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donaldiaba (23 unread)

May 23, 2010
15:20
Ghana National Media Commission's failure.
» ‎ donaldiaba

sometimes i wonder if at all we have regulatory bodies/ umbrella organisations in our country at all. Even if we do, the big question; How effective are they?

I ask these questions because, i see a certain trend in our media, yet the Ghana National Media Commission, which is supposed to be the regulatory body of all media in Ghana seems to be doing nothing at all.

it is with a very heavy heart that i write this post because, i never wish any Ghanaian blogger or writer would ever do such a post. However, it has become neccessary that I did this all by myself.

I Just can't understand why all these happen.
Are we taking advantage of the Freedom of Speech that we enjoy or are we simply being stupid in our wise ways? Is the Natonal Media Commission really doing their work for real?

I turn on my radio almost every morning to listen to some Ghana conscious discussions. These take off well untill the various panelists begin to take a pick on each other for reason of different plitical views. These mars the beautiful discussions, reducing then to very useless arguments.

As if that is not enough, descerning listeners who i think should be matured, focused, nationalistic and circumspect in their contributions rather do worse.

Sometimes, i blame the moderator's of thjese broadcasts and at other times, i blame the producers of the broadcasts.

As if its not enough on radio, i have realised that a number of these serial callers (funded by the various political associations) take this animalistic discord to the online publications.

A friend of mine drew my attention to the fact that a lot of comments are posted to various online publications, without effective moderations. I quickly took interest in this and started reading most of the comments posted to online publications (especially on www.ghanaweb.com).
Whenever i read these comments, i ask myself if there is a webmaster or a contents manager for these news websites.
Comments posted are so very stupid and foolish that they make no sense. Most of these comments again, happen to be insults. These insults are almost always directed to our two ex presidents (H.E. J.J. Rawlings and H.E. J.E.A. Kuffour.)

The very dangerous aspect of this is the fact that; these exchange of words and silly comments are nnow taking tribal trends (Just the way it started in Rwanda and many other countries) which could escalate into a very serious situation.

I think the National Media Commission has failed because, they should have put in place regulations to curb some of these stuff from our system. These could be the issue of moderation/ production for broadcasts, and effective web content management for the internets news networks.

I am of the opinion that all abussive languages be restricted from being posting and some sensitive words could be blacklisted as well. It is so very possible that parameters could be put in place to receive comments, edit them before publishing for the public consumption. Lets not forget that the younger one's are also reading what we all write and are therefore learning how we handle issues. These will be repeated by them and even perfected for the worse.

To all Ghanaians please lets be nationalistic and conscious about our motherland. This is the only Ghana we have and shall have all through our days, till even the days of our children's children.
May 13, 2010
23:48
Obama against Ipods and Xbox's
» ‎ donaldiaba

We all know that Barack Obama is probably the most technologically comfortable president (as he blogs and tweets) to reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

He certainly put it to good use during his campaign for the White House, but that didn't stop him issuing a warning about how technology is being used in a 24/7 culture when he made the commencement address to over 1,000 students at the historically black Hampton University this past weekend.

(You can read the full transcript here.)

Dressed in a blue gown, (around 7 minutes 50 seconds in) the president said the era of the iPod and the Xbox has not always been good for the cause of a strong education:

"You're coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don't always rank that high on the truth meter. And with iPods and iPads, and Xboxes and PlayStations - none of which I know how to work - information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation. So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it's putting new pressure on our country and on our democracy."

Around 12 minutes in, the president expounds on how a politically polarising media culture posed a threat to democracy without well-educated citizens with open minds.

As many in the blogosphere have noted, they find it strange that a president who cannot live without his BlackBerry doesn't know how to use an iPad or iPod.

Source
BBC dot Maggie (A blog from Silicon Valley.)
23:30
The anti-Facebook Campaign
» ‎ donaldiaba

Can the supremacy of Facebook, as the world's biggest social network rapidly heading towards 500 million users, ever be truly challenged at this stage?

Last month at F8, its developer conference, the company made a bid to put itself right at the centre of everyone's web experience by exploiting the social graph - that is all your friends, family and colleagues that you connect with through Facebook.

Over the years however it has made a number of stumbles regarding privacy and has landed in hot water with various privacy commissioners.

It is those blips in an otherwise meteoric rise that could be regarded as its Achilles heel.

At least that is the view of one mathematician and three computer science students from NYU who are launching what has been dubbed an anti-Facebook project.

Maxwell Salzberg, Daniel Grippi, Raphael Sofaer and Ilya Zhitomirskiy are the brains behind Diaspora which they describe as "the privacy aware, personally controlled, do-it-all distributed open source social network".

In essence they want to restore the control of a users' online identity back to them.

They were spurred into action after attending a talk on internet privacy by Eben Moglen, Columbia law professor and author of the latest GPL.

Diaspora's website quotes the professor as saying, "as more and more of our lives and identities become digitized...the convenience of putting all of our information in the hands of companies on 'the cloud' is training us to casually sacrifice our privacy and fragment our online identities".

"As long as your data is being held by someone else, not only can you not control what they are doing with it right now but you can't control it in years to come," said Raphael Sofaer.

Colleague Max Salzberg said they don't necessarily have Facebook in its crosshairs and are motivated by doing something for the greater good.

"This is not just about Facebook. Facebook is not what we are going after. We are going after the idea there are all these centralised services where people are giving up their personal information. We want to put users back in control of what they share.

"Diapsora is an anti-network. We are not planning on having big servers that store everyone's information. They will all be individually owned and operated so people can really say they have full control over their information."

Fellow student Ilya Zhitomirskiy weighed in.

"We want to encourage people to share, giving them a platform that where being public is not the default position and people opt in not opt out."

So how will it work? Well the boys still have to build it and to that end have launched a fund raising campaign to get $10,000 together so they can all code over the summer.

Those efforts have exceeded expectations and to date 798 people have contributed $24,950 and counting through Kickstarter.

Having all these people put down real money to invest in their idea is said Max "extraordinary".

"It says that honestly over 700 people have given us money for something that is just an idea, something we can make, we are confident we can and at the end of the three months we are proposing a solid developer release.

"We don't have any illusions that we are going to destroy Facebook in three months. We are going to create this engine or this platform and let other developers add to it. This is proof that people are scared and they don't have anywhere else to go."

Diaspora comes along at a very interesting point in this space given that there is something of a backlash going on as people explore how to delete their Facebook profile.

