Love in slow motion
So it lasts forever.
Sing in high key
With your door ajar.
Play with all your strength
Till none is left for wrong.
Splash the town with colour
enough to make the sun squint.
Have a great week
No matter what it takes.
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Party like the kids do
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer
Love in slow motion
So it lasts forever.
Sing in high key
With your door ajar.
Play with all your strength
Till none is left for wrong.
Splash the town with colour
enough to make the sun squint.
Have a great week
No matter what it takes. -
On Africa and Creativity
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
As one who advocates a forward thinking mindset, I hate it when I have to make references to the past but sometimes, there is no other way. Colonialism, in my opinion, is the vampire’s fang that’s sucked and continues to suck Africa’s creative brain out; leaving us for dead, dry and uninventive. Yet it still is Africa’s responsibility to wring itself free. In the history of humanity, no one race has ever fought for another’s redemption. Often, there is the pretending to do so in order to gain favour or to steal but every nation, every tribe, every family, every man, every woman is responsible to themselves for their own redemption.
Everyday, I hear of one new person picking up the camera, believing they have a calling and almost immediately they start collecting money from both the vulnerable and the cheap in return for badly packaged, terribly arranged pixels of s%i$. They have no creative integrity or pride. There is nothing as scary in this world, as one who cannot feel shame. Before you think this phenomenon is only with photography, I’d beg you to take a quick glance at our music, our art, our radio and tv programming, our education. WHAT HAPPENED TO ORIGINALITY? WHAT HAPPENED TO CREATIVITY?
Aristotle says human beings learn by imitation and I totally agree but creativity is a higher calling. It is a call to stand out and be counted. It is a call to leadership and that is why, if anyone believes they’ve been called by their Creator to be creators, they cannot settle for becoming like their neighbour, friend or even master. There comes a time when an Ephraim Amu closes the hymn books and creates his own music. There comes a time when an Ama Ata Aidoo flips her Shakespeare’s somewhere and takes ownership of her experiences and her observations. There comes a time when all creatives come into their own; if they really are creatives.
We, the victims of colonialist systems, inherited Rote Learning among many other curses; and its negative effects still plague us. I still see today, forty plus old men and women who are educated well to obey but hold no ability to lead, to break out of the box, to think for themselves. I live in a country where a pharmacist’s biggest ambition is not to discover and create his own medicines but rather to be the reseller or representative of some Pfizer or GlaxoSmithKline. I live in a country where an engineers ultimate desire is not to place himself or his children on the moon or even on a map but rather to earn a certificate, a salary and a 4 x 4.
Creativity begins when we realize that Education, no matter how good it is. Education, whether acquired at Akotolante L.A. Primary or Harvard, is never an end in itself. Education will always be a means to an end. We educate soldiers on how to use weapons so they can win wars. We educate the hunter on how to set a trap so he can catch game. The lawyer who is incompetent enough to let the innocent they represent be condemned and watch the guilty walk out to again run the world down, has not only failed all who taught her but also immensely failed themselves as human beings with an ability to think.
For the young who are still trying to find their way. I will say, ask yourself, what kind of education do I need to achieve that goal and not what programme can I get a scholarship for, or what qualification can I easily get a job with?
In spite of all the pessimism poured out above, I am the first to confess that I see streaks of brilliance and hope everyday; only I wish it will get broader and ultimately canvass our continent and our world; and for that, I can’t wait.
Go out and Create. -
Sun and Rain are making Love
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Sun and Rain are making Love
sit in the corner of the night
running a temperature of negative
zero degrees and pretentious happiness.
Sometimes love is a kiss
on the forehead of a grave,
or a lone wave in the silent dark
of a slowly crazing mind.
If Poverty is dirt,
Love is the gold
buried in its belly.
I’d have sold you my heart
but you’re too broke to buy it.
Sun and Rain are making Love. -
What you watching?
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I wish I know. -
Liberia
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I just got back from an assignment in Liberia for the African Women's Development Fund. I was expecting to see struggle but I saw more. I saw Hope in her best of moods. I wish you all the best Liberia, may your love for Liberty prevail against all the odds.
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Horny Brain
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Her brain is horny but the world is sterile.
Bored strands of hair take french leave daily.
Obama now advertises biscuits.
The sea has a nappy rash.
I never got to say thank you
But at least I can live it.
Today we broke a model in. She was 19 and unsure.
Wrinkles secretly dates Confidence.
A bishop moves side ways and finally falls to a pawn.
We were after the king but bishops also work.
An immigration officer has new excuse to squeeze my balls.
A Nigerian terrorist set his balls on fire on a plane.
African leaders prefer erections to elections.
Aid money buys condoms, viagra and booze. -
The belly of the catapult
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Home is a wanderer’s desire
Or ever recurring nightmare.
Home is root and seed
And beginning and end
To every life story.
Home is mother’s love
And or father’s aura.
Home is a web or a blanket
Or a bank of fear or hope.
Home is the roof that separates
You and the hot, scorching sun.
Home is the belly of the catapult
And the stone’s final stop. -
What is Beauty to you?
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I thought we could start this week with something interesting. Felivian, the model in the first picture is one I enjoy photographing. She fits a textbook definition of what a beautiful model should look like.
But just like fashion, music and life in general, trends and definitions change. In some cases, the definitions are pretty ancient but not necessarily obsolete. I photographed these two ladies in Yamasoukrom. I think they are very beautiful too.
But even beyond the physical/ visual definitions of beauty, I know that true beauty is an inner thing. The women who have made the most impressions on me have not always been physically gorgeous but I bet every single one of them had beamed with so much dignity, intelligence, charm, wit and an undeniable appetite for life and laughter. That... to me, is beauty.
What is your definition of beauty? -
Wedding crumbs for Lovebirds
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Considering the millions of decisions and emotional ups and downs a couple go through when they decide to get married, it is not surprising that they sometimes lose sight of some of the simplest but key things that need to be addressed. This blog post is to hopefully make it easier for the soon-to-wed. I hope you enjoy these crumbs of advise. It is the least I could do for you lovebirds.
DON’T CUT CORNERS, JUST THE CAKE.
Knowing that weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events for most people, does it really make sense to cut corners? If you manage to turn your wedding into a nightmare, it will be one that will haunt you for life. At least, once every year, on your wedding anniversary the demons of “cheaptitude” will come out to haunt you… and trust me. You don’t want that to happen. From my experience photographing a lot of weddings, one of the things I’ve noticed, is that the couple who compromise on the quality of anything from cake to dress to photographer to venue are not necessarily the ones who don’t have money. They are normally victims of inadequate planning and research.
MONEY CAN’T BUY CLASS
You’ve worked so hard to save a million dollars and you want an out-of-this world wedding. Or more realistically, you have a few thousands of dollars and you want the world to notice your great day. Now, here is where you must p-p-p-p-pause.
I’ve seen a beautiful woman step into a wedding dress that made her look like a bloated white peacock that just got mangled by a boerbull . I still shiver from the memory of once watching a bride’s face move from beautiful to pretty to okay to ugly to scary with each application of make up by an apparently expensive make up artist who obviously lacked the requisite skills.
I once attended a wedding where the bride arrived with ten maids and the groom also hand ten men all dressed in some designer clothes, which obviously cost the couple a lot of money but guess what? They had the wedding in some uncompleted church building that was hidden in the corner of a dusty road in a very undeveloped part of Accra. I bet they will get upset anytime they see their album.
Considering how many wedding catalogues and magazines and planners exist, I wonder why couples just won’t borrow class from these experts?
DO MICROSCOPIC AND TELESCOPIC PLANNING
It doesn’t take much to ruin a wedding. Actually most weddings aren’t ruined by an absconded groom or a fainting bride. Weddings are often ruined by little things like… the cake that doesn’t arrive on time or the wedding rings that can’t be found because the best man has too many pockets or the unregistered wedding vehicle that gets arrested by the police or the bride’s shoe that broke as she was getting out of the car but there is no spare. I remember being an MC at a wedding where the bride had to be whisked away during the exchange of vows because her period had come out of the blue. Even the pen to sign the register can hold up a wedding for an uncomfortably long time. Plan to the minutest details. Leave nothing to chance.
MONEY SAVED IS MARRIAGE SAVED
You don’t want to start your married life with debt. Try as much as possible to have a debt free wedding. Cutting down expenditure whilst maintaining quality requires far more skill than you might think but it is possible. One of the best ways to cut down on a wedding budget is to plan and book for services way in advance. Lots of wedding vendors book couples for at least one year ahead and offer reasonable packages for early birds.
GOOD WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS COST A LOT OF MONEY
“WHAT??? $3000 for just one day wedding?” Lord knows how many times I’ve heard that at the other end of the line. What most couples don’t consider is that even though they are marrying in one day, the photographer’s job goes on for far longer than the one day. Good photographers are good photographers because of the amount of respectable time they put into planning, taking and editing their photographs and albums. A typical wedding can take up to a month to edit. So, what the pro wedding photographer charges for, is not just a day’s work but actually all the other hours that will go into making your images look as adorable as you dreamed them. If there is one area in life where the saying, “You get what you pay for” is so true, it is with wedding photography. Imagine trying to create over 300 iconic images that a couple’s great grandchildren are supposed to come and appreciate.
Most good wedding photographers also have special packages for early birds or offer a payment plan that often makes the payment less burdensome even though they often require 100% deposit before they turn up and shoot at the wedding.
LAST DAYS ARE DANGEROUS
That’s what we used to say back in school and it is very true for couples who are about to get married too. There is nothing as pathetic as an overly stressed bride and groom on their wedding day. Normally, you notice they get short tempered, they can’t manage a smile and even look dissociated from the event. Every bride must have her beauty sleep before the d day. Planning in advance and delegating tasks to reliable friends, family and colleagues can also ensure that there is very little to worry about come that day.
It is also not uncommon to hear just a few days or weeks to a wedding that a couple have broken up. Even worse, some divorce immediately after the wedding. Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful. Throw in the money dimension and your stress levels can be life threatening. So please strategize because if you fail to plan… I know, it is such a cliche but it is true.
