(Merry Christmas to all my Christian followers and all who read on amoafowaa.com. Jesus is the reason for the season, preach Christ, preach love. I love Ghana, because this is the place Muslims celebrate Christmas and Christians celebrate Salah. We are one people, one nation, one world, let’s see it as such. Blessings.)
Nana Awere Damoah is my guest post for today. He is a man with brains and an objective voice. I can say he is the writer with the voice of reason in Ghana. His words “Ghanamonosyncratic nsempiisims” stuck with me from his book, I speak of Ghana where he presented all things as they seem in Ghana. I am very glad to have the honour of this interview with a true Ghanaian patriot.
NANA AWERE DAMOAH
AMOAFOWAA:
Nana, please tell us about you, from birth to now in summary.
NANA:
Thanks for this opportunity, Mum C. I was born 39 years ago in a taxi on its way from Kotobabi to Korle-bu. My brother remembers the registration number of the taxi and says someone (I can’t remember who) won the lottery with the numbers the week after I was born! My family were staying in a compound house at Abavanna Down in Kotobabi and that is where I was brought up, spending the first twenty-five years of my life. From the local preparatory school – Providence Preparatory – I moved on to Ghana National College in Cape Coast, where I spent seven eventful years, and where my passion for writing first emerged. I then had my first degree at University of Science and Technology in Kumasi (I am old school, see? It is KNUST now) where I got my training in Chemical Engineering, further proceeding to the UK for a year’s Masters at Nottingham University. I am married with three lovely children, mothered by a great wife. I have been a published author since 2008, with four books and two compilations which I edited for fun. I have also contributed to two anthologies.
AMOAFOWAA:
Aside from being a writer, what else do you do as a profession? I ask this because it is a fact that writing is not lucrative in Africa.
NANA:
My day’s job is currently as a Technical Manager with a manufacturing company. I oversee Quality Assurance, Health, Safety & Environment and New Product Development amongst others. I am also responsible for Safety across our Africa operations, which covers seven countries. I have indicated in the past that we have very few full-time writers in Africa and so you are right. For me, having a day’s job helps for me to express myself mainly as a writer not primarily focused on the monetary aspects, which then become more of a bonus rather than the objective for my writing.
AMOAFOWAA:
Was writing something you always wanted to do?
NANA:
You know, it is not a question I have really reflected on in the past. I found writing to be a good way of expressing my thoughts. And for affecting my society. I found writing as a good tool for follow-up when the ministry I was part of – Joyful Way Incorporated – came back from outreaches. From the preparatory school, through secondary school and to the University, I engaged with literary groups and honed my craft, from short story writing, to poems and then articles. In 1997, I won first prize for a Step Magazine story writing competition. Having my short stories published in The Mirror enhanced my confidence. In 2004 when I started sharing my thoughts on my observations, via emails in what I called Empower Series (the main materials for my first two books Excursions in my Mind and Through the Gates of Thought), I realised that the feedback was great and the thoughts resonated with my friends who also forwarded them. So was writing something I always wanted to do? I dunno, really. All I can say is that my love for literature has always been there, and writing evolved as a part of this passion.
AMOAFOWAA:
The older generation and this new generation, comparing their reading abilities, which is better?
NANA:
What has changed a lot is the exposure to audio-visuals, versus what we experienced growing up when, say in our compound house in Kotobabi, only one tenant had a television! So there were more opportunities to read. And we had libraries working well. These days, many gadgets compete for our attention and if you sat in trotro from Odorkor to Circle, most of the passengers would be browsing on their phones rather than reading a book. Progressively, also, we have people gravitating towards more succinct and shorter text to read, and this affects our reading abilities.
AMOAFOWAA:
Gadgets are necessary devils huh? What can be done to salvage the deteriorating habit of reading in our young generation?
NANA:
Get our kids exposed to books. Let them love books right from infancy. We also need more indigenous writers, writing about our experiences that readers can identify with. My pet beef is that generally when we talk about arts and entertainment in Ghana, we mean music and dance. Take any newspaper and check out the entertainment pages and you will see what I am talking about. So as a nation, we are paying only lip service to our desire to encourage a reading culture. We are developing our arts and culture only on one leg. Our libraries need to be re-activated. We have to move to digital platforms also and embrace technology, so that even those on phones can have access to good reading materials.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s move to agriculture. Do you think food production in Ghana is enough to feed this country in an emergency?
NANA:
No, we are net importers of food. Take a look at your meals today and reflect on where each of the ingredients comes from. We may have some good stock of some of our foods just after the harvesting periods but not across the year.
AMOAFOWAA:
You are the man whose voice resonates across the land, I need you to tell us about the political system of Ghana with emphasis on whether or not it is helping the nation.
NANA:
Politics is to help the country transform, progressively. I believe in baby steps, in a nation making progress daily. Our politics today is full of noise, not vision and planning. Our politicians have taken over even the institutions that should outlive their 4 year cycle, institutions that should be apolitical and help us plan decades ahead. So what we have is a 4 year cycle that is full of campaigning for a good two years and we are left with only two years of work, based on at most a four-year development plan. I ask: who is thinking for Ghana? Who is planning for Ghana? Do you know the agenda for Ghana for 2054? At best, it sits in a manifesto that has no broad-based input and support.
AMOAFOWAA:
Lol. I love the personification you give it, “sit in a manifesto”. My next question, can you tell us about your most disgusting trait in politicians?
NANA:
NATO – No Action, Talk Only. It is easy to be a politician in Ghana today – you only need to know how to apportion blame and to talk. Too much talk. We talk too much.
AMOAFOWAA:
NATO. What an acronym! Aside all the things you do, recently, your Facebook group refurbished a school for the Apagya Community. What was your inspiration?
NANA:
Allow me to talk about the inspiration for the group DGG in our outreaches, because it is not about me; it is about the collective that I am only honoured to lead. We have been in existence for about three years and when we turned two years, we decided that we will do an outreach to a community outside Accra. Incidentally, our first outreach was to Apagya where we donated books and stationery. Since then, we have been to two schools in the Volta region, where we donated literature books per their syllabus and this year, we reached out to inmates in Nsawam Prison who are studying at various levels of education; here again, we donated textbooks and stationery. As you can see, we have been focused on supporting education and giving back to society in deprived communities. This year’s Apagya project was our biggest so far and we got a lot of support from our friends across the world, some who just believed in us and donated via Facebook, and the inspiration remained the same: we feel blessed and Ghana has made us, so we have to give back. This aligns with my personal inspiration. The Apagya project was so fulfilling and seeing the smiles on the faces of the children is an experience that will remain with me forever.
NANA AWERE DAMOAH WITH SOME BENEFICIARIES OF THE DGG OUTREACH
AMOAFOWAA:
We have so many Non-Governmental Organizations in Ghana, yet there are so many communities suffering. What do you think is the cause of this?
NANA:
It is a failure of leadership. Our development agenda is not encompassing enough and we are doing so little in a situation where much is needed to be done fast. Again, specifically for NGOs, check where the bulk of their income is spent on and you will understand why most of them have no impact. Development aid can only be an aid, development must come from the communities and support should ultimately help to make the communities self-supporting, for them to own their own development agenda. Ask yourself why the northern part of Ghana has the highest number of NGOs and yet is so underdeveloped. By the way, that is a microcosm of what African is.
