naturalbosslaydee-blog

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It's time for the revival to begin.

It’s time for the revival to begin.

What is happening in this world right now has given me a different type of compassion. Compassion for black people in America, who were kidnapped and sold into bondage, creating the infrastructure on what is now the most POWERFUL nation on earth(argue wid yo fadda on that one..LOL). They have never received compassion for their blood, sweat and tears poured into the nation but have been now met…

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Me being in my zone. The little girl in me came out 😜😜😜😜😜 #wanderlust #riversafari #traveltheworld #travelghana #travelwestafrica #travelafrica (at Murugu, Northern, Ghana)

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W H Y N O T 😜😜😜😜 #wanderlust #travelafrica #travelafrique #burkinafaso #travelphotography (at Burkina Faso)

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I got my eye on the prize 🙏🏿🤑🤑🤑 #inpursuitofhappiness

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It's Tuesday, Say hello to my big friends Nash and Efo a.k.a or Kwabena and Kwaku . . . . . . . . #molenationalpark #northernghana #northernregion #ghana #westafrica #africa #travelafrica #travelafrique #travelwestafrica #travelghana #ghanatourism #tourismghana #travelblogger #travel #travelagent #travelphotography #traveltheworld #traveling #travelgram #travelblog #travelpic #travelmore #traveling #traveltips #travelphoto #travelnoire #elephant #elephantlove #elephanttrekking (at Mole National Park)

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  As a commemoration for International day of the girl-child, I wanted to share a story of how Ghanaian girls are black girl magic. Occasionally, I participate in my organization Girl Empowerment project, where they set up clubs in schools in the goal to educate girls and boys on gender based violence. One school I normally go to is in neighbourhood called Teshie, home to the Ga people of Accra. Our Girls Empowerment Coordinator has let us know a few months back, that the ladies in the school pushed each other to run for class elections and they majority of the young girl. Prefects have been part of the Ghanaian school system for decades. School prefects are somewhat similar to the North American hall monitor; students who are basically an extension of the school administration are utilized to enforce school regulations. Prefects are usually chosen because of their maturity, leadership qualities and good behavior, so being chosen as a prefect, while it has its irritations, is considered an honor. At this particular school, there has been no girl ever winning the head perfect and these worked hard to make history with the help of our organization. As a way to share their revolutionary success, I decided to purchase a cake to celebrate their accomplishment. I headed to the school with my cake and supplies alongside other coordinators who were planning out the content for the next 12 weeks with a emphasis on 2-3 economic empowerment workshops, with the young girls and boys. The goal for these economic empowerment workshops is to teach a skill that can benefit the girls throughout life and showcase their work.

The beauty about this group was majority were already artisans, particularly in beading and textiles. In fact, many who had an existing skill, already labelled themselves with a professional title. For me the most impressive thing I heard was lot of the young girls already had indulged in either Business to customer or business to business relationships. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well among these and those who did have an advantage were ready to lead by example.

These young girls are Black girl magic because they turn their hobbies into their first jobs on their own will. They are black girl magic because they stood up in their glory and shared their passions unapologetically. Lastly, they are black girl magic because they were willing to take the initiative in specific economic empowerment projects and allowing coordinator to assist in ensuring everybody involved in this school club will leave the program learning a trade or build leadership skills.

  Let’s celebrate International Day of the Girl As a commemoration for International day of the girl-child, I wanted to share a story of how Ghanaian girls are black girl magic.

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Chale Wote Festival

A acclaimed international arts festival takes place in Accra, Ghana every August for the last 5 years. I had the privileged of attending Chale Wote Festival in the form of movie screening, discussion sessions, theatre and the grand parade that showcases live art pieces, music, precessions and trade shows. The festival often takes place in Jamestown, Accra, one of the oldest districts in Accra and…

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6 month update

Can I get an Amen! It’s been 6 months since I got on a flight and landed in Accra, Ghana. These 6 months have taught me that life will always give you lemons, so guess what? Make lemonade. I have gained friendships and declined certain friendships based upon the data presented. I have people that are potential baes and some not even on my level. I am still learning in the profession I am but I…

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Twice in one week I was invited to attend small gathering organized by the High Commissioner of Canada

Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit

The first invitation was a last minute organized event as I had attended a conference for Ghanaians from the diaspora. Many embassies were not too aware of this conference taking place and once they had heard they all quickly organized gathering for their citizens. So, I got in Uber and made my way to the embassy like a boss! Once I entered the compound there were a few Canadian-Ghanaians or Ghanaian Canadians there alongside the High Commissioner in Ghana and the Senior Trade Commissioner to Sub-Saharan African. They were sharing information on ways families can avoid being penalized when completing applications for visiting, school admissions and or residencies. In addition, they shared trade opportunities for between Ghana and Canada. Meeting up with other Ghanaians from Canada was truly a highlight as I do not find many in Accra even though I hear they exist.

