Hear from the people Komla Dumor touched

Komla Dumor inspired a young man to take a journalism course, another to start a lifestyle brand and countless others to chase their dreams. Those people are now some of Ghana's rising young entrepreneurs and they have come together to salute a hero.
Upon hearing the sad news, Newaccra dedicated  the entire month of January to KD - and its for a special reason. The Ghanaian born international journalist actually inspired the founders of Newaccra to start a lifestyle brand which is aimed at ambitious, young Africans- the type of people who look up to KD himself.

So here are success lessons from the life and times of the Boss Player;


1.  PASSION LEADS TO SUCCESS 
     Esteban Amegashitsi & EmperorTonyi Senayah

Komla has had such a significant influence on who I am now, where I am now and where I'm going. As an undergraduate at KNUST in 2004, pursuing a BSc in Biochemistry, hearing Komla's life story from himself changed the course of my life.
Komla is the reason, I took a course in Radio Broadcasting and later worked at Citi FM right after a degree in Biochemistry. He's the reason I chose to pursue my passion and pursue further studies in Marketing Communications instead of Science. Komla taught me, that the most fulfilling way to live life is to find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. And even now, in death, he's taught me the essence of making the most of everyday because you never know when your time to exit 'the stage' will be.  -- E.A

His life exemplified that one should love what they do and do it with passion. Success is not about money, but touching lives, inspiring others and making an impact with your skills and talents. He was a shining black star and still is even his slumber.  --E.S



2. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE LEAVE A LEGACY
    Jeremiah Buabeng, Senam Bansah & Jonathan Adzokpe

Komla brought some swag to journalism that was hitherto unseen!  --J.B

I like how he supported the Blackstars and the other African teams. He should have been here for Brazil 2014 ! -- S.B 

The Boss Player as he was affectionately called no doubt was a boss in his own right. Komla re-wrote the history, and art of journalism in Ghana, Africa, and even the world. He epitomized a brand to the BBC, a soldier who fought on despite his illnesses, and a giant who stood tall among his equals. Who said you can only make an impact by choosing certain professions? Komla Dumor has shown beyond every reasonable doubt that whatsoever one finds themself doing, with hard work, a sense of excellence, and perseverance, impact is just a by-product.  --J.A


3. ...THAT MAKES US PAUSE AND PONDER
    John Armah, Kwamina Ekremet & Eric Kumah

He was a man who endured a lot but all through persevered. He taught me courage, dedication and above all selflessness. Africa has lost a son, and Ghana her beacon. We will miss and cherish his memory.  --J.A

He was an inspiration to me. I loved his confidence and how he carried the Flag of Ghana high - K.E

Like any starting entrepreneur, I was sacrificing many things to build my vision. When I heard the news, I asked myself if i was making the right choice. Will any of these matter if I drop dead right now?
As much as I tried to say yes, it wasn't convincing even to myself. so I knew I had work to do.Then it struck me that his very last Facebook post was about work. And it was through the same work, that he left his legacy. Komla Dumor’s TED talk inspired me to start newaccra. His death made me pause and question myself.  --E.K




4. ... AND THEIR MEMORIES LIVE ON 
         Irene Danquah & Maame Keya

As a little girl, I was excited to listen to Komla before going to school and listened to his full show during vacations.We never met, but the day I heard he was going to BBC, I was so excited.

He made me feel the pride of being African and inspired me to become better and contribute to a new Africa.  So on Saturday, when this black star fell I sang my country's anthem and prayed for Grace to follow where the saints have trod and the favour to raise high the flag of my country as I want to impact, not in journalism like he did, but in public health. Though I  bid him farewell and prayed for his family and well wishers, I know in my heart he will continually inspire me to be better and to help build a new Africa. --I.D

I remember the April fool's day you had the entire country fooled about getting married at JoyFM.
I was so in love with your voice and how you spoke so eloquently. Your ever so crisp voice booming through the speakers made me proud.
Your life though short was very well lived. Instead of mourning, I celebrate your achievements. You're on to your next assignment, you will rock, as always!!!  -- MK