AMOAFOWAA:
I need you to grade our presidents from Former President Rawlings to President Mahama.
NANA:
Each of them has done his bit. Allow me to focus on the fourth republic alone, especially with President Rawlings. My best grade goes to President Kufuor; the worst is President Mahama.
AMOAFOWAA:
What impressed you about Former President Kufour and what are the flaws of President Mahama?
NANA: Kufour espoused a vision right from the beginning, was structured, had tried and tested ministers and his achievements were tangible. I can’t say much of same for the current President.
AMOAFOWAA:
Nana do you think some Members of Parliaments are stooges instead of the mouthpiece of their constituencies?
NANA:
One of the questions that has engaged my mind is by what criteria we elect our MPs. What exactly do we expect them to do for our constituencies? When we have fully analysed that question, we better assess their performance in respect of their obligations towards their constituencies. So I can only assess them based on their role as law makers and for arguing the cause of the citizens in terms of law-making and running the country. In this respect, I would say most of them are not independent of the direction of their parties at any point in time. That is why there is a Whip, right? The party system is one of the reasons why we are where we are, the parties have become too powerful and affects our development as a country. So, they are stooges of their parties and not true representatives of the people.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s move to our health concerns. This year Africa shakes with buzzing news of the dreadful ebola flagging our continent. Although a few countries were affected, do you think Africa has suffered or is likely to suffer future consequences of this canker?
NANA:
The consequences are already here with us. Ebola affected business badly, tourism was affected across the continent, even in my work, some projects were delayed because of restrictions in travel. The economies of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea will need a lot of support to bounce back.
Let’s talk about the Ghana Association of Writers. Are you a member?
NANA:
Yes I am, though not very active because I am not based here. The current leadership has revitalised the association and it can only get better.
NANA AWERE DAMOAH
AMOAFOWAA:
Are Ghanaian writers united if not what can they do to be united?
NANA:
We need more activation. I wouldn’t use the word ‘united’, sound a bit cliché for me. It is about coordination. A friend asked me recently whether there is a listing of all books published by Ghanaians and a list of writers online that he could assess. I couldn’t think of one. We need that. We have to engage more. I wish to see GAW and writers getting more involved in book launches, in supporting one another, in getting our books to schools and other distribution routes, having more book readings. The Writers Project of Ghana is doing great work too, with their monthly readings, book clubs and their program on Citi FM on Sunday evenings. There should be collaborations between all such associations, linking up with the poetry groups around such as Ehalakasa. I wish to see writers becoming a voice that speak to current issues in the country.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s move on to role models. Who are your role models?
NANA:
In writing or in life generally? In writing, I have been influenced greatly by Dale Carnegie, Chinua Achebe, Uncle Ebo Whyte and Kofi Akpabli. In life generally, my parents have influenced me a lot by their belief in creating a better life for me, my grandfather, Abraham Lincoln, Ace Ankomah and Yaw Nsarkoh; there are many others I learn from by just observing and reading about them.
AMOAFOWAA:
Do the right role models get to be in the limelight where many children search?
NANA:
I don’t like to romanticise role models and see them as some far-away personalities. Role models are around us all the time and the first role models children should have are the parents. Believe me, children try to become like their parents even before they understand what role models are. But I understand your question to mean the people we project in the media. Again, it is for parents to teach their children how to sift and appreciate the right role models, and yes, the children will find them if they have the right specifications.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s talk journalism. Do we have flawless journalism in Ghana?
NANA:
No. And the standards keep dropping. Indeed, what is journalism as practised in Ghana? Who do we call a journalist? The definition is so loose that it affects the standards as assessed because we have a lot of people who call themselves so who don’t deserve the categorisation. My wish is to have the journalists setting agenda and asking serious questions. Questioning and questioning. In a way, like what Chinua Achebe said a writer should do: ask questions and create headaches; he asserted that “it is the duty of a writer to give headaches” and to “write to make people uncomfortable.” In Anthills of the Savannah, he stated: “Writers don’t give prescriptions. They give headaches!” That is the sort of journalism we need for it to qualify as the fourth estate of the realm and to keep our authorities on their toes. To follow up on issues which are discussed. I asked a question in my book I Speak of Ghana and I still reflect on same: “When will our media in Ghana stop discussing events and petty squabbles and start discussing ideas and thoughts?”
AMOAFOWAA: Yes, that question resonates with me. Nana, please what do you think about modern religious men of God?
NANA:
Again, that is a loose description. There are many people parading themselves as men of God just because they quote the Bible. Christianity for me is more than a religion, it is an experience. It is a personal relationship that should affect the character of the person and how connected the person is to God, should show in his deeds. The Bible talks about fruits defining the tree and same applies. Many of them need to be exemplary.
AMOAFOWAA:
If you had your own way, which two bills passed into laws in Africa would you revoke without thinking and why?
NANA:
Unfortunately, I haven’t followed any bills recently (hehe).
AMOAFOWAA:
Okay, our educational system, are we in the right direction?
NANA:
Another pet subject of mine. I wrote two articles on this recently. I have issues with the current educational system, never agreed with the direction we took by moving from the O/A Levels to the JSS/SHS system. The middle schools we converted into JSS for preparation to the SHS was shaky and totally unfit for the expectations. So we have created in many communities a system with a very weak middle. My solution then was that we could have asked students to be in the established schools for form one to three, and if they couldn’t move on to the purely academic routes after the BECE, they could transfer to the vocational aspects in the same environment. Ask yourself where we are with the reforms. We are based to not just square one, but worst. To confirm my feelings, ask why most of those who can afford it are sending their children to schools that run the O/A Levels. Did you know that some Universities in the UK don’t accept our SSCE certificates as entry requirements anymore?
Now many girls fall out of school because of teenage pregnancy. The code of conduct says let those who get pregnant go home, deliver, come back for transfer, those who commit crimes of abortion must be dismissed. Many girls find themselves wanting where this clause is concerned. Do you think sex education should still center on abstinence instead of use of preventive measures? Any advice for the Ministry of Education?
NANA:
First of all, I disagree with any view that affects one’s future based on past mistakes. I disagree with the dismissal of girls who commit abortion. I trained as a quality auditor and we were taught that you never penalise twice for the same offence. I believe in preaching abstinence but not everyone believes that so there should be a pragmatic approach in combining prescriptions.
AMOAFOWAA:
Is women empowerment the cause of “dum s) dum s)” in Ghana?
NANA:
Hahahahaha, who said that! Dumsor-dumsor is a reflection of how far we have come as a country.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s release tension. What are your hobbies?
NANA:
I love watching movies when I have time; surfing the net and goofing with my friends on social media, visiting friends, reading and travelling, especially to the countryside.
NANA AWERE DAMOAH
AMOAFOWAA:
Who do you listen to music wise?
NANA:
I love, love, love highlife. Give me old-time highlife and I can smile all day. I love afro-jazz, African music generally and gospel song. I sound old school, eh? I am sure you are eager to hear which of the hiplife stars I listen to. Obrafour speaks to me, and Kwadei. I love stories and poetry so songs such as theirs appeal to me. Then TH for Kwagees and their Takoradi stuff too.