Read Write Web's Marshall Kirkpatrick reports that, "Google Suggest, the drop-down box that offers suggested search query completions based on absolute and recent upticks of popularity, now guesses that if you start typing 'How do I...' that you'd like to know how to quit Facebook".

And Alison Diana at InformationWeek.com reported that "the phrase "how to quit Facebook" generated 16.9 million results in a Google search Tuesday morning, while "how do I delete my Facebook account?" resulted in 15.9 million links".

Source
BBC dot Maggie (A blog from sillicon valley.)
May 04, 2010
13:14
KNUST PORNO for real?
» ‎ donaldiaba

Barely two weeks after students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) mourned a female Business Administration student who died after a concrete walkway collapsed on her, the university has been hit by another damaging story.

This time around, it is a sizzling sex scandal involving two first year Civil Engineering students captured on video.

This scandalous development, according to DAILY GUIDE sources, has attracted the ire of the university authorities and the conduct of the two students is said to have been referred to the school’s Disciplinary Board for appropriate sanction.

Unconfirmed reports say a letter has already been prepared for dispatch to the two ‘love birds’ whose conduct is dragging the image of the university into disrepute, as the sex scandal is the talk of town in Kumasi and beyond.

The 52-minute video footage, currently circulating on the campus and around Kumasi, is dubbed, ‘KNUST PORNO’, and showing two students, Botuo and a lady nick-named ‘Junky’ (not real name), engaged in hot rounds of sexual intercourse. 

The sex scandal, which occurred at the Queen’s Hall, one of the halls of residence of the university, has become the topic of discussion on campus since it broke last Wednesday.

Students have copied the images of the sex escapade on their laptops and mobile phones and are viewing it indiscriminately at their leisure hours, while relaying it to friends and relatives, not withstanding the examination period.

The sizzling sex video has been vastly circulated to the extent that people outside the four walls of the university even have copies on their laptops and mobile phones.

Discussions over the issue is raging like wildfire because the lady is a known active member of a Christian group and has won the accolade ‘prayer mama’ because of her ‘Krife’ attitude on campus.

DAILY GUIDE learnt that although the ‘sexy couple’ are writing their end-of-semester exams, they have fled the campus to an unknown destination immediately the recording became public and it is not clear what their fate would be.

In the blistering sex video, a copy of which is available to DAILY GUIDE, a thick tall looking boy was seen taking the light-skinned woman through hot sexual bouts on a bunk bed.

Immediately after getting onto the bed, energetic-looking Botuo undressed and ordered Junky, who was wearing a black ‘T’ shirt with blue jeans and appeared poised for action, to take off her clothes.

In the background, scintillating hip-life tunes from K.K. Fosu, Kwadee, Lord Kenya and others could be heard.

In the course of the naughty period, Botuo was compelled to intermittently disengage, as some people appeared to be knocking on the door.

Botuo, in spite of the long sexual session, forced the girl to perform more lewd acts on him, as he continued to kiss and fondle her breast as a sign of good bye.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that the man was unaware that the entire sensual act was being recorded on the laptop, which was opened on the desk as he later found out that his room-mate had set his laptop to record their encounter.

The paper learnt that upon realizing that he had been set up, Botuo pleaded with his room-mate to delete the said folder from the laptop.

Sources confirmed to DAILY GUIDE that the laptop was re-formatted to ensure that the recording was totally deleted.

Unfortunately, the room-mate, according to DAILY GUIDE information, for one reason or the other, sold the laptop to a colleague student at the Unity Hall, who subsequently recovered the video recording from the recycle bin and the dramatic circulation began.

DAILY GUIDE sources revealed that while ‘Junky’ is an old student of a popular girls’ school in the Eastern region, Botuo is a former student of a boys’ school in the same region.

Source:
Daily Guide.
12:28
World Cup 2010 broadcast in Ghana.
» ‎ donaldiaba

Ghana's three leading television networks have launched a consortium to jointly broadcast the fifa 2010 soccer championship in to be held in south Africa.

TV3 Network, Metro TV and GTV say they will broadcast all 64 matches, 56 of them live and 8 delayed broadcasts on the final day of group matches.

The collaboration follows a similar arrangement that saw all three stations beam the 2009 World Youth Cup in September last year.

The stations have also moved to address one of the raging complaints of previous tournaments when commentaries have been exclusively handled by foreign commentators. The voice of Ghana football, Kwabena Yeboah and Prince Annan will be commentating on the games for Ghanaian audience.

The key dates in that coverage will be the three group games involving Ghana against Serbia on June 13th in Pretoria, against Australia on the 19th June and against Germany on 23rd June 2010.

source
kickoff.com
11:48
Ghanaians vote in UK Elections.
» ‎ donaldiaba

The United Kingdom general election of 2010 will be held on 6 May to elect one MP in each of the 650 constituencies to the House of Commons, the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The election was called on 6 April, and Parliament was dissolved on 12 April for the ensuing campaign. Voting will take place between 7.00 am and 10.00 pm. Local elections will also be held in some areas on that day.

The governing Labour Party will be looking to secure a fourth consecutive term in office and to restore support lost since 1997. The Conservative Party will seek to gain a dominant position in UK politics after losses in the 1990s, and to replace Labour as the governing party. The Liberal Democrats hope to make gains from both sides; their most realistic ambition, as the campaign began, was to hold the balance of power in a hung parliament. Since the televised debates between the three leaders, their poll ratings have risen to the point where many are considering the possibility of a Liberal Democrat role in Government.

The Scottish National Party, encouraged by their victory in the 2007 Scottish parliament elections, have set themselves a target of 20 MPs and will also be hoping to find themselves in a balance of power position. Equally, Plaid Cymru is seeking gains in Wales. Smaller parties who have had successes at local elections and the 2009 European elections (United Kingdom Independence Party, Green Party, British National Party) will look to extend their representation to seats in the House of Commons. The Democratic Unionist Party will be looking to maintain, if not extend, their number of seats, currently the 4th largest party in the House of Commons

The election is the first to be faced by the Labour leader Gordon Brown as Prime Minister, who became party leader in 2007 after the resignation of Tony Blair. It is also the first election to be faced by the main opposition party leaders, David Cameron of the Conservatives and Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats. It is thus the first time since 1979 that none of the three main party leaders has headed a previous general election campaign. For the first time at a British election, the three main party leaders engaged in a series of televised debates.

Endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the 'Use a UK Vote' campaign facilitated a nationwide vote in Ghana on April 30th by SMS and through an election hub in the capital. These votes will be transferred to thousands of British citizens, pledging to vote on behalf of the Ghanaians.

The British citizens who comprise of those who voluntarily want to donate their votes and those who do not wish to vote because they are disenchanted with their politicians over UK's foreign policy.
Ghana is affected directly by decisions made by British politicians within the British foreign policy framework, and in their multilateral engagements on matters such as international trade and development aid, where the power relations place Ghana at a disadvantage.

The campaign aims to address the democratic deficiency in global decision-making, by enfranchising people worldwide affected by UK government decisions on war, climate and trade. The campaigners have planned three simultaneous movements in Ghana, Bangladesh and Afghanistan over the period.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has endorsed the 'radical' campaign linking it with his own experience of the anti-apartheid struggle: "During apartheid, we did not fight for hand-outs, we fought for an equal voice and the power to make our own voices."

The renowned South African noted "We need to rethink our politics for today's world. We must strive for a global democracy, in which not only the rich and the powerful have a say, but which treats everyone, everywhere with dignity and respect.

"I support the campaign because it is exciting, brave and emphasizes our common humanity. It is a radical call for a world where all human beings have an equal say in the politics that affect them."
11:40
Press Release from Museke
» ‎ donaldiaba

MUSEKE.COM LAUNCHES ANNUAL MUSEKE ONLINE AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS

Online African music bible to honour African artists

After three-and-a-half years developing the online portal for information on African music, Museke.com is honoured to announce the launch of the annual Museke Online Music Awards (MOAMA’s).
Museke.com started out in 2006 with the aim of becoming a one-stop-shop for everything related to African music in every genre. Since then, the website has grown from strength to strength, featuring lyrics, interviews, biographies, new music and videos of multitudes of African artists from the continent and the Diaspora across the board.

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup putting the entire African continent on the international map, it is only fitting that the continent’s deserving artists are put on a pedestal, and what better way to do that than with the first ever online music awards that caters to all music tastes on the continent? The continent is alive with different sounds, voices and rhythms, and the MOAMA’s seek to further promote this music through various platforms online. Through the annual MOAMA’s, Museke aims to encourage the unity of Africans through our music.

With a total of 130 nominations in 28 categories which will cover different genres and regions, the MOAMA’s prides itself in encompassing all African music, regardless of video submission, language, genre and country in recognition of excellence in music over the last year. The winners of these prestigious online awards will be rewarded through various avenues of online promotion, which will gain the artists global recognition on museke.com as well as various other media outlets. Nominees will be announced on 8 April and voting will take place on [awards.museke.com] until 15 May, with winners being announced on 1 June.
April 28, 2010

10:53

[nt]

» ‎ donaldiaba

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President J.E.A. Mills with the World Cup when it arrived in Ghana on its tour of the world.

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President John Evans Atta Mills will on Monday, May 3, launch the national campaign for Ghana's participation in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The grand launch which is slated for the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra is to officially commence the Black Stars participation at the quadrennial fiesta that comes to the continent for the first time.

The launch is also to enhance public awareness on the Black Stars participation at her second successive World Cup appearance and to raise the needed funds to support the team to chalk the needed success.

The event, being organized by the World Cup Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports would be a cocktail of events that will be preceded by a float by the various supporters groups through the principal street of Accra.

Expected to spice up the program are musicians, entertainers and a possible international friendly between the local components of Ghana and Nigeria's senior national teams.

Officials of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council among others are expected to attend the

source: myjoyonline.com

April 23, 2010
10:29
MENACE ON RADIO IN GHANA
» ‎ donaldiaba

It is believed that the role of the media is enormous in education and information dissemination. This is actually very true until recent times when the media, especially radio, has taken a very different direction, talk of quality education.

I have found out that; in Ghana, radio has been liberalized to the extent that anybody who knows how to talk good and moderate a program, stands the opportunity to be on radio. This is a good thing though, but my worry is about the falling standards in broadcasting.

Let me first start with the Journalists. In my candid opinion, a majority of our radio broadcast journalists are far below the standards of educative journalists. I see these presenters to be a group of people who has the charisma to drive listenership to their particular radio programs by choosing and discussing issues that generate anxiety. It is however sad to know that these presenters use etiquettes far below what is expected of them. Do you doubt me? Let me prove this to you.

1) A number of these presenters can hardly speak the appropriate language for public consumption. These include the local and foreign languages approved to for broadcasting. The standard of English spoken on our radio these days is very appalling and should it continue so, I bet every Ghanaian will soon be speaking very bad English. If radio is the most sensitive means of education and radio English is expected to be the best, then I bet the future of the Ghanaian youth is in a very serious jeopardy.

2) Sexuality and sex talk at all times of the day on radio is another very serious problem that the National Communication Authority has ignored for far too long. Instead of listening to some motivational statement or educative programs at prime time on radio, the airwaves are fully captured by talks and adverts on sexuality and sex boosting aphrodisiacs. No wonder, Charles Kofi Wayo, a well known political analyst once mentioned that; if sex was exported, Ghana would have been a number one exporter of sex and the airways are full of sex talk and adverts on aphrodisiacs.
On a bright Wednesday afternoon, I tuned my radio to “Hitz Fm”, a very prominent radio station in Accra, to my utter dismay, the presenter, “Blakk Rasta”, was busily talking about ladies panties and gasses ladies pass (popularly called FART)! What could be more disgusting and disgraceful than to hear a radio presenter promoting profanity on the airwaves to the thousands of listeners (majority who could be minors.) who were locked on the dial at that particular time?