Thanks for reading and do have the best time of your life on your wedding day.
*Feel free to ask any questions you might have and I will try and answer them here. Cheers, Nana Kofi -
Don't let the little girl grow up and leave
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Don’t let the little girl grow up and leave
Laughter, play and unrestrained joy behind.
Shield her from wars, cowards and heartbreaks.
Don't let the little girl grow.
-
The Fire and The Sea
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
You are roasted fire
Seasoned with ginger
And hot red pepper.
You discard your lovers
After burning holes in their
Hearts, minds and pockets.
You are a guinea fowl.
Tastefully delicious
But very hard to catch.
You are a chameleon.
Very close yet invisible.
You are what mothers
Advise sons against.
You are Fire…
I am the Sea. -
An address to fathers and photos of my daughter
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Today’s children grow up not properly knowing what role their fathers are supposed to play in their lives. Some call it evolution. Some call it modernity. Some even call it reality. None of these descriptors are further from the truth.
Fatherhood today is a meaningless word in the minds of many a child; and an attempt to even give it shape or form will lead to the sculpting of a monster that stands on two feet but is propped heavily against senseless ideologies that eat away at his spine. Man today, is emasculated and crashed to fit into some cold, uncaring flask in this laboratory called civilization. He is overpowered by the stench of his weak will and he floats aloof. Expiring. Unwanted. Useless. Unsure. Endangered.
To every male human who has sired a child, I call you to order. Your Creator calls you to order. Your duty goes beyond the fleeting seconds of orgasmic rapture. Actually, you were raptured into a new life; a new kingdom. You must bear the torch of hope and promise, even if its very flames scorch you. If your legs fail you, crawl or swim or fly into the light destined for your children and the children after them.
No matter how big a man’s member is, it will not be bigger than his arm. God deliberately made it so. With your strong arms, you must lift your children up. With your strong arms, you must carry your world on your shoulders. With your strong arms, you must unsheathe that sword of Fiery Faith and wrestle your children’s destiny from the very snares that made you fail.
Manhood is not defined by the channels on a TV Set nor by the tuner on a radio set nor by the fine prints on some sheet of paper or ipad. Man is designed by his Maker to dominate his world and to love his woman and to raise his children into useful, wanted, resourceful adults, and this duty he must perform at whatever cost; even if it costs him his life.
Man is the ultimate lighthouse. Raise up your head and shine your children back to Meaning and Hope and Faith and Love. -
Just another day in Zongo
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer During my advertising years, I had a senior colleague- a man who had seen it all, earned it all and lived it all. He once confided in me that in moments of sadness, he goes to any of Accra’s “slums” Zongo, Nima… wherever is closest and just watch the people carry out their simple lives with so much grace, laughter and contentment.
Have a colourful, meaningful week ☺ -
Gold Digger or Suarez's Grave?
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Go dig gold this week! And remember, not all that glitter is NOT gold!
Model Agency: Dream Beckons
Model: Fobi Agyen
Photographer: Nana Kofi Acquah
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Back to beautiful women :)
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer There was a time when this blog was known for showcasing beautiful women. Now it's saturated with football imagery and until Ghana is kicked out or the World Cup is over, I can't promise that's gonna change soon but I can quickly sneak a couple of pretty photos in here. Have fun:
Photographer: Nana Kofi Acquah
Model and MUA: Corine
Studio: Frank Doorhof's Studio -
Obama Exercise Books
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I was on assignment in the Upper West Region of Ghana, photographing girls who have received bicycles to make it easier for them to ride to school. Prior to receiving the bikes, most of them had to walk not less than 7km every morning and back just to go to Junior Secondary School. It was so hectic for them that, the majority will just opt for early marriage and motherhood. It is an Action Aid project and the kind I will willingly support. Thousands more bicycles are needed.
When I visited one of the schools, I noticed a photograph of Obama boldly printed on the covers of an exercise book that said "GHANA SCHOOLS EXERCISE BOOK". I doubt that whoever prints those books has permission from the White House and I'm sure they don't really care what the honorable man thinks. I can understand that for the children, Obama is such an inspiration and having a photo of him on the back of your book is more than enough motivation to learn but the fact still is... His permission is needed. Not long ago, the White House asked Outerwear Company to pull down the Weatherproof billboard that had Obama on it.
Anyway, on my way back, I saw this beautiful scenery and I couldn't help but make a photo. Having lived in the Upper East for a year in 1996, I know how dry and brown it normally is up there. I wish it was always this green.
You know I can't end my post without saying something about football. Nyani and I are planning where to photograph tomorrow. He wants to capture the emotions on people's faces as the match is being played. I'd like to make a video. Does anybody know a place that gets crammed during soccer matches but is also lit quite well enough for us to work without popping flash in people's faces? -
Obama we are sorry
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Hello President Obama,
It’s quite unfortunate you’d have to skip dinner today.
We know you’ve been terribly stressed lately: BP, Flotilla, Health Reform, Overweight recruits… and then this happens.
But at least, you know it wasn’t personal. Somebody had to go home and we weren’t ready. Our president likes South Africa very much.
We did our best to make sure your kids were comfortable enough to look dumb on our streets. Don't they look good?
Finally, can you confirm that beating USA doesn't affect green cards and visas? After all, it's just a game right? Quite a number of our celebrants are worried; even though you can't tell from these pictures.
We wish you all the best, and better luck next time. Off we go!
-
The Happiest Losers Ever (Ghana vs Germany) Celebrations
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Soccer fans Representing almost every country of the world gathered together at EPOS in Osu to watch the game on three big screens and a tv
Here is one of the guys at EPOS setting the last one up
In spite of the noisy vuvuzelas and drumming. Most Ghanaians were very very tense and anxious... and for good reason.
For some people, it was a beer gulping galore
New Vuvuzela inventions were also launched
And as usual, we had to end up on Osu Oxford Street:
And Nyani was there live with me doing his own thing :) 
And Celebration in Ghana without a few ass shaking and "bumper to bumper" isn't celebration:
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Happy Fathers Day
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer This is a photograph of my son wishing me a happy fathers day. I'm sure that is him and his sister in the picture.
I want to also dedicate this image to my father, Mr. Peter N.E. Acquah and to all the other fathers God has blessed me with.
I have fathers on almost every continent of this world. Honorable men who have shared their lives and experiences with me without restraint. Men who have taught me to dream big, men who have taught me to keep my word to my own hurt. Men who have taught me that being an African is an advantage and not a curse.
And there are the men who through their silence and strength have been to me such great example. I am tempted to mention names but then this blog post will never end.
To everyman who at any time has treated me as a son, or brother or friend. I wish you today, happiness, long life, good health and prosperity. May the God who is my source of peace and light be unto you light in your darkest hour and a pillar of strength when everything and every one else fails you.
Happy Fathers Day! -
Ghanaian Mentality and a Portrait
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer When you hang around Ghanaians, you hear many things.
I think we are loud, happy and “I-don’t-care”.
But today, I overheard a man’s voice say “Ghanaian Mentality”.
Exactly what that is, I don’t know but may be if I saw it,
I could make it out.
-
Ghana vs Serbia. Fans Celebrate on Oxford Street, Accra
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer They say “a picture is more than a thousand words”. I hope these photographs do the story of how Ghanaians watched and celebrated the Black Stars 1-0 victory of the Serbs justice.
You can view more on my flickr page. Just click on any one of these photos and you can view all 44 of them on flickr.
Go! Black Stars Go!
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We are Really Living This Life
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer The world is such a colorful space.
Filled with yellows, greens, reds and blues
and blacks and whites and pinks and more.
Some see everything in only Black or White.
Why?
-
How I ended up in the Red Light District of Amsterdam
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Trust me, I had a genuine reason. I was attending the World Press Photo 2010 exhibition in the Old Church. Before I could finish admiring Jules' Michael Essien shirt, Peter drew my attention to my photo on the entrance to the exhibition.
So... if you haven't seen the exhibition yet, please do and when you go, remember to support and honour my work by paying for the special ticket which costs 2.50 Euros more. The coolest part is, you can actually win a canon DSLR camera. How cool is that???
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I Love You
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Beyond every reasonable doubt,
I love you.
Anytime I try to show it,
I, somehow, get in the way.
Do I love you because I love me?
Do I love you because you love me?
May be I should just stop thinking hard
And just hug you and kiss you and tell you…
I love you. -
I saw a pig with colourful wings... I think
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I think wings will look weird on a pig
No matter how colourful you make them.
I think people never ever change
Until God or tragedy or a baby hits them.
I think the Chinese are on a mission
To plant a child named Chan in every African village.
I think the Americans prefer
their presidents slim and their children fat.
I think the Dutch are afraid of drowning someday,
That’s why they design their shoes like boats.
I think farmers and waiters and cleaners
Should earn more than actors and footballers.
I think true love is harder to find and keep
Than a black man in a black suit standing in the dark.
I think Bush means Hitler in German and Mugabe in Shona.
I think all young successful Africans should volunteer
As teachers in deprived schools one week, every year.
I think Europe and America highly prefer uneducated black people.
I think the people with the strongest opinions are the ones
Who know the least about any thing that really matters.
I think that's a photo of my daughter but only my wife can say for sure. -
Colourful Images from Asia
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer ...because it's not good to keep a blog quiet for too long:
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Slice of Life and Lessons from the Gas.
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I partly grew up five minutes away from this neighbourhood. My memories are of fights, narrow escapes, street soccer, bullying, boxing, choked gutters and a foul mouthed Korle Lagoon. Fortunately, that is not where it ends. The Gas (the indigenes of Accra) didn’t necessarily give me my balls (I got those from Elmina) but they sure did affirm them.
In this post I will quickly share with you, three things I learnt from the Gas.
First lesson is: Say It Like It Is.