AMOAFOWAA:
Nana, have you done anything you have never been proud of?
NANA:
I am generally someone who acts after a lot of deliberation but, yes, I have and continue to do things I am not proud of. We all, like Paul, have issues that are thorns in our flesh.
AMOAFOWAA:
Which teams do you support here in Ghana and elsewhere?
NANA:
Chelsea (not the Berekum one ) and Kotoko.
AMOAFOWAA:
Many problems with the Ministry of Sports this year. What were your most shocked moments?
NANA:
The flying of the money to Brazil; actually, the announcement that we were going to fly that amount and the media circus that resulted. I am passionately proud as a Ghanaian but that was the very first time I felt embarrassed as a Ghanaian. I still feel the shame of that moment.
AMOAFOWAA:
What were your most amusing moments watching the sports channel?
NANA:
When Manchester United or Liverpool lose. And the comments on social media!
AMOAFOWAA:
In the Ghanaian National Anthem, which words prompt you to do more?
NANA:
“Bold to defend forever, the cause of freedom and of right”.
AMOAFOWAA:
For the angry person reading this today, seething with revenge, what will be your advice?
NANA:
Life is too short to be angry. Get over it and move on. Smell the flowers.
AMOAFOWAA:
And to those having suicidal thoughts, what will be your words?
NANA:
I read the autobiography of Sidney Sheldon. Do you know that he wanted to commit suicide at a point? His father chanced on him and they went out for a walk. What his father told him was that I will tell anyone having suicidal thoughts: “Keep turning the pages”. There is more to life than what you are seeing today.
AMOAFOWAA:
To those surfing the net looking for who to dupe in sakawa, what will be your words?
NANA:
Drop that yam! Sorry, drop that idea.
AMOAFOWAA:
Hahahahahahaha! Now to the women who are looking for burgers to marry or looking for men as their wallets?
NANA:
A man is not an ATM.
AMOAFOWAA:
Thank you very much Nana Awere Damoah for your precious time. Blessings.
NANA:
I enjoyed it, Mum C. Keep up the good work!
AMOAFOWAA:
Thank you.
END OF INTERVIEW.
Truly an inspirational man. His inspiration came in this form
Mr. Ato Ulzen Appiah is the director of the GhanaThink Foundation (An NGO based in Ghana and the USA) which organises Barcamps. The goal is to help Ghanaians learn about the issues that affect them, generate ideas for development, network and partner with others who have similar interests and help them improve or start businesses and projects. I prefer to call him the Mighty African. He is an inspiration to the youth today. His outfit, Ghana Think, also organizes Junior Camps in Ghana to inculcate into the youth of today a sense of entrepreneurial skills, teach them to fit into the world of the internet in Ghana and helps everyone who is willing to choose a career path. He is really brightening the corner where he is. We are going to know more about this gem today.
ATO ULZEN APPIAH
Amoafowaa:
So greetings to you Mighty African Ato, if I am to write a thesis about your life and I need a material to analyse, what will be your summarised version of the story of your life?
Ato:
I have experienced a lot of world class and varied things, and I am trying to forge building excellence that is comfortable and valuable for people in my cultural neighbourhood; my people. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always done what’s in the best interest of my people. I love Ghana more than many things.
Amoafowaa:
Now to your career path, did you always dream of being an inspirer?
Ato
I didn’t realise my career path was inspirer. 🙂 I have always had Kwame Nkrumah as my biggest inspiration. So I’ve always dreamed of driving people to act for the common good and to do better for themselves. I believe I am a manager and (social) entrepreneur currently, so I am not necessarily toeing a political line like Nkrumah did. I want to inspire like Nkrumah did, but in an apolitical way. A bit like what my current role model Patrick Awuah does.
ATO ULZEN APPIAH amoafowaa.com
Amoafowaa:
I see. What inspired Barcamp Ghana?
Ato:
Wanting to connect young people in Ghana and mobilize them for Ghana’s good inspired Barcamp Ghana. The first event in December 2008 was organized to connect young Ghanaians abroad and at home. There was the belief that excellent young Ghanaians existed, and we had to prove this to ourselves and everybody. Barcamp Ghana is gathering that and increasing the critical mass of patriotic, passionate, proactive, positive, progressive and productive people from Ghana. This inspires Ghana in building a network of young change makers, doers and entrepreneurs.
Amoafowaa:
What do think of the potentials of Ghana in the education of liberation from thoughts of being employed?
Ato:
We were colonized. We’ve been used to masters. We’ve become used to being yes-men. We hardly take initiatives. The potential is there but the culture is hard.
Ghanaians like to copy what works. So entrepreneurs must succeed, in the right ways, and with the best qualities, this will liberate people from being employed. There can’t be a shortage of success stories that are ubiquitous and visible.
Amoafowaa:
If you have the power to dish out three wishes for your country as a patriotic citizen, what are the three wishes you’ll dish out and why?
Ato:
All major roads linking all cities, towns and villages will be in excellent condition forever.
Fast, reliable internet will be ubiquitous and affordable.
Ghanaians will be that proud of Ghana that people will buy flags and fly them in their cars, houses, everywhere.
Amoafowaa:
Wow! That is true patriotism. Now many people think those who organize these inspirational programmes just want attention and nothing more because their impacts are not manifested in the lives of the supposed inspired, what is your take on this?
Ato:
Those people care about themselves, are selfish and not concerned about the general well-being of the nation.
If they want impact manifested in other lives, they should get up and do it and not ask for attention. Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those doing it.
We need doers, not complainers.
Amoafowaa:
Now let’s move on to your random thoughts. There are so many Non-Governmental Organisations in Ghana, especially here in the north, but illiteracy reigns, hunger prevails, domestic violence is on the rise as many women are at the receiving ends of punches. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Ato:
These NGOs are addressing small issues, and doing their part. Many of them are not empowering the people. They provide, but hardly provide tools and resources to allow the beneficiaries to be independent and self-sufficient.
Mindset and cultural changes are needed. People must be helped to create wealth and not just have their poverty alleviated. Women must be empowered to be breadwinners so they are not downtrodden.
Amoafowaa:
Women are crying for equality, some overdo it by claiming superiority yet they need men to vacate their seats and give them preferences, they need men to fix their tyres, they need men as their knight and shining armours (most of them), what is your take on this?
Ato:
I think the operating word here is equity, that’s what we can achieve. Both sexes just need to respect each other for their strengths and weaknesses and allow everyone to thrive. Amoafowaa:
Autocratic parenting, laissez faire parenting, Transactional parenting, Participative parenting, I know you are a family man, which would you use and recommend to parents being a long time motivator?
Ato:
Participative.
Amoafowaa:
I always need to ask this from all the people I interview: Who wins the respect of Ato Ulzen Appiah?
Ato:
People who truly care about other people and want to see them thrive and be excellent.
Amoafowaa:
Now let’s talk religion, as a motivator yourself, do you think religion is helping inspire Ghanaians at the moment?
Ato:
I don’t think religion is inspiring Ghanaians. It’s not a primary focus. There is more focus on helping people prosper. Unfortunately, the masses aren’t prospering anyway.
Amoafowaa:
Now to sports, what are your favourite teams? Local and international and why?