5. WHILE THEY CONTINUE TO IMPACT US   
    Randy Osae Bediako & Poetra Ama Asantewaa 

Everyman dies twice, the first is when he departs from this life and the second is when the last person he IMPACTED dies. Komla Dumor epitomised hard work and incomparable excellence in his career. He was a shining star who demonstrated to millions around the globe  that every height in life was attainable. Indeed a star has fallen but his IMPACT remains an indelible scar on our hearts. --R.O.B

I remember reading about Komla's story of dropping out of medical school and his gradual climb to where he really wanted to be, and thinking what a feat that was! Many of us saw only his victories, and learning a bit of his struggles was a humbling experience. The name Komla Dumor brings to mind two words; 'resilience' and 'excellence', and those features  are what I remember him for and strive to attain. May his beautiful soul rest in perfect peace --P.A.A

6. ... AND PUSH US TO ACHIEVE
       RhymeSonny , Mabel Simpson & David Nikoi

Komla to me was the only ambassador for the country who was not appointed by the government. His life encouraged us in the private media that mediocrity will lead you nowhere. Excellence was his hallmark and that's the only flight that can take one to the world stage and the only parachute that can land us safe on any land. He hated corrupt leaders and business people and will not do anything for the fun of it if it won't benefit the ordinary man or woman. He made humor an important communication tool and a lot of his colleagues mentioned that. -- R.S

He inspired. You listened to Komla anytime and he taught you that failure should not stop you from achieving your dreams, it should not stop you from believing in yourself. Made you believe that as an African, you can also make it. Ghana, Africa and the entire world have lost a gem, an inspirer, father, brother, son . He rests with the Father, but he will forever remain in our hearts. Rest In Peace Afeke. --M.S

Some journalists before him have climbed up but he left a road map for budding and young ones to aim at reaching the apex. Suddenly BBC and CNN looks possible because he made famous the road to that height. Unfortunately i have had no personal encounter with him so i can't say much in personal terms but the Ghana has lost a pillar. The good thing about this is that the lives he has impacted are countless and in the next few years, we will see lots of KDs doing it as he taught on international platforms. Thank you for the legacy you left for your nation and Africa. -- D.N

7. THEY MAKE US PROUD
    Derrydean Dadzie

I encountered him while I was in the University, and two things about Komla stuck with me - his handshake and eluding humility which can easily be masqueraded by his big physique. I remember the first time I heard him on BBC radio, I was so proud, going out to work to tell my friends about it. When I saw him on BBC TV news, I felt a rush of honour, and a sense of accomplishment for the Ghana people and Africans at large.

Komla made Ghana and Africa proud. He embodied a generation of achievers who had the energy and the mind to progress another generation to achieve greater heights. While we mourn and sob for his passing, let us not let the spark that he ignited and the light that he shined through his words, talents and acts be dimmed. May we continue to live his legacy by emulating the great positives he added to this world like the great men he has joined in heaven above. --D.D

 

----

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The Contributors
_________________
Afi M Agblevor  -Sociologist and philosophizer
Esteban Amegashitsi, Marketing communications specialist
EmperorTonyi Senayah, CEO of Horseman shoes
Jeremiah Buabeng - Motivational Speaker, Matrix Institute
Jonathan Adzokpe - Author and personal development expert
John Armah, GCEEI
Kwamina Ekremet -Process Business Management specialist
Eric Kumah, Newaccra
Senam Bansah, Newaccra
Irene Danquah, Olime Health
Maame Keya, MeMe Chic
Randy Osae Bediako, Kharis Media 
Poetra Ama Asantewaa, Alikoto Clothing
RhymeSonny, Poet and Marketing specialist

Mabel Simpson,MSImps Gh
David Nikoi, Pleasure Sights
Derrydean Dadzie, Dream Oval 

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Just for laughs, don't take it too seriously

Are you ready to laugh? Check these out ...

Have you seen the movie Lone Survivor ?... check out the grenade in the middle!

Like seriously? who takes an axe to war these days?

What will your death certificate read ?
Cause of death: couldn't find a spouse

Will there be practical sessions? I'm fit, sexy and available!

