When Micro-Narratives are Written by Coverage of a Collapsed Building in Accra

This morning, I was still in my pyjamas when I caught the electrifying speech of newly-re-elected President of the United States Barack Obama. Little did one know that a few hours later--right here in Accra--a narrative would be written,opening up a whole new debate about the country and its attention to regulation--or lack thereof. Coming a few weeks before our general election on 7 December, one can only hope it pricks the consciences of the policy-makers and those who run the Accra metropolis day-by-day. Pictures taken by a facebooker Kobby Blay are posted below to give a sense of the impact.

I cannot help but end with what Journalist at Graphic Communications Samuel K Obour stated on his Facebook status earlier today:

Samuel K. Obour

about an hour ago

I began the day with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement, but news of the Melcom building collapse has left me devastated and confused. It's indeed been a terrible day.
I join other well-meaning Ghanaians in praying for souls of those who died in this disaster. 

I especially pray for strength for bereaved families.

Going forward, we must ensure, as progressive Ghanaians, that all necessary measures are taken to rigorously and fully investigate this disaster, and that decisive punitive action is taken against those found to have contributed directly or indirectly to it.
Never again must we experience such a catastrophe in this country.
God bless our homeland Ghana.

If God can bless the USA, God will certainly bless Ghana, too. 

As you look for #Melcolmcollapse on social media, please keep checking http://www.citifmonline.com  for dedicating special news sections on-air and online to the tragedy.

Sneda or Melcom? CHINA** & INDIA's contribution to Ghana, or a Tale of How Ghanaians Love to Shop!

To the left is Sneda shopping centre; to the right is Melcom. Both are perhaps a by-word for retail shopping in Ghana. That they have been around for many years only adds up to the credibility they have built in Ghana as one place "to-shop".

Sneda's website is a non-starter; it's just a page, which you can find here: http://www.localyte.com/attraction/20656--sneda-shopping-centre--Ghana--Greater%2BAccra--Accra. Conversely, Melcom's site promises to be big, but has not gone to be big yet. Here is the link: http://www.melcomgroup.com/melcom/html/index.html

These stores can be found all over the country, but, interestingly, never have I found the  two so closely to each other. Sneda came first, but probably did not anticipate MELCOM's. Still the famed Spintex Road, from where I took this picture, offers significant potential for custom.

Four months after I took this picture, you should come and take a look at how they both have changed: SNEDA now has a clean, beige, minimalist look and feel at its entrance, whereas MELCOM is offering more competition by adding "MELCOM PLUS" to its regular store.

If you're ever in Ghana, or the capital--Accra--pass by and compare prices. If you don't like the quality, you know what you can do, don't you? Blog about it!!

Make your weekend nice and safe!

**correction: SNEDA is, in fact, Chinese. A facebook friend pointed it out to me. Don't get me started on the BRICs!;-)

From an Open Road in Accra...

Check out the placard to the left of this picture...Melcom is a Indian**-owned shop, where you can buy home appliances, and quality goods. They claim "where quality costs less", and have been running a month-running ad, using the song with the lyrics "tempted to touch, tempted to touch...". They've substituted it to the naff lyrics of "melcom, where quality costs le------------sss. tempted to touch, tempted to touch...". You get the picture, I guess?:-))


...to standby-traffic on a cool, Monday morning, where an opportunistic newspaper vendor plies his trade.

Yep, he caught me taking a pic! Sue me, dude!:-)

**correction was thanks to a keen eye who emailed me the correction on 11/4/07!