Oil city

m a g a z i n e
VOL 2 / issue3

Dialogue, 2003, Acrylic on Canvas, 43 1/8 x 62 1/2 (109.5 x 159 cm.) Read about Rikky Wemega - Kwawu on pages 18 and 19

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Oil city
magazine
Executive editor Sub editor Graphic design, photography, & ad development Marketing

EditoriaL

team

OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS WEBSITES: wwwwww.yfmghana.com www.westafrican-rescue.com www.gmaworld.com www.aximbeach.com www.okaccra.com www.africabeachhotel.com www.africanrainbowresor t.com www.egyamorphanage.com www.alliancefrancaiseghana.com www.ctslafrica.com www.akoscontinentalhotelgh.com www.ezilebay.com www.busuainn.com

Akwaaba! The cover of this, our seventh issue, reflects the many faces and places, colours and stories, which make up our vibrant city of Sekondi-Takoradi. Inside we bring you stories about some of the talented people in our midst and the diverse activities going on around us. We talk to local artist Rikki Wemega-Kwawu about his work which features in collections all over the world; take a look at Ghanas first international scuba diving centre now operating in the Western Region; visit Princes Town to explore the only slave fort in Ghana with Germanic connections; and check out a few Tadi social functions. Happy reading and dont forget to look us up on Facebook.

Evangeline Smith Teresa Lucia Spike, Lucia & Rahman

CONTACT Phone +233 (0) 545 29 45 67 (Lucia) E-mail magazine@oilcityghana.com Website www.oilcityghana.com Facebook OILcity magazine DISTRIBUTION
Takoradi:

THANKS TO THE CONTRIBUTORS: Bristow Irrita Raismaa

Evangeline Smith
Executive editor

Mantse Aryeequaye Kwesi Black Dr Lynda Decker Carolina Melisa

Cover page Thanks to Felicia Ankrah for being a model for a moment

Oil sector offices and staff houses & Spikes Champs Sports bar Tillys Sahara Scoops Captain Hooks Airport Africa Beach Hotel Han Palace WARA
Accra:

Venus, Osu Alliance Francaise Galaxy, A&C shopping mall WARA

Printed by TYPE

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14

Michele Melega Acting is getting paid to have fun

contents

30

Takoradi corporate tournament

26

Fort Groot Friedrichsburg

aradise by the sea in Takoradis Beach Road with easy access to the city centre, is the Africa Beach Hotel. This well-appointed resort has magnificent views across the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Amenities include a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. All rooms have private bathrooms and showers, radio, TV, room service, airconditioning, free high speed wireless Internet access and same day laundry and dry cleaning service . Theres also a small meeting room available. Visit our website: africabeachhotel.com call us on +233 31 202 5148 or email: info@africabeachhotel.com/contact@ africabeachhotel.com

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30 18 Takoradis Watching
Riki Wemegagrowth Kwawu Art around us

Helicopter 101

24

Photo competition

Africa Beach

pradise by the sea

13

Diving out west

16

Chale Wote street art festival

OilCityMagazine

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Helicopter 101
The speed limit for helicopters is 145 knots per hour (airspeed). This measures how fast it is travelling through the air, not how fast it is travelling over the ground. For example, if the head wind is 80 knots and the indicated airspeed is 80 knots the aircraft is standing still. The ground speed is measured by GPS. Helicopter cannot fly higher then 8000ft.

The fuel required is calculated based on destination and conditions of the day (bad weather takes more fuel in case a diversion is required). Payload (how many passengers/baggage) can then be calculated.

Passengers weight and passengers luggage weight is checked before the flight takes off from Takoradi airport. Prior to each flight every passenger must go through security screening and immigration checks at both sides - the airport and the rig. The passengers are required to view a safety briefing video before each and every flight, even if the passenger returns the same day.

elicopters are a common sight these days in the skies around Takoradi, another sign of the developing oil and gas industry. Bristow Helicopters is one of three helicopter companies currently operating here. The companys fleet of Sikorsky 76s is easily recognizable by its blue, red and white livery. Bristow, which has its head office in Houston, Texas, is one of the worlds largest providers of helicopter services and was the first civil helicopter company to work in the oil and gas industry. Today it specializes in the movement of personnel to offshore production platforms and drilling rigs including those in the Western Region. The company is committed to a long-term association with Ghana with plans to train local staff in the various occupations required for its operations. The Chief Engineer David Coady and Chief Pilot Martin Bull at the Takoradi base say while helicopter technology continues to evolve there is great emphasis these days, by both companies and customers, on safety features. David Coady says their helicopters operate under rigorous safety measures as they must be compliant not just with Ghana Civil Aviation regulations but also with oil industry standards and with European aviation legislation as their helicopters are UK registered. In other countries where Bristow operates it provides Search and Rescue services and emergency services as required alongside its passenger services. It also contributed assistance to the response to the massive oil spill in Gulf of Mexico last year. While flying in helicopters retains an aura of glamour for those of us who do not do it every day it is routine for the pilots; however, for those in the Western Region theres the consolation that its not unheard of to get a birds eye view of a whale!

