries, to solve the plastic menace in Ghana.

Products from his company have been selected as one of the official gifts that will be waiting in the dressing rooms of one the top musical awards in the world. He first spoke publicly of this significant feat at TEDxHarambe in Accra.

“our bags have been officially selected as official gifts for all the nominees and celebrities …trying to get them to endorse our products and also inviting them to Ghana to attend our workshops..”

To him this is a tribute to his workers and all the hardworking workers in Ghana.

“...the world will recognize the fact that Ghana can come up with solutions to her own problems through innovative ways.”

Do you know of other ways by which Ghana solve or reduce its plastic waste problem?

What do you think will be the significance of the bags to the celebrities? Please share your views.

Wasting clean water in Ghana-Blog Action Day2010

In February this year we at NewsAfricanGhana wrote about the water crisis that hit Accra West. We have decided to add to the many other blogs talking about water as today 15thOct.2010 marks Blog Action Day2010. For a number of reasons, the issue of water was chosen for this year.

For us here at NewsAfricanGhana, the most significant reason why we have joined the campaign on water this year is the fact that; the United Nations has predicted that; one tenth of global diseases can be eliminated by by improving water supply and sanitation.

Our opinion is that

In the effort to ensure that every global citizen gets access to water, available water resources or the means by which water is distributed must be protected and used judiciously.

At Dansoman, a suburb of Accra; which is supposed to be one of the foremost and well-planned communities in Ghana and probably in West Africa. We chanced upon a broken pipe with clean running water that has been left unattended to for hours. There was no sign of a repair work planned or scheduled. Clean water has been left to go waste in a country that has its fair share of issues related to portable water and accessibility. There has been a lot of talk about water privatisation in Ghana and how it has not even solved the issue of accessibility in many deprived communities.

Under a 5yr management contract, Dutch-owned company, Aqua Vitens Rand Limited , has the mandate to improve its performance and rehabilitate and extend infrastructure of the Ghana Water Company Limited. Yet there is a slow response in fixing broken and burst pipes that should have been properly protected beneath the earth instead of haphazardly showing on the surface and being exposed to car tyres.

What problems and experiences do you have to share about water problems in your community? Do you have unfettered access to water regularly? Please Share with us.

Akbar Muhammad's message in Accra

Akbar Muhammed is the representative of Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. He is the chosen successor that will put on the jacket of authority when Farrakhan dies as the leader of the Nation of Islam, a black/Muslim movement that emerged as a response to a specific racially-charged climate in the United States. Historically, Farrakhan succeeded the Nation of Islam’s first leader Elijah Muhammad; this makes Akbar the third leader in-waiting.

Being on a working visit to Ghana, Akbar Muhammad, the man who appears soft spoken but very critical and analytic with his opinions on issues requested for an opportunity to speak at the Freedom Centre which is run by the Socialist Forum of Ghana (SFG). The Freedom centre is the kind of place that provides a platform for youth from diverse persuasions to engage and learn through political discussions to raise their social and class consciousness.

On this occasion, Akbar had the opportunity to be the main guest speaker at the weekly Wednesday Palaver discussion organized Centre, a forum that discusses both local and international issues.

This was his first time at the Freedom Centre, and Akbar delivered as expected. His opinions and analysis on geopolitics, China and Barrack Obama, under his main theme of consciousness was cutting edge. For one hour, he held the youthful audience, which included Ghana’s youngest minister, deputy minister of information, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa; and the deputy Cuban ambassador to Ghana,Milena Zaldivar Piedra; glued to his riveting speech.

“Your consciousness must be tied and shared to the young generation. Whatever I know, whatever I’ve learned I’m going to share with the youth before God takes me away” he said.

In this short video clip, Akbar Muhammad laments the leadership crisis in Africa, heavily exposing African leaders who act as agents for the West. He also spoke about how he was inspired by Malcolm X, who was dispelled from the Nation Of Islam. The Middle East was not left out, according to Akbar foresees a struggle by Israel for the water resource in Sudan in the next 50yrs from now.

Do have you participated in any event of the Nation of Islam? What are your thoughts on their beliefs? Please share with us.

A 'Beesy' Home-How to avoid stings

bees are key to stable ecosystems

if they die, then plant biodiversity is threatened indigenous plant biodiversity is threatened, then we're looking at soil erosion, etc- Arriana Marie Coleman Conerly

For the past 15years in my house, we have been getting consistent visits from bees. Occasionally they come and go after staying for a couple days, weeks and when we are lucky, they stick around for just a couple of hours. We always try to get rid of them often using mosquito sprays or any of the insecticides on the market. At one time they became too many that we had to call some folks to come and spray them off with fire. In the end they left us with gallons of pure honey our little friends had produced. That saved us for sometime, apparently, the spraying wasn't the panacea to stop them from coming back.

how did they get here?

