Edition 5

0005 EDITION
to
20 12
Accra
Mostly Sunny
Sun, Jan 01
32
German Swiss
International School
Bazar
Familiar Strangers Premiere
“We will Bring the
Trophy Home”

Catherine Onwioduokit

January12
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27
20
33
41
34
40
39
Directory Listing
7
Cape Coast
15
13
Healthy Pregnancy
Glucose vs Fructose
Entertainment
21
‘Familiar Strangers’ Premiere
28
16
Ghanaian Fashion Industry
German Swiss International School - Bazar -

EDITORIAL
D e a r
Neighbours,
We are back
f r o m t h e
holidays and ready to
resume our storytelling to you,
our readers. We hope you had a nice
holiday season. As I write this note for this maiden
edition in 2012, I recall what an anonymous author
once said: give people more than they expect and
do it cheerfully; memorise your favourite poem; don't
believe all you hear; spend all you have or sleep all
you want; when you say, “I love you”, mean it; believe
in love at first sight.
As we welcome you into another year, one of the
cardinal goals of this wave making magazine has
always been to fill a yawning gap. As you can see
Neighbourhood Gong is growing in leaps and bound,
I would like to express my appreciation for all the
feedback and suggestions you provided. Ghana
goes to the polls again this year to either retain or
change administrations and as has been described
by UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon,' it is a test case
for Ghana'. We pray for peaceful elections and also a
year of prosperity filled with favour and grace.
In this issue our lenses left Accra to zoom in on the
Central Regional Capital Cape Coast in Where Do
You Live? segment. The ancient town is captivating
with its ruins-like buildings and incredible touristic
attraction also German Swiss School Bazar and
'Familiar Strangers' Premiere. Our Sports section 'will
Black stars Shine?' as AFCON commences John
Paintsil assures Ghanaians. On fashion, Brigitte Merki-
Ibrahim tells us point blank that designers are not
seamstresses. Of course, this edition will be
incomplete without the regulars; “Sex & Relationship”,
“Health”, “Jokes” , “Security” and the Hood map
among others.
I express my heartfelt appreciation to every Staff,
Writers and Crew of Neighbourhood Gong Magazine
for your efforts and commitment. To our valued
Readers
and Clients, we say thank you for your
support, loyalty and tremendous goodwill.
Whatever your new year resolutions are, be happy
and remember that life is too short to bear grudges.
Learn to let go and put smile on someone's face this
Month. Happy New Year.

Our Writers Share
Their Resolutions
For The Year
Ahead...
Brigitte Merki-Ibrahim
Fashion Designer
My new years resolutions are to
put GOD first, family second and
Business third. After losing my
dad a few weeks ago to food
poisoning and eventually a heart
attack I've now made a
conscious decision that I will let
nothing in my business life stress
me or be more important than
the first two things- Allah and my
family. Life is a precious gift and
you come to a new sense of
reality when you loose someone
close to you.
Before, if a customer needed
something done overnight and it
seemed impossible, I would
overwork myself to finish it and let
my kids and my husband go to
bed without spending time with
them but from now on....No
more stress in my life!!! I'll work on
life rather than let work be my
life.
Joel Achampong
Sports Journalist
As we take stock of the year
2011, carefully reflecting on the
ups and downs, high and low
points what really comes back is
the willed decisions that resulted
in leaps for many and the
procrastinating that resulted in
uncompleted, but in all the gift
of life will forever be
appreciated.
In 2012 I am hoping that Ghana
th
is able to make it at the 28
edition of the
African Cup of Nations to be
jointly hosted by Gabon and
Equitorial Guinea.
Also can't wait for the national
under 20 youth team, the
'satellites' are able to make it
through to the ultimate, African
Youth Championship and
hopefully qualify for the World
Cup.
The Weightlifting, Taekwondo,
Judo, Boxing, Athletics and
qualify for the 2012 Olympic
Games to be staged in London.
In 2012 I am assuring all our
cherished readers ,We will be
riding on the waves of divine
glory in every aspect of our lives,
thus dedication and Service to
God and you our readers,
decisions to be influenced by
God to give creative,
Entertaining and Ground
breaking stories.
To my family, friends and fans I
pray longevity, hitch free,
accident free.
Catherine E. Onwioduokit.
Founder & Pres. Family
Renaissance
In order to enjoy 2012 we all
need to seek divine knowledge
for complete transformation.
2012 Is the year of restoring
godly family values long lost. It Is
the year to go back to the
fundamental truths about the
family structure which serves as
the only basis for stability in the
society.
It is going to be a year of intense
shaking at all front, standards will
be lowered even the more in the
name of human rights.
For any meaningful
achievement, 2012 must see us
as individuals, families, churches,
government and the society run
back to JESUS in repentance
and ultimately raising altars of
righteousness, holiness, morality
and godly family values. This is
the only way 2012 can be
guaranteed.
Dr. Manns Marcus
Founder & Pres. Chiropractic
& Wellness Center
"To passionately lead my
patients/members and their
families on the greatest
life journey possible.
To extend their quality and
quantity of life. To help
them to keep their mind, heart
and souls filled with healthy
thoughts,
actions & habits. To get and stay
in impeccable shape. To live life
to its fullest.
To dance freely and frequently
as if in the moment, nothing else
mattered. To celebrate the
magnificent gift of life. In
short.."To Live, To
Love, To Learn and to Leave A
Legacy"!
I hope you will join me in this 2012
New Year's Resolution. Choooo
Boi!!"

