In a first for an African country, Ghana was featured on prime time television in the USA yesterday (September 2, 2003), LIVE, from 8pm-10pm US Cable TV Station C-SPAN. This channel was set up by US Cable Station companies to bring the work of Congress to American homes. It is a staple channel for policy makers; congressional staffers; and other movers and shakers in the American political system. The channel focuses largely on educational issues, in addition to congressional matters, and politics, of course.
The two-and-half hour program was called "Ghana: Its People and Politics"; and it was repeated at midnight and about 8am this morning. As is customary for C-SPAN, I am sure in the coming days, those who missed the program, will have a chance to see a repeat broadcast.
All in all, the program was an excellent, free advertising for Ghana. And the Ghanaians who appeared on the program acquitted themselves very well, with the possible exception of Dr. George Ayittey, who has turned Afro-pessimism into a career. As I watched the program, I wondered why American and other Western reports on Africa tend to focus only on the blight and poverty that the West see as being synonymous with Africa. Certainly, we have our poverty issues, but why devote a whole segment to Chorkor (Lantemaa), a poor neigbourhood in Accra (near Mamprobi). Certainly, there ought to be a balance between presentations of poverty issues, and what Ghanaians are doing to ameliorate their situation.
On the other hand, it became quite obvious that the main purpose of the feature was to show Americans how the US government and US NGOs (non-governmental organizations), are doing to help Ghana. To this end, the cameras shifted to a 'rural' school in a town called Trom in the Eastern Region. The crew managed to find one teacher (I withhold her name), taking the students (pupils- in the Ghanaian parlance!), through a 'learning' routine: "what is your name"; "what is your teacher's name", etc. etc. And, what will a feature on an African country be without the quintessential health issue on AIDS. Here, a secondary school students (AIDS peer advisor), was seen leading a discussion on AIDS, capped with a song on AIDS, including an exhortation 'do not have sex'! Okay!!!
There was also a visit to a family planning clinic. That is most important, in my view. I support a more than vigorous family planning program in Ghana, otherwise, our population which is already too large will balloon out of control. This segment on family planning centered on the provision of a medical devise called Norplant which is implanted in the arm of a woman to prevent pregnancy. (For years right-wing Christians in the US opposed the provision of such medical devises to US citizens. These fundamental Christians wanted a policy that emphasized sexual abstinence!). The program also provides oral pills to prevent pregnancy. A woman in her early thirties with a 7-week old baby wanted to get the devise implanted in her arm. "I already have 6 children, and I don't want to have another child", she demurred. When another young woman said she merely accompanied a friend who came in to get the devise, I knew that was really Ghana!!!
Land Tours Ghana Limited founder and proprietor Mona Boyd , an African-American married to a Ghanaian did her best to project Ghana positively. But I couldn't help understanding and sharing her frustration regarding the Graphic Corp's refusal to accept a cheque for payment of an advert she placed in the Daily Graphic. To wit, Ghana Airways does business in America, and refuses to accept credit card for payment of services at the airports it operates from. Could this be the Golden Age of Business? Or Positive Change, for that matter?
Notwithstanding the focus on what might be termed the negative, which tend to impress Western viewers, the Ghanaians who appeared on the program were excellent in their various presentations. Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom the Ghanaian Minister of Energy was superb. His presence and contribution, deflated any negative stereotyping of Ghana that the feature sought to portray. I must say that he not only made Ghana proud, but he made himself proud. Dr Ndoum came out as being outstandingly is articulate; intelligent; believable; he was nattily attired and well groomed; and he was more than able to project Ghana in terms that US investors and potential tourists would understand and appreciate. Rather than going bonkers when the host asked Ndoum whether the scenes shown from Chorkor gave a general presentation of Ghana; Ndoum remained cool and collected.
Though a former resident of Washington, DC, who could have referred the host to the blight in the southeast section of Washington; Ndoum brilliantly answered the question by indicating that, that was the focus of the television crew (from C-SPAN that went to Ghana in July 2003); and that he hoped the next time, C-SPAN will focus on other institutions and areas of Ghana to show Americans that while we have our problems, we are also making strides for the better. The host promised to re-invite Dr. Ndoum for such a feature!!
Like an American salesman (in fact, Ndoum said he completed his high school and university education through the PH.D in the US), Ndoum brilliantly presented Ghana positively to the American audience. He articulated a viewpoint that would impress Americans in general and potential investors in particular, that: 1. The government of Ghana is committed to good governance; 2. That the government of Ghana is committed to free enterprise and the sanctity of profit therefrom; 3. That the Fast Track Courts ensure quick adjudication of cases in the area of financial issues; 4. That the government of Ghana is committed to abiding by, and respecting contracts. The respect for contracts will be music to American investor ears. One word American investors detest most is 'nationalization' of private business, by saying the government respected contracts, Ndoum clearly rendered the hated word, moot!