Weather report is given from the Takoradi airport tower every morning detailing wind, visibility, pressure and rain at Takoradi air force base. A weather report is also obtained from the destination(rig)before each flight.

Put the yellow fuel select levers in position to open fuel supply to engines. Push stat button on the black engine control levers to start the engines. Switch on the electricical power both AC(alternating current) and DC(direct current). Both engine temperatures, speed and torque levels. Weather radar is scanning the clouds ahead e.g. red means heavy rain. Artificial horizon shows the altitude of the aircraft Six radios working on different frequencies Four VHF - two for navigation and two for communication. One radio for ADF (automatic direction finder) and one for transponder.

There are always two pilots during the flight in the cockpit, purely for safety reasons. The captain sits on the right with co-pilot on the left. Normally the captain takes care of the flying and co-pilot takes care of the radios.

Temperature in the cockpit depends on the outside temperature and ventilation fan. The aircraft is equipped with autopilot. The main purpose of this is to reduce the pilots workload.

GPS shows the time to destination, distance to destination and direction.

Cyclic lever controls helicopter in four directions (pitch forward and back and roll left and right).

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OilCity Magaz ine

Collective lever moves helicopter up and down. www.oilcityghana.com

11

Axim beach hotel

Welcome to Axim Beach Hotel! The Hotel is situated directly on a sun-drenched tropical beach and offers guests total relaxation. The Hotel provides traditional Ghanaian style accommodation with modern facilities and genuine local hospitality. Come and enjoy our magnificent long sandy beach, delicious fresh food and the African way of life. Axim beach is situated on the coast near the tropical rain forest of Ghanas Western region, 270 km from Accra and 55 km from the port of Takoradi. P.O. Box 180 Axim Ghana VISA, MasterCard and American Express accepted - no surcharges. Telephone: 00233-342-22260 or 00233-31-92397 Fax: 00233-342-22706 Mobile: 00233-24-4885920 or 00233-24-3211068 00233-20-8188772, 00233-20-8121753 or 00233-27-5557449

Diving
G
hanas first international dive centre is now open at Miemia just a 90 minute drive from Takoradi.

outwest

e-mail: info@aximbeach.com www. aximbeach.com

Kedas Lodge is both PADI and VIST compliant and offers diving opportunities for beginners through to the more experienced. Dive Centre Managers, Silvia Steffens and Michael Vegelahn, say one of the great things about diving in the Western Region is that the underwater life is unaccustomed to seeing divers so the fish are as curious about the divers as the divers are about them. Fish here dont know divers and they arent shy. Well be swimming along, see a school of red snapper passing by and when they spot us they come back for another look to check us out. Other sights to be seen include huge barracuda up to 1.5 m long, butterfly fish, parrot fish, sepia fish, lobsters, sea horses, unusual spider crabs with blue and yellow colouring, moray eels, colourful snails and octopus. There are courses and guided dives suitable for everyone including children, with the dive season running from August through to March. Alongside diving Kedas offers a wide variety of activities in the water and around. The Lodge rents out snorkelling equipment, fishing rods, jet skis, kayaks and a small Zodiac for kids. There are whale watching trips from August to November when you can see humpback whales close at hand as they rear their calves in the bay. Guided tours to Nzulezo stilt village, Ankasa Conservation Area, nearby slave forts and other attractions can be arranged, as can trips in local fishing boats. Accommodation is also available and the Lodge has a restaurant and bar. Kedas works closely with the neighbouring village employing most staff members locally. For more information visit the website: http://www. kedaslodge.com or Kedas Facebook page: Kedas Lodge and Watersport-Center.

ACCOMODATION Prices range from $10 (budget single room) up to $180 USD for a beautiful family villa. All prices include breakfast and VAT. Extra guests - $10 per person. No charge for children under six years of age During the high season an additional 20% is added to the room rate. SPA Axim Beach Hotel is excited to announce that it will be adding a new service to its guests. The hotel will soon start providing traditional massage and relaxation therapies. Please check our website for updates on these services.