Reception on the ocassion of the visit of the Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

The second invitation was on behalf of my organization as they work closely with the Government of Canada in gender equality abroad. The Minister of International Development, Marie-Claude Bibeau was in Ghana visiting our partners across the country. Our liaison, fellow co-worker and I came together to represent, the organization. We met up with various NGOs and social impact firms in Ghana doing similar work in gender equality and economic empowerment. We did not get the chance to meet up with the Minister for International Development but we did meet other people within the Government of Canada including a former member of our organization.

Overall both events offered me the opportunity to hear what my country in Canada, the country of sitting on indigenous land is doing for people like myself in regards to my heritage and career development.  Lastly, the food and drinks were good too! I mean free always taste delicious.

Meetings at the Canadian embassy this week. Because I am somebody to somebody...lol Twice in one week I was invited to attend small gathering organized by the High Commissioner of Canada…

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Twice in one week I was invited to attend small gathering organized by the High Commissioner of Canada

Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit

The first invitation was a last minute organized event as I had attended a conference for Ghanaians from the diaspora. Many embassies were not too aware of this conference taking place and once they had heard they all quickly organized gathering for their citizens. So, I got in Uber and made my way to the embassy like a boss! Once I entered the compound there were a few Canadian-Ghanaians or Ghanaian Canadians there alongside the High Commissioner in Ghana and the Senior Trade Commissioner to Sub-Saharan African. They were sharing information on ways families can avoid being penalized when completing applications for visiting, school admissions and or residencies. In addition, they shared trade opportunities for between Ghana and Canada. Meeting up with other Ghanaians from Canada was truly a highlight as I do not find many in Accra even though I hear they exist.

Reception on the ocassion of the visit of the Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

The second invitation was on behalf of my organization as they work closely with the Government of Canada in gender equality abroad. The Minister of International Development, Marie-Claude Bibeau was in Ghana visiting our partners across the country. Our liaison, fellow co-worker and I came together to represent, the organization. We met up with various NGOs and social impact firms in Ghana doing similar work in gender equality and economic empowerment. We did not get the chance to meet up with the Minister for International Development but we did meet other people within the Government of Canada including a former member of our organization.

Overall both events offered me the opportunity to hear what my country in Canada, the country of sitting on indigenous land is doing for people like myself in regards to my heritage and career development.  Lastly, the food and drinks were good too! I mean free always taste delicious.

Meetings at the Canadian embassy this week. Because I am somebody to somebody...lol Twice in one week I was invited to attend small gathering organized by the High Commissioner of Canada…

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Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit 2017

Here is brief summary of my experience of the Ghanaian Diaspora Homecoming summit 2017

I had the opportunity to attend 2 out of the 4 days of the Ghana Diaspora homecoming summit.  A lot of representative from the government of Ghana and industry leaders were up on stage sharing wealth of information  to entice Ghanaians from the diaspora to invest into the country.  Ghanaians from the diaspora were in high attendance, coming from Canada all the way to Australia. The passion was so…

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Solo Trip to London

Solo Trip to London

I graduated. The most important time in many people’s lives. Particularly for me, it was a moment of reflecting how far I have come and a testament to my ambitious character. I was in school for 6 years for four year degree. Why? I gave up so many times, went through depression and was just tired of the whole educational industrial complex. However, my vision of success could not overlook…

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A Quote for fairy Godmama!

A Quote for fairy Godmama!

Have you heard that saying “You got to learn to leave the table when love ain’t being served no more”. I believe it is from Maya Angelou and I wouldn’t be surprised because she is the fairy woke mother.

That statement is so true all things important to us whether it is our family, friends, career, relationships and social settings. Learning to walk away is such a difficult for some so far that it…

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3 month update in Ghana Well, well, well. I made it to three months in Ghana. Wohooo. Let's just say I give thanks to God almighty for blessing me with strength, patience and perseverance to survive Mama Africa.

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You will learn by force!

You will learn by force!