Ato:
Manchester United and San Antonio Spurs. I love winning. I hate losing. These two teams signify very good teams that work together and don’t care much about individual credit but end product.
Accra Hearts of Oak plays like it sometimes, but with not as much winning lately.
Amoafowaa:
And which team can’t you stand in the whole world? I know I’m trying to look for football enemies for you but I’d be glad if you answer this question.
Ato:
Well, rivals of those teams? Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Los Angeles Lakers, Asante Kotoko?
ATO ULZEN APPIAH
Amoafowaa:
What is the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done on earth?
Ato:
You’ll be very lucky for me to tell you, This is not the time or place, sorry.
Amoafowaa:
Lol. I understand so won’t push it. Now to entertainment. What form of entertainment in Ghana relaxes you and why?
Ato:
I believe I am too blessed to be stressed. So when I am getting frustrated, I laugh. It ensures I am always relaxed.
I love love love listening to Kizomba and Zouk music. Guaranteed to relax me. Sadly, it’s not really Ghanaian. Listening to good highlife like Otoolege can do the same too.
Amoafowaa:
If we’re talking songs, who is your favourite artist in Ghana and why?
Ato:
It was Obrafour and even though he doesn’t make a lot of music, it’s still him.
Why? He made a song about Kwame Nkrumah, he made a song about discipline, he helped popularize something that combined what Ghanaians loved from elsewhere and who we were. He made Ghana look cool.
I listen to a lot of Ghanaian music but I enjoy Ghanaian R&B more. Currently, I want Akwaboah’s album. A huge fan of Kwabena Kwabena, Afriyie, Mugeez, Becca, etc.
Amoafowaa:
Who is your favourite artist abroad, I know you’ve travelled far and wide so I’m open for any answer?
Ato:
Well, Kizomba and Zouk music are my favorite genres now. Some of my favorite artistes with this are Kaysha, Perola, Bruna, etc.
Amoafowaa:
AIDS is a slow killer, ebola is a terror, it seems the terror is overpowering the slow killer. What is your take on this?
Ato:
Ebola is a terror because of the modes of transmission. AIDS has spread much further and stayed though while the jury is not yet out on Ebola. Prevention is better than cure, for both the terror and the slow killer.
Amoafowaa:
Now to Ghana, if you are to grade His Excellency President Mahama in terms of the understated, how will you grade him in percentage and why?
Ato:
1. Peace
70%. Ghanaians are generally peaceful. He’s not done much to disturb that.
2. Health
50%. NHIS is not working as well as it should but it has brought more people healthcare at affordable costs.
3. Education
40%. More infrastructure is coming in but the levels of literacy and numeracy are not really improving. Basic education is very key.
4. Electricity and gas
10%. Our electricity crisis has never been this bad.
5. Jobs
20%. I don’t believe it’s the government’s job to create jobs. The government must lay the infrastructure, foundation, and support more companies to create jobs. They aren’t doing that.
6. Corruption
20%. I don’t see any better fight against corruption.
7. Promises
I don’t really listen to election promises so I can’t answer this question well.
Did the NDC even make any promises? They spent their time lambasting what the NPP promised.
23% cos I don’t know what other percentage to give. Amoafowaa:
Dancing: Azonto, Adowa, Agbadza, which catches your fancy?
Ato:
Azonto 🙂
New school 😉
Amoafowaa:
New school trends. If you’re to say sorry to someone you’ve offended, who will that be and what would you say?
Ato:
I’ve offended many people, can’t pick one. I’d say I’d take the blame for offending them and that I need them to be happy for me to remain happy.
Amoafowaa:
Now, to the hopeless in society, the helpless who is contemplating suicide, and the black sheep of the society, what will be your advice?
Ato:
They should learn stories of people in their situation who came out of those situations.
Amoafowaa:
Any last words to inspire all?
Ato:
The destiny of a nation at any given time depends on the opinions of its young men and women.
Your opinion of yourself, community and nation affects how well each does.
Do something to make that opinion better.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
We can brighten our corners and shape our parts of the globe.
Less talk, more action. Let’s get started and make things happen.
Amoafowaa:
Thank you very much for your time Mighty African.
Ato:
Thank you very much for helping us all learn more about myself 🙂
Amoafowaa:
It’s a pleasure.
—
His inspiration came in this form:
THE MIGHTY OAK
Who will see gold and be broke?
Isn’t conscience for the corrupt a joke?
His need to help the world transcends all
He stumbles for inspiration and won’t hesitate to fall
He is the mighty oak who works than talk
The great legs which never stand but walk
Like the human battalion for the good of all
Even in dust he will stand tall
Working and pulling minds to work hard
For liberation, sufficiency and brightness, even the bad
He was known as the teenager with the steaming pen. He was born in Ezeo Nsu, Imo State in Nigeria and embodied everything literal growing up. Now he is a famous author, writing poetry and novels. I have followed Onyeka for a while now, trust me, he is the realest person I’ve known in Africa, and I know he loves Africa too much for his own good although he never admits. His way of challenging people in Africa do what is right is by being blunt. He has tested and tried a few religions, been hosted on many platforms in the world, and so of course, he has travelled wide. It is an honour to have this interview with an African son; Onyeka Nwelue.
ONYEKA NWELUE
AMOAFOWAA:
Onyeka, please tell us about growing up in Nigeria.
ONYEKA:
Growing up in Nigeria made me strong-willed. If you grew up in Nigeria, you would realize that life is extremely tough and that you, alone, can make yourself into what you want. People in Nigeria are easily deluded, believing that life there is normal. Life in Nigeria is something else, equally, something you read about fiction. There is no need to paint it so beautiful when it is not. I have been to Ghana, as well. In both countries, there are hardships that make me question the trueness of being an African. Almost all African and black countries have issues, from Haiti to Nigeria to Venezuela and to Colombia. Poverty seems to be a black man’s pride.
AMOAFOWAA:
How many works have you published so far?
ONYEKA:
I have published two books. I have another one, Hip-Hop is Only for Children coming out next month, January of 2015.
AMOAFOWAA:
Is writing a lucrative job in Africa?
ONYEKA:
No. Writers in Africa are poor.
AMOAFOWAA:
Who did you grow up reading from?
ONYEKA:
Different writers from the African Writers’ Series. I read lots of British writings, because they were forced on us in schools. I read lots of writers. Most of them were British. I was exposed to Indian writing later on when I travelled to India. My life changed completely.
AMOAFOWAA:
How did your life change?
ONYEKA:
It reflected in how I wrote my first novel, The Abyssinian Boy.
ONYEKA NWELUE
AMOAFOWAA:
Okay, so let all readers read the famous Abyssinian Boy and know what he is talking about. Onye, what do think of the African educational system?
ONYEKA:
Educational system in Africa is a complete sham. Someone would be wondering why I have nothing positive to say about Africa, but if we can be truthful to ourselves, we will be wise enough to know that Africa is gone, its economy, its education. People in the world, not only Africa are going to school because they want to have something to fall back on and not because they want to learn. People head to school for different reasons. Some do it as a revenge to the society that has tried to clamp them down. This is why the educational system is in a mess.
AMOAFOWAA:
What would be your ideal effective educational system?