I say the National Communication Authority should set up a monitoring department or unit, who will monitor these radio broadcasts and surcharge presenters as well as radio stations that indulge in any crappy broadcast contents.
Lets make things right and build healthier communities than what we have now, through the power of the radio airwaves.
9:30
3 African Football Websites You Should Follow for 2010 FIFA World Cup Coverage (written by Oluniyi D. Ajao)
» ‎ donaldiaba

As the Internet penetrates the world’s second largest continent, there is no better way to reach Africa’s youthful population. The Internet is increasingly becoming a medium of sharing information in Africa and leading brands and media houses are in the loop to take full advantage of this medium, in marketing their goods & services.
My personal style of consuming content is to glean information from numerous websites (since I spend an inordinate amount of time online everyday). Though I still watch many of the football matches on TV and still listen to live commentary/analysis on radio, the websites offer me even more insight into the beautiful sport of football. I am thus sharing with you, dear reader, five useful websites you should follow for up-to-date content before, during and after the up-coming FIFA World Cup tournament – South Africa 2010.
MTNFootball.com
MTN is the title sponsor of 2010 FIFA World Cup
This is clearly my favourite and is powered by Africa’s leading telecommunications company, MTN. Due to MTN’s heavy involvement in African football, and their title sponsorship of the South Africa 2010 World Cup tournament, it is only natural that they use a website like mtnfootball.com to leverage their brand whilst sharing useful and timely information with football fans in Africa and beyond.

MTNFootball.com shares general information about African football, 2010 FIFA World Cup, CAF Champions League, Africa Cup of Nations as well as a Fan Zone that includes a very rich Photo Zone. The best part of this website for me, is the live commentary shared on the website during a football match in form of text updates. MTNFootball.com often dedicates a webpage to a live football match. The only downside is that, one has to keep refreshing that webpage to stay updated.
Ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, MTNFootball.com is featuring useful information about some six leading African countries in the football arena. The countries are: Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and South Africa. MTNFootball.com shares news, national team details, national league, photo zone and star players for the 6 countries respectively.
For 2010 FIFA World Cup updates from MTNFootball.com, visit [worldcup.mtnfootball.com]
Kickoff.com
Kickoff.com logo
Brandishing itself as “Africa’s Biggest Soccer Site”, Kickoff.com has a lot to offer Africa’s millions of football fans. Kickoff.com is the web version of a football magazine popular in English-speaking African countries. The website covers South African football comprehensively and offers some coverage of Nigerian and Ghanaian football as well as some European league games.
The South African website already has a section dedicated to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup section of Kickoff.com is already offering content divided into the following sections: breaking news, upcoming fixtures, top stories, photo gallery, top scorers, opinion poll, a discussion forum, some downloads as well as video content. I am certain Kickoff.com would offer live text commentary when the 2010 tournament finally kicks off.
For 2010 FIFA World Cup updates from Kickoff.com, visit [www.kickoff.com]
SuperSport.com
SuperSport.com logo
SuperSport is the clear leader in sports broadcasting in Africa. SuperSport is a South African multi-channel on DStv. It also provides sports coverage in other African countries such as Namibia. The channel focuses mainly on the country’s three most popular sports: rugby union, cricket and soccer. The SuperSport package also includes a 24-hour soccer channel and a highlights channel. SuperSport currently runs 14 channels, including a High Definition (HD) channel, all exclusively on the DStv platform.
SuperSport.com itself is a web of sport content, especially rugby, cricket, football, golf, motorsport, cycling, tennis, athletics, aquatics, boxing, climbing.
The 2010 World Cup section of the website already offers the following: fixtures, results, group, team news, ticketing, stadiums, host cities, past winners, news headlines, video content, sports talk (a column by sport journalists), opinion poll and more.
For 2010 FIFA World Cup updates from SuperSport.com, visit [www.supersport.com]
April 15, 2010
20:01
BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION
» ‎ donaldiaba

iROKKO concepts in collaboration with Syecomp limited and Youth Advocates Ghana is soon to announce and launch an annual National Business plan writing competition for University Students and Graduates willing to venture into private enterprise.

The rationale is to promote effective entrepreneurship and develop the interest of venturing into private, viable business among the youth of Ghana from the University level.

Business plans will be collected, reviewed and selected by a board being set up by the organizers comprising of a number of selected C.E.O.’s from Ghana club 100 member companies. The winning business plans will be endorsed and recommended for funding by the review board.

The business area’s to focus on include Tourism development, Agriculture, I.T. and software as well as brands management services. These sectors are carefully chosen in order to help with the socio economic development of Ghana. The organizers will also assist in raising capital for the funding of these projects.

Rewards and media attention shall be given to participants in various degrees of their ratings.

“This is our way of complementing government’s efforts to promote youth entrepreneurship and private sector development”. (said the Project Coordinator).
15:46
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS IN GHANA
» ‎ donaldiaba

I have realized for some time now, that; a lot of corporate institutions in Ghana have clearly outlined the areas they would want to support as their corporate responsibilities, yet a very few number of these entities really do live up to these.

My experience as an events coordinate has brought me to the realization that: many of these corporate institutions would rather support events attracting large crowds but with little impact on the livelihood or future development of the attendants.
A friend of mine suggested that most of these corporate outfits sponsor the Events Management Brands and not the Events being organized. In the light of my friends perspective, I would want to ask the sponsor’s “if it is the event that matters or the event organizer?”

I have played major roles in the organization of very many youth development events for which we were able to raise no funds at all through sponsorships. It is very surprising to find out that, our very MOBILE TELECOM COMPANIES are very fond of pushing funds into entertainment events rather than Youth and Entrepreneurial development events (If you think am wrong, try something in this direction.).

Maybe, we should set up a corporate responsibility audit program to look into the corporate responsibilities of these outfits and duly make recommendations for tax rebates and exemptions.
March 20, 2010
16:49
Evolution of Cellular Phone and Services in Ghana
» ‎ donaldiaba

Trust me, i have seen the introduction of cell phones and cell phone services into Ghana. I remember vividly when Kofi Kludjeson and his partners introduced the first of Ghana's cell phone service brand; CELL TEL (Now called KASAPA).
CELL TEL was patronized mainly by high time business executives and persons in managerial positions because of cost and affordability. Though it was an analog cellular system, it was held in high esteem until Millicom Ghana Limited introduced their product then called MOBITEL which also evolved into TIGO.

Trust me, my uncle bought one of those analog phones which he carried in his left hand everywhere(showcasing his ability to buy a cell phone). If i recall, he was the first person from my hometown to own one(at least he was the first known person). He will publicly put the phone on his lap so everybody would see it. If enough attention is not given to his phone, he will go to the ringtones menu and make the phone ring.

I was happy, some years later, when the National Communication Authority introduced the Digital system through the Nations Telecommunication Corporation (Ghana Telecom)who were the operators of ONEtouch now evolved as Vodafone and a private service provider known as Scancom Ghana Limited who were then operating the brand, SPACEFON.