Transition into the Ghanaian society has been a series of joy, frustration, countless laughter and raising my voice to get heard. Some people would think being a person from the Ghanaian diaspora would be a easy transition. But let me tell you, Ghanaians will be quick to tell you, you are a obroni, foreigner, or Ghanaian but you are not from here. Coming here, I have had to constantly navigate my…

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European Union Day ceremony I had the pleasure of attending European Union Day in Accra. This event was to celebrate the union of European member states and in particular celebrate their partnerships with Ghanaian government and civil society.

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Making the trip Wli waterfalls (pronounced Vli) was so annoying for us ladies as we had epic car problems. However, it does make for a good story to share. Let’s walk down memory lane.

I stayed in Kajebi,a small town in the Northern part of Volta region in Ghana, West Africa. For those of you who don’t know, I had recently moved to Ghana to do International development work. To immerse myself in the culture, I did what most people who reside in the cosmopolitan city of Accra do on long weekend, leave town. A fellow coworker by the name of Mel resides in Kajebi, who comes to Accra often and I decided to check out her place and also go to Wli waterfalls .  Mel’s coworkers decided to tag along to the falls as they have knew the directions to Wli.

On our way to the major town Hohoe, our was car steaming half way as we approached a gas station and a police barricade. The gas attendant alongside a passerby helped out by  throwing water on breaks to let it cool down. Do not ask me how it works but it worked like magic.

​

​ Next, as we entered Hohoe, due to a language barriers, as Mel and I spoke English and  the ladies speak Ewe, a indigenous language in the Volta region in Ghana,we got lost. We took a short stop to ask for directions but as we stopped another passerby seen that our tire was flat. How annoying and how did this happen? We met a kind man who took our flat spare tire drove it to the nearest mechanic, came back and installed the tire for us with limited tools. Let me tell you, you will always meet men who are open and willing to help  you in anything from car troubles to directions. Of course, we tipped him for his voluntarily service.

Once again, we are back on the road and enroute to Wli waterfalls.  Once arrived, we collected our food and bathing suits from the car of trouble and made our trek through the forest. It is about a 30-45 minute trek through the forest but you will encounter ravines and flowers that are stunning. The best thing of this group I was apart of was that we laughed, danced, took shots along this trek. It does not get any better!

Once arrived, we realized how busy it was with locals, particularly young boys. We got undressed and jumped into the water and made it our mission to get under the pressure of the water fall.

  Surrounding us were young boys, scouting women in a disrespectful manner. As I would get closer to the fall, men would grab my buttocks and breast. The amount of insults I had to give was very exhausting, Luckily for us ladies, a few male friends were at the falls that day and were advocating for our safety while in water. While under the water, men were dancing and singing and I had asked “Why the hype?” Our friend had let us know, the more we sang, the harder the water pressure,  so I decided to join in the fun. As we got under the falls, it got worse as they knew the force of the water would also make us vulnerable and it did. I decided to walk back near the shallow end of the pool escorted by one of our friends for safety. To be honest, it is really sad that I had to be escorted and protect my body from young boys. But I digress.

Laying in the water, observing locals enjoy themselves even though the men were savages did not take away the beauty in Ghanaians participate in tourism activities. I really do not see or hear other Ghanaians telling me about their experiences to the tourist sites many foreigners partake in  but coming that weekend assured me that Ghanaians enjoy too.

We headed back to where our belongings were, ate our banku alongside some more shots, got dressed in our dry clothing and headed back to our cars. The beauty that Wli waterfalls had on us was intimate from the treks, to feeling the pressure of the falls, to witnessing bats flying in the middle of the day.  It is an attraction I highly recommend for those coming to Ghana.

As we were entering Hohoe, guess what folks? You probably guessed right, our car broke down yet again. This time it was dark and a few men came to helped, Mel called a friend to pick us up and to get us to a hotel because at this point we came to the conclusion this car was sent from the devil himself. So you can keep it and we can move on with our lives. A mechanic came by and told us, it no longer worked because we need a new radiator. We left it for overnight with the mechanic and made our way to the hotel. I stayed a few hours in the hotel and caught the earliest tro tro back to Accra. Wli waterfalls is an attraction I recommend as it is one of the largest falls in West Africa. Therefore, an extra reason to visit a country I call home.

In the forest of Wli Waterfalls

Wli waterfalls Making the trip Wli waterfalls (pronounced Vli) was so annoying for us ladies as we had epic car problems.