ONYEKA:
Where students won’t be graded. Now they have to study because they want to get what they want. Not because a teacher says they are good.
AMOAFOWAA:
Please let me get this straight, a school without examinations?
ONYEKA:
Yes. A training or vocational centre where people will be taught and not tested. If they are coming in there, it is because it is their passion to get better. They should not be tested.
AMOAFOWAA:
If you were given a chance to choose your land of birth, would you choose to be born in Africa?
ONYEKA:
Not at all. I will not choose to be born in Africa. Anyone who is angry with me can find a knife to kill himself. There is something you will hate about Africa once you travel round the world and see how other continents are moving forward and forward and things getting easy. The same people who will condemn me for saying this give birth to their children abroad and their kids hold other countries passports. I still have a Nigerian passport.
AMOAFOWAA:
That shows you have embraced your African roots. Now let’s turn our attention to politics. If you are given the chance to be the president of Africa, and God gives you two choices; to stand to be democratically elected, or to be a military president, which will you choose and why?
ONYEKA:
Like I said, I am not interested in this Africa.
AMOAFOWAA:
Many African countries have been through many rough times but I know Nigeria has gone through way more, we are talking about Boko-Haram and many other headaches like the prosecution of gays. Is it the fault of the government in power or the citizens?
ONYEKA:
It is a collective thing. The Government has no right to tell you who to fuck. The Government is a human being. There are some Senators who are gay themselves. Gay people all over the world sometimes persecute gay people. People are scared to see people who are like them. It is a natural thing. Homophobia is like any other sickness. It has come to stay. There is nothing you can do about it. No one has any right to tell you who to sleep with or do you think people have right to tell you to masturbate? By the way, about Boko Haram, I think I don’t know much about them. I haven’t had time to focus on them, so I can’t comment on a group I sometimes feel is fictional. I am not that intelligent to wedge on terrorists.
AMOAFOWAA:
I know you did a little something in the movie industry, please tell us the grace and ills of Nollywood.
ONYEKA:
Nollywood we know is the greatest thing that happened to Africa. No ills. Not at all. Even you Ghanaians have benefitted so much from it. Nollywood is the true pride of Africa. With Nollywood, doors have opened for Africans everywhere. You can ask.
AMOAFOWAA:
I always think Africans copy too much and that has been our main flaw or failure. I know of Hollywood; the original, Nollywood, Ghalliwood, etc. Do you think the names of the African movies industries are appropriate?
ONYEKA:
Names don’t matter. Your name Cecilia is not a Ghanaian name, is it? It was borrowed from Europeans. I used to be called George and I removed it from my official documents, because I haven’t seen any Briton whose name is Onyeka. We must start from within. You can start this revolution by changing your name.
AMOAFOWAA:
Lol. Onyeka, what is a typical day for you like?
ONYEKA:
I don’t know, because I don’t plan. I am very spontaneous.
ONYEKA NWELUE
AMOAFOWAA:
Who can earn your respect?
ONYEKA:
People who have money. I am not a fan of poor people. I don’t respect poverty and those who have inherited it. It is their laziness and lack of taking risks that have made the world so difficult. They are also the ones with bigger problems.
AMOAFOWAA:
Are you married?
ONYEKA:
We can skip this. Thank you.
AMOAFOWAA:
Many say marriage is a beautiful thing. What are the things you look out for in your woman of choice?
ONYEKA:
Marriage is a prison yard. It can never be a beautiful thing.
AMOAFOWAA:
Is the girl child being given the right attention in Africa?
ONYEKA:
Girl child? My sister is stronger than most men I know. Girls who allow themselves to be suppressed should be ashamed of themselves. Girls who still want to go to restaurants and expect their boyfriends to pay for their food are stupid. No matter the agreement. When you show you are independent, men take you seriously and respect you. Girls who are very clingy will never have my respect.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on women empowerment?
ONYEKA:
I think countries with Ministries of Women Affairs should shut them down. That women empowerment thing is a loud scam. Women don’t need any empowerment from any man. When you sit and expect a man to ‘empower’ you, you are giving him the right to enslave you. They should stop deceiving themselves. There are hard-working women in Ghana like Lydia Forson and Leila Djansi who don’t need the validation of men.
AMOAFOWAA:
If you were a member of the constitutional committee in Nigeria, and you decide to revise outmoded laws, which ones would you throw out as fast as you can and what would be your replacement?
ONYEKA:
All public officers’ children must study in Nigeria first. We will start with the educational sector.
AMOAFOWAA:
How do you deal with harsh criticisms?
ONYEKA:
I respond to harsh criticism with harsh responses. You can’t attack me and expect me to keep quiet. It is not possible.
ONYEKA NWELUE
AMOAFOWAA:
Now let’s move to music, which types of songs do you listen to?
ONYEKA:
I have different genres of music I listen to. From the oldies to the new ones, but music with soulful meaning. Meaning that can calm me down and heal my internal wound.
AMOAFOWAA:
Who are your favourite artists?
ONYEKA:
Celestine Ukwu, Orliam, Asa, Angelique Kidjo, Onyeka Onwenu, Celine Dion and the list is endless.
AMOAFOWAA:
In a world where sports refer to football and running, I’ll have to ask, are you a sports fan?
ONYEKA:
No, ma’am. Not interested in chasing leather.
AMOAFOWAA:
I know you’ve tested many waters in religion. Which religious sects have impressed you so far?
ONYEKA:
I believe all Africans should go and worship the rivers and streams. Stop worshipping Jesus. He is from Israel. It has never done anything for Africa. We need to understand that worshipping a foreigner makes us inferior.
ONYEKA NWELUE
AMOAFOWAA:
Lol. If you were the Christian Jesus, given the chance, which aspect of your life would you erase in history?
ONYEKA:
I would never be.
AMOAFOWAA:
If you are forced to choose between Christianity and Islam, which one would you choose?
ONYEKA:
I would be forced to die then.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on the extended family system in Africa?
ONYEKA:
Recently, I have realized it is useless. It doesn’t mean anything, because my extended family has been a little bit useless to me. They are of no use to me. You can’t seek for help and find it, so no need. I don’t care how they feel at my response. They should go and rest.
AMOAFOWAA:
You are immersed in many controversies attracting name calling but many Africans love you anyway. Onyeka, are you cantankerous, crazy or truthful? You know you have to justify your answer.
ONYEKA:
I think I am just being myself. I am not rigid. I change a lot. Situations change my opinions.
AMOAFOWAA:
Now give us a prayer, in the form of poetry, for Africans. I know you believe in God, no religion attached.
ONYEKA:
May Africans keep being slaves
Since they have chosen to worship foreign gods
May they never find peace.
May they have more wars.
AMOAFOWAA:
Lol. My ribs hurt too much from laughter. Your advise to the dejected and hopeless.
ONYEKA:
No one is dejected and hopeless. You make yourself what you want. You have a choice to be happy.
AMOAFOWAA:
Thank you for your precious time.
ONYEKA:
Thank you and I hope I don’t enrage your readers. Have a nice time.
AMOAFOWAA:
My readers are open minded and I’m sure they will have a great time reading this. Have a nice time too.
END OF INTERVIEW.