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
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CAPE
COAST,
THE HEART
OF CENTRAL
REGION
Cape Coast in Ghana, also known
as Cabo Corso, has made a
major transformation over the past
500 years from slave colony to
scenic tourist city.
Today 140,000 people reside in
Cape Coast, capital of Ghana's
Central Region, and the city is just
165 km from the country's capital
city, Accra.
Located along the Gulf of Guinea,
Cape Coast is commonly known
for its history in the European
slave and gold trades.
The Portuguese founded Cape
Coast in the 1400s but it fell to the
Dutch, Swedish and Danish at
different points in history until
1665 when it was eventually
captured by British rule.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
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The Cape Coast castle is one of the biggest
slave trade castles in Ghana. Visitors can
explore the museum and tour the castle
grounds to see exactly where the slaves
were held captive hundreds of years ago.
Tourists who are interested in military history
can also visit Fort William, Fort Amsterdam
and Fort Victoria.
Not only is Cape Coast popular for its history
but it is also recognized for its culture. Cape
Coast is the capital city for the Fantes who
know the city as “Oguaa.” The Fante people
hold many festivals year-round, such as the
biennial Panafest theatre festival, the
Oguaaa Fetu Afahye harvest festival and the
Fetu festival.
While Cape Coast residents are not at
festivals, they attend some of Ghana's best
educational institutions such as Adisadel
College, Ghana National College and
Wesley Girls' High School.
The University of Cape Coast is the top
Research and Teaching University in Ghana
and is perhaps one of the few universities in
the world that overlooks the ocean. Ghana's
oldest secondary school is in downtown
Cape Coast.
Cape Coast's tall trees and diverse species
of mammals, birds, and insects also make it
a must-see for Ghanaian tourists who
appreciate wildlife as well as foreigners.
At the Kakum National Park, visitors can
walk on rope bridges as they peer down
upon elephants and canopies of some of
the tallest trees in the world.
At least, I call it adrenaline fun and I know,
you'll find it same after undertaking the
various activities including walking tours,
guided hikes, the canopy walk and even
bird watching.
The Assin Attadanso Resource Reserve is
also a must go if you want to see nature at
its best.
After seeing the sights, many tourists
choose to stay at the Hans Cottage Hotel,
which has a crocodile pond located right
beneath its restaurant so guests can dine
while they watch the crocodiles swim.
Other frequented hotels in Cape Coast are
the Elmina Beach Resort and the Coconut
Grove Hotel.
Should you choose to visit Cape Coast you
will likely be pleased with the variety of
attractions available to tourists. Its wildlife,
history and culture make Cape Coast one of
the most vibrant cities Ghana has to offer.

Valuing
Your
Trust

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
10
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grounds, and even seeing where the slave
were held in dungeons hundreds of years
ago.
Var
ious other top
Technical and
Secondary
Schools in the
Country are
located in
Oguaa. Some
top ones are
Adisadel
College, Ghana
Nati
onal College, Wesley
Girls' High School, Cape Coast Technical
Institute, Aggrey Memorial AME Secondary
School, St. Augustine College, and Holy
Child Secondary.
Mfantsipim School also known as THE
SCHOOL was the first secondary school in
Ghana and it is centrally located downtown
(Koto-Kruaba) Cape Coast.
Photo taken from kakum National park Cape
Coast.
It is an experience you won't want to miss,
not to mention the amazing views of the
Atlantic Ocean from the castle.
There are two other forts in Cape Coast that
are definitely worth visiting as well - Fort
William, Fort Amsterdam and Fort Victoria.
The Cape Coast Centre for National Culture
is another tourist attraction that you'll want to
take the time to visit too.
The Kakum National Park and the Assin
Attadanso Resource
Reser
ve are
When it comes to tourist attractions in
this beautiful city of culture and
history, you'll find that the Cape
Coast castle is a must see. It is
actually one of the biggest slave
trade castles in Ghana and
contains a very organized and
interesting historical museum as
well.
Enjoy the museum, touring the