Elections ? When did Jesus go into politics?

Forget the Cross of Calvary; Eat the Grass of grass-valley

Sorry, but there's only one Jesus. Shouldn't a pastor know that?

Exactly. Enough is enough. This nonsense must stop

No more what????

 smh

Oya! you must attend this church asap.



















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Remember to eat breakfast. It does your body a lot of good. find out how!

photo;
various, facebook, theoldblackchurch

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A new Africa, a new mentality - Part 2

Every single day brings more and more opportunities for us Africans. But to take advantage of them, all of us need to change our mindset. In Part 1 of this series, entrepreneur and personal development expert, Jonathan, identifies the key changes we need to make as;

• Working hard, but smart.
• Committing to self-education
• Making excellence our hallmark.

If you missed the first part, see full details here.

Now, here is the final part of the what has to change to create a new mentality that produces positive results. Enjoy.

1.  Find solutions, not problems

Successful countries did not become what they are because of a perfect government. Opportunity seekers, also known as entrepreneurs are the backbone of such countries. That’s why the American government will go to any length to rescue businesses that were hard hit by the recession. I keep wondering, why do us Africans even complain so bitterly about the failure of governments to create jobs; when there are millions of opportunities out there for us to take advantage of?

No government can create all the jobs we need. The time is come for individual Africans to cease thinking only of applying for jobs, and begin thinking of how to create jobs to alleviate the rising unemployment the continent is bedeviled with. With all the challenges we have  in education, agriculture, services, critical thinking and solution-orientation is what we should be doing, not whining and complaining.

2.  Edit your friend list

Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Someone also said, “Show me your friend, and I will show you your character.” Here is what I add, “Show me your friend, and I will show you your future.” The point is simple -nothing defines you as a person like the group of friends and acquaintances you make. The people you spend the most time with, influence your thinking, your values, and your actions and ultimately, your future.

If you keep friendships with people who are going nowhere, chances are you are going nowhere either. Not all your friends added positively to your life in the previous year. Here’s what I found out a while ago according to the 80/20 rule. Of all the people you call friends, only one (1) out of  (5) adds something positive to your life. Sadly, you end up spending most of your time with the remaining four (4) who add nothing to your life.

If you resolve to identify and gradually spend more time with the 20% of your friends, and less time with the 80%, your life will change for the better in no time.

3.  Invest in the spiritual

God is the foundation of all we do here on earth and the provider of all we need. Spend more time in prayer and invest in the studying the spiritual. Books, DVD and Youtube videos are freely available and and will transform you.

 As EmmanuelDei-Tumi, a Ghanaian author and motivational speaker once said, “If you empty your pocket into your stomach, it will end up in the toilet. But if you empty your pocket into your mind, it will fill it back.” Don’t wait for anyone, work on yourself. Invest more in your mind than in your stomach.

Don’t spend all your time on Facebook and Twitter doing nothing valuable. 

Invest your time in your spirituality, too. There’s nothing like spending quality time with your maker. Your year may not go smoothly, but you’re sure to arrive at your destination. If God sees you through the storm, your joy will be intact even in the middle of the storm!

Have a blessed, prosperous, and joyous new year. God richly bless you! See you at the top! Share with your friends.

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_________________
About the author

Jonathan is an agribusiness entrepreneur aside being a speaker, writer,and petroleum engineer. As a writer, he’s authored over a hundred articles on personal development, Africa, and social issues. He’s also the host of Nash Radio’s flagship motivational radio talk show, “Motivational Arena”, which airs every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 GMT. You can contact him via his email; jadzokpe@gmail.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/jonathan.adzokpe

photo; mummytales.com

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A new Africa, a new mentality

Some of us Africans have developed a mindset that works against us. We think we shouldn’t work hard because the company isn’t ours. We think the government owes us a good livelihood and expect the government to put money into our pockets. We blame everyone but ourselves for our situation. But the blame game has never helped anybody. Everyone knows the problem of the African is not a lack of natural resources; neither is it poverty nor disease. The real problem of the African is a mentality problem.