His inspiration is inherent in this poem I wrote for him some time ago and decided to remodel for this interview:
FOR HIS ROYAL AFRICAN; ONYEKA NWELUE
His Royal Awesomeness His royal handsomeness Princely Prince of Princes The only Black Baron of Paris The only Prince who speaks his mind without intimidation from his elders The Lazy Prince who outshone the hardworking Princes The Wise Prince who mostly advises in sarcasm Twisting the minds of fools in circles The Kind gentleman who promises to kick asses only with his mouth The Mad Prince of the unscrupulous in society The Literary Guru who shows that talent is inbuilt Na Ede Ede 1 of Ezeoke Nsu
The princely prince of Africa
The voice that resonates loudest mellowing the storms
You are the true son of the soil
The elders must listen
And follow your voice
For before the wise was born, there certainly lived the old
Our guest is a typical woman of steel in the right description. She is Ruka Yaro Deliman. She is an entrepreneur, girl child educator, an un-bendable machine of inspiration and a beautiful lady. Let’s get straight to action.
AMOAFOWAA:
Hello and thank you for this opportunity. Before anything, please tell us about Miss Ruka Yaro Deliman and her family.
RUKA:
Miss DeLiman is an only daughter of a family of three. My two siblings and I were raised single handedly by our Mother who had to give up or put on hold a lot of her dreams to see us through school. I was born in a village called Gambaga now a big town in East Mamprugu in the Northern Region. I grew up in Tamale where I did all my Basic and Senior High schooling and proceeded to Wa University for Development Studies where I graduated with a BA Degree in Integrated Development Studies. I did my National service at Tamale Polytechnic with the Department of Language and Liberal studies. As we all know unemployment is on the increase even among graduates. I was faced with the same challenge until Camfed Ghana offered to consider a few of us for a position that was meant strictly for Camfed Alumni (CAMA) members. This was how I became a CAMA member an opportunity which I revere in high esteem because it provided me with a lot of opportunities to volunteer and contribute to positive change in many communities in the Tamale metropolis. Through hard work and dedicated service, I was elected to become the Chairperson for the CAMA Sagnarigu District. Through this same vein of hard work and dedicated service to community, I applied for and was selected to Participate in the President Obama’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for young African Leaders.
AMOAFOWAA:
Tell us more about that Fellowship.
RUKA:
This was targeted at young African leaders who are taking initiatives to contribute to community development. I do many things to brighten my corner, so I was chosen to participate in this honourable programme.
RUKA YARO DELIMAN
AMOAFOWAA:
Growing up as a young girl, would you say you were empowered by your family and community?
RUKA:
I would say yes. Firstly, as I mentioned earlier, I was raised by a single mother who happened to be a teacher and so understood the essence of girl child education using her own experience as a case for reference. She gave her children equal opportunities and encouragements. My brothers have also been very supportive in my endeavours and sometimes they encourage me to do things that I did not think I had the capability to. My community too offered me a lot of platforms to volunteer which helped to tremendously empower me in the areas of community mobilization and sensitization as well as partnering and influencing others to take up initiatives that contribute to development. However because of the tradition of male dominance which dates way back, some communities are not helping much when it comes to empowering the female child.
AMOAFOWAA:
Who will win Ruka’s respect?
RUKA:
Ruka upholds honesty, hard work and selfless giving. A person who always spends time thinking of unfavourable issues and the possible solutions to solving these issues as well as inspiring others to work together to achieve great results. A person who sees every opportunity as a blessing, and shares with others so they can also benefit in “ripple” effect.
AMOAFOWAA:
Please tell us what you do as a profession today.
RUKA:
I am an entrepreneur specifically a farmer. I own the Jamilullah Farm in Zagyuri a community in Tamale, Ghana.
The farm is a meat processing enterprise that seeks to create employment for young people so they can put themselves through school, earn a living or even start their own businesses to create more employment. The farm also targets rural women with the aim to empower to help them cater for their families and support their wards’ education.
AMOAFOWAA:
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
RUKA:
I chose entrepreneurship because I want to contribute to the reduction of unemployment in my community and contribute my quota to national development. I believe the government is all of us and as such if anybody needs to do something about the numerous problems we have, it is we the individuals who can make this happen.
AMOAFOWAA:
I know you love mentoring and impacting positively on young souls, how many young people have you impacted so far?
RUKA:
Wonderful question. I can’t remember. I have organised and participated in a lot of mentoring activities all over Ghana. I know I have reached out to over 3000 young people and counting. Every opportunity to mentor and share with young ones experiences that can inspire them to work hard and develop positive attitudes to becoming successful brings me a lot of fulfilment. As such, my work as a mentor has just begun.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on feminism?
RUKA:
I support it fully when its done objectively. Through these ideologies, tremendous improvements have been made especially regarding the inclusion of women in various aspects of National development. We can see the lot of organisations now channelling their efforts to empowering women economically socially and politically. However feminists should remember to let the male counterparts know that it is their support that would make the liberation and prosperity of the female easily attainable. And that, this is a collective action so that they can work with us instead of against us.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s talk about education. Do you think Ghana is doing much to empower her females?
RUKA:
Talking about the female, I hold the view that more can be done to support young women take up other career paths besides teaching and nursing which are dominant. Also more attention needs to be paid towards the girl child because women are fast becoming the highest percentage that contribute to the economic development of nations.
AMOAFOWAA:
What do you think about the educational system of Ghana?
RUKA:
In my view, I think the educational system in Ghana is not very impressive. More emphasis is being put on theory churning out graduates with little practical skills. Policies need to be revised and syllabus designed to suit the Ghanaian youth. Include more opportunities for outdoor learning and other strategies that would help the youth to relate to topics and concepts discussed.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on examination malpractices? I ask this because many believe it is flawing the African educational system.
RUKA:
This is something that I discourage totally. It instils reluctance in students who otherwise would have worked hard to excel in their exams. Students should understand that it is only studying and asking for help to understand the under studied subjects that would position them for success and as such they should put in efforts and postpone having fun to holidays and after graduation.
AMOAFOWAA:
The young Ghanaian and reading are on different paths due to technology. Would you agree?
RUKA:
I do agree. This unfortunately has become the order of the day now. Hardly would you see children trooping to the library. They rather go to occasions such as weddings etc to dance and waste their time. Not many children especially in the rural areas can recite fully the alphabets much more read. Most children will rather be seen watching TV etc than read.
AMOAFOWAA:
If you do, how can we curb this issue?
RUKA:
What I think would help reduce this challenge is for young people to take initiatives that would encourage reading among the youth. Forming of reading clubs that would be a fun packed platform for young people can also help. Besides, setting up resource centres by communities where volunteers can avail themselves to teach young people to read will also contribute greatly.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on fraud or Sakawa?
RUKA:
This has become a household term. I am of the view that this phenomenon is one of the devils of technology. Technology has helped us a lot but has also endangered and misled a lot. I think sakawa is something that is very bad and should be discouraged using very stringent measures including enforcing very tough laws on culprits to deter others from following suite.
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s talk about domestic violence. You know it reigns in this part of Ghana and many abused women hide the sins of their spouse just to save their marriages. What is your take on this?
RUKA:
Very true and what makes it worse is the male dominance that the tradition upholds. A lot of people still look down on the female making their abuse seem accepted. I personally discourage this practice and would not hesitate to support any one who is victimised to take on the perpetrators.