ANNUAL ACTIVITIES Christmas and New Year 20th December 2nd January Activities include beach party, buffet and barbecues, beach bonfire, traditional drumming and dancing and fire works. Easter Thursday Tuesday Activities include beach party, buffet and barbecues, beach bonfire and traditional drumming and dancing. Kundum Festival Every August, please check exact dates with Reception. Traditional African night with local cuisine, drumming and dancing. HOW TO GET TO AXIM Axim is located 55 kilometres west of Takoradi. Keep following the coast road through Agona and Abora and follow the signs and turn-off to Axim. Driving time is approximately one hour from Takoradi. If taking public transport from Accra, purchase a ticket at STC bus station on Ring Road - Accra to Takoradi. Distance from Accra to Takoradi is 220 kilometres and takes approximately three hours. From Takoradi take a mini bus or taxi to Axim. Upon approaching Axim, there are directional signboards to the hotel.

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13

hat made you act? I was always fascinated by acting and began with roles in high school theatre. I was determined to go on to the National Academy of Dramatic Arts in Rome but many people apply every year and only a few can actually get there. I tried to get in three times before I was finally successful with my fourth application. After finishing I started in the theatre followed by some small

How do you manage to cry in front of the camera? When you study acting, they teach you how to use your voice properly and techniques how to cry, laugh and live with the emotions of people. Techniques are not enough though, there must be natural talent and you must study body language, how people respond to different emotions. Acting is like a game but it must look natural to pull the audience in. When you cry in a movie, you really cry. You need to think of the saddest moment of your life and use it for that particular scene. So you are going through two realities, that of acting and your own. You are using your own life which is creating the groundwork. Stanislavsky was a famous actor responsible for the Stanislavsky method which is emotional recall. I use this too. Its like you have a drawer with memories, connected to emotions, and once you need to be happy or sad you pick one memory and use it. You think of your most painful or most happy moments and use them. What about movie scenes in which you are killed, how are they done? There is a saying that if you die in the movie, it will bring you luck as an actor - I have died in a couple of movies! You have a pill in your mouth which you bite if you are shot in the head. It releases fruity red liquid so it looks as if blood comes out of your mouth. Do you think its true that we tend only to like movies in which we can see ourselves? We all want to recognize the feelings in the movie that we feel ourselves. If you dont have empathy with the character, then you wont find it interesting. If you have a feeling that the movie is trying to fool you you wont accept it. Last century movies were more theatrical and exaggerated. Now acting is as natural as possible. Would you like to act in a Ghanaian movie? I would LOVE to act in a Ghanaian movie, I would love to. I have lived in Ghana for a couple of years but havent met any movie makers or producers yet. I think I have limited options in Ghanaian movies, as Im European. Maybe, if there was a cross cultural movie I could be in that. What brought you to Ghana? I married my Ghanaian wife when I was studying Arabic in Egypt. Our son was born and three years later, in 2008, we moved to Ghana. Since then we havent left again. Occasionally I would travel, if an opportunity for a small role arose, but my family is here so I would not leave them for long time alone. We lived in Takoradi and I really came to like the city. Now that we live in Accra I miss it. In Takoradi it is easy to make friends. www.oilcityghana.com

roles in television series then eventually a role in my first movie which was A Man in Love made in 1987. Which countries have you worked in and how do you cope with the different languages required? A nice part of the job is you do loads of travelling. Ive been to Canada, Spain, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Morocco. Youre paid to do something which is fun! In films you are in a team. You start a project together, you meet lots of interesting people and you make friends. I studied Arabic in Egypt, and lived there for three years. I even acted in Arabic in a theatre which taught me a lot. Sometimes in acting you might prefer to change a word to make a speech suit you more and to be more natural. However, if its not your language you cant change anything. I speak six languages: Arabic, English, Italian, French, Danish, and German. Often actors from different countries are acting together. The movie will then be done in the most common language and dubbed for other countries. Lots of people know you in Takoradi but they dont know youre an actor. Why not? Not all actors are funny, crazy, extrovert people, some can be shy. When I speak in public I am still shy but acting is different, you take on the mask of the character which protects you.

STARS
l o v e
Michele Melega

G h a n a

If someone said that the quiet Italian sitting beside you in a Takoradi bar was a movie star, would you believe it? Well, its true! While many people in Takoradi would reconize Michele Melaga as a familar face around town almost noone knows that millions of people all over the world have seen him on the big screen. Hes played a range of characters in films and television dramas with his most recent role being that of a chemist in the 2009 film Duplicity starring Julia Roberts.