Again at this point, it was a voice call service only until the then Spacefon introduced the family and friends promotion as a value added service. This was when The industry began to flourish. ONEtouch back then was ahead of the competition because it was the business man's favorite which can also be related to the nationwide coverage that was offered.
However, both of these service providers were selling their SIM CARDS, popularly known then as a "CHIP", at very expensive rates. in fact, they chanced on the opportunity to siphon money from Ghanaian Citizens.

Well, i don't blame them cos these SIM cards were on very high demand such that, Ghanaians would travel from Accra to Tamale to buy one anytime there was a shortage in Accra.

To remain in the competition, Mobitel had to switch from the analog system to the digital sim service hence the re-branding from Mobitel to Buzz. In the Introduction of Buzz which later evolved into TIGO, Spacefon decided to partner with the AREEBA company hence, Spacefon-areeba was born. After a short while, AREEBA took over the operation and launched itself as a stronger brand.
Onetouch had to be innovative so they can also have a share in the middle class of the Ghanaian community. They therefore introduced a new service card called the U-touch. I recall that U-touch did not do so well and no one knows when it disappeared.

Somehow, Areeba also traded their share holdings to MTN, the largest mobile communication service in the Sub-Saharan Africa. once again, there was a rebranding and launch of this prestigious brand.

I still cant tell what brought Zain onto the scene but this guys really brought in some quality, innovative and value added services. This did put a lot of the existing service providers on their toes. Services that were paid for by subscribers back then, were then made free (for example; mobile internet).

I cannot talk about the service providers and not talk about the cell phones that were used back then. So, here we go.

MOTOROLA: Motorola had the best analog phones hence the distribution with celltel and Mobitel. This made the name Motorola a household name in Ghana, when it comes to cell phones. One thing though, Motorola's phones are very classy and durable in all ways. Till this day, Motorola phones are in high demand in Ghana by people who know the full functionalities of these phones.

NOKIA: Nokia 3310 was the favorite over Motorola phones because of its design, battery life and strong receptive system. When digital cell phone services were introduced, you needed to own a NOKIA in order to win that respect. Undoubtedly, Nokia is the masses favorite till date.

ERICSSON: Ericsson T9(my first phone) came with a different touch and because of the flip mouthpiece, a number of people patronized it. Ericsson, oh Ericsson. Unfortunately. Ericsson had to merge with Sony company in order to produce the Sony-Ericsson brand of phones so, hmm, Ericsson died out.

Modern day and 21st Century says, its iPHONE and BLACKBERRY all the way.

One good news you need to know; the mobile telecommunication industry in Ghana still has a long journey to go and a lot of the service users are greatly unsatisfied, giving room for more competition. I am hoping GLO, a new mobile service provider set to roll out their services in Ghana by the end of this year, would bring more competition which would also go a long way to improve these services.
March 09, 2010
10:00
Is the Ghana Tourist Board SERIOUS?!?
» ‎ donaldiaba
Undoubtedly, Ghana is rich with natural scenic tourist attractions all across the country. In actual fact, Ghana is one single blessed country in the entire of our continent in natural resources (from Precious Stones to Oil to Scenic Beauty.). I find it however very difficult to understand why we could hardly focus on the development and effective management of the tourism industry which could be the very major income winner of our country?

Dubai developed their cultural identity and turned it into a scenic thing. Upon realization that they could become a tourist destination, they built artificial destinations which is actually fetching them a whole lot of funds now. Dubai is one of the number one tourist destinations in the world now! Yet Ghana is more endowed with scenic beauty than Dubai.

I believe the Ghana tourist board is failing to effectively monitor, audit and manage these tourist attraction sites in the country. The tourist board is rather so much concerned about receiving their percentage of revenue at the end of the month rather than the development of these places. They don’t care about maintenance neither do they think about organizing their very own offices at this tourist destinations.

Three things I realized on my tour to five different tourist locations;
- The road leading to these sites are in very bad states such that any tourist driving towards these places might be tempted to turn around and drive his way home. I believe if government places a premium on tourism, then the Ghana tourist board in collaboration with the ministry of tourism and her allies would have dedicated funds to the building of better road network to these various tourist sites.
- Improper administration at the tour sites. It is woeful to get to a tourist attraction point only to find out that the reception is made up of a table and a couple of building blocks put together with a wooden board over it to serve as a seat. The bridges on the streams leading to the Wli waterfalls are in a very dangerous state and I wonder why they could not be replaced ASAP?!? Not only that but there is timber logging activities going on in the conserve’s around the waterfall which will eventually affect her in the long run.
Places with office buildings are under equipped and most of these tour guides are under informed about the various tourist attraction. This could be told by the answers they give to questions asked them.
- Improper receipt administration. VAT receipts are issued at these receptions as if a tourist was paying a tax (unless it is justified otherwise.) In my candid opinion, the Ghana Tourist Board should issue Tourist Board receipts instead of the VAT receipts.
If Ghana as a country truly wants to bank inn on tourism, then;
1. we have to develop access roads to these tour sites.
2. . Set up effective management structure
3. Promote all tourist sites in the wake of technology.
Anyway, I wouldn’t mind if I am contracted to do some consultancy for the Government for a few bundles of Ghana Cedis. Ghana Tourist Board, contact me if you want my services.
March 08, 2010
19:42
Work Experience needed for Employment?!?
» ‎ donaldiaba

“A reputable company is looking to employ suitably qualified persons. Qualifications: first degree. Work Experience: 7 to 10years.”

All jobs advertised in the Ghanaian dailies, read exactly or almost the same as written above. Are we serious?!? Do we have a labour commission in this country?!?

Take any newspaper and read the job advertisements, about 90% of these adverts demand for unbelievable durations as in number of years of work experience in specified fields.

I believe the job market is growing over time yet, there still are a couple of issues that need to be attended to and one of these, is the issue of experience in specified fields. My worry is the fact that all employers want employees who have already been made by someone else. You will definitely need a working experience to get employed yet the question is; who gives these work experiences and does not?

One fact I think these employers are ignoring is the fact that first degree holders need just a year of working experience which is offered by the government under the National Service Scheme. Does one really need the years of working experience to achieve meet his targets and execute projects and assignments accordingly? In my candid opinion, people should be given employment based on potentials and good assessment of applicants which does not include 5, 8 and 10 years of work experience for first degree holders.
In actual fact, I don’t have to make sense with you but I still need Ghanaians to understand the fact that even a Senior High School graduate deserves a good paying job in any respectable outfit.
May I or may I not call on the National Labour Commission to take critical notice of these employers who quote these numbers of years for work experience; query their adverts and make them aware of the stated labour commission’s employment qualification specifications.
19:30
The Traffic Lights Wahala!
» ‎ donaldiaba

I have seen something I feel is not right and I know I ought to say it loud with loads of echo so it gets to the right authorities and that is what I am going to be doing for a very long time.