AMOAFOWAA:
Some say I want my man to be tall, with six packs, with no bald pate, honest, neat and responsible. How do you prefer yours?
RUKA:
God fearing, humble, supportive of my decisions and aspirations and respects me enough to see me as his partner and not his opponent or subordinate.
AMOAFOWAA:
Are you single?
RUKA:
yes
AMOAFOWAA:
Why do you always cover your hair?
RUKA:
That is a very good question. There is the notion that all Muslim women who cover their heads are married but that is not so. That is what the religion upholds. All women must cover their heads.
AMOAFOWAA:
But since many men who are not Muslims may think you are married, why do you wear the head gear? Don’t you think you might lose a potential Non-Muslim man.
RUKA:
Oh no, although some still come to ask, I would never date a Christian or people from other religions. I love Christians but I want someone I can do everything with; worship together etc. So for me, it is strictly Muslim, no offence to the others though.
AMOAFOWAA:
Wow! Is it possible for a woman to have it all? Marriage, children, a good job and influence?
RUKA:
Very possible. It just has to do with how you balance being all of that. Having all of these comes with responsibilities and you should not see any as being more important because to me they are all the same. Everything you do, you need to understand the role you play and ensure that you put efforts in satisfying them to the best of your ability.
AMOAFOWAA:
Ruka how do you see yourself in five years?
RUKA:
In five years, I see myself as the CEO of the biggest farm in Northern Ghana employing over a hundred people especially rural women. I see myself mobilizing the youth and inspiring growth in their capacities in order for them to champion the course of change in their communities that would lead to development.
AMOAFOWAA:
Now to entertainment and sports. Are you a sports fan?
RUKA:
I don’t really like sports. I do indulge myself when it has to do with inter schools, inter groups etc but not serious levels.
AMOAFOWAA:
What are your hobbies?
RUKA:
Dancing, singing and reading
AMOAFOWAA:
Which songs do you listen to and who are your favourite artists and why?
RUKA:
I listen to all songs at different times depending on my mood. But I like Usher, Whitney Houston, Seun Paul, Efia, Guru and Bisa.
AMOAFOWAA :
If you are to act like a mad woman, dancing on the street and being filmed on live television. Which would you rather do? Your local dance or azonto?
RUKA:
Azonto
AMOAFOWAA:
Let’s talk politics. What do you think about our electoral system?
RUKA:
Very poor. People now just vote for symbols rather than reason.
AMOAFOWAA:
Why do you say so?
RUKA:
People have affiliated themselves with some political parties and they vote for the party symbols without considering whether the people they are voting for can do the job. There is no objectivity and the people they vote for become figures instead of servants for the nation.
AMOAFOWAA:
Do you think a woman can become the president of Ghana in twenty years?
RUKA:
Sure. That is my dream and I know its a work in progress. We will get there because women are becoming increasingly interested in politics and our male counterparts are now also embracing the fact that women can also lead and even yield better results.
AMOAFOWAA:
If I say almost all things in negativity ring politics, would you agree with me?
RUKA:
Largely yes.
AMOAFOWAA:
Why?
RUKA:
Because almost every system in the country has its roots attached to government which is now highly political. So all the negativity that we have going on is facilitated by the fact that we have politicised everything.
AMOAFOWAA:
Which part of the Ghanaian National Anthem inspires you to do more?
RUKA:
“Fill our hearts with true humility
Make us cherish fearless honesty”
AMOAFOWAA:
I need to let you be but before then, please inspire the helpless and needy girl browsing for men as their bank accounts, the hopeless teenage mother who thinks Sakawa is the only way out, the black sheep of the world who sits on the internet to dupe and this may sound weird but those who browse the net looking for suicide tips and may chance on this.
RUKA:
You are more than you can ever imagine. It takes determination, focus and hard work to become successful. Discard the easy and get rich quick attitude and think about all that you can do to bring change. Make friends with the right people who can give you the right support. Rome was not built in a day so have patience and persevere on the right path. And remember it doesn’t take plenty money to start a business and saving is one of the ways to raise capital. Similarly, don’t waste your time on things that are of little benefit. Volunteer your time doing things that position you to become the number one person based on your skills and capacity to bring relevant contribution to various platforms.
AMOAFOWAA:
I am very glad I had this interview. Thank you very much for your time.
My guest is an edgy (in a good way) kind of girl. She is fashionable, African, down to earth and real. She is hot on the market right now or should I say climbing the peak of her career? When I had the opportunity to interview her, I was elated and so would you. Let’s get straight into knowing this African specifically, Ghanaian diamond.
AMOAFOWAA:
Please tell us your name and something about yourself.
NOELLA:
My name is NoellaWiyaala. I am a Sisala girl from the Upper West. My father is a Sisala and my mother is a Dagarti. We are five girls. I sing, I dance and I entertain people. My style of music is Afro Pop. I had my primary education at T. I. Ahmmadiya, and attended Tumu Senior Secondary; KANSEC. I completed in 2005. I’m in my mid-twenties. I’m from a normal family where things can go well and things can go so bad. So bad that sometimes for months you can’t get meat in your soup. But you can’t believe this, I’m a full blooded royal. My mother is a royal and my father’s father was a chief. Somehow they met and got married. Now I’m a known singer.
AMOAFOWAA:
How did you get into singing?
NOELLA:
I was a dancer, until I started backing a local artist in Wa. Ras Bingi saw a potential in me. I used to sing in English but he advised that I sing in my local dialect, I did and it worked.
NOELLA WIYAALA exclusive on amoafowaa.com
AMOAFOWAA:
Which artists inspire you?
NOELLA:
Angelique Kidjo, Tina Turner, Miriam Makeba. I love these artists because beside their talents, their stories inspire me. They embody perseverance. When you follow their stories, you realize they went through stuffs like: People not wanting to believe in them and how they suffered before finally succeeding in life. I see myself in most of their stories so they inspire me to aspire to achieve more. Angelique Kidjo always rocks as an African and acts African wherever she goes. I love Sherifa Gunu too. She works hard and is a proud northerner. Hardly do you come by such talents, she really is a proud Dagomba and I love that of her.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is a normal day like for Noella?
NOELLA:
I wake up as late as ten in the morning, and then I make earrings/ necklaces for myself if I don’t have any engagements. I’m an artist too, I love painting. Every week, I go for rehearsals because an artist must always sharpen her tools. I believe in hard work so I always rehearse my songs with my band every week.
NOELLA WIYAALA Exclusive on amoafowaa.com
AMOAFOWAA:
Who can earn Noella’s respect?
NOELLA:
People who respect themselves, take themselves seriously and people who are hardworking. I don’t like working with lazy people and people who criticize me without basis. I love to be criticized in a positive way though.
AMOAFOWAA:
Do you feel very bad when you receive negative criticisms?
NOELLA
Yes sometimes I feel bad, but who don’t? No matter who you are, once you receive a criticism, your first thought will be “Why is this person telling me this?” but I can take it. Before I cut my hair, I knew I would be bombarded with comments like “You are ugly o” and the like but at least I knew it would decrease the number of harassers and chasers and I believe that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. So if someone truly loves me, that person should love me whether people find me attractive or not. People should be expecting more from me next year. There are going to be massive changes.