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
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also a places to visit if you want to
appreciate nature at it's best. There are
exceptionally tall tress with a diverse species
of mammals, birds, and insects.
At Kakum park, about 30 minutes from the
town, you can walk on the rope constructed
bridges looking down the canopies of some
of the tallest trees in the world and admiring
the big mammals like elephants below. Its
like 'air walking' which is equivalent to the
Sky Walk of the Grand Canyon in Nevada.
a crocodile pond located right beneath the
restaurant. Eat and drink and watch
crocodiles at the same time, same place.
Where else can you see this?
Some of the Best Hotels in Cape Coast are
the Elmina Beach Resort and
the Coconut Grove Hotel.
Coconut Grove Beach Hotel, a very clean
beach
Adrenaline Fun is what I call it. I'm scared of
heights to death but I had a good time with
my friends, although my legs were shaking
throughout on the canopy ropes.
Now you know, Cape Coast has so many
things to boast of so don't forget to have a
glimpse of what its all about when you
discover Ghana my motherland.
Some of the activities these places offer are
walking tours, guided hiking, bird watching
and of course the almighty Canopy Walk.
On your way back, you can stop to dine or
refresh your self at Hans Cottage Hotel. This
is an all in one place, I mean they have bed
and breakfast rooms, bar and restaurant and

ADVERTS

HEALTH
13 WWW.NBGONG.NET
Sugar
is not just
Sugar
(Glucose vs. Fructose)
Glucose is the most common carbohydrate
and is found in most grains and starchy
vegetables. It is also known as blood sugar
as it circulates in the blood.
Fructose, or fruit sugar, is found in many
fruits and some vegetables. It is one of the
sugars that is absorbed directly into the
bloodstream during digestion. It can also be
found in honey, tree and vine fruits, flowers,
berries and most root vegetables. Fructose
is found in most soft drinks, and food
snacks as high-fructose corn-syrup.
You might think that they have the same effect
on your body but they don't:
Ÿ
Fructose is processed by the liver,
using insulin. This is done in small
a m o u n t s a n d a n y e x c e s s
unprocessed sugar is turned into fat.
So when you eat too many snacks containing
high-fructose corn-syrup like candy bars,
minerals, cake and ice cream, as you do
during festive seasons as this one, your body
can't process it..…and well, you, yes
you…you gain weight. Cut down on the
excessive intake of Do you want to know what
else? Please check next edition
Ÿ Glucose is turned into complex
carbohydrates or starch and either
turned into energy and used by the
body, or stored for later use.

OutSource the Leadership of
Your Family’s Health to the
Chiropractic and Wellness Centres
in 2012
Best Of the Seasons
0246 36 34 11
0244 36 36 25

HEALTH
15
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Healthy
Pregnancy
Ladies, if you've been pregnant, are pregnant or planning to
be pregnant, you know that the first trimester puts your system
into shock with all of the changes your body goes through.
Some of these include swollen joints, back pain, waist pain,
and muscular pain. But did you know that pregnancy can
also cause shifts in your spine and other body stresses that if
left unchecked, can cause long-term challenges.
During the period of pregnancy, there are several
physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in
preparation for creating the environment for the
developing baby. The following changes could result in a
misaligned spine or joints:
· Protruding abdomen and increased back curve
· Pelvic changes
· Postural adaptations
No worries though. You can alleviate these uncomfortable
symptoms encountered during pregnancy by using some
specialized procedures and techniques including:
· Gentle spinal adjustments
· Therapeutic exercises
· Stretching
· Soft tissue massage and mobilization
There are also subtle dietary changes and low impact
exercises.
Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another
reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy.
When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of
room available for the developing baby. This restriction is
called intrauterine constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also
make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible
position for delivery. This can affect the mother's ability to
have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior
positions can interfere with the natural ease of labor and
lead to interventions such as c-sections.
Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy
include:
· Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
· Controlling symptoms of nausea
· Reducing the time of labor and delivery
· Relieving back, neck or joint pain
· Prevent a potential cesarean delivery
Note that, the nervous system is the master communication
system to all the body systems including the reproductive
system. Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body
work more effectively. Get your spine checked now!

EVENT
WWW.NBGONG.NET
THE GERMAN SWISS
ACCRA- the German Swiss International
School (GSIS) held a holiday-themed
Bazaar last month to raise money for
Chance for Children. Attendees were first
greeted by Santa Claus then later had a
choice of various activities including
basketball, a kids' disco and a moon
bounce.
The Bazaar's raffle sold 100 tickets and
raised GHC 1,040 for Chance for
Children, a children's charity. The
organization helps street children to get
an education and professional training
hoping they will be able to support
themselves as adults. Teachers from GSIS
sometimes volunteer their time to the
organization.

Bazaar and fun filled day
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
GSIS, established in 1966 under a
different name, aims to provide a high
standard of education to the Germanspeaking
community. Recently it has
introduced a bilingual program which
has attracted international students
from the wider English-speaking
community.
The raffle's sponsors included JOY-FM,
the German and Swiss embassies,
Fiesta Royal Hotel and Emirates, who
donated an airline ticket to Dubai as
the winning prize. The winner said she
could hardly believe her luck since she
had purchased the second-to-last
ticket a minute prior to the raffle's start.