Entrepreneur and personal development expert, Jonathan, identifies key changes that are badly needed from each one of us to turn our fortunes around.


1.  It's time to work hard, but smart

Do you know why Napoleon Hill didn’t title his bestselling book, “WORK and Grow Rich”, but “THINK and Grow Rich.”? It’s because he knows that hard work without planning and a workable strategy brings no results. If physical hardwork alone paid off, the man who digs manholes in the ground near my house would be the richest man.

Why have we been the most hardworking continent in terms of physical work, but also the least productive continent? It’s because we have always invested our physical energy without the mental. The average African hates to think. No wonder Dr. Mensa Otabil, Ghanaian pastor and entrepreneur once said, “As Africans, thinking wearies us.” Is he right? You bet!

The kind of hard work that pays is a combination of both physical and mental energy- that is called working smart. Let’s resolve this year to not just work hard, but think, plan, strategize, set small and achievable goals and execute them. Thinking stretches your mental capacity. When you think, your results are splendid. When you think, you gradually become results-oriented because the power of a thought can bring you results that physical work may not.

2.  It’s time to seek knowledge and read wide

“Formal education”, Jim Rohn said, “will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Sadly, many of us said good bye to books the day we graduated from school. We consider reading a punishment. The loads of degrees you have stacked in your wardrobe will bring you less than you ever wish for; self-education will bring you a fortune. Commit to reading one good book a month, if you can, a week. You will be amazed the world of difference you will experience.

When you read, the writer shares their world with you. You learn lessons you might never learn from the classroom. Whenever I recommend reading to people, many of them complain about falling asleep whenever they pick up a book. Indeed, I used to feel the same way. But I found a solution - I never read when I was tired. I only read after a good rest or sleep. That way, it’s almost impossible for you to sleep.

3.  It’s time to chase excellence.

Whether you are a student, worker, professional or entrepreneur, you can rise higher by pushing the boundaries. Simply improving on your previous performance or results every time is excellence. Stretch and do the unthinkable. Sadly, many of us have accepted mediocrity as the standard. We work without a workable plan that can be referred to in the future. If we are to take our place as equal powers in world affairs, we've got to commit to excellence now.

When you commit to excellence, you invariably attract similar people; be they customers, associates or clients to yourself. In no time, you associate with the crème de la crème of society. Excellence means not resting on your oars. Set and break your own records. Set higher goals, and commit to achieve them come what may.A new mentality will better our lot in the long run.

NOTE: this is half of a two-part series. Pls continue reading the concluding part here

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_________________
About the author

Jonathan is an agribusiness entrepreneur aside being a speaker, writer,and petroleum engineer. As a writer, he’s authored over a hundred articles on personal development, Africa, and social issues. He’s also the host of Nash Radio’s flagship motivational radio talk show, “Motivational Arena”, which airs every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 GMT. You can contact him via his email; jadzokpe@gmail.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/jonathan.adzokpe

photo; newafrica.org

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2014, Can they do it again?

In the first few hours of 2014, Newaccra gives you the scoop of popular personalities who had a great time in 2013. Can they do it again this year? Our media watcher and marketing communications specialist Esteban put together a round up of 7 personalities who carried the year.

7. Richard Olele Kingston

Kalyppo 22 was once a favourite of Ghanaian football fans. But when the coach attempted to recall him for a crucial match recently, it sparked a national uproar. Then the controversies surrounding his real age began to pop up....and as I write, Olele's real age remains a mystery. His popularity has soared drastically since then and #OleleFacts became so popular that it was featured on BBC. Let's not deride him too much though, he might just become our saviour once again in Brazil, this year.

6. The Ghanaian Lawyers

[Tsatsu Tsikata, Philip Addison, Tony Lithur, Ayikoi-Otoo, Martin Amidu et al]

When leaders of the opposition party took an election dispute to court, they did more than argue their case- they also taught us law, for free.

The election dispute taught many Ghanaians legalese and these lawyers delivered sterling performances in arguing their case and fighting their cause. Combined, their performances endeared them to a lot of people. One reason why law school applications will most likely soar.It is right to say 2013 was the year of the Ghanaian lawyer.