There never was a people more blunt than the Gas of Accra. The Gas claim both Jewish and Nigerian origins. I can substantiate neither but what I know for a fact is, if a Ga man or woman has anything to say, they say it as it is. During the colonial days, the Gas gave the British so much grief, they decided in return to call them, especially the ones from La, "the bad ones". That is why the people of Labadi now insist they call them La and not Labadi. They are not bad. They are just outspoken.
In a country plagued with nepotism, tribal discrimination and corruption, we cannot ask for more outspoken citizens.
Secondly, Don’t Just Exist. Live to the max!!!
I remember playing tour guide for my Kenyan friend and former colleague Josephine. I took her to James Town and she asked me: “Why are the people in red and black and also blocked the street”? When I told her they were having a funeral, her jaw dropped. She was amazed at how all these overweight women and pot-bellied men, wielding bottles of Star, Club and Guinness and dancing profusely to loud Highlife music in the middle of the street can say they are having a funeral.
When you are Ga, you learn quickly that life is about laughter and fun not hard work and stress. Give a Ga man ten Ghana cedis and you will be surprised how much ENJOYMENT can be squeezed out of that one green note.
Finally, Don’t be afraid to fight.
I have adult friends who have never fought in their lives. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. You mean you’ve never kicked or slapped or punched somebody in the face till they bled? Never? Let me tell you how early a typical Ga child learns to fight.
Recently, Nyani and I found ourselves in his fixer’s house at Bukom. Whilst they discussed model releases, my bored eyes strayed to two kids fighting. Neither of them was more than 2 years old. I was just about to go separate them when I heard a woman’s voice. She was saying “Bite him. Kick him. Yes. Bite Him. Teach him a lesson”. I paused and laughed and got shot straight down memory lane.
When kids fight in typical Ga communities, nobody separates them. Adults sometimes form a circle around them and act as coaches. I don’t know if they still do it but in our days, the final advise your coach gave you if you managed to floor your opponent, was to fill their mouth with sand. Eating sand was the ultimate humiliation.
Too many adults today are wimps. They don’t like their jobs, community, friends, weight, salaries; some even don’t like themselves but all they do is sit and grumble and blame government. Life is the beast we all must tame. Go out and fight that battle.
Have a great a day and remember the Gas. -
Hearts vs Kotoko
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
If you ever see huge balls of kenkey choking the gutters of Accra or Fufu choking the gutters of Kumasi, then you know there was a match between Hearts and Kotoko. This time, the Ashantis got to eat their Fufu.
As part of the Ghana Soccer story I’m working on, I decided to photograph the Accra Hearts of Oak versus Kumasi Asante Kotoko 9th May match. It was a significant game I couldn’t afford to miss.
Nine years ago, 127 Ghanaians died watching a match between Ghana’s arch rivals Hearts and Kotoko at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra. If I remember the facts correctly, it was some incompetent Policemen who made the matter get out of hand.
I went to church in the morning and only got hint of the match on Peace FM on my way home. By the time I dropped the family and returned to the stadium, they were already in the second half. Just before I could park, I noticed I had left my wallet at home so I had to turn around and go fetch it. When I came back, it was just about 5 minutes to the end of the game.
The good thing though was that, that was when Hearts was mounting all the pressure on Kotoko, trying to equalize. That allowed me to get some amazing shots. The fans were also charged up. The light was just right. I hanged around a bit after the game and I feel my perseverance really paid off.
The Police at the Stadium were just amazing. Super friendly, extremely professional, really tolerant. The Hearts fans felt robbed but they were very friendly. It was a game of healing and everything about the atmosphere was positive. It’s a game to remember.
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To His Coy Mistress
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Thia is really shy. I mean she is so shy she reminds me of the poem "To his coy mistress" by Andrew Marvell. I've posted stanzas of the poem in this post. This is my first time posting poetry that isn't mine but at least the photos are.
Had we but world enough, and time,
This coyness, Lady, were no crime
We would sit down and think which way
To walk and pass our long love's day.
Thou by the Indian Ganges' side
Shouldst rubies find: I by the tide
Of Humber would complain. I would
Love you ten years before the Flood,
And you should, if you please, refuse
Till the conversion of the Jews.
My vegetable love should grow
Vaster than empires, and more slow;
An hundred years should go to praise
Thine eyes and on thy forehead gaze;
Two hundred to adore each breast,
But thirty thousand to the rest;
An age at least to every part,
And the last age should show your heart.
For, Lady, you deserve this state,
Nor would I love at lower rate.
But at my back I always hear
Time's wingèd chariot hurrying near;
And yonder all before us lie
Deserts of vast eternity.
Thy beauty shall no more be found,
Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound
My echoing song: then worms shall try
That long preserved virginity,
And your quaint honour turn to dust,
And into ashes all my lust:
The grave's a fine and private place,
But none, I think, do there embrace.
Now therefore, while the youthful hue
Sits on thy skin like morning dew,
And while thy willing soul transpires
At every pore with instant fires,
Now let us sport us while we may,
And now, like amorous birds of prey,
Rather at once our time devour
Than languish in his slow-chapt power.
Let us roll all our strength and all
Our sweetness up into one ball,
And tear our pleasures with rough strife
Through the iron gates of life:
Thus, though we cannot make our sun
Stand still, yet we will make him run.
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Happy Mother's Day
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Two village girls are fighting.
Each perches at the opposite side
Of the Kwenyaku street as they hurl the insults
Right over heads and cars and “bone shakers”.
“You are a witch! You this girl! Why do
You think no man wants you in this village?”
“At least I use my witchcraft to bear children
But you, you this barren piece of shit!
Has your vagina ever torn?”
Happy Mothers Day. -
From “Gutter to Gutter” to World Cup
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Nothing in life can beat the power of a dream. We all used to play “gutter to gutter” as kids. Some of us couldn’t see beyond the stench wreaking gutters out of which we had to reluctantly fish out our drenched socks ball or “chelesa”.
Others however, saw beyond the tiny alleys and abandoned streets of Accra. The chosen few dream of playing before the whole world and even lifting the much envied Golden Cup. And God being their help, that dream might come true soon.
The crescendoing soccer fever has got me kicking myself for turning down the offer to photograph the world cup in South Africa. I don’t shoot much sports was my reason but now the craze is so high, I find myself documenting soccer in Ghana.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing Chris Steele-Perkins’ of Magnum’s football photos he made recently in Ghana, and if I can create anything a quarter as good, I will give myself an award. Chris, thank you for inspiring me.
This morning, I just want to bare my heart out to you and say “Don’t abandon your dream, no matter how retarded they sound”. Dreams have more than enough power in themselves to fulfill themselves. All we have to do is to be strong enough to be there. Don’t give up. Have a great day! -
Holiday Spam
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
The holiday spams their hearts
with promises of love
and freezes the delete
button in their minds.
Poor swimmers. They bank
sand in their bikinis
and chatter above
the sea’s loud voice.
Confidence zooms in and out
of the moment.
It stays too long and they
have sex or drown or both. -
How we make magazine women
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer The famous Shoaib Malik, who captains the Pakistani Cricket Team, recently divorced an Indian woman he’s said to have married over the telephone 8 years ago because she allegedly sent him the wrong photographs. I’ve not had the opportunity to see the photographs he received nor a photo of the woman he actually married but seeing this “before and after” photograph I did 3 years ago got me thinking… “May be she sent him an overly photoshopped photo of herself and not necessarily a different woman’s?”
On my last post, I talked about how make up can transform a woman. Now, in this photograph of my good friend, all the make up you are seeing was done in photoshop. If make up can transform a woman, photoshop can totally recreate her ☺. If I remember correctly, I spent less than 30 minutes in creating the “after” version of this model. The damage could have been worse. Hehehe.
So for every woman out there who looks at the girls in a magazine and feels insecure, just ask for the “before” photos and you won’t feel so bad after all.
And for every photographer, who thinks I’m a purist because I talked about not using photoshop in my last post. You can see I'm not anti-photoshop at all.
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Best Time to Check out a Woman
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I’ve a couple of friends who are still looking for Mrs. Right. (Yes, you can mail me an application ☺). One of them just spent this weekend with us. He was telling me about how a colleague at work tried hooking him up. He was all excited about this new girl but he thinks he visited her at the wrong time. He saw her straight out of bed and didn’t like the sight.
As a photographer, he didn’t need to say much. I’ve seen too many ordinary girls transform into supermodels just by spending a few minutes in the hands of a good make up artist. There, however, are some women who look awesome, even STRAIGHT OUT OF BED.
Photography is not very different. 99.9% of all the pictures you see from photographers online are photoshopped. They look great because someone has taken the time to give it make up. In competitions like the World Press Photo, when judges aren’t sure, they ask for the raw file. In other words, they request too see the photograph- STRAIGHT OUT OF CAMERA. It is not uncommon to find a winner disqualified after they find out the photo is heavily manipulated.
Nyani, a fellow photographer and friend, was talking about how he feels there are too many photoshoppers and very few photographers online. We decided instead of creating more photoshoppers, we will create photographers with our course, which we’ll be running soon.
So today, I went to photograph the beach again and here are some of the photographs STRAIGHT OUT OF CAMERA. I only put my watermark on them and resized files for the web. No image manipulation is done on these photographs.
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About Women, Obama, Condoms and the Church
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer In the very early days of my photographic career, a client commissioned me to photograph a series of events for them. Later on, I got a call asking if I can send them a few pictures of the male participants at the event. They couldn’t find any on the cd I sent them. I looked through all my pictures I couldn’t fine one. Now I know better.
It was an insightful moment. How I could manage to photograph only the women at the event still beats my mind. There is something about the woman that intrigues me. The more I try to know, the less I feel I know.
In the past few days I have photographed different women from different walks of life. Karina is a fellow photographer and someone I consider a good friend. She was once a Taekwando champion and constantly threatens to kick my a$# whenever I tease her. I know she can do it.
Yasmin is a model I photographed for the new-but-already-famous Ghanaian fashion line, Maksi. It is a very professional relationship. I know nothing about her. I could only tell she is a very intelligent woman with a face that light begs to fall on; and definitely someone I will happily shoot again.
