Village Rainbows

Kwabena Nyarko

The African Rainbow Resort was blessed with serendipity when it opened in December 2002. The walls in the dining room and bar were bare and our decorating budget was exhausted. Just about that time, a young artist from Takoradi was looking for places to display his art work. He brought some samples to show us and right away a relationship was formed. Since that time, Kwabena Nyarko has gone on to display his work in various prominent locations in Ghana. He has gained widespread acclaim, within Ghana and abroad, and he has become a well recognized artist of growing repute.

Recently, on the opening of West Coast Wine Outlet at the African Rainbow, Kwabena was invited to display a selection of his paintings in the flower gardens. Fishes swirled through the bushes and gathered along the walls. It made for a very colourful afternoon, highlighted by the presence of the artist himself.

To see more of Kwabena’s work, go to http://www.crossgalleryghana.com. Or stop by his gallery in nearby Azani. You can also reach him by e-mail fishgallery_99@yahoo.co.uk and by phone +233(0)20-9306202 or +233(0)277-459992.

Much can be hidden behind words. The Universe speaks directly to us with honesty. We only hear it if we live each day as it comes, always open to its gift, and prepared to treasure the feeling that accompanies it.

At times, Universe highlights the light clouds even though the dark ones are in the forefront of our attention

Light and dark – difficult to separate and must be taken as one

The last sunrays of the day highlight a lone white cloud, displaying its beauty in a way in which we had not seen before, like the succulent opening petals of an exquisite Asian orchid emerging out of a magical and immaculate pure white mist.

Or PRA BRIDGE REVISITED

Well, perhaps it is not fair to bring Barrack Obama into the issue, but what about the saying that all is fair in love and politics? Does anyone remember my posts from June regarding the disgraceful way in which the Ghana Highways Authority treated the people who rely on the highway conduit between Cape Coast and Kumasi?

Well, I have this past week travelled back to New Edubiase over the same Pra Bridge which the contractor had so shamelessly (and needlessly) closed while he made his “repairs”. And guess what I found? Yes, this be Ghana. The repairs have not been completed, and the work that has been done is of a dreadfully inferior nature.

Honourable Minister of Highways, do you have anything to say? Head of Ghana Highways Authority, please tell us what you are doing about this unacceptable situation. Media players, Opposition Members, here is your chance – come and see it for yourself. Is this acceptable? How long do you think it will be before this bridge is no longer capable of carrying the load?

The people who regularly traverse this road are already suffering from the continued lack of maintenance. In fact, New Edubiase is better known for the potholes in that stretch of highway between the Pra River and itself than it is for its new winning football challengers, New Edubiase United!!

Mr President, you were in nearby Obuasi this past weekend. Did you dare to venture further south? Perhaps your advisors had warned you – avoid that area because the highway is a death trap. Well, Sir, you and your people have promised the people of Ghana that you will not abandon your supporters in New Edubiase and area. This is your opportunity to exhibit some good will – speak to your Highways Minister; ask him to do the right thing; hold the contractor accountable; patch the gaping potholes and craters that make traffic on this highway so dangerousr; repair the bridge in a proper fashion. Mr. President, show us with actions and not just billboards that you are a partner with the people of Ghana for positive change.

Is this correct work, Mr Minister of Highways?