Most importantly, Ndoum emphasized that the primary goal of the government is the growth of Ghana's domestic investors. That is to say, the industrial growth of Ghana depends on Ghanaians themselves. When outsiders see that growth, they would then be better enticed to get a piece of the action!! According to Ndoum, West Africa has a potential market of about 300 million people, and Ghana wanted to position herself as the destination of choice for investors and manufacturers, to serve the burgeoning West Africa market. Jendayi Frazer, Senior Director of African Affairs, National Security Council (at the White House), described Ghana as a peaceful nation, well-positioned to play that role.
The program also featured a call-in-segment for viewers. I was not disappointed to hear the voice of Nii Bannerman a member of the Ghana Internet discussion list-service Okyeame; and Dr. Ayittey's nemesis on Okyeame challenge Ayittey's (who appeared on the program as a guest), claim that Nkrumah's socialist economic policies failed! Nii Bannerman reminded the American audience that Nkrumah was overthrown by the US CIA in the middle of his 'Seven Year Economic Planning" program! I am sure they will continue to debate their views elsewhere.
Another caller who said he hails from Ajumako in the Central Region asked Dr. Ndoum why Ajumako has not yet benefitted from the rural electrification program. Speaking like a real politician (which I am now convinced he is), Ndoum assured viewers that the program was on track, and in answer to the caller assured him that Ajumako is in fact on schedule to receive 'nkanea' (electricity).
Two Ghanaian businessmen in the Adams Morgan area of Washington, DC, Kojo Davis of Wazuri Restaurant, and Mahama Bawa, of Kobos Clothing Store, were also brilliant in conceptualizing the African spiritual and familial bonds as core beliefs which sustain Ghanaians in the material-driven and individualistic society that America is. While both were obviously content with their presence in the US, they bemoaned the lack of focus and sustenance in American policy towards Africa. An issue that the Speaker of Ghana's parliament Peter Ala Adjetey also agreed with.
Again, C-SPAN provided a great advertising tool for Ghana. Whatever its faults, the program showcased Ghana as indeed the gateway to Africa. It is left to us (Ghanaians), to clean up the gateway, and bring it up to standard.
In a first for an African country, Ghana was featured on prime time television in the USA yesterday (September 2, 2003), LIVE, from 8pm-10pm US Cable TV Station C-SPAN. This channel was set up by US Cable Station companies to bring the work of Congress to American homes. It is a staple channel for policy makers; congressional staffers; and other movers and shakers in the American political system. The channel focuses largely on educational issues, in addition to congressional matters, and politics, of course.
The two-and-half hour program was called "Ghana: Its People and Politics"; and it was repeated at midnight and about 8am this morning. As is customary for C-SPAN, I am sure in the coming days, those who missed the program, will have a chance to see a repeat broadcast.
All in all, the program was an excellent, free advertising for Ghana. And the Ghanaians who appeared on the program acquitted themselves very well, with the possible exception of Dr. George Ayittey, who has turned Afro-pessimism into a career. As I watched the program, I wondered why American and other Western reports on Africa tend to focus only on the blight and poverty that the West see as being synonymous with Africa. Certainly, we have our poverty issues, but why devote a whole segment to Chorkor (Lantemaa), a poor neigbourhood in Accra (near Mamprobi). Certainly, there ought to be a balance between presentations of poverty issues, and what Ghanaians are doing to ameliorate their situation.
On the other hand, it became quite obvious that the main purpose of the feature was to show Americans how the US government and US NGOs (non-governmental organizations), are doing to help Ghana. To this end, the cameras shifted to a 'rural' school in a town called Trom in the Eastern Region. The crew managed to find one teacher (I withhold her name), taking the students (pupils- in the Ghanaian parlance!), through a 'learning' routine: "what is your name"; "what is your teacher's name", etc. etc. And, what will a feature on an African country be without the quintessential health issue on AIDS. Here, a secondary school students (AIDS peer advisor), was seen leading a discussion on AIDS, capped with a song on AIDS, including an exhortation 'do not have sex'! Okay!!!
There was also a visit to a family planning clinic. That is most important, in my view. I support a more than vigorous family planning program in Ghana, otherwise, our population which is already too large will balloon out of control. This segment on family planning centered on the provision of a medical devise called Norplant which is implanted in the arm of a woman to prevent pregnancy. (For years right-wing Christians in the US opposed the provision of such medical devises to US citizens. These fundamental Christians wanted a policy that emphasized sexual abstinence!). The program also provides oral pills to prevent pregnancy. A woman in her early thirties with a 7-week old baby wanted to get the devise implanted in her arm. "I already have 6 children, and I don't want to have another child", she demurred. When another young woman said she merely accompanied a friend who came in to get the devise, I knew that was really Ghana!!!