Now, this is a snapshot of Thia. I only met Thia yesterday. She sent me a message on facebook that she’s a young model looking for opportunities. Bored on my birthday, I decided to follow Steve to shoot the Adomi bridge. I asked Thia to come along. You can tell from her photograph she is raw but oozes potential like no man’s business. I have to remember to call my favourite Make Up Artist and Stylist when I next plan to shoot Thia. She is a bomb waiting to explode.
If you read this blog often you might have noticed that I also have another life. I am genetically engineered to save my world. So I volunteer with the Dutch Shadow Parliament on how to achieve the Millenium Development Goals by 2015. It will take a miracle to pull those goals off on time. I am currently in a team that is looking into Girl Education in Fragile states. Did you know the number of girls who don’t go to school in the world is enough to fill France, Belgium, Denmark and Holland? Our premise is, if we can get oil out of fragile states, we can get education in there.
I’ve also been doing a series on the environment. Here is an Obama biscuit wrapper that’s found its way into the Atlantic Ocean. So does Obama advertise biscuits now or there is a smart Chinese man with an African business partner somewhere diluting the Obama brand?
See how much filth is in the Korle Lagoon?
After the easter celebration, I went back to do my documentary of our beaches and immediately decided when my daughter grows up, she will never go to the beach without a bodyguard.
Finally, I am grateful a proper apology has been offered by the Catholic church for crimes committed against little boys. It is good to see a bishop resign. I hope a few more follow suit. It’s okay to book me for you catholic wedding now. The wheels of justice have started rolling in the right direction.
And finally finally, thank you to everybody who wished me a happy birthday yesterday. It's good to know I have so many friends and fans. See you soon :) -
No More Catholic Weddings
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I've been very disappointed by the Vatican's handling of the child molestation cases. The Pope has apologized. Yes, but right in the middle of his apologies, he has also called the cases "petty gossip". His personal preacher even had the audacity to compare what people like me are saying to the holocaust. This is reprehensible.
Am I Adolf Hitler because I call for justice for all the innocent boys and their parents who sent them as mass servers believing their children were going to learn, from great examples, how best to serve God?
At this point in my life (I'm a parent and photographer), I cannot in good conscience enter a Catholic Church to photograph a wedding. By both their action and their silence, I feel the leadership of the Church has ridiculed the holy institution of marriage and disrespected every child's right to a decent childhood. I will not be a character in the ongoing satire.
So when I will resume photographing Catholic Weddings? I will resume when the Pope properly apologizes. When guilty priests are penalized. When victims are compensated.
Did I hear you say "you might never shoot in a Catholic church again then"?
If that be my fate, so be it. -
My Pretty Little Princess
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer My daughter is ambitious. I can already tell. She's driven. She's passionate. She rocks. I mean... think about this: Every child who wants to suck their finger will normally suck a thumb, a finger or at most two fingers. My daughter shuffles between three and four fingers. Isn't that ambitious? I guess she already lives by the good old words "Drink Deep or Taste Not" or even better, "If you're going to eat a frog, you might as well eat a fat and juicy one". Hehehe. Do have a great day :)
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How Ghana Rocks - Maksi, King Ayisoba and More...
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
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The King is Burning (macro photography tips and more)
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Yesterday, Teddy Dako posted a link to some amazing macro photographs on facebook.
After watching them, I started missing this aspect of photography so this morning,
I took my macro lens and flash and got to work.
Have you ever seen the animation “Cars”? It is one of my son’s favourites. He has all the cars in the series but his favourite is this the blue race car, The King. In the movie, the King gets into a terrible accident and catches fire.
Two days ago, whilst his mum was busy cooking, my son dropped pushed his The King race car onto the stove and got it burnt. He was excited at his ingenuity. He’s managed to recreate the scene in the movie. Well, his happiness didn’t last long. He soon realized his car can’t race anymore and he’s the saddest little boy.
But I’m happy Dad and photographer because now I have a prop that I can use to create that magical scene of the King on fire. No, I didn’t set the king on fire too. I only passed some few lit matches around him whilst my camera was in long exposure mode.
If you want to know how to do some of these things, why not sign up for upcoming Photography Masterclass Courses? Tutors will be Steve Ababio, Nyani Quarmyne, Karina Dafeamekpor and yours sincerely, moi. -
Maksi goes Yellow Sisi
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer What happens when pretty girls in Maksi clothing carry Kuffuor's yellow gallons and go searching for water in Accra? Find out in the next issue of Dust Magazine and on Studio 53. Models: Yasmin and Debby. Make Up: Aunty Kay of Quticles. Clothes: Maksi.
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Looking for Models
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
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How I spent my Easter Holidays
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I hear the greatest inheritance any parent can give their children is positive memories. I spent part of this Easter holiday with my family at the Stone Lodge. Beautiful place. I plan to take some models there for a photoshoot one of these fine days. This photo is me and my son walking in the grass.
The "baddest" news this holiday was the Vatican's response to all the charges against some of their priests for molesting boys. The Pope has his beautiful white robes stained for his lack of action in a past position. As a father of a son, I was quite disgusted when first, they compared the criticism to the holocaust and secondly, when they called it "petty gossip". Holy Fathers, y'all know molesting boys is neither "petty" nor "gossip". We expect better from you. If you can't live up to it, just get yourselves some wives and leave our little boys alone. (I'm glad I got that off my chest).
Zenobia is half Ghanaian, half Lebanese and currently studies in Cyprus. She loves to model. It was fun taking her to the crowded Labadi Beach. We decided to not do a real shoot since everybody was busy staring at her and it made her uncomfortable. 
And finally, Labadi Beach was covered in "black" on Easter Monday. After the fasting and prayer from Friday to Sunday, most people were in the mood to "give unto Caesar what belongs to Ceasar". Was there ever a more fun loving people? Keep Chilling, Ghana. -
My alter ego is a commercial photographer
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
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Dirty Halo
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
The stitched up van crawls in.
Each tourist picks up their
Jaw from the holy ground as
As they wobble out of the van.
The Basilica!
Charred Snow
Pampered Waste
Proud Pope
Holy Pimp
Dirty Halo.
Hello?
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Kotoka Parking Wahala
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer My traveling agent suggested we meet for my ticket at the Air Ivoire office at the Kotoka Int. Airport. After complaining to the salesgirl in the office about how absurd and unfair it is to charge $624.00 for an Accra - Abidjan - Accra ticket, we left for our cars.
When you want to park at the Kotoka International Airport, you have to go through a toll gate, press a button that prints you a ticket and also lifts the bar so you can drive in. When you are ready to leave the airport, you go to a counter, pay GHS 2.00 or more depending on how much time you’ve spent there, and you slot your ticket into the dispenser at the exit point, it lifts the bar, and off you go.
Yesterday, I pressed the button, a ticket printed, bar lifted, I parked. Everything seemed normal but when we got to the exit, I noticed the part of the machine where I had to slot my ticket so I exit was missing.
Just then I saw a young man in uniform approaching. He asked me for my ticket and HE dropped it into the dead machine and then proceeded to ask for my receipt. I had no idea where I had dropped the receipt I received after paying for my ticket. I had never needed a receipt to exit. He refused to raise the bar for me to exit.
I asked him politely why they haven’t put up a notice at the entry point that their machine is not working so you must present your receipt before you are allowed to exit? I asked him why the lady behind the counter who receives money from customers doesn’t notify anybody that the machine has broken down so you must hand in your receipt before you can exit?
I was shocked at how indifferent he was. He didn’t care at all that a hardworking citizen’s time was being wasted because of their incompetence. Actually, a very long queue had formed behind my car at this point. I told him I was a journalist and I will be doing a story on him, he told me he doesn’t care and there is nothing I can do to him. I paused for a moment, wondering what he really meant. Nobody can take him on when he badly represents his organization and nation? I thought he worked for a private firm?
Fifi, my traveling agent finally suggested I look for the change the lady at the counter gave me. We found one of the receipts and that was before we could exit.
I doubt that this is the first time it’s happened. From my experience I know that he most probably has an equally incompetent supervisor; and lodging an official complaint will be a classic waste of everybody’s time. -
Beauty is Truth
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer "Beauty is truth, truth beauty," - that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.
- John Keats-
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"Made in Ghana" scares me.
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Have you noticed there is something about contemporary Ghanaian design, art and arts that just doesn’t sit right? The best designs, art and music Ghana is known for, were all pre-independence or early post independence. I wonder why.
I saw Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s Made in Ghana car at the Trade Fair yesterday and I was impressed by his ingenuity but as expected, underwhelmed at his design sense.
The Kente, Adinkra, Akuaba Doll, Earthen Ware, Fufu Pestle and Mortar and quite a number of locally made art and handicrafts are of far superior design than what most of our university educated artists and designers can ever figure out. Why is that? Actually, quite a number of modern Ghanaian design is just a recycling of the ones listed above.
Look at how flawless Kente is. Compare that to the last dress or shirt your Ghanaian tailor /dressmaker made for you.
Do you have a “Made in Ghana” website? How does that compare to your free blog that you didn’t have to pay a dime for?
How many modern Ghanaian movies can take “I Told You So” on boot for boot?
Most modern Ghanaian musicians and actors make far more money than Bob Cole, King Bruce, Oscamore Ofori and Araba Stamp made together in their life time but the quality… it is just not the same. Why?
I’m quite aware there a minute few exception to this post but 99.9% of modern Ghanaian art just stinks and would be grateful if you can tell me why?
Why? -
The Girl Behind Ghana's Looming Energy Crisis
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer If you live in Accra, you should be questioning why your lights keep going off, why "energy crisis looms" and why your taps don't flow.
Well, yesterday in the Volta Region, I saw this young woman fetching all the water from the Volta Lake. Yes. She's the guilty one :) I doubt she pays water bills but she fetches all the water. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty as hell.
Don't you wish the problem was as simple as that?