Mrs Esther Neniel-Purucker
(Winner of Emirates Ticket)

Billboard
Adver tising
Distributing Flyers
Streetlight
Advertising
Event
Coverage
3d
Signage
Branding
Nailing
Palight
Shop Front
Pasting Posters
Tel/Fax: +233 302 917522
+233 285 246513
Mobile: +233 20 443 1818
+233 24 478 8750
info@rhemanet.com
Hanging of Banners

SPORTS 20
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TIME WITH JOHN PAINTSIL
Black stars and Leicester city right full back John Paintsil has hinted a
possible move from English side Leicester city after aiding the team
qualify into the premiership.
One of the most capped players of the black stars, John Paintsil noted for
his devotion, commitment and dedication to football.
Paintsil a move to Fulham for a combined transfer fee of £6.3 Million, He
became a first team regular during the 2008–09 season, helping the
Cottagers to a record seventh place finish.
His performances improved as the season progressed and he retained a
regular starting place in the 2009–10 season.
In June 2011 new Fulham manager Martin Jol announced that Pantsil had
played his last game for Fulham and that he would not be returning for
the 2011–12 season, He was released by Fulham in June 2011.
Paintsil joined Leicester City on a free transfer, He became manager Sven-
Göran Eriksson's eighth signing of the summer.
“It was worth taking the decision to play for Leicester city because i
needed more playing time at a club and coach Eriksson gave me that
chance so now am there and things are going well I hope to win the
championship with them and then i will look at making a move, but for
now i am enjoying playing time at Leicester.”
john is also famous for his lap of honor at home matches will play a
key role in the stars fold.
rd
Having played in the 23 edition of the nations cup in Mali in 2002,
in Egypt in 2006, 2008 in Ghana where the nations placed third

ENTERTAINMENT 21
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Familiar Strangers
By Luckie Lawson

Premiere
www.nbgong.net

SEX & RELATIONSHIP
23
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HOW TO BE
MORE
ATTRACTIVE
TO YOUR
HUSBAND?
When your
husband was just your boyfriend and
you were eager to impress him, you
spent hours debating what to wear for a
date. You simply wanted to look your best
and nothing less would do. And when he
appreciated the effort and complimented
you, it was well worth it. Many women
complain that after settling into married life,
their husbands don't compliment them or
they don't get the same attention they
received when they were courting. But did
you ever stop and think whether you pay the
same attention to detail that you did when
you were dating? Women often get caught
up with juggling household responsibilities
and a career and often, dressing to get their
husband's approval doesn't really figure very
high on their list of priorities. Retaining your
allure(an attractive or tempting quality ) for
your partner and continuing to be attractive
to him isn't only about your physical
appearance. It goes beyond that
nightie
have an unkempt
look. That doesn't mean
you have to perform
household duties looking like
a glam doll. Before you get
caught up with the chores of the
day or sprucing up the house, take
some time to freshen up and make yourself
feel good. If you're a stay-at-home mom,
don't greet your husband when he comes
home with your youngest kid's spit-up
decorating your blouse. Take the time to
shower and look fresh for him when he
comes home to you.
ASK FOR HIS OPINION
When you're buying an outfit or debating on
what to wear, get his take on it. Let him
know you value his opinion and would like to
wear something that pleases him. Pander to
his taste and cater to his little fancies, at
least once in a while, and he will reward you
with an admiring glance and an approving
smile.
MAINTAIN YOURSELF
DON'T GET COMPLACENT
It is important not to get too laid back and
lounge around all day in pajamas or a
If you can, follow some kind of a fitness
regime. It doesn't have to be rigorous
exercise, or if you can't make the time for it,
even the gym. Try and carve out at least 20-

SEX & RELATIONSHIP
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30 minutes for a brisk walk that will
rejuvenate your senses and keep you in
shape. You don't have to look the way you
did when you married him, he won't mind a
little more of you to love, but you can try and
ensure you don't just let yourself go. If you
can't make the time to exercise, try and
maintain a healthy diet and cut back on a
few calories. Maintaining yourself physically
also contributes to your mental health, sense
of self-esteem and even to a more active sex
life, which is equally important in a good
marriage.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR
APPEARANCE
Spend a little time – and
money – on taking care
of your appearance.
We're not talking
cosmetic surgery
here. Just a little
pampering and beauty
treatment. Shape your
eyebrows or get a facial,
a French manicure or a
bikini line wax (or even a
Brazilian one if you're feeling
adventurous). Don't feel guilty for
spending on yourself occasionally and that
you have to justify it. Feeling good about
yourself and having your husband's full
attention on you is reason enough! You can
get beauty products of major brand names
like Revlon and Estee Laudor at a
substantial discount online if you got the
cash..but if you dont..u can be like
..NATURAL
Tease and tantalize him and make the first
move every little while. Your partner is
probably preoccupied with boardroom
tactics so it's about time you take over the
bedroom maneuvers .
SHARE INTERESTS
Instead of nagging him endlessly about
tinkering around with electrical gadgets or
wondering what is so fascinating about that
dumb soccer match - join him in his fun.
Show an interest in things that fascinate
him, so that he wants to share them
with you and doesn't have to
feel guilty about his
passions, but can enjoy
them with unadulterated
pleasure. Quite often,
when it comes to their
passions, men are
little boys in big
bodies. And just like
kids, they have to be
given a little attention
and should be
pandered to occasionally.
FIND HUMOUR / LAUGH
TOGETHER
Laughter, as always, keeps a relationship
alive. If a woman has the ability to find
humor in everyday situations and can share
a few laughs with her partner, it goes a long
way towards retaining the spark in a
relationship and increasing her allure to her
partner.
MAKE THE FIRST MOVE
Don't always wait for him to initiate sex.
HIS HAPPINESS IS IMPORTANT
When a woman indicates to her husband
that his happiness is of paramount