Indiscipline on our roads has grown to the extent that I feel the syndrome has caught up with our security forces. I am talking about the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of the Ghana police force, especially the Traffic Conductors.

I Thought traffic lights were mounted to conduct and facilitate orderly movement of automobiles until I realized this perception was redefined by the traffic conducting unit of the Ghana Police Force. On several occasions, I have noticed; these traffic conductors do not even consider the signals from these traffic lights. They stop you when the lights turn green and ask you to go when the lights turn red. My question is this right? If it is, what justifies it? Is it the fact that these traffic conductors are members of the police force?

Anyway, if you got the right answers, then you know what I am talking about.

Lets not forget; “If you see a traffic light, red means stop, yellow means get ready and green means go, go, go and go.”
March 01, 2010
15:39
Mr. Contractor.
» ‎ donaldiaba

Do i have to say this again for my people to know we have serious problems in our country to attend to? Why can't we just follow simple principles and abide by the riles of the games we engage ourselves in?
How could the contractor delay his job for two good years whiles the road is still scrapped, dusty and bumpy? He is blaming the change of government for the delay. Who gave him the authority to?
Did he even make any attempts to contact the new officers at all?!? or he feels his political party is out of government so he has no chances, therefore he must now relax and wait to be called to finish a job he wanted so bad last two years? Gosh, all our cars are broken down because we thread the same bumpy roads to and fro.
I bet the bumps just destroyed the shock absorbers and suspensions but the dust ravaged the entire once robust engine.
Are you asking who i am talking about? I am talking to you Mr. Contractor and you who always leaves things halfway doing them.
I cannot count the number of uncompleted buildings in the city of Accra and other parts of the country Ghana that i have visited. The uncompleted structures simply outnumber the completed ones. Why do you start when you know very well you cannot complete it! Are you that selfish?!? If you're not selfish, then bring on board some investors who will help you complete them and enjoy a piece of the cake!!!.
If you cannot do this, then break down the structure and let the space out to a developer.City Authorities should probably put up some stringent rules to restrict people from starting developments they cannot complete and if you default, the city confiscates the property. This way, i bet these broke and greedy developers shall begin to reason and bring investors into their projects.
If i were the city mayor, i these are a couple of things i would want to do. .... ( to be continued)
February 28, 2010
15:27
OSU TROTRO & GLOBAL WARMING.
» ‎ donaldiaba

I was triggered at this TV commercial by one of the largest mobile telecommunication networks in Ghana,that assumed there was a beautiful blue sky over Accra. Well, I was practical and decided to consider looking at the beautiful blue skies over Accra and other parts of Ghana, I found myself at. I was always looking at the skies over Accra and adored it so very much until I took a two hour drive out of Accra to Koforidua, a three hour drive to Cape Coast, Hohoe and Takoradi.

It is very difficult to realize that the sky over Accra is not exactly blue. Yes, not a beautiful blue sky. Do you doubt me? If you do, then take a drive out of Accra and compare the colour of the sky to what you see in Accra. I was saddened by this discovery and took the decision to look into the reasons why this is so. Although I made very interesting findings, i think the largest contribution factor is the OSU and TESHIE Public Transports popularly called “TROTRO”.

I wonder who buys these cars with their money because they look so very old, my cousin and I anticipate the owners had rich grandparents who probably handed it down (assumption though). I later realized there were a number of these cars registered within the past two years, which puts me in a more serious state of dilemma than my girlfriend will could ever do. These buses are so old; I couldn’t Google their “make”. They are mostly tilted to one side as a result of central balance displacement, the seats are so very hard, makes you think it was made of 100% metal and worse of all, you could see the asphalt road from onboard the bus anytime your eyes hit its floor. I bet you don’t want to drop your cell phone or wallet whiles on board an OSU, TESHIE or even a JAMES TOWN bound “TROTRO” in Accra. Reason being that; you don’t only drop it on the bus and pick it up but you lose it forever since it was dropping completely out of the bus through these very visible and evidentially big holes on board the buses onto the Asphalt.

Back to talking about the blue skies, I strongly believe the amount of smokes emitted from one of this busses do a whole lot of damage to our Firmament, Sky and Ozone Layer. No wonder the weather in Accra keeps getting hotter than by the day. My concern is that, not only does this affect the Ozone, Firmament and Sky but also does affect the very people living, walking and doing business along these very streets. Well, I think we have become so comfortable with this situation that we can hardly see the health implications of these. My heart bleeds more for the security personnel who moderate traffic at various points. I can just imagine how much of these fumes they have to inhale into their system on daily basis. I don’t blame the bus owners, neither do I blame the drivers but the government and her machinery I do. If only the government’s outfits in charge of regulating and coordinating effective transport were functioning, these would not have been happening anyways.

If the DVLA would effectively conduct the various testing on vehicles before licensing and renewing their road worthiness and if the MINISTRY of ROADS and TRANSPORT could place a ban on some of these cars, we would at least have a clean and modern transport sector. Not only that, but our environment would be more green efficient and protective against the global warming that is catching up with us so very fast.
January 23, 2010
9:50
The FACEBOOK Craze
» ‎ donaldiaba

Nightfall comes like a dread diseaseseeping throught the pores of a heathy bodyand ravaging it beyond repairs.(Oswald Mtshali, Nightfall in Soweto.)