On a more serious note, I think Ghana can no longer depend on Mother Nature to run. We need to be proactive. We are too intelligent and too blessed as a people to be depending on rain to grow our crops, rain to get electricity, rain to get water to drink. And in the midst of all these perils, we keep chopping down our trees. What is wrong with us? What happened to those trees infront of the Kama Conference Centre in Nyaniba? Whose bright idea was it to start chopping them down?
I still haven't forgiven whoever chopped down that big tree at the Togo Embassy Junction in Cantonments. It's hard to forgive them when they put up such horrible art in that place. I still wonder whose brilliant idea that was.
And please can someone tell them to remove those "Millenium City" signage around the Independence Arch, I bet anybody who sees those will think we have no good artists, architects and designers in this country. Sometimes, it does get embarrassing.
We are already 24 million and rising. Now we need, less talk and more action. Even if the action is going to be "slow but sure" please let it happen. We can't go on like this. -
Colourful thoughts and a wedding
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer The past couple of days has been great for me when it comes to family. I got to hang out with my younger sister in deeper, loving ways than we’ve ever had in a long, long time and I also got to attend a cousin’s wedding in Tema, where I partly grew up.
Meeting all those old faces was both a great and sad moment for me. Isn’t it amazing how you meet people from over a decade ago and nothing about them has changed; although the world is moving so fast?
If there is one word that sums up this wedding, it is “JARRING”. First, the groom was in a loud yellow shirt and a white suit. I have photographed many weddings but this is my first time encountering a “loud” groom. Secondly, the speakers were so loud, my daughter just freaked out and my wife ended up with aching ears after the service. I have to confess that in spite of all the noise, I really had fun. I was hugging friends and cousins and aunties and uncles from yesteryears.
As is typical with such weddings, everybody had to show off their camera phone or digicam. I wonder how the official photographer managed to survive. He was freaked out by my gripped 5d Mark II and 85LII. I kinda felt bad seeing him stand there in shock instead of working. I don’t know why too many people believe it is the camera that makes the photos. It’s as lame as saying writing with an expensive pen makes you a great writer. I can’t deny some gears are cooler and more appropriate to use than others depending on the assignment but to be honest, it is never the gear. Please take this last advice if photography is just your hobby.
If you are a professional photographer, my advice will be different. Invest in the best gear you can afford and most importantly, master them. Of course, it is still true that if your imagination is blind, no camera on earth can make you a great photographer. You need to be creative and driven and passionate about photography but you also need to master your tools. You must master your gear so well that you actually operate them from your subconscious. Remember the only time you can justify acquiring new gear, is when you have fully mastered how to use your current one and have honestly found them limiting.
For a professional photographer, I think the least gesture of respect you can make for your clients, is to cover their assignment with the right cameras, lenses, lights and most importantly, idea. Always come back with great pictures. Never come back with excuses, no matter how great they sound. One camera body is not enough if you are a pro. Have a back up body. Have back up lenses etc. Don’t buy crap gear. Don’t make crap photos because both a bad and a good photograph will outlive you, go places you will never dream of and wherever they go, they take you along. If you underestimate the power of photography, you have no business calling yourself a photographer.
Finally, be tough on yourself but gentle with others. It is a classic mark of insecurity and low self esteem, if you are incapable of appreciating the potential in others and your own shortcomings. Photography is a journey not a destination. If you don’t know that, you’re done. I'm done.
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Have a funky, happy and colourful week :)
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Welcome to a great week. I pray this will be the greatest, funkiest, happiest week you ever had and I'd love to kickstart it for you with two photographs I made yesteday at the Labadi Beach. Please enjoy them.
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The March of the Guinea Fowls
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Somewhere in Northern Ghana...
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Dion plays Mrs. Ali
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Young Mrs Ali is in love totally
With a guy she met at an NDC rally.
She sneaks out the door to call him up
She whispers on the phone so Alhaji wont wake up. -
For My Original Valentine on a very cold morning
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I stood shivering in the cold wind
and watched these flowers remind
me of the Love I so miss.
I made this photograph for you
To say you're my one only Love
and I miss you today too.
Happy Valentine's day my Love
and if God wills, I'll hold you tonight
till all the Winter in me dissolves...
and a new shivering begin.
Nana Kofi Acquah © 2010
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London Exhibition with Oxford and Beaumont Solicitors
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
When I go silent, just start praying for me because it most probably means I'm, as usual, biting more than I can chew.
I spent one week in Tamale and Bolgatanga in Northern Ghana making pictures for the African Women Development Fund and then I had to leave for London just two days after that for an exhibition at the London Law Society.
Oxford and Beaumont Solicitors just opened a London office and decided to grace the opening ceremony with an exhibition of some of my work. The coolest part is, part of the money from sales will go to support the Akua Kuenyehia Foundation, which directly handpicks intelligent but needy girls and supports them through school.
I am in Amsterdam at the moment. Tomorrow, another session at the Dutch Third Chamber (De Derde Kamer) begins. This year my group and I are working on a motion that will focus on quality girls' education in fragile states. Wish us luck.
I also just received exciting email from Maarten Koets of the World Press Photo . It seems the month of struggle in Angola is paying off nicely... "As there is quite a lot happening with and around the Year of the Planet exhibition I thought it was important to give you an update. As you know it opened in Lisbon last November. It is currently touring Angola (5 cities) where BESA is cooperating with the Ministry of Education to develop lesson materials and attract schoolchildren to the exhibition. Moreover BESA has arranged for the exhibition to be shown at the UN headquarters in New York in May. There are also plans to show the exhibition and the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in September. For these exhibitions BESA has asked World Press Photo to make a book which should be ready by early May. We will make sure that each of you receives 10 copies for your personal use. Rebecca Simons (cc) might be contacting you about this if we need some additional information".
Thanks Maarten for the good news. I also want to thank all of you who read my blog. Some of you pray for me, some of you get me business and some of you plain right just show me love. What can I do without you? :)
If there is any consolation, I think I will get to spend part of Val's day back home with my wife and children. -
Gambaga Witches Camp
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer When the wrong choices we make in life come back at us, we look for who to blame. In most parts of Northern Ghana, the aged, the poor and the "different" is constantly preyed upon by society; and either get banished or killed.
This is a photograph I made in Gambaga in the Upper East Region of Ghana, on assignment for AWDF. The chief of this village created a refuge for persecuted old people accused of witchcraft.
The woman in the photograph had just gone to fetch water from a well to go and do her household chores. She is a native of the village and not one of the accused.
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Pray for Haiti
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Haiti's tragedy is ours. Every morning and every evening. Please don't forget to say a word of prayer for them.br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4289336502/" title="Prayer for Haiti by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4289336502_5261e62c58_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Prayer for Haiti" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6684140627133285358?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Haiti who hates you? A poem and Photograph for Haiti
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
Haiti who hates you?
Your blood is on the hands of the winds.
Your battered blood strikes the conscience of Earth.
Haiti my blood.
Who hates you?
I hear your cry in the centre of the earth.
Is it your tears I taste in my sea?
Haiti who hates you?
Let them know they can’t crush you.
Slavery couldn’t.
Poverty couldn’t.
Tsunami couldn’t.
Earthquake is a joke.
Haiti my brother!
I see you lose your arms and legs
But your strong heart still lifts the flag.
Haiti who hates you?
Black existed before all else.
Everything goes back to black.
Haiti immortal.
Your mother wails. Your siblings sob.
You’re in our bleeding heart still.
And we await your rising sun.
Nana Kofi Acquah©2010 -
Long Road Back to Vodafone :) so call me on 0208 242469 or Zain
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer This morning, I reconnected my Vodafone line thanks to Ramatu. Now the story behind this phone number is funny. br /br /Some years ago, I used to work at Lowe Lintas and when we won Ghana Telecom as a client, we naturally started using Onetouch phone lines. (Onetouch is now Vodafone). So we all got numbers but strangely enough my ended with a 69. I thought for a moment and was wondering why my number alone will end with a 69? Is it a coded message? br /br /Well... along the line, I noticed that actually I had the most memorable among the whole lot. All I had to tell people is remember that my number is 0208... everyday, everyday, do the 69 (0208 24 24 69) and they never forgot.br /br /So yes, both my Zain and Vodafone numbers are the same. Zain is 0262 everyday everyday do the 69. I have finally decided to bury my MTN line. Ten years of crap must end someday. br /br /Now on the photograph, this is on the Cape Coast Accra road, after Yamoransa when you start approaching Biriwa. a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4271394060/" title="Yamoransa Curve by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4271394060_0eb09841e7_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Yamoransa Curve" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-3716365114066408690?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Hotter than the usual stuff
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer These kinds of posts don't often last so enjoy them quickly :)br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4265284182/" title="Black Gold series by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4265284182_7c87c658c5_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" alt="Black Gold series" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4264533095/" title="Black Gold series by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4264533095_70f6d8c3c3_o.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="Black Gold series" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-7701159417757968611?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Because Silence kills...
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I have really been busy.
Fortunately, everything
that keeps me busy
is something I really enjoy.
I know I'm a really blessed man
Thanks to my God and you :)
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Flutter over 2010
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I wish for you fresher stronger wings
To battle the ever blowing winds
We encounter with each new year.
I know you have it in you to soar
beyond every single wall and roar.
I know you won't let me down.
Soar, my friend, where eagles dare.
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Rainbow Wedding in a Ghanaian Garden
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer This is my last wedding for 2009. Really colorful in every respect.
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Derek and Araba's Wedding
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
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Best Christmas Gift I Ever Had
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I guess I am none blessed photographer :) I got a pretty little girl for Christmas :)
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A Special Christmas Smile for You
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4202486999/" title="A special Christmas smile for you by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4202486999_b10d92a572_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="A special Christmas smile for you" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-3582051254435134777?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
My MTN Ghana blues. An update:
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I went to the Osu office of MTN again today. I was pleasantly surprised by the empathy and support I received from Edem Selormey. WoW what a phenomenal woman! She totally understood my complaints, quickly admitted it is a problem they must get into and immediately promised to reconnect my line and treat it as an "exemption" till the investigation is done.