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ith only three months to plan and a limited budget, more than a dozen young creative professionals rolled up their sleeves and got to work on the largest free urban festival ever to hit Accra. The result: a 12-hour fantastic street maze of live action art stretching from the Mantse Agbonaa to the old Kings Way involving buildinggraffiti + street painting, bike/skateboard/rollerblade street stuntin parties, art installations, experimental theatre, a fashion circus, drumfunkbass music, spoken word and a live music concertnever before seen on this scale in James Town.

Put some paint where it aint:

the Chale Wote Street Art Festival

he first ever Chale Wote Street Art Festival took place in July and was a hugh success due to the fact that those who shared the first simple idea then got behind it with teamwork and artistic talent. The idea began at a talk party in Osu back in March. The monthly discussion series is hosted by Accra [dot] Alt, a multimedia group that promotes alternative arts and culture in Ghana. We were tired of talking about change. It was time to take action and generate a viable economy for art in this city. Chale Wote is now well on its way to making Accra a cultural hotbed and international destination, says filmmaker and Accra [dot] Alt coordinator, Mantse Aryeequaye.

Photograpy by Kwesi Black

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An interview with

Rikki Wemega-Kwawu
Art around us
FisHinG boats, AdinKra, durbars and pHone cards are Just some of tHe inspiration TaKoradi artist RiKKi WemeGa-Kwawu draws from eVerYdaY life and tHe people around Him.

and passion of my people: their joys, their sufferings, their moods, their aspirations and their destinies. I am very much interested in the activity of light in three dimensional space and how best to render such imagery in a two dimensional painting. In his abstract works he says he tries to find visual imagery to deal with the magicomystical realities of the African spiritual and religious world. The thoughts of my people: their philosophies, sensibilities and values, their mode of worship, that which they believe in and which guides their dayto-day living. As a painter, it is incumbent upon me to make known the thoughts of my people, to portray the lasting manifold spirit of Africa. I am seeking, therefore, an art of spiritual regeneration, to try to get to Africa, show how it is experienced and felt in totality. My work invariably, has something to say in search of a modern visual expression of religious meaning. In 2007, Rikki assembled around 4000 used pre-paid mobile phone cards in an installation titled, Kente for the Space Age. The cards came from various countries including, Malaysia, the United States and the United Kingdom, though most were from Ghana. They were woven together with plastic twine in a syncopated rhythm, mimicking the vibrant colours and compositional design of the traditional Ghanaian kente cloth. The work has displayed to much critical acclaim in major exhibitions in the UK, USA, South Africa, The Netherlands and Germany. Rikki is keenly interested in Adinkra and other African writing systems and has incorporated this widely in his work. A key influence in this area has been the Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl G. Jung, and his idea of the Common Unconscious or Universal Mind which connects us all no matter where we come from. As Rikki puts it, A person from Germany responds to an Adinkra even if they have no understanding of the metaphor it portrays which a Ghanaian can read. Symbols and art can speak to us all no matter what our different languages or cultural heritage are.

is work features in collections around the world with one of his most recent commissions being a set of works for the prestigious new Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

Growing up in Sekondi-Takoradi, Rikki says he enjoyed painting from an early age and, as he puts it, bugged my parents to buy me watercolours. When other boys were busy playing football he and a group of friends painted together.

Kente for the Space Age, 2007 (detail), Used phone cards and plastic twine

Later, at high school, Rikki decided to apply for engineering schools in the United States, thinking that it might be possible there to gain an engineering qualification while also pursuing his art interests. When application forms called for information about the applicants extracurricular activities he would send off a couple of paintings with the form to show where his interests lay. Staff at one school in Illinois The thoughts of my people: were so taken with his work they displayed it on their their philosophies, sensibilities walls where it caught the eye of African-American art and values, their mode of worship, that which they believe in and which dealer Ronnel Walton. So impressed was he that he guides their day-to-day living. contacted Rikki directly and sent him three suitcases of art supplies, some of which he still uses today. Walton then visited Takoradi himself bringing more supplies and suggested that Rikki should take up a position as an art teacher at a private school in America. Visa problems put paid to both that idea and engineering studies but, passionate as he was about art, Rikki decided to educate himself. He visited libraries all over Ghana reading extensively about art, history and philosophy through which he realized that many world-renown artists, Picasso to name but one, never completed formal art studies. From then on he made painting his lifes work and over the years has developed an international following. In 1998 he was accepted into an advanced course at the prestigious Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, USA, an honour usually only bestowed on those with post-graduate academic qualifications in art. Working in oil, acrylic and sometimes in other media Rikki is equally comfortable in abstract or pictorial methods. My realistic works are characterized by humanistic tendencies. I am stimulated by life around me; people, landscapes, figure in landscape and natural forms. I capture the rhythm, heartbeat