AMOAFOWAA:
Changes? Can I get a sneak peak into the types of changes?
NOELLA:
More changes, my sound will improve, my instrumentation will improve and whatever I did this year would really grow, so next year people should expect my daring self, my hair, my boldness, my songs but I know my limit. When I say daring, I don’t mean dressing naked and all that. I know I must dress well because I’m from a cultured home. I think the stars who dress anyhow are bad influences on the young ones and that is not the message I want to send across. So when I say changes, positive changes I mean.
AMOAFOWAA: What is the naughtiest thing, you’ve ever done?
NOELLA:
(Exclaims “ei! Let’s see”) Well, I was really hungry and so I stole a chicken. I have to say it and confess it now to be free. I’m sure the person knew that I was the culprit. I knew it wasn’t good but I really needed to feed. Apart from wearing boys’ underwear, I think that is the naughtiest thing I did. If you’re my boyfriend and you put your underwear down, I’ll wear it, after all sharing is caring, no?
AMOAFOWAA:
Which types of men attract you?
NOELLA:
Me I don’t care. I’m not really attracted to boys that are really handsome. I love men who are marriage materials, honest, hardworking. I’ve noticed that gentle, gentle guys are into me. Others are afraid to approach me, so I think I’m lucky that these kinds of people like me. I don’t mind a handsome man though. I just care much more about the character than physical.
AMOAFOWAA: Noella, what is your take on marriage?
NOELLA:
Marriage is a beautiful thing and the joy of women, ei, let me say most women since many foreigners decide not to get married. I’m an African so I respect my values in Africa, the joy of every woman is to marry. My mother is worrying me about marriage and asking for her grandchild. Right now, I don’t want to say this or that person is my boyfriend because if it doesn’t work, people may think I’m promiscuous so I keep my private life private. Of course I’d like to get married one day and settle down, and also have time for my children.
I want to be a good role model for the girls. So I’m setting good examples. Anyone who will come must be serious and come with a ring. I don’t support women jumping from man to man. Once you put your relationships out there, even if they fail genuinely, people who look up to you may start copying your life saying “If Noella who is my role model is doing this, then I can also do it” and that is not cool.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on feminism?
NOELLA:
Well, as for this issue, I think women can never be compared to men and men can never be compared to women. God has given women power, power that even men are jealous for, but we are not using it well. We go to school and say we are equal but do nothing to show. If I am a singer and act right, encouraging people to act right, a man sitting somewhere will give me the needed respect. If I do not act right, why will the person respect me? We have the charm to store and give life. Women are very special.
AMOAFOWAA:
Which religious sect do you belong to?
NOELLA:
My father is Muslim and my mother is a Catholic. I know God put my parents together for a reason; to unify people. My father has three wives and he doesn’t force us to practice his religion. I am a moral person. I used to go to church. Although I don’t remember the last time I went to church, I can say I’m a Christian or a Christian sympathizer.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on domestic abuse? I ask this because most abuse cases are recorded in the north and mostly, women seem to be at the receiving end of this canker.
NOELLA:
It is very alarming and disturbing. It is very bad because a woman carries a man in her tummy and takes care of him until he grows and he grows to call women names, act cruel and beat women? Women must be allowed to do things for themselves and be educated. If at a point your life was in the hands of a woman who could have done you so much harm and she didn’t, you must at least grow up to appreciate her. And for the men who say a woman’s place is in the kitchen, I’ll tell them that I know men who cook for a living. I think this statement shows that most men are insecure and hate that women take over the world. The northern men must stop this because things are changing so they should leave us because we don’t ask for too much but they treat us as slaves. We are your mothers and sisters. The kitchen is not for women alone, if that is so, I dare all men who run restaurants to stop it now! (Laughs) Women must take their schooling seriously so they can be taken serious.
AMOAFOWAA:
What is your take on politics?
NOELLA:
For me to be honest, I’ve decided to stay away from politics. I made a song for my uncle who was aspiring for a political position and people tagged me as belonging to the political party he belonged to, so I learned that I must stay away from it. I need to work hard to be in the industry for as long as I can. I don’t want to be the one person who will come like the wind, blow and pass and be past. I am here and I intend to stay here for a long time. And so I’ve realised that associating ones’ self to a political party can kill talents fast. I wouldn’t mind if any of them decides to sponsor me but I will never record any song for one political party and I advise all musicians to stay away from politics. I think that is how we can protect the peace and maintain unity.
AMOAFOWAA:
Do you think politicians are playing with the educational system?
NOELLA:
I think they are playing with it. Look at my hometown Funsi, we don’t have a primary school, we just recently had a secondary school. The school there is a missionary school. Before things get there we only get the bones and not the meat. There are many schools in the south but in some northern parts; nil. I must add this, I think harnessing the talents of students should be added to the curriculum. There are students who are not doing well in their studies but have some talent which can be harnessed. Look at me, I went to school but now my talent is working for me. In time, I plan to go and create jobs in my home town; this shows that having talent and developing it can be a lucrative path in life. The north must be well taken care of where education is concerned because there are many great minds coming from there.
AMOAFOWAA:
Now to sports. Which team do you support in Ghana?
NOELLA:
I support Black Queens and Black Stars. I used to be a footballer. I was a member of the Telecom Girls and I played number 5 and 10. I was considered a very aggressive midfielder!
AMOAFOWAA:
Wow! Then why didn’t you join the Black Queens of Ghana? NOELLA:
I did not join them because they do not make it lucrative and even all parents tend to dislike it. Which parent will let their child do something they think will yield no results? That’s why I wrote “Go Go Black Stars” to empower the Black Stars. I could have been the Christiano Ronaldo for Black Queens you know? (Laughs)
AMOAFOWAA:
If you were given the chance by God to change something on earth today as Jesus Christ, what will you change?
NOELLA:
Wow! (Laughs) I’ll change human nature. I’ll just change the way people are so greedy and wicked that they take lives of people. If I were I teacher, I’ll erase evil because I’ll love to live to see how the world will look like without any flaw, even if it is for thirty minutes.
AMOAFOWAA:
If you were Jesus and you knew you were going to be killed, will you have allowed it?
NOELLA:
NO! No! NOOOOO! I’ll run as fast as my legs could carry me. After all, the people I’ll be dying for I know they were the same people who betrayed me. I would never allow it. As for that one, life is just one.
AMOAFOWAA:
Now please give your final advice dear Noella.
NOELLA:
I advise everyone to sit down, look at yourself and find yourself. What is it that I can do as an individual that nobody can do? We are all different and so should think in our capacities rather than copying other people because even twins are different from each other. I think everyone should find that unique talent and make it work. They should also stop blaming the government for them being jobless and find something doing. The devil finds work for the idle hands. If you look around, you can find something doing, something which can at least help you live right.
AMOAFOWAA:
Thank you very much for your time Noella.
NOELLA:
Don’t mention.
(This is the poem Noella Wiyaala inspired me to write after the interview)
But many good ones impact brightly giving us sanity and peace
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2014
(I say thank you to all those who help me maintain my sanity in my path of trying to put thoughts of some girls in the right. Your words nurse my soul from its constant heartbreaks. Blessings.)