adverts

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importance to her, it makes him feel very
lucky to have her in his life. Having a
surprise party on his birthday, cooking his
favorite meals, buying him tickets to his
favorite rock show, or even buying a gift for
his mother (even if you don't get along)
because his happiness is what matters to
you, only serves to make a woman more
attractive to her husband.
SHOW THAT YOU CARE
Every single day, in some small way, show
your husband just how much he means to
you. Tell him you love him, when he's sick,
take care of him like a little child, pack his
lunchbox, hug him often and kiss him like
you can't get enough. Knowing that and
feeling like he's the object of your affection
will make him feel like a king and want to
always have you as his queen. (very
Important)
BUY SOMETING JUST 4 HIM
Occasionally buy a sexy negligee (a
woman's dressing gown made of light often
see-through fabric)
or a frothy bit of lingerie and let him know
you did it with him in mind. It will serve the
dual purpose of stimulating his visual (and
other) senses, and make him happy
knowing you did it just for him.
So many women are being abandoned by
their hubby without the above ... DON'T SAY
I DIDN'T WARN YOU...

LOVE DOCTOR
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Secrets
to Getting a
Man's Attention
Most ladies believe that there are miraculous
strategies are needed to be utilized in order
to capture the attention of that attractive and
intriguing man sitting across 'a so called
café.
What does it take to get a man's attention?
Well, it really depends on the situation. Some
men will enjoy an encounter with a flirtatious
lady while others are looking for intellectual
stimulation and a pleasant conversation.
If you want to be irresistible before guys, you
have to learn something about the art of
flirting. Knowing a bit more about this
psychology will help you to achieve the
desired goal, as well.
THE ART OF FLIRTING
Flirting is an art and something that you
need to master in order to get the attention
of any man to become interested in you
alone. The art of flirting is certainly not about
appearance. It involves body language and
knowing how to entice and get somebody
interested. Flirting is not about putting a
skimpy skirt in order to display your hot
ravishing feet. It focuses on hints and gentle
suggestions about what you have and what
you can offer in order to melt him.
Nevertheless, you should be able to make a
clear distinction between the enticing and
arrogance. Some flirts can turn into tasteless
displays. Be an adorable lady and simile
always. The key toward capturing a man's
attention is to make him expect something
more each time he sees you.
TAKE THE LEAD
We are living in a world of equality and I
believe this presents new array of
opportunities for especially single ladies.
Instead of waiting for him to ask you out,
you should go ahead and take the initiative.
Many men are enchanted by women who
know how to take the lead and are brave
enough to do so. This radiates confidence.
It is wrong to foolishly think that he has to be
the one who would make the first move? Go
across that night club and say 'hello'.
Chances are that he will be impressed by
your boldness and independence. Standing
out and doing something different from
other women is a great way to get noticed.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Self-confidence will help you get noticed.
You will never capture the attention of a man
by sitting modestly and waiting for someone
to discover you. Successful women know
what they are worth. They are capable of
assessing their strengths and shortcomings.
Confident women feel good in their skin and
it really shows.
Learn to love yourself and guys will begin to
notice you. Each woman has a number of
beautiful characteristics that deserve to be
praised. You are special and important. You
will get nowhere by having a feeling of
inferiority and intimidation by potential love
partners.