REMIX:Facebook is more like a dreaded diseaseseeping through the poresof an internet worldand ravaging it beyond repairs (donaldiaba, newest lyricist...lol.)
Lets get started people; i must say facebook has helped a lot of people including myself by enhancing communication and promoting a global community. Facebook "wa boa yen paa". but lets looks at the other side. I choose to call it the "lighter side" of facebook.
I must frankly say i am an addict now and can't tell what i will do without Facebook. Should there be a future trouble with Facebook, then i am one of those people that might want to drive my car into a ditch somewhere cos i totally rely on Facebook for communication and networking. "Asem oo, Hmm". But anytime i see add a new friend, especially of the opposite sex, the first thing i look out for is their pictures. I Watch closely the face and the poses to ascertain the personality.Facebook really tells me a lot about people especially when i read their wall posts (he he!).
Well, the discovery is that, i am not the only person in these shoes, a thousand more were sold and bought (..lol..).It is amazing how you walk into offices and find from front desk to top managerial officers Facebooking. The question is; does this affect the output from these corporate persons? We even organise Facebook addiction parties and facebook "waakye" (Rice and beans with some additives prepared the Ghanaian way.) parties in Ghana.
It is funny how people set targets for themselves on facebook (of course success is based on achievements and achievements are based on targets, so, its not bad afterall). A friend took the pain to make sure he got an hundred comments on his wall post by serious pitching and "strategic marketing" also known as direct sales or better still word of mouth. Talk of the crazy nature of groups with targets for memberships on Facebook as well as the events and fan pages. I do create some of these myself though!

Profile and wall Photos can never be left out of this discussion. Ha ha ha! These pictures are rib crackers. I have realized that; a lot of friends who were not interested in photography before Facebook came into existence, i can boldly say are now professional photographers who own digital camera's now, and some of their captures are so very cool and funny. If you think am kidding, just try your own survey.

The virtual farms and aquariums, i don't want to touch on.
Click on the "info" tab on any beautiful ladies page and you will see how entertaining it is. "Political view", they are so real, and will tell you; "i hate politics with passion" or "not interested". Another very important aspect i cannot let go of is the LOOKING FOR question on the information page. A thousand and one ladies will write "friendship", "relationship", "networking", "male's" and "females" (Ha! how the hell can you want everything at the same time?)
I also read an article by a friend on the Facebook "complicated" relationship status (http://macjordangh.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/how-is-a-relationship-“complicated”-on-facebook…/) and i was really thrilled by the writers work. Hmm, how could you be "looking for" all the mentioned above and still have a relationship status read as "in a relationship" (either complicated or just in a relationship) or married? Nsem pii. please do not ask why i always use "nsem pii" in my write ups, the answer is, thats the only "Akan" word i can write perfectly without fear. Pls don't laugh at me its serious... i speak pretty good though!
I am surprise at the duration at which people keep change their relationship status from "single" to "in relationship" and back to "single". Do these people really change as their status says or is it just a Facebook craze?
What does it mean to be in a complicated relationship? What about an open relationship? someone please tell me. Do these really exist?, or they're just another Facebook craze.

Oh lest i forget, when will the anti-Facebook-addiction pill be introduced?
Well, the fact is: Facebook has brought a craze and more than half the entire population of the world is playing along but how long before we see another revolution in the world of networking and communication, that can put Facebook out of place?
January 14, 2010
7:56
who is RESPONSIBLE?
» ‎ donaldiaba

"Asem bia a ehaw me, me ka nu plain plain!" Though this might not be an earthquake like it happened in Haiti, Neither a Typhoon nor a Tsunami; this is way more scary and disastrous than any of the above mentioned instances. I do not intend to scare anybody with this post, but to bring to the notice of my people, the dangers we live with every day that again, we fail to realize and deal with!
Let me start with the Issue of pollution everywhere. I remember my Junior High school teacher actually took his time to make us memorize the meaning of the word POLLUTION but "hmm", do i even remember? No doubt, i was one of the most brilliant students in my community but!........ (nothing).
Have you realized the sky in Accra is not blue? It looks more pale than blue. I Took my time to observe this, and compared it to other parts of the country and other parts of the world as well, only to realize the skies in my capital city is not blue. Then i took notice of the fact that; there is too much emission of fumes from Automobiles on the streets of Accra, that should not have been on the road in the first place, either because they are over aged or failed gas emission tests. I did not mention any body or government department in my writing so u can't hold the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) responsible but is it not their duty to license only healthy and road worthy cars?
It has become difficult to breath free on the streets of Accra (if you doubt this, ride in a "trotro" or switch off your car's Air Condition, roll down your window glasses and drive though the city). You will either be meet with the choking fumes from cars or some stink ("Scent nu o, scent nu") from an open gutter. My fear is the related health problems with the inhalation of all these fumes and stinks in our environment.
Another major contributing factor is the construction of roads. Road construction is a timed project anywhere else in the world but for Ghana. It is surprising to see the Ghana Highway Authority, ignore road contractors who have been awarded funds to execute projects, scrape our roads bare and leave the dust to Invade our homes, cars and respiratory systems over very long periods of time. This is not only appalling but again, the Pollution!
If anybody from any governments office is reading this, can we find out if our contractors are timed at all? If they are, are their projects monitored? if they are, who does this? and if he does, is it done diligently? Someone needs to be questioned and someone has to do his work well or else, we stand to face a national disaster in a few years to come and am scared we do not have the sophistication to manage the situation.
Government and people of Ghana, LETS STAND UP!
TSOOBOI!!!
January 07, 2010
11:08
all these NONE-SENSE!
» ‎ donaldiaba

This post was motivated by the story of a young gentleman who has his middle finger cut in the process of operating a machine at his place of employment. 'I seriously need an "excuse duty" signed by a doctor, by Noon otherwise, I lose my job!'
The young guy who's injury occurred at his place of employment told me he had no insurance covering him and his employees will refund him only on presentation of receipts on his hospital's expenditure yet the Machine that took his finger off was fully insured.
No wonder the Employers are Lebanese. According to this young man, he will lose his job and will not get his refund if he does not return to his place of work by 13hrs GMT. What none sense is this? After a few enquiries, i found out there were more bigger problems than just that, in the very same outfit. His Net Monthly Salary is GHc 85, overtime and weekend ( saturday and sunday) work raises his NET MONTHLY SALARY to about GHc 140. NHIS and Social Security (SNIIT) are not a thing to talk about at all. What an injustice?
My big Question once again is; WHAT DO OUR WORKERS UNIONS STAND FOR? what are their lines of duty? who are the auditor of these companies, i said companies because i believe there are a lot of these firms all over the country and it is high time our regulatory bodies begin some investigation work and probably close a couple of such businesses down until things are done the very right way they should be done!
Should we sit and see these "FOREIGNERS" turned "COUNTRYMEN" ruin our own people before we stand up for the right steps to be taken?
Reader, I charge you to take this conversation everywhere you find yourself until our leaders take action on these Employers!.
TSOOBOI!!!
January 03, 2010
14:32
MY CANDID OPINION!
» ‎ donaldiaba