Drum Appellation, 2005, Acrylic on Canvas

You can find more information about Rikkis work on www.facebook.com - Rikki Wemega-Kwawu

Royal Umbrellas, 2010, Acrylic on Canvas

Ashanti Saga, 2005, Oil on Canvas

Just One Day, 2003, Oil on Canvas

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balance
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All new in takoradi

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Hair types - Brazilian - Remy - Indian - Milky way - chocolate - Janet Products and Services - brading - weaves - blow driyng - colouring - BIO oils - sleeks make up - body slashes - body creams - hair relaxers Accessories - jewelry - exotic earrings - hair bands

I am an OILciti-zen Felicia Ankrah (21) Barmaid & a face of Glamorous Girl hair shop I came to Takoradi three years ago and soon found work. Life in Takoradi is peaceful and you can find all you need to live nicely: night clubs, lovely beaches, supermarkets good restaurants. Oil companies are bringing people from all over the world and Takoradi is becoming multicultural, a city of many nationalities. It is a little-big city.

Contact Chapel Hill junction, next to Adwoa Aframa mall Under the yellow canopy

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Photography by Lucia Rybarova

www.oilcityghana.com

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To participate in the next issues photo competition, email your pictures to: magazine@oilcityghana.com

Photo competition
KONGO VILLAGE by IRITA RAISMAA

he winner of this issues photo competition is Irita Raismaa. Irita is a volunteer with the GLEN programme which promotes global education and awareness. She also volunteers for Mondo, a small NGO from Estonia which is working with Kongo village (Upper East Region) to support its widows and children, many of whom are orphans.

1. A woman dancing for joy after receiving a coal pot funded by donations from Estonia. Life is tough for the widows in the village and even a coal pot can bring some relief to her everyday struggle. 2. Children always find ways to enjoy a game. Like anywhere else in the world they are smart, talented and curious. Children in this area, however, lack opportunities for even very basic education e.g. reading and writing. Without those skills many of their talents will remain undiscovered or undeveloped. 3. Local tailor John sewing uniforms for children whose education is supported by Mondo. Every tailor of the village is commissioned to make about six sets of uniforms together making over 200 in total. 4. As most households in Kongo village do not have electricity older students gather under the open-air public lighting of the village to finish their school work for next day. Abraham is a very hard-working student. 5. A galamsey searching for gold. Any gold found is sold to dealers for very low prices. Uunderground gold mining is much more dangerous for miners but both approaches have a significant impact on Ghanas natural environment.

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Fort Groot Friedrichsburg

Perched on a hill overlooking the stunningly beautiful Princess Town beach lies a Prussian-built stone fort, an incongruous sight amid tropical bush. Completed in 1685 it is one of approximately 60 forts and castles along Ghanas coast which bear testimony today to the abhorrent slave trade which scarred West Africa so deeply.

ort Groot Friedrichsburg is unusual in being the only fort with German connections in Ghana. In 1682 a group of European financiers established the Brandenburg Africa Company under the patronage of the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg. The following year two of the companys ships landed at Pokesu (the original name for Princess Town or Princes Town as its also called). The Ahanta Chief of Pokesu ceded them the promontory on which the fort now stands in exchange for their protection against the Dutch and other slave traders. Contemporary visitors to the area regarded the Fort, named after the Frederick William, as one of the most impressive buildings on the coast. Around 1716, however, the Brandenburgers abandoned the fort when they learnt that their own land in Germany had been severely flooded so they returned to help their kinsfolk rebuild houses and businesses. Chief John Conny, who was by then a merchant at the helm of a major trade network in the area, took control of the Fort but was later to lose it to the Dutch. Eventually the British took control in 1872. Today the imposing stone building has been partially restored and now serves as a tourist attraction. Its even possible to spend the night in the Governors former quarters or to sleep out on the roof though mosquito nets would be advisable!