That was 7 hours ago. My line is still disconnected but at least, she made me feel like I'm not a fool for being their customer for ten years.
Honestly, if there was a way I could move my MTN number to another network, I will do it with such speed and glee but I hear some people in the telecommunication industry in Ghana are making sure it never happens.
If MTN ever decides it has too much dead weight and would like to lay a few people off, they should just give me a call. I can give them a few names. Of course, if they want to promote the few smart and hardworking ones, I can also give them names.
Fortunately, I have been able to constantly control my temper anytime I have been in their office. A friend once wrote on facebook that "never argue with a fool because first, they will reduce you to their level and then beat you with experience". Considering the quality of service I'm receiving, I can postulate that some of those guys at MTN have been blasted by customers so often that now they have a lot of experience in dealing with naggers. I don't want them to reduce me to their level and beat me with experience so I will just sit and wait. How for do? -
pause and enjoy :)
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Yesterday was my 5th Wedding Anniversary. My wife and I have been sooo busy we both forgot. Fortunately, my sweet sister reminded us. We were happy and grateful but too tired to celebrate. This is not the life I wish for. I want to have a life. I know my lack of a life has nothing to do with my fate and everything to do with my choices.
As we gear up for the new year, that might be one of my resolutions: to have a quality life. To spend my strength on those and that which matters. It sounds like a small resolution but I know it is a tough one.
So as a way of celebrating my wedding anniversary and also wishing you a wonderful christmas and a great new year, I share this image with you. I do hope that in the coming year, you will savour on the sweet things in life. Let's promise ourselves, we are not going to "cast our pearls before swines".
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MTN- Most Terrible Network.... so call my Zain 0262 24 24 69
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I am having terrible issues with MTN. How can you treat your customers like rubbish?br /How can you bill your post paid clients for calls they didn’t make on phone numbers that don’t exist anymore?br /br /I have been going up and down their Osu office and now I am tired. Nobody there seems responsible and concerned enough. My line is suspended and I don’t even owe them. br /br /So please if you are trying to reach me and you can’t, call my Zain: 0262 24 24 69.br /br /The only reason why I’ve been hesitant in jumping ship completely is the fact that I’ve been using my MTN number for close to 10 years. You never know which friend is trying to reconnect after many years.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-421279180856193019?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Have a healthy healthy Christmas
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
I'm used to children crying when they receive injections but I still can't understand why some grown ups are soooooo afraid of injections. I remember seeing a full grown woman crying hysterically and begging the nurse "please don't inject my buttocks. Inject my thigh! O please don't inject me. O maaaamieeeee!" It was hilarious. It's ok to let me know if you fear injections. I won't tease you with it :)
But more importantly, no matter how you think this year has been for you, please make sure you enjoy this Christmas by every means possible. Have a merry Christmas :)
The child in the photograph was vaccinated as part of an outreach programme in Caxito, Angola. -
Confessions of a 33 yr old black man
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer No, this post is not about Tiger Woods. Yes, he’s black, he’s 33 and already facing midlife crisis but that is not what I want to talk about. Today, I have decided to turn my camera on myself ☺ It’s scary but I need to do this.br /br /Just a few years ago, I was 18 and had the flattest (actually inverted) stomach in my yard. My nickname was “The Wasp” .br /br /Today, I notice my stomach is gradually filling out. And with that comes my biggest fear. You know, I am vertically challenged. At least, I consider myself so and there is nothing as unfortunate, in my opinion, as a short man with a pot belly. You look like a ball, I feel.br /br /I don’t want to look like a ball. Fortunately, I don’t sit in an air-conditioned office all day like some folk. My job makes me walk and run and climb stuff a lot. Some time ago, that was enough exercise but now, it is getting obvious I need to be working harder.br /br /Is there anything you have done that really worked for you? I have already decided to cut out sugar; and once I master that, I will move on to the carbohydrates. br /br /Ghanaspan style="font-style:italic;" koraaa,/span why are our dishes so one way? br /br /Any way, if you have an practical advise on how to save this 33 year old man from becoming a ball, don’t keep it to yourself.br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4185498600/" title="the shooter by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/4185498600_d73934c544_o.jpg" width="571" height="800" alt="the shooter" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-2692966859273254006?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Like Father Like Son
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer There are many things I foresaw in my life. Fatherhood wasn’t one of them.
Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t become a father by accident.
First I fell in love with a girl, we dated for half a decade, decided to get married and then we thought it will be nice to have children.
I know that if I was to depend on my own experiences growing up, I will become a terrible father but fortunately, I don’t have to. I am surrounded by positive examples. Great books abound on fatherhood and with a little effort, we guys can all have a great go at it.
I know a couple in Accra who are about to run a course on parenting. Both mothers and fathers should be interested. Are you interested?
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Somebody Praise the Lord
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Last night was such a blast. I started the day tired. I’d been shooting an ad campaign the whole of Friday. Big production. Too many props, too many people, children in the mix… and that just drained all my energy. br /br /Last night however, ended like a day is supposed to. I went to the a href="http://www.stratcomm-africa.com"Stratcomm Africa/a Praise Jam 2009 at the Alisa Hotel, Ridge. Wow! What an atmosphere that was. br /br /I’ve been a Christian for over 2 decades and over the years, I have seen how Christianity in Ghana and other parts of world, has become synonymous with incompetence, poverty, low I.Q, hypocrisy and every bad thing on Gods’ good earth. I know that perception is not a reflection of the full picture at all. br /br /There is a proverb that says “when a dog bites a man, it is not news but when a man bites a dog, that is news”. The truth of this proverb is that, it doesn’t matter how many times a dog bites a man, we choose to only talk about and remember the times when a man bites a dog. It is newsier. I hereby assert that the negative perception of Christianity has been created by our natural attraction to bad news. The good things that christians do is seen as normal and expected and so often goes unappreciated and undocumented.br /br /Yesterday I watched some of Ghana’s most competent citizenry (Stratcomm is Ghana’s best communications organization hands down. I have worked in this industry for approximately a decade and I have dealt with the best and worst) raise their hands in praise, take the microphone and burst into singing and dancing. br /br /So for all those who think we Christians are a bunch of ignoramuses, think again. We don’t always wear it on our shoulders when we deal with you but more often than not, the reason why you are impressed with what we do and how we do it, is because of the Jesus in us.br / br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4161742423/" title="_MG_9456 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4161742423_372210fae8_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9456" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4161741297/" title="_MG_9438 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4161741297_04f1b6bbb3_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9438" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4161740199/" title="_MG_9417 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4161740199_4136fbd677_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9417" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162498386/" title="_MG_9412 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4162498386_27c3019055_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9412" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4161737693/" title="_MG_9377 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/4161737693_43657b8ec4_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9377" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4161736519/" title="_MG_9366 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/4161736519_29be603478_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9366" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162494114/" title="_MG_9342 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4162494114_68647fee86_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9342" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162492138/" title="_MG_9328 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4162492138_3d98dfec45_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9328" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162491130/" title="_MG_9311 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4162491130_c4c4fa57d7_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9311" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162488118/" title="_MG_9277 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/4162488118_a6317bc5a8_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9277" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162486874/" title="_MG_9274 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4162486874_443356cfc5_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9274" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162485266/" title="_MG_9269 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/4162485266_898b658a54_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9269" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4162488978/" title="_MG_9302 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/4162488978_6e338573dd_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_9302" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-5244846421395214458?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
love come and goes and comes to stay
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
LOVE COMES AND GOES AND COMES TO STAY
Yes. Yes. Let love trickle.
Down. Up. Down. Slowly. Love.
Comes in trickles and fades and splashes
And comes like a trick.
You are full of tricks.
Stop poking with your long red nails.
Don’t! That’s my blood on your nails.
My pain turns you on and turns me off.
Hey, you have come and gone.
You think I’m just another ugly frog
You must kiss on your way to meet the prince.
Wrong. I AM the Prince. Prince Pauper.
Yes. But.
Still Prince Proper.
Dry rose petals pellet poor prince’s pride.
Summer springs! It’s sounds smooch me.
I leave my heart ajar. Again. Ajar.
I see a jar. Earthen. Beautiful browns.
Jar and skin excellently split by the
blackness of your beautifully braided hair.
Eros is your gardener and his mother your maid.
You are hotter than fire.
You sizzle me with fire from your hips.
Water. I crave water after the fire…
Rains of wisdom pour out from your lips.
I kiss your lips and worship your words.
I touch your breast and obey your heart.
You are worth more to me than Solomon’s thousand.
Life will still go up and down and up and down
And up and down and up and down but Love.
Love has come to stay… and stay.
Nana Kofi Acquah © 2009 -
A little Fisherboy from Elmina
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
When I was just a little boy,
I asked my grandma what will I be?
Will I go fishing?
Will I be fished?
And this is what she said to me:
Fisher man’s son, whatever will be will be.
The future is not mine to see, so go back to your books.
Well, that was not the advise I was expecting. I so wanted to become a fisherman. I tried every trick in the book to skip school but my dear grandma always had one up me:
Some mornings, the police man will be chasing me so I’ll run to school crying. Boy, was I scared of the police? At the sight of anything in uniform, I will take to my heels, definitely school bound. Forget the lunch box. Forget breakfast. It was only after I grew up I discovered they were just her customers coming for tots of apeteshie (local spirit).
Other mornings, I will run and hide in a canoe at the beach… but they always found me after some hunting. Normally the story ends with some grinded hot pepper and ginger in my backside.
Obviously, I didn’t get to become a fisherman but the love for the sea and fisherfolk couldn’t be beaten out of me. Water excites me. I can watch fisherfolk at work all day. I can still speak a bit like them (the Elmina and Accra ones).
It doesn’t matter what I have become, I know I will always remain a simple fisherboy from Elmina.