FASHIONISTA
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The
Fashion
Ghanaian
INDUSTRY
Brigitte Merki-Ibrahim (BM)
The Ghanaian fashion scene went through
phases last year. There were many exciting
developments in Ghana, such as the
Ghanaian designers that made it to the
African International fashion week in South
Africa, Vlisco fashion shows that encouraged
up and coming fashion designers to
showcase their talents, various smaller
fashion shows such as afro rock but to
name a few and many new brands
that popped up all over Ghana and
Africa in general. It is refreshing
to see how fashion shows have
become a staple of
launches and events
especially in Accra.
People follow
fashion
events

FASHIONISTA
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with enthusiasm now and also support new
designers eagerly.
Well established designers such as Joyce
Ababio, Kofi Ansah, Kwesi Nti , Ben Nonterah and
others have paved the way for new design labels
such as Christie Brown, Kiki clothing, Knaf
Couture, Jenuses Clothing , Mina Evans, Brigitte
Merki, and Pistis who in turn have also made way
for even newer and younger designers such as
Salimi Akill, Aya Morrison, Duaba Serwaa (Nelly
Aboagye) to name a few.
This tall list of designers from Ghana could go on
and on and on. There are many designers of
Ghanaian origin that are also making their mark
outside Ghana such as Oswald Boating, Sika
designs, Mimi Plange, Danielle and Chantelle
Dwomoh-Piper (DPiper Twins).
It is amazing how the demand for African fashion
has grown over the last five years. From fashion
weeks across Africa to websites dedicated to
African fashion to fashion magazines and even
blogs all about African designers and fashion,
African couture promises to take the world by
storm. It is refreshing to note that people are
interested in Ghanaian designers and what they
have to offer by way of contribution to the global
fashion industry.
But despite the progress being made in the
fashion industry, there still appears a total lack of
understanding about who a designer is and what
he or she does. It is sad that designers still have
to contend with the public thinking of them as
seamstresses or worst tailors.
BM
BRIGITTE MERKI
31 Olusegun
Obasanjo way Dzorwulu
(opposite plant pool)
www.brigittemerki.com
+233 244 213 736

FASHIONISTA 30
WWW.NBGONG.NET

FASHIONISTA
31
WWW.NBGONG.NET
It must be noted that it is not the designers' job
to accept fabrics from customers, to having to do
things such as cutting, sewing and to the menial
ones as hemming. Per the title of design on them,
designers simply design collections.
The ambition to be a designer is all well and good
but it takes more than just wishes. It is not just a
glamorous job; it is also very demanding and
requires hard work, dedication and above all
talent; though that can be remedied with
education. What you lack for in talent can always
be made up for in fashion school. Formal training
apart from equipping a designer with the requisite
skill to do a great job also helps the designer to
understand garment construction in detail,
pattern drafting and pattern work, foundations of
design and colour to the point of handling clients
well.
Where is the dignity and pride of some
designers!!!? It's no surprise then that the public
is still at a loss as to the difference between a
designer and seamstress or tailor!
To end on a high note, I love my work and I feel
inspired anew every day. However, Ghana is a
challenging environment to work in and
sometimes I'd rather just give up, stay home with
my kids and appreciate the simple pleasures of
life but my passion for fashion runs deep and I
love a challenge.
It is all well and good to be endowed with talent
as fashion is an artistic and creative field, but it
will be most unwise to underestimate the power
of a good education since that can hone your
skills. Having the idea for a piece of couture is
good, designers, but attention must be paid to
the finish. A great finishing can add a lot of value
to couture whereas a poor one can devalue it
greatly.
Designers have the honour of ensuring standards
in their field through the execution of their job. To
be able to compete on the global front, Ghanaian
designers have to create a healthy field of
competing with themselves first. It would be
create for each Ghanaian designer to be
identified with their own unique artistic styles. This
in my opinion will end the situation where other
designers replicate unique styles of others for
much less than the actual cost.

Magazine
www.nbgong.net
Now in Lagos
VI
Lekki

JOKES
33
WWW.NBGONG.NET
BE SURE TO PRINT OUT THIS PAGE
FOR REFERENCE AND GUIDANCE IN
YOUR JOURNEY OF THE WORLD OF
MARKETING.
1. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her
and say: "I am very rich. Marry me!" - That's Direct
Marketing
2. You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a
gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes up to her and
pointing at you says: "He's very rich. Marry him." - That's
Advertising
3. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her
and get her telephone number. The next day, you call
and say: "Hi, I'm very rich. Marry me." - That's
Telemarketing
IT WAS A MISTAKE
A father barges into a young man's house...
Father: so you are the man who impregnated
my daughter?
Young man: I am sorry sir, it was a mistake
Father: It was a mistake? Is that what you are
telling me? By the time I finish with
you, When you see a woman you will
dig ground and enter
Young man: Anyway sir, I purposed in my heart to
give to the grandfather of the unborn
baby a hundred thousand dollars if the
lady gives birth to a girl
Father: my future son-in-law, are you serious
Young man: very serious sir
Father: so how much will you give me if she
gives birth to a boy?
Young man: very simple, I will double the money
Father: hm! My time has come. So, what of if
she gives birth to a set of twins?
Young man: very simple, I will triple the money. But,
can I also ask you a question?
Father: feel free my future son-in-law
Young man: what of if there is miscarriage?
Father: very simple, YOU WILL REPEAT THE
MISTAKE.
4. You're at a party and see gorgeous girl. You get up
and straighten your tie, you walk up to her and pour her
a drink, you open the door (of the car)for her, pick up
her bag after she drops it, offer her ride and then say:
By the way, I'm rich. Will you marry me?" - That's Public
Relations
5. You're at a party and see gorgeous girl. She walks up
to you and
says: You are very rich! Can you marry ! me?" - That's
Brand Recognition
6. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her
and say:
I am very rich. Marry me!" She gives you a nice hard
slap on your face. - That's Customer Feedback
7. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her
and say:
"I am very rich. Marry me!" And she introduces you to
her husband. - That's demand and supply gap
8. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her
and before
you say anything, another person come and tell her:
"I'm rich. Will you
marry me?" and she goes with him - That's competition
eati ng into your
market share
9. You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to her
and before
you say: "I'm rich, Marry me!" your wife arrives. - That's
restriction for entering new markets