The Forts guide and caretaker, Joseph Akye Mensah, has worked there for 22 years and has a wealth of knowledge to impart about the building itself and the relationship which has evolved between Princess Town and Germany. In addition hes a great cook and with some prior notice will concoct a delicious meal which you can enjoy on top of the Fort as you look down to the beach, bush and town. You can also take a relaxed canoe trip on the nearby Ehunli Lagoon or the Nyan River through large mangrove formations. Trained tour guides will help you spot monkeys in the trees and point out some of the aquatic creatures who live in the waters such as red, blue and yellow crabs. To get to Princess Town from Takoradi follow the signs for Elubo. After Agona continue driving towards Elubo and after 13 kilometres you will see a sign for the turn off to Princess Town on the left. The road is then unsealed and its about a 30-40 minute drive (a 4 x 4 is a good idea during the rainy season) to Princess Town itself.

For more information see the Ghana West Coast website: www.ghanawestcoast.com Joseph Akye Mensah can be contacted on: 024 326 9469

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For your everyday life

reception warehouse

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Michael Essien

The tournament saw Merchant Bank, RLG, Ahantaman Bank, VAT, NHIS, Mantrac, Coca Cola, Promasidor (Cowbell), Valley Beach Hotel, Primestone Quarry, Stellar Lodge/Champs, and Melody FM playing against each other in three groups. Each group winner and runner-up then made it through to the semis. Primestone and Champs fought it out in the final with Primestone emerging as the winner. The victors collected a trophy and GHc 2000 as their winnings. Primary sponsor of the event was RLG with Cowbell Milk providing the flavours.

Held on a rainy afternoon the match pitched an African XI, led by Essien himself and including Richard Kinsgon, Nkwankwo Kanu, Stephen Appiah, Kalusha Bwalya, Sammy Kuffour, Asamoah Gyan, John Painstil, Salomon Kalou, Rabah Madjer and Yakubu Aiyegbeni against a World XI with Nick Hamman in goal teamed with Lockwood Matt, Nigel de Jong, Freddie Ljungberg, Yaw Preko, Ellis Tebbunt, Quincy Owusu Abeyie, Jalloh Musa Akeem, Florenet Malouda, Scott Smith. At the final whistle the World won out 4-2. The event was a great success with Michael Essien saying afterwards We really showed that Ghana is a peace loving nation and knows how to have a good time. I can beat my chest and again say I am proud to be Ghanaian and I love you all. African Union Day was a way to celebrate and promote peace by getting Ghanaians and people from all over the world together.

Merchant bank team with the assistant branch manager Mrs. Faustie Agbotui-Nyaho.

VAT GyiwaPRO Mr. in po CHarle the b ssesion os f all

Event r coordinato me a w K y r r e J lking Ayensu taurney up the to . vibes

arry went Primestone Qu e trophy home with th and 2000GHc.

RLG Regional sales manager Mr Thomas Adda celebrates one of the many goals scored by his team.

m la tea oca co r Albert C d e t Exci anager M to the with m adding up Attionu blitz.

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Cowbell sampling session time running during the whole day.

he fans were the biggest winners on the day when Melody FM recently organized a football tournament for businesses in its catchment area. Not only did spectators get the chance to see 12 games of football it was also live streamed on radio with Kojo Darko anchoring the event and Manucho Macdreamy, Emmanuel Nixon Eshun and Kofi Asiedu helping him out with the commentary. Overall oordinator was Jerry Kwame Ayensu.

TOURNEY T

CORPORATE

TAKORADI

News from the world of football

A celebration for Peace took Accra by storm.

By Carolina Melisa

May 25 was a joyful day in Accra giving people a chance to relax, show their national pride and celebrate. Michaels Essiens efforts to bring his buddies together for a fundraiser and to promote awareness of peace really hit the bulls eye.

hat better way to celebrate African Union Day than with the beautiful game?

I can beat my chest and again say I am proud to be Ghanaian and I love you all

WhatsONin Ta kor adi

WhatsONin Ta ko r a d i

CTSL customer appreciation evening June 16, Africa Beach Local IT solution company, Certified Technology Services Limited (CTSL), hosted a cocktail evening at the Africa Beach recently to give customers and staff members a chance to socialize together. CTSL started out in Takoradi in September 2008 with just two people making up its staff. Today the company employs 22 people, 21 of whom are Ghanaian IT specialists. CTSL provides IT services and solutions in all areas of the oil and gas and mining industries and throughout the private sector. It currently has around 100 clients on its books, both corporate and private. Guests were welcomed to the event by Ian Heyns, CTSLs Managing Director who is based in Dubai. He took the opportunity to update those gathered on new CTSL products becoming available in the fields of data security and risk management. The Ghana Country Manager, Tony Morison (pictured), based in Takoradi, was also on hand to welcome guests.