Land Tours Ghana Limited founder and proprietor Mona Boyd , an African-American married to a Ghanaian did her best to project Ghana positively. But I couldn't help understanding and sharing her frustration regarding the Graphic Corp's refusal to accept a cheque for payment of an advert she placed in the Daily Graphic. To wit, Ghana Airways does business in America, and refuses to accept credit card for payment of services at the airports it operates from. Could this be the Golden Age of Business? Or Positive Change, for that matter?
Notwithstanding the focus on what might be termed the negative, which tend to impress Western viewers, the Ghanaians who appeared on the program were excellent in their various presentations. Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom the Ghanaian Minister of Energy was superb. His presence and contribution, deflated any negative stereotyping of Ghana that the feature sought to portray. I must say that he not only made Ghana proud, but he made himself proud. Dr Ndoum came out as being outstandingly is articulate; intelligent; believable; he was nattily attired and well groomed; and he was more than able to project Ghana in terms that US investors and potential tourists would understand and appreciate. Rather than going bonkers when the host asked Ndoum whether the scenes shown from Chorkor gave a general presentation of Ghana; Ndoum remained cool and collected.
Though a former resident of Washington, DC, who could have referred the host to the blight in the southeast section of Washington; Ndoum brilliantly answered the question by indicating that, that was the focus of the television crew (from C-SPAN that went to Ghana in July 2003); and that he hoped the next time, C-SPAN will focus on other institutions and areas of Ghana to show Americans that while we have our problems, we are also making strides for the better. The host promised to re-invite Dr. Ndoum for such a feature!!
Like an American salesman (in fact, Ndoum said he completed his high school and university education through the PH.D in the US), Ndoum brilliantly presented Ghana positively to the American audience. He articulated a viewpoint that would impress Americans in general and potential investors in particular, that: 1. The government of Ghana is committed to good governance; 2. That the government of Ghana is committed to free enterprise and the sanctity of profit therefrom; 3. That the Fast Track Courts ensure quick adjudication of cases in the area of financial issues; 4. That the government of Ghana is committed to abiding by, and respecting contracts. The respect for contracts will be music to American investor ears. One word American investors detest most is 'nationalization' of private business, by saying the government respected contracts, Ndoum clearly rendered the hated word, moot!
Most importantly, Ndoum emphasized that the primary goal of the government is the growth of Ghana's domestic investors. That is to say, the industrial growth of Ghana depends on Ghanaians themselves. When outsiders see that growth, they would then be better enticed to get a piece of the action!! According to Ndoum, West Africa has a potential market of about 300 million people, and Ghana wanted to position herself as the destination of choice for investors and manufacturers, to serve the burgeoning West Africa market. Jendayi Frazer, Senior Director of African Affairs, National Security Council (at the White House), described Ghana as a peaceful nation, well-positioned to play that role.
The program also featured a call-in-segment for viewers. I was not disappointed to hear the voice of Nii Bannerman a member of the Ghana Internet discussion list-service Okyeame; and Dr. Ayittey's nemesis on Okyeame challenge Ayittey's (who appeared on the program as a guest), claim that Nkrumah's socialist economic policies failed! Nii Bannerman reminded the American audience that Nkrumah was overthrown by the US CIA in the middle of his 'Seven Year Economic Planning" program! I am sure they will continue to debate their views elsewhere.
Another caller who said he hails from Ajumako in the Central Region asked Dr. Ndoum why Ajumako has not yet benefitted from the rural electrification program. Speaking like a real politician (which I am now convinced he is), Ndoum assured viewers that the program was on track, and in answer to the caller assured him that Ajumako is in fact on schedule to receive 'nkanea' (electricity).
Two Ghanaian businessmen in the Adams Morgan area of Washington, DC, Kojo Davis of Wazuri Restaurant, and Mahama Bawa, of Kobos Clothing Store, were also brilliant in conceptualizing the African spiritual and familial bonds as core beliefs which sustain Ghanaians in the material-driven and individualistic society that America is. While both were obviously content with their presence in the US, they bemoaned the lack of focus and sustenance in American policy towards Africa. An issue that the Speaker of Ghana's parliament Peter Ala Adjetey also agreed with.
Again, C-SPAN provided a great advertising tool for Ghana. Whatever its faults, the program showcased Ghana as indeed the gateway to Africa. It is left to us (Ghanaians), to clean up the gateway, and bring it up to standard.
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