Song is an adaption of “Que sera sera” by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans -
Friend's naughty daughter
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Kwamina Simpson looks through his rearview mirror at the little girl singing in the back seat of his car. It seems anytime he looks into the mirror, the girl grows. Just yesterday, she was a little girl. Today she’s all woman. Time really flies doesn’t it? He always looks into the mirror when he hears her sing. Sometimes he sings along with her. Today, he just wants to watch and day dream of the day Kraba will become a superstar; bigger than Whitney Houston and with better manners to boot. He’s brought her up well and that he’s proud of.
Kwamina can’t wait to get back home. The home DVD he picked up from his friend James’ was carefully concealed in his loose boubou. Kraba is the only one who bursts into his room without knocking but now that he’s dropped her in school, the mouse will really get to play tonight.
James knows how to make those girls moan for more. Kwamina gets in the groove. He starts wanking off to the sound the chubby girl is creating. She is the most skillful and she’s got this special way of moaning: it begins almost like a whimper but quickly crescendos into scats that match James’ thrusts. Kwamina syncs his busy hand to her moanful scats till his whole body spasms as one possessed and he shoots all over his laptop.
He catches his breath. He stretches out his hand to wipe the semen off the glossy screen. Just then, James also reaches out his hand and pulls off the mask on Kraba’s face. Kwamina’s hand touches her face. Black.
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Definitely the next Face of Africa
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4141383763/" title="next face of africa by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2223/4141383763_913a99c963_o.jpg" width="534" height="800" alt="next face of africa" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-1490992819907109584?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Maksi Clothing launches live and coloured
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer 
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Feminist Jesus and Gambian Children
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer How can anybody be feminist and not love Jesus? He did more for the cause and status of women than any politician has ever done. If you don't believe me, check these out:
1. He honored his mum by turning water into wine at her request. She made the request at a wedding (in a public place) and even though he didn’t want to do it, just to make her feel good, he did.
2. He healed an oppressed and hunched woman on a Sabbath. He called her “daughter of Abraham” and said the devil had no right to bind her for 18 years. The Pharisees hated Him for this but He cared more about the woman’s health and joy than their egos.
3. He conversed with a “lose woman” from a marginalized race in the most public of all places- a well. The story ends with this woman becoming the toast of her town. He gave her her pride and dignity back.
4. He single handedly defended a woman against a mob of fanatics. We don’t know what he wrote in the sand but we know he said: “whoever has not sinned before should cast the first stone”. And then he told her, “neither do I condemn you”.
5. He spoke against polygamy and said every woman deserves to have her own husband. Girls, because of Jesus, you don’t need to share your man. You can have him all to yourself.
6. Jesus said divorce was permitted by Moses because men were killing their wives in order to get rid of them but the right thing for any man to do, is to love his wife to death.
7. Jesus showed his love for Mary and Martha by going to resurrect their dead brother. He wept when they doubted his intentions and abilities.
8. A woman who had been menstruating for 12 years touched him and he said it was alright. In Jewish tradition, it was a taboo. The woman was shaking with fear when Jesus asked who had touched him. She thought she was going to be stoned to death but Jesus rather congratulated her on her faith.
9. Even on his death cross, he thought about his mum and asked his disciples to take very good care of her for him since he was dying and won’t be there in the physical to provide for her.
10. Finally, when he rose from the dead, he made sure the first person to see Him was a woman. This technically means, the first person to ever preach the gospel was... you guessed right... a woman.
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Market Day in Senegal
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I dedicate this image to my wife because I miss her
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Let's Get Sticky (and friends I made today in Senegal)
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer It’s Friday night. I have hard-earned money to spend. I don’t mind footing the whole bill. Yes, we are not going dutch. We are going me. The only problem is… I am all alone. Alone, rich and lonely. My heart is freezing from lack of touch.br /All the friends in my life are busy. We are all too busy making it. The question is, what are we trying to make? What is it that changes us so? We who were once snuggling, hugging, trusting earthlings have a strange way of growing into irritable, self-righteous, lonely losers. Once you take the money out, we have nothing; and that is too tough to admit. Losers.br /br /Today, I want to throw caution out the window and smile at a stranger. Giggle at them. Heck! I want to hug a stranger and tell them something nice I see in them. What is the use in being proper, if it’s gonna kill you properly? I want to notice someone else today. To take my eyes off me and see you. Your beautiful eyes, your just-a-little-crooked nose, your rabbit teeth, your Prince Charles Obama ears. I see you. And if my courage fails me, I will pull out my old address book and holler some old, forgotten friends.br /br /I won’t pretend I don’t have some answers. I dated a girl who deliberately forgot my birthday or fought with me a few days prior so she didn’t have to give me a present. I had a friend I considered a brother sell me a fake watch for the price of an original. I was too trusting to check. I built a wall between us. I have lists of folk who only call when they are in need. Some even make me feel I owe them something. It’s easier to avoid them than deal with them. Good Lord knows how many walls now guard my heart. Yet, what we build to protect us, is what kills us… softly.br /br /So in spite of the strong repellants out there, like the Raid bug, I choose to push my walls over. To every single wall of fear, suspicion, cynicism, aloofness, cold-heartedness and pain I shout: PUSH OVER! PUSH OVER! They might get me but if they don’t, at least, I get to see the world. I get to run again. I get to play again. I get to laugh again. I get to meet other bugs and together, we infest the world with laughter, trust, hope and joy. I want to get sticky.a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4110329242/" title="senegal by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4110329242_aa350603d0_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="senegal" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4110328120/" title="senegal by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4110328120_fb3c56e110_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="senegal" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4109562861/" title="senegal by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/4109562861_4d60626e03_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="senegal" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4109499185/" title="Senegal: Dance Break by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2734/4109499185_32cca11da6_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Senegal: Dance Break" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-9163059020479192230?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
For Linda, because you asked
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Of course, I also dedicate this whole series to all my many "Lindas" and I do hope these photographs sustain you for the short while I'm in the Gambia on assignment.br /br /Just a quick thought on traveling through Africa as a photographer. I was detained at the Angola airport for seven hours because I'm a photographer. I was arrested and shortly released in Abidjan for the same reason. br /br /I hope the Gambia treats me nice; especially considering "tragic stories about some 40 Ghanaians not too long ago."br /br /Cheers.br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4104751511/" title="Making up the bride by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4104751511_0cc38927f2_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Making up the bride" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4105518718/" title="Breakers of the quot;Color Curtainquot; by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/4105518718_b5012227e5_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Breakers of the quot;Color Curtainquot;" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4105518362/" title="Monkey games by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4105518362_2d1ed54816_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Monkey games" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4105517956/" title="Sex Education for Children by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4105517956_bb5fd69c11_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Sex Education for Children" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4105517192/" title="Leidseplein Street Performers by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/4105517192_0a91220347_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Leidseplein Street Performers" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-4430749669730601649?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Somebody's daughter
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4092896347/" title="Somebody's Daughter by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4092896347_46fb631209_o.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="Somebody's Daughter" //abr /Somebody’s daughter drowned in her own tears br /and washed ashore at exactly where the fishmongersbr /gather to gossip about every young girl in the villagebr /who dreams of a life better than toothless men can give.br /br /Somebody’s daughter chopped off her arm to lose some br /weight so she can fit in a dress smaller than her brain.br /br /Somebody’s daughter gave out her heart to a loverbr /who’s disappeared forever with somebody’s daughter.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-3526640028609719849?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Going Lokko in Accra
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4089073438/" title="lokko by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4089073438_1961298ce3_o.jpg" width="561" height="800" alt="lokko" //abr /This is my favourite Ghanaian T shirt brand and I was delighted to see they have a stand in Silver Bird, Accra Mall. br /One of my favourite designs is the one Daniel Arthur is wearing in this photograph: "Chale Why?" br /br /I must say I also love Kayobi's "Make fufu not war" T shirts. br /br /If we move from T shirts to wax prints, then some new faves on br /the block are Christie Brown, Renee and coming soon, Maksi.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-7107043197607783889?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
This is Love
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Love is a fart in the sheetsbr /That chokes your chucklesbr /br /Love is a well-timed crybr /That halts your orgasm.br /br /Love is a snore and a ceilingbr /And well worn lingerie.br /br /Love is a squeaky old doorbr /That leads to a bed or an office.br /br /Love is a tired, dimmed wedding ringbr /Strangled daily by a fattening finger.br /br /Love is a badly sang songbr /That sounds better than Sonatra.br /br /Love is dentures and spectaclesbr /That smile at tiny little feet.br /br /Love is discouraged, fallen breastsbr /That guard a grey and faithful heart.br /br /Love is many Harmattans.br /Love is Rain. Love reigns.br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4075498968/" title="Kwakwa Wedding by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/4075498968_a2d42514db_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" alt="Kwakwa Wedding" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4075501448/" title="Kwakwa Wedding by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/4075501448_256c4c0ce1_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" alt="Kwakwa Wedding" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4074728737/" title="Kwakwa Wedding by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4074728737_1520f60284_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" alt="Kwakwa Wedding" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-783834819966559846?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
The Big Home - Kinder Paradise
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4062954739/" title="kinder-pg-bw by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4062954739_54bf555e59_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="kinder-pg-bw" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4062937655/" title="Kinder Paradise by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/4062937655_7555352be7_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Kinder Paradise" //aYou come here expecting to see an orphanage but what you see is a home. A big home. Full of happy, healthy children. They have the biggest play ground my son has ever seen and he made so many new friends, I had to wrestle him into the car back to our little, quiet home. God bless the hearts and hands that take care of this precious home.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-627051853727678741?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Little things become little again
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4058746869/" title="Dirge by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4058746869_ece4f56e74_o.jpg" width="800" height="527" alt="Dirge" //aThere comes that day when Life deals us that dreaded hand. All of a sudden, we can’t just turn as we rush out the door and say “I love you” or “I’m sorry” or “See you soon”. Now when we reach out to embrace Love, we only grasp cold air.br /br /One morning in Caxito, Angola, I saw a woman wail for her dead. A few metres away from her, I saw another wearing a white t shirt with the inscription “Adeus” popping out of her hunched back. Love is gone for these. It is too late for many things. All of a sudden, everything has fallen into proper perspective; and little things are little again.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-1187484001830481401?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
To Africa. No matter where you are now.