New radio station in Takoradi July 15, Champs Sports bar, Takoradi Y107.9FM spreads its tentacles and launched its affiliate station in Takoradi on the frequency 97.9FM. Ghanas oil hub since 15th July has a feel of the Y experience and a uniquely different breeze of entertainment and music lifestyle as the city witnessed the birth of another brand of Y FM in the Takoradi Metropolis and its environs. The new station, Y 97.9FM is officially outdoored in Takoradi as an affiliate of the hugely popular Y FM in Accra.

Jubilee partners spatial planning project launch July 21, Raybow Hotel The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology with the co-operation of the Jubilee partners (Tullow Ghana, Kosmos Energy, Anardarko, GNPC, Sabre Oil & Gas and EO Group Ghana) launched the Sub-Regional Spatial Planning Project at The Raybow Hotel in Takoradi on the 21st July 2011. The press conference keynote speaker was the Hon. Sherry Ayittey - Minister of Environment, & Science and Technology and the chairperson was Deputy Minister for the Western Region - Hon. Emelia Arthur, on behalf of the Jubilee Partners, they were represented by Dr. Anthony Aubynn (on the picture) - Tullow Ghana Ltd. Hon. Emelia Arthur pointed out the importance of Land planning in the fast developing Western Region due to the newly found offshore oil reserves. Once the last drop of oil will be pumped from Ghanas offshore assets, the generations after ours will still have land to live on and the country will not have to invest billions of dollars in recovering the damages. The project will be sponsored by the Jubilee partners as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilty programme. www.oilcityghana.com

new baby has been delivered safely without any complications. Here we need to mention that sponsors of the event was Smirnof, which is one of the succesfull brands of Guinness Ghana, and Vodafone. And that all this happened in Champs Sports bar, coordinated by Nick Evett the GM of Stellar catering. Vienna city grand opening July 15, Vienna City Well-known venue Ocean Bar closed its doors earlier this year and, following extensive refurbishment, has reopened as the state of the art Vienna City nightclub. Opening night was Friday 15 July. The VIP guest was the Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Capt. (Rtd) Anthony R. Cudjoe. The evening featured Nigerian top artists and musicians of hiplife scene R2BBs. Vienna City now boasts two brand new bars, an executive bar upstairs, a restaurant, casino, pool tables and a night club. An entrance fee and dress code have been introduced. The new venue is fast becoming extremely popular. Vienna City is one of a chain of nightclubs, restaurants and casinos in Accra, Kumasi, Tema and now Takoradi which belong to Consul Games (GH) Ltd.

Managing Director of Commercial Operations of Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company, mother company of Y FM, Akwasi Agyeman explains that as the official station for the young and young at heart, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to get closer to our listeners across the country and to bring unmatched world class quality entertainment to their homes, offices, schools and wherever they are. He added that there have numerous calls on us to spread our tentacles with the vibrant Y brand and so this is just a part of our listening culture and the openness that set us apart in a very competitive industry. According to the Station Manager of YFM, Nana Kwame Sarpong who also doubles as the presenter for Drive of your Life says, YFM is poised to take radio entertainment to a higher level with more refreshing programmes, presenters and events that will take the oil city by storm. The launch of our affiliate radio station in Takoradi is a reflection of our total commitment to bringing quality entertainment to the doorstep of Ghanaians. We are most grateful to our discerning listeners and we promise to make our growing family more exciting especially now that our

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ealth Matters
Hepatitis B

million people worldwide are chronic carriers 350 of hepatitis B virus (courtesy CDC).Chronic hepatitis B could result in hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Vaccination is a simple, cost effective way of preventing hepatitis B infection.

HEPATITIS B INFECTION
Its an infectious hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis B virus. The virus is transmitted by Direct contact with infected blood or blood products Exposure to infected body fluids Vertical transmission from mum to baby during delivery. If mum is hepatitis B positive transmission to baby would usually occur during vaginal delivery. Caesarian delivery reduces risk of transmission of virus from a seropositive mother to baby, by a significant percentage.