SECURITY TIPS
34
WWW.NBGONG.NET
SECURITY
TIPS
Be sure your outside doors have deadbolt
locks. Grills over the windows are useless
unless they are actually set into the concrete
around the window, rather than screwed or
plastered into place. Many of you will be
provided with housing by your employer. It is
important to check with your employer if there
is a security officer and organize a meeting for
a house inspection and security briefing for
the whole family.
If a house is not provided and you are
responsible for finding your own home, check
with your employer to help you find a good
estate agent. They will be able to provide you
with details related to neighbourhood access
to schools and shops. Once the house of your
dreams is found, it would be advisable to
contact a security company to discuss
security measures and do a house
inspection. Do not hesitate to talk to the
landlord about security measures that you
would like to see installed. Below is a
standard list of security measures that can be
checked when visiting a house:
Perimeter wall and fencing. Look for
spikes, barbed wire, glass shards, etc.
Secured gate, good dead bolt lock.
Solid doors and good locks.
Grills over windows and doors.
If there is a pool, is it safe for children
and visitors.
Remember that guard dogs are often
the best security.
Give them a strong tug to check; they
shouldn't move. Change locks when you
move into a house and keep close control
over who gets copies of keys. Sliding glass
doors can be secured by either drilling holes
through the frames and inserting a nail, or
placing something like a broomstick in the
track behind the door.
Lock fuse boxes and electrical panels.
Solid wooden front doors, peepholes, and
intercoms are suggested for further security.
Never leave keys in locks, especially near
windows.
It is also suggested that you use caution
regarding what your staff knows about your
safety precautions—for example, where your
safe is and where money and valuables are
kept. It is important to be careful as to who is
allowed inside your house; casual visitors with
your staff and door-to-door vendors may use
the opportunity to "case the joint." Also, many
break-ins occur after workmen have been in
your house.
Emergency Police number is 191.
Office: 030 2228112, 030 2773900

SPORTS
35
WWW.NBGONG.NET
Ghana Soccer:
aTale
Mirage
or
?
Joel Acheampong
friends wearing Hearts of Oak paraphernalia,
Casting my mind back to the glorious days when and next to us were some fans of the opposing
our local league drew a large enthusiastic team, Great Olympics. You can just imagine the
President Nkrumah at the stadium
following compared to that of today's, my heart
aches and I beg to differ that something better be
done to save the state of the local soccer
community than rather adjust the mere theoretical
framework.
I yearn today to watch a nail biting game of
soccer at the stadium with the same spirit that
existed during my childhood.
I recall one Sunday after church, 12-years old at
the time, I was whisked away by my Uncle Willie
who is a diehard Phobia fan. We went to a local
joint to enjoy the traditional Sunday omo tuo "rice
balls" with pea nut soup. With us came some
cat calls and brags from each one of our mouths!
The game was a local derby and a league
decider between these two city rivals of the
Premier League.
Approaching the stadium brought astonishment
through my young eyes. A stadium packed with
screaming fans to witness a historic match
between rivals. I was a grasshopper in the midst
of giants. I remember being in the Osu stand
gazing down at the soccer stars as they entered
onto the lush green field to warm up. The chants
of my team's fight song still resonate in my head,