No one knows where they come from, but my house at Bubiashie is very green with lots of trees and followers. One can count about 8 coconut trees, 2 mango trees, a pear tree, an orange tree, 2 blackberry fruit trees, an indian almond tree, two palm trees and a couple flower beds and pots with plants who's names i don't know. I won't forget to also mention that we have a stretch of green grass at the entrance and at the backyard. My own analyses is that they are attracted by the sweet scent emanating from all these plants in my Bubiashie-Ville home. In times that i have known they would be around in a large swam, the sign is the one or two or four of them who come to hover around. Interestingly no one has ever seen the full swam on their landing mission. Their presence is only realised in the morning at wakeup time.

where do they hangout?

these bees do not settle on any of the flowers or plants. As you can see in the picture above, the ceiling and roof have become their permanent place of stay. They are very visible in the open right at on roof of the front porch to the lower house. One cannot miss their buzzing sound, that is the first thing that will draw your attention, if you accidentally walk right under them.

so how do we avoid stings?

Since the bees are becoming regular tenants in my house, i decided to find some tips on how the entire household can avoid being stung. There have been times when they would just go beserk and chase after us. I have had my attack before and usually my little nieces and nephews are the victims. But now i'm coming up with a business idea of rearing them in the house to get regular honey supply which we can sell for a small profit. Will order for a hive from the experts and who i'm sure can direct them to where is safer or house them well for our safety. That is isn't a bad idea, is it? Now let me share some tips in case you have a similar problem;

1. its always advised that you wear light coloured clothing, since bright colours attract and excite bees and wasps of all kinds. Long sleeves must be considered.

2. now you always have to make sure that you do not use loud tools to distract them e.g chainsaw machines, lawn mowers etc

3. if you would be walking around in the yard, you have to also avoid wearing sweet and strong scented perfumes, deodorants, hair sprays etc. bees are easily attracted.

4. it is important to also stay away from the colony or hive, especially if children are in house they must be strongly advised not to play near it.

5. now when you are also eating outside, make sure that all food and drinks is always covered. fruit and soft drinks especially.

6. seal your garbage properly.

7. never swat at bees, they will be upset and will give you a chase.

Rehema Bah reads at Monday Groove

Rehema Bah is African-American from Oakland who is currently undertaking her independent studies at the University of Ghana here in Accra. In Ghana she has decided to adopt an Akan name which she relays to people who want to know her name. That name is 'Yenmre' [pronounced: yen-me-ray; our time]. For her, the name signifies that it's time for Africa to take on the world to reclaim its past glorious history.

As a dancer herself Rehema teaches various African dances, and is currently rehearsing a theater production with the School of Performing Arts headed by Nii Yartey at the University Of Ghana.

I invited Rehema to the Freedom Centre where i volunteer three times a week to facilitate a number of events ranging from film shows (documentaries), poetry and public forums. The Freedom Centre is socialist and pan africanist in outlook. Will write more about the activities of the Freedom Centre in subsequent posts.

I got introduced to Rehema through a socio-politically passionate friend, Kai Brown, who is also an African-American married to a Ghanaian in Oakland. She had visited the Centre together with her boyfriend to donate a couple of Kwame Nkrumah books to the library and DVDs for the weekly friday filmshows. Kai also wanted Rehema, while undertaking her masters program to also have a feel of the the Freedom Centre.

We arranged and had her to be the main feature for the Monday Groove poetry, readings and music sessions. Being someone so concerned about name and identity, she decided to share with the group her favourite passage from 'Someone Knows my Name' written by Lawrence Hill. It was her attempt to emphasize the importance of why Africans must maintain their indigenous names other than taking on european and arabic names. A phenomenon she decried and described as 'too prevalent in an African country like Ghana'.

Wayside mechanics explain fault

It is said proverbially in Ghana that, even the physics lecture from the university cannot replace a broken fuse or change a light bulb. He always has to depend on electrician who has not had privilege of the same level of education. The electrician must have dropped out of school because of bad grades or on the death of a financial sponsor. That’s the reality in Africa. A lot of people have learnt how to fix gadgets and equipments by apprenticeship.

This is our way of calling for more practically-based educational system other than the current one that is based on theory. The latter is producing people who can churn out stuff they have been able to commit to memory by rote yet do not understand.

NewsAfricanGhana has therefore decided to share with you in the video below, how two young men, who have not had any formal education in Mechanical Engineering from any University or Polytechinc are able to understand a car’s fault and then proceed to fix it.

We came across two young men busily working to fix a broken down Pajero 4-wheeler. The vehicle had broken down in the middle of the road and the owner had gone to fetched them from a near by fitting shop. This vehicle, as we later found out, belonged to a Chartered Accountant who is a partner of a fairly known Audit firm in Accra.

The respected accountant had left his car to Michael and Francis to fix the fault and then later report to him, while he found another vehicle to transport him to work; he must have been running late.

Being citizen journalists, we decided to have a two-minute conversation with the fitters, who explained what had happened and what’s necessary to be done to resolve the problem.