HEPATITIS B INFECTION
The liver is situated in the upper right quadrant of our abdomen and serves as a detoxifier. What this means is that anything that goes into our blood stream i.e. meals, medication, vitamins, alcohol, first pass through the liver, is filtered, before micronutrients and other factors are transported to where they are needed in the body. The liver also stores energy for later use, helps in digestion and produces proteins important in fighting infection and controlling bleeding. The liver usually regenerates well after acute inflammation and is an important portal in getting rid of degraded red blood cells. Bilirubin (yellow pigment) is a byproduct of degraded red blood cells. When liver inflammation occurs with impact on liver function, this yellow pigment cannot be eliminated effectively and levels rise in the blood stream giving a typical yellow discoloration of the eyes, skin, palms and mucus membranes called jaundice.

regular intake of small portions high energy foods/ fluids , pain and fever relieving medications all in an effort to get you comfortable and also to rest your liver. If there is persistent vomiting, then hospital admission will be required along with i.v. fluids. It must be noted here that no specific treatment is required during the acute stage. This stage will last a couple of weeks or so, after which you should start feeling better. Recovery time is individual dependent. 9 out of 10 infected adults are able to fight off the virus. This group will have negative repeat hepatitis B antigen tests at the 6 month time line complete cure. 1 out of the 10 infected adults will still have positive repeat blood tests. This group is outwardly healthy but have been tagged by the virus and are called carriers; they carry the hepatitis B virus and can pass it on but are otherwise healthy looking adults. The significance of the carrier stage is the long term effect of the presence of the B virus in the liver; over many years (individual dependent), the virus gradually changes the structure of the liver increasing risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (Liver Cancer)

HOW CAN I GET IT?

You could get it through: blood transfusions, dialysis, and unprotected sex with a positive partner. Shared needles and unsterilized surgical equipment used in body piercing, tattooing and like procedures put you at risk. Institutionalized care (including care givers & family members) and healthcare workers are particularly at risk.

CHRONIC HEPATITIS
Chronic hepatitis B infection is just another name for the carrier stage. It means, six months after the initial infection, your blood test is still positive for hepatitis B virus. The risk of chronic infection is much greater in children and 9 out of 10 infected children may fall in this category. There are various tests your doctor can do to asses this stage of hepatitis. Liver function tests along with hepatitis B profiling will give information on how well your liver is working, whether the infection is old or new, whether the virus is resting or multiplying and how many viral particles you have circulating. A liver ultrasound may also be ordered. This information will help your clinician plan your care.

YOU CANT GET IT BY:

Casual contact Hugging Shaking hands Eating or drinking water Aerosol dispersion (sneezing, coughing).

WHAT IS HEPATITIS?
Hepatitis is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver. There are several things that can cause irritation and swelling of the liver VIRAL HEPATITIS is inflammation of the liver as a result of a viral infection. The most common and clinically significant is hepatitis B virus. Others are the A, C and D viruses and Epstein Barr Virus. These will be discussed in later articles.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER CAUSES OF HEPATITIS?

Yes. Certain medications may also cause hepatitis. It is important to take medications as prescribed and use herbal preparations with care. Alcohol is also a common cause of hepatitis. Alcohol induced hepatitis is associated with long term use of significant quantities of alcohol individual dependent. Severe bacterial infections could also cause hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis may also occur.

Once the virus gets into the blood stream, it causes an acute infection; within one to four months of exposure, there may be a fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and abdominal pain/discomfort from mild swelling of the liver. There may also be dark urine and pale stools. These symptoms may mimic several other febrile illness, malaria being the first one on mind in our environment. So its important to get a confirmation of diagnosis for any febrile illness. Along with the fore mentioned symptoms, there may also be yellowing of the eyes or skin/palms (jaundice), which may occur in 9 out of 10 affected. The color change in the eyes and skin/ palms will draw the clinicians attention to the fact that there is something very wrong. 1 out of the 10 affected may not show any eye or skin changes at all. In this group of patients, the acute stage may proceed without confirmation of diagnosis. During the acute stage, your doctor will give you symptomatic treatment; bed rest, lots of fluids,

TREATMENT
Antiviral treatments are available for chronic hepatitis. These treatments reduce the ability of the virus to multiply in the liver and in turn reduce liver damage. Most of these medications require long term use.

HOW DO I PREVENT HEPATITIS B INFECTION?

The best prevention method is testing and vaccination. A total of 3 shots are required at 0, 1 and 6 months. Under special circumstances, your doctor may prescribe an accelerated vaccination schedule. For more information or enquiries, email Dr L Decker info@franklynmedical.com

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CONTACT: Caroline Pearman - GM Medical Evaluation and Marketing - Counseling Psychologist www.westafrican-rescue. com help@westafrican-rescue.com Phone: +233 0302 781258 Cell: +233 24 4312497 Fax: +233 0302 781259

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