SPORTS
36
WWW.NBGONG.NET
"Arose! Arose! Arose! Be quiet and cheer us up!
We are the famous Hearts of Oak! We never say
die!”
Fifteen years later that day still remains fresh in
my memory. Now matured and a sports journalist,
I look back on the era and am tempted to label
the transformation over the years as a paradigm
shift. It's a shift from a time where soccer was
once cherished and loved by all to a time when
fans are few and scarce.
Who, how and what kind of turn has our league
negotiated in its hay days?
A lack luster you might want to call it but the local
league has birthed several players who are now
Yartey "Beyieba" in defense, the clinical finisher
Ismael Addo and a certain Charles Taylor. You
wouldn't want to miss either a mid-week or a live
Sunday match game at the Accra sports
stadium.
Can we now cast our minds back and say our
league has come of age?
A part of me without a doubt says yes but the
other part is hesitant to affirm the question. I say
yes noting a recent competition where an underdog
team upset a big poster club. The
unexpected winners, the Dormaa Aduana Stars,
certainly did their homework coming in as a
debutant of the league to clinch a title. But even
more incredible was when a Bechem-based
engaged in the higher echelons of the game.
They come from other countries that have
intensified their game skills.
But can the same be said of our league that a
chunk of the stars have emerged from? I
remember how fans would throng the stadium to
watch a player noted for a particular talent. The
fans would clap and scream for a team's great
skills in soccer but now the magic wand seems to
have withered.
In my early days in the world of sports, I followed
the soccer circles in Ghana. Because of my love
for the Accra Hearts of Oak, I can, even to this
day, list the starting five players: Ali Jarah was in
post, Jacob Nettey was solidly manning the
defense, midfield marshal Copson, Ishmeal
Chelsea also came in and against all odds won
a title.
The days of Hearts and Kotoko are over for the
Premier league, and without these teams to
comprise the crème de la crème of Ghana
soccer, we can no longer lay claim to them with
the billings of big poster names with the big
shots.
Not until recently was it the once great old lady in
Ghana soccer, (if I am permitted to use such
phrasing) Hearts of Oak, launched its centenary
celebrations. An old bird whispered to me and
said, 'should Hearts not consult the god of
soccer to shower a favor on them?' After a rather
unfortunate match in Italy to Juventus, the team
was exactly 100 years old. It was then that the
team encountered a rather disappointing season

ADVERTS

of bribery allegations, docked points and a
relegation to Serie "B" though defending the Serie
"A"...' I just gave a sigh and told the old bird I
wished not!
This brings me to mention the Kotoko club- with
its many record-winning seasons; it is another
team that is unable to retain its previous
excellence. The team failed to defend the 2008-
2009 league title when it lost to its rivals, the
Hearts. Since then, Kotoko has only gone
downhill. The team refused to play in a game
when it discovered the opposing team was
wearing similar colors to the league game.
The orientation of these blossoming teams
doesn't come close to the education of achieved
clubs and prominent teams like Liberty
Professionals who since its entrance into the
league has lived up to maintained the motto
“simply the best.”
To bring back the overflowing support of the once
loved league, I believe the governing bodies
responsible for running the affairs of our league
need to take notice. We can start from the
grassroots to the top flight.
But would we blame Kotoko's downfall only on
the performance and attitude of the team on and
off the field? The answer is no. It is a response
that transcends the administrative body of soccer
to the technical team.
If a poorly-structured club emerges while most of
the teams in the league are thriving, that new
team will be cut short.

RECIPE
39
WWW.NBGONG.NET
Cracker Barrel
Pumpkin Custard
N' Ginger Snaps
Has to be one of my favorite recipes that I
have tried this fall. Pumpkin is a wonderful
flavor of the fall. I honestly don't know why
we don't prepare more dishes with pumpkin.
Pumpkin can be made sweet or savory. This
dish is wonderfully complex and you can
prepare this in individual custard dishes, or
you can make it in a larger dish and serve
this one family style.
If you have never made a custard before,
don't let this stop you from trying this recipe.
Custard making isn't too complicated. You
will need to cook this custard on the stove
top in a double boiler before baking this in
the oven. If you don't have a fancy double
boiler simply take a medium size pot fill it
until you have a couple of inches of water in
the pot, and place a glass bowl on top.
Cracker Barrel Pumpkin Custard N' Ginger
Snaps
Author: CopyKat Recipes
Recipe Type: Dessert, Seasonal
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 hr 5 min
Serves: 8
Enjoy this sweet creamy custard that is
topped with ginger snap cookie crumbs, and
a pumpkin pie spice infused whipped
cream.

DIRECTORY
LISTINGS
Chiropractic & Wellness
Centres East Legon
+233 246 363 411
+233 244 363 625
8pm / Cave and Gardens
Coca cola Round About
+233 (0) 244 338 029
E-mail : info@caveandgarden.net
Nessie’s Cottage
Adjacent Prudential Bank
Spintex Road Branch, Accra
+233 244 279 258
+233 202 955 556
Making and removal of tattos
Adjacent peace FM Abeka junction
+233 302 245 681
+233 244 233 618
Alisa Hotel
Tel: 030214233/214244
email:northridge@alisahotels.com
Fax:0302 232619
Oak Plaza Hotel
Tel: 0302518846/518847
info@oakplazahotel.com
Novotel, Accra
Tel: 0302 667456/667533
reservation@accrahotel.com
Hisense Ghana Ltd
Adjacent Ghana link
Gbewaa Junction,
East Legon Accra
Tel: +233(0)302 543303 / 555.
E-mail: info@hisense.com.gh
www.hisense.com.gh.
Trasacco Estate Dev. Co
Tel: 0302 7012332/2012262/3
info@trasaccovaley.com

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