It scares me, how we take things for Granted as a Country. Hmm, i wish there was something positive i could do, other than writing and making this noise, that might not even be heard by the people that matter. Yet, i have faith and i will continue to write until i become a voice to reckon, respected and listened to!
I fear greatly that my people are going back into slavery, modern day slavery and it saddens my heart when i see the very people who could do something about the situation being so carefree about my worries.
Some will say, there's nothing we can do about it, others will say we don't have the funds and the majority will say its the new world order whiles in actual fact, we are being enslaved, cheated and maltreated in our own country by foreigners who do not pass for the middle class in their very own country (No offence but the truth must be said, as it is!)
Anyway, i blame my own people cos we gave these "foreigners" turned "Countrymen" the leverage over our very own selves. Of course, at this point, i don't expect you to agree with me but i will carefully outline the reasons for you and i hope u will see me in a different way other than an ANTI-PATRIOT. I want to believe there is no country in the world that will allow foreign Citizens to own an hundred percent shares in businesses. I have realized, a couple of "foreigners" have actually set up businesses and has 100% ownership rights and we call them investors. These so called "investors" are the very same people who employ my very countrymen, and woefully underpay "us". 'Ay3 Dwe" (Its Difficult to comprehend) how our system finds these people, who use my countrymen for their own wealth creation and put just enough into the pockets of my people, to cater for their transportation from "home to work" and "work to home."
It is more worrisome to know the fact that these guys who are cheating my people end up buying the very properties handed down to my people by their fathers, fathers fathers and generations far beyond reach. I took a walk through the Oxford Street at Osu, Ghana, did a little count of buildings, asked to speak to the owners and my heart bled upon realization that almost all (about 85%) of the business buildings around this place(Oxford Street,Osu-Ghana) is owned by either an Arabian, A Chinese or an American if not a British. It is worse to accept the fact that almost all beach front properties, or better put Prime property area's are dominated and owned by our "foreigners" turned "countrymen". DO WE HAVE TO SELL ALL OUR PRIME AREA'S TO THESE PEOPLE? "Ebei"!!!
As if that is not enough, it is true we don't have much money to develop our own BUSINESSES, or mine our own GOLD or even the recently discovered OIL. Any individual, should be able to put together a consortium, access a bank loan or have a legit partner who will pay them a fair SHARE in the business. It is rather unfortunate, financial institutions in my country will not give out start up capitals (another topic to digest) even with the best of all business plans in the world. ("Nsem pii"). We then call on foreign investors who will give us 10% or 20% in the business we run together.
The Gold and Mining business is very terrible to me. Makes me wanna cry, yet i believe "dabi dabi ebe y3 yie" (it shall be well). I thought Galamsey (small scale, indigenous, Illegal Mining) was only done by Ghanaians who realized they had precious stones on their properties, but "na lie", to my utter dismay, there is a lot of Chinese and Australians in various parts of this country who pay little monies to the land owners, no taxes and royalties to government, employ my brothers and sisters who are under payed, and run this kind of operations vigorously.
Do we have a Lands and Minerals Commission in Ghana? Are these offices functional, then, we ought to sit up. if care is not taken, i believe these so called Foreign investors will soon become our colonial masters which has already began. Careful, Ghanaians, and other African countries who are "in the same boot", lets protect our properties cos that makes us true citizens and gives us pride over foreigners.
December 27, 2009
10:50
Gold at the Gold Coast
» ‎ donaldiaba

I got a call from a friend who has lived in Canada for over 27 years, he spoke about buying gold in commercial quantities. That was when i realized that even though i was living in Ghana (Gold Coast), like many others, i knew very little about the gold God gave us and how much it was worth. "ARE U KIDDING ME?" was his words of expression of dismay. WHY DOES NOBODY IN GHANA KNOW ABOUT GOLD? (His question to me was simply not answerable!). I felt so much ashamed of myself that, i took the challenge to learn more about this precious mineral and probably venture into the business (again because of the huge profit margins and prospects).
Guys, my first place of call was the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC, a subsidiary of the Minerals Commission of Ghana), the governments setup to oversee Gold and Diamond transactions in Ghana, who themselves have very little control over the market. Well, with the disappointment, i had to look elsewhere (which means i have to make contacts with the miners and mining communities).
I was then Redirected by my "Abrokyire" friend to a brokerage company he had made contacts with on the internet. Hmm, this internet again!. After my meeting with the Managing Director of the said brokerage company, i was so confident that we got the right team to work with; of course i saw their documents and accreditation from the various government offices.
Again, i got word that my "Abrokyire" friend was arriving in a few days so i had to reconfirm if things were alright before he came. Of course i did and double checked again. i had even booked a hotel for my ernest friend because of the "nokofio" i will be receiving at the end of the day. On his arrival, another hotel had been arranged for him by his business partners (Charley, if u no get money, u for just shut up and follow).
Hmm after a couple of days hustling the supposed brokers for "Our Gold", we realized the group might not be legit after all. Hmm, "Nsem pii". This takes me to my actual Story.
"Esese paa Ntor" There are Scams everywhere in relation with gold transactions yet i can hardly tell what we are doing as a government and people to rescue the country from this kind of menace. There seem to be a lot of "Azaa gold dealers" walking the streets and running big "Azaa" offices and the funny thing is the PMMC has a list of these culprits but is failing to take legal actions against them.
BIG question: Is PMMC a partner in these "azaa" gold dealerships or they are simply just afraid of these guys who (according to a discreet source at PMMC), have bought all the policemen, lawyers and Judges with their proceeds? "Nyade dzo dzo ge" if our leaders and law enforcement agencies wouldn't wake up from their slumber and take steps to clear these guys from our system. Another fact we need to know is the fact that a lot of gold refineries around the world would not touch gold from Ghana because of obvious reasons (70% sand and 30% gold), what a shame? it is very very bad on the international scene with very serious horrendous stories circulating in connection with gold from Ghana.
hmm had it not been our itellect and analytical character, we would have fallen victims to these guys. I then vowed never to get close to Gold transactions which could be very very profitable with the very right connections and contacts.
Please, do not come to Ghana, looking to buy 50 or 100 kilos of gold in one week or even two. it will take your own mining setup to achieve these goals and i bet it is not achievable in less than three months. Gold seeker, BEWARE!!