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4051686101/" title="caxito-baobab by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/4051686101_d41461abb4_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="caxito-baobab" //aIn yesterday's scorching sun, a hawker was busy selling rain boots. Five metres away from him, another one was selling neck ties. And then this taxi driver who couldn't even get his engine to run, tried to cut into my lane. I looked at him and said in Twi but with a funny Ga accent "Hey, wo pe se wo sei wo kaa no wo hu?" (Hey, do you want to destroy your car?) The mock anger and grin on my face pissed him off so much he said, "Fa wo nkwasea sem no soo ho" (Take your nonsense somewhere else). At this point my wife and I broke out laughing... and just when we thought we had enough of the humour, this guy selling canned milo walks over to our car and screams " Yeees, MIRO". The sun was stupidly hot but it couldn't stop the laughter. This is why I love Africa. Sometimes, nothing makes sense but that's the beauty of it all.br /br /So this photograph, which I made somewhere in Angola, Caxito is dedicated to every African and every lover of Africa, no matter where in the world you are from or are now.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-4470746068821475269?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Colorful Day at the La Beach
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I had to post these colourful pictures. I know I've been quite bloody on this blog but there is more to life than death, blood and fire. There is also laughter and joy, peace and love, warmth and affection, sweet and ticklish, friendship and humour. Have fun enjoying these photographs and do have a great week. a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4044490818/" title="Colorful day by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4044490818_da08a2e645_o.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Colorful day" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4044491190/" title="Colorful day by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/4044491190_266fe6736e_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Colorful day" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4044492344/" title="Colorful day by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4044492344_3f1781ff18_o.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Colorful day" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4043745695/" title="Colorful day by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/4043745695_c7b87178f6_o.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Colorful day" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-4266913746815283194?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
No Pain No Gain
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I grew up among the Gas, the natives of Accra. I had to fight my way to respect in school but my reputation as a survivor came faster because of the precision with which I could hurl a stone at a moving target. br /br /I remember puncturing a kid’s head with the tip of an old, heavy, pressing iron and watching the blood escape from his skull and shoot into the air like a liberated fountain. “Who’s next?” I shouted but no other kid came forward. I had fought my poor opponent in school a while back but forgot all about it. On that bloody Saturday morning, I had been sent to take the pressing iron to the repairer, who lived in this boy’s neighbourhood. In no time, about twenty boys had surrounded me. That is how we grew up in old Accra. You fight. If I remember correctly, that was the last time I had to fight. The story spread fast, sounding bloodier with each retelling.br /br /The Slaughter Boys is a story of survival. A decade ago, the then government of Ghana demolished the colonial Abattoir in favour of a more modern one in the centre of the capital. What it couldn’t do, was win the fight against the Slaughter Boys. Everyday, several hundreds of sheep and goats are slaughtered in the bare sands of the beach, where the building used to be, and readied for every market in Accra. After each bloody morning, the boys rest a bit and head for the gyms to train as boxers whilst the older ones act as coaches, promoters, and fans.br /br /I grew up at the time when Azumah Nelson was king. He called himself “The Professor of boxing”. I can still remember the day he came to my neighbourhood, which was the very one he grew up in, driving his Nissan Blue Bird with a black and white number plate that read- ZOOM ZOOM. We swarmed him like malnourished doves at the sight of crumbs. Only this time, instead of crumbs, he was throwing Jerry Rawlings’ “gye nyame” ten cedi notes at us. That day, Azumah Nelson became our dream. All we could talk and think about as kids was boxing. We too wanted to be champions. Mine waned but not everybody else’s.br /br /The Attorh Kwashie Gym, where most of the slaughter boys train as boxers currently has fourteen professional boxers and thirty amateurs. They have to share boxing gloves, gums and towels. They have no sponsors and no support but they persist. The motto, “No Pain, No Gain”, is not just an inscription on the walls. It is the only language they speak. They know that one good boxing match can give them far more than they can ever earn at the slaughter house in a lifetime.br /br /"originally written for ZAM Magazine, Africa"br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4030943434/" title="_MG_8725 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4030943434_9e2a53ecac_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="_MG_8725" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4030186189/" title="Untitled-7 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/4030186189_70bd40b229_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled-7" //a a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4030939814/" title="Untitled-1 by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/4030939814_588610eaa1_o.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled-1" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6499890652166950662?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Pretty Woman
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer If you are not living on the edge, you are taking too much space. br /br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/4021913838/" title="claudia-bw by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/4021913838_03b58eac13_o.jpg" width="800" height="1200" alt="claudia-bw" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6718174374573519798?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
When Death comes knocking
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3997452366/" title="Confronting Death by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3997452366_c452f934f2_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Confronting Death" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6705576640869587831?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
When the watchman becomes sleeping beauty.
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I will tell you a Ghanaian joke. This man is driving out of his house in the morning to go to work. His security guard runs over to his car, knocks on the glass panting. Boss rolls down and grinning security man tells him. "Boss, I dreamt that 11-20-45 will be the winning numbers this weekend. Sure banker." Boss was so mad and couldn't help yelling: " Ei! Watchman! Instead of guarding my house. You sleep and dream lotto numbers eh?! You are fired!". Problem is, Boss went ahead to stake the numbers and true to his watchman's dream, he won the lottery. Does he take his watchman back?a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3990434796/" title="Ghanaman at work ;) by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2552/3990434796_19bb2e4c04_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Ghanaman at work ;)" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6930300290168776121?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
This is what I have been up to in Angola
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer No, it's not my baby but one of the ones I photographed for my malaria story in Caxito, Luanda. See you soon.br /a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3966572838/" title="What I have been up to by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3966572838_9777afbcd4_o.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="What I have been up to" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-1090801864820189298?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Jenny's journey
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3875843634/" title="jenny by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3875843634_0888422e7e_o.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="jenny" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-395731446379689478?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Made in Ghana Guns. KK 47
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Zarla Show Boy is one of the many comedians who tickle people at the Labadi Beach in Accra.br /If you can ignore the filth, the Labadi Beach is one of the nicest places to hang out in Ghana.a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3872502112/" title="KK 47. Made in Ghana Guns by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3872502112_3b1764474c_o.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="KK 47. Made in Ghana Guns" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-1175141677948122635?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Ghana's hottest cowboy. sorry. Cow Girl :)
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3858278570/" title="Strapping hot by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3858278570_a5bd64bda4_o.jpg" width="800" height="1200" alt="Strapping hot" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6498494385871964140?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Butterfly Girl
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer I had a conversation recently with a potential client who wanted to see my portfolio. I showed them a number of photographs and they said "You don't use a lot of light in your photographs. I want to see your work with light". That made me pause a bit.. breathe in and reply politely. They obviously didn't know what they were talking about.br /br /Like most photographers, I have invested heavily in light. At least I have a dozen heads. Big. Small. I use them but I think a lot of the time, photographers make light get in the way. Photography simply means "writing with light" but what most people don't get is you need to always answer the question " What am I going to write about with these lights?". If they stop to answer the question, they will notice most of the time, they are supposed to be writing about something else and not their lighting skills. A good handwriting is a good skill but as most of you know, in an exam you are supposed to answer questions not show off how well you write. br /br /If the only way to say what you want to say is with heavy lighting, please don't cut corners. Use all the lights and modifiers you need... but when you are so concerned about light that you forget what your client really needs from you, then you've actually got it reversed. 99.9% of the time, your lights are supposed to help you tell a story. They are not the story. Somehow, I had to give my 2 pesewas worth on lighting today.br /br /MUA: Renee Q. Boateng. Model: Claudia. Cheers.a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3846384737/" title="Butterfly Girl by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/3846384737_1819f5e8a5_o.jpg" width="800" height="609" alt="Butterfly Girl" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-6236206686582876014?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
What in the world is "Woman Frigidity"?
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3841165071/" title="Woman Frigidity and other African Matters. by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3841165071_dde1fffb20_o.jpg" width="800" height="518" alt="Woman Frigidity and other African Matters." //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-1932916082655858155?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
It's ok to hop sometimes.
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer One of my favorite photographs is one of a boy swimming butt naked in Benya Lagoon, Elmina. That photograph, just like this one speaks to me. it is about time we stopped using being responsible adults as an excuse for missing out on life. It's okay to stop walking and start hopping along sometimes. a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3832900727/" title="Pleasant Little Hops by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3832900727_d02384410a_o.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="Pleasant Little Hops" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-1226087163873772558?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div -
Some great makers represent in Accra
» Nana Kofi Acquah - Ghana Photographer Ok let's start with Bertil. He works for Africa Interactive and had celebrate his birthday in Accra because of Maker Faire. Bertil handles and is in contact with over 700 journalists and reporters across Africa. You can check their main website at www.africanews.com. br /br /Have you heard of the famous Blackboard Blogger of Africa? His name is Alfred Sirleaf. I asked him today if he is in anyway related to the Liberian present and he said yes. Who would have thought writing on a black board could make one a superstar?br /br /Finally, let's meet the Malawian young man who invented his own windmill from scratch in some remote village in Malawi with just 60 inhabitants. He made his first windmill at the age of 14, to power a radio set. William Kamkwamba was a drop out at the time of his invention. He's currently studying in South Africaa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3825064556/" title="bertil-bday by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3825064556_a60e6ced49_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="bertil-bday" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3825065584/" title="alfred-sirleaf by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/3825065584_c09b89d9e1_o.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="alfred-sirleaf" //aa href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackwize/3824261955/" title="William-K by NanaKofiAcquah, on Flickr"img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3824261955_6005e4ae14_o.jpg" width="589" height="800" alt="William-K" //adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1392769759109690709-3995712833557738299?l=nanakofiacquah.blogspot.com' alt='' //div