5. SC Justice Atuguba

He was the umpire at the centre of Ghana's 2012 election petition hearing and the 'verdict' of most Ghanaians would indicate the man of the law acquitted himself creditably; keeping a firm hold on proceedings, puncturing an often tensed atmosphere with well-timed humour and cracking the whip on lawyers, witnesses, and others in the election petition saga, when he thought it necessary. 

His overall conduct and particularly an episode of the judges disciplining a loud politician went a long way in renewing a surge of respect and trust for our judiciary. A strong contender for personality of the year 2013.

4.  Nana Akuffo-Addo

Hate him or love him, Nana Addo remains a giant in Ghanaian politics. His defining moment came when he gave one of the most gracious, unifying, eloquent and memorable 'concession' speeches in recent memory at the end of the election petition. Some say that speech sealed his status as an outstanding Ghanaian leader and statesman and ended the negative picture his haters have drawn of him over the years. Will Nana Addo run again in 2016?

3. Kwesi Appiah

When this 'quiet dynamo' got the job to coach Ghana's national soccer team, the black stars, people doubted if he was good enough. When he turned up for his first game, people doubted if he was fashionable enough. When he qualified the team for the Brazil world cup, people are doubting if he can actually win the cup. We hope he proves them wrong. 

As far as sports goes, Kwesi Appiah deserves a spot in this list.

Meanwhile, Kwesi Appiah's exploits have caused Police in Rio de Janeiro to launch an URGENT  program called 'Proteger o seu cabelo, Africanos ocidentais estão chegando'  roughly meaning 'Protect your hair, the Ghanaian and Nigerian ladies are coming in Portuguese! 

Acting upon intelligence that Ghanaian and Nigerians ladies were coming to loot, steal, and ship brazillian hair during the tournament , Police are keeping a 24/7 surveillance patrol and say they will deal ruthlessly with any one who dares to touch a single strand of Brazillian hair!

2. Shatta Wale

Bandana from Ghana shot to fame last year as Shatta Wale, dropping non stop hits from his home week after week. Leading his massive army of fans nationwide, he publicly lambasted organizers of the Ghana music awards for 'cheating him', then entered a high profile rivalry with one of Ghana's most decorated contemporary artistes before ending the year as the 'Dancehall King inna the whole Ghana'. His talent has never been in doubt, but his temper has always been an issue. While any follower of contemporary music will be shocked if Shatta Wale doesn't win any award this year, the most important question now is how hot will the leader of the #ShattaMovement be in 2014?

1. LilWyn 

You don't need a scientific survey to see that this comedian has won the hearts of most Ghanaians and is clearly the flavour of the year 2013. With his caricature-like appearance, his comical and oft-remarkable dancing skills and his ability to play varied funny characters ranging from a Kungfu master to an Azonto Ghost; LilWyn appears to have emerged the overall toast of Ghanaians in 2013. 

When all the hottest musicians in Ghana failed to excite a crowd at the Ghana music awards, LilWyn appeared on stage and effortlessly got everybody on their feet. He is the favourite for personality of the year and we can't wait to see if he does it again in 2014.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

• Victoria Hammah - The million dollar ex-deputy minister. 
• Motivators - Mensa Otabil, Albert Ocran, Kafui Dey, Dzigbordi Dorsoo uplifted many on social media.
• Sir John - either a tough and hard-hitting politician or a brash and irresponsible one. 
• Brigadier Nunu-Mensah- Either a no nonsense or nonsense spewer of the year under review.
• Amicus Curiae - 'Obama's lawyer' who single-handedly added a heavy dose of comedy to the Election Petition.
• Hamdia Issah -aka RIP English language. Overnight Facebook heroine who shot to fame by crucifying the English language. 

Photos;

ghanasoccernet.com, spyghana.com, newtimesgh.com, grabghana.com, sports.peacefmonline.com, afrikkaradio.com, citifmonline.com, ghananewsagency.org

Esteban is a marketing communications specialist, public speaker, creative writer and entrepreneur. He has been picked as young person to watch out for in 2014! Like us to see more from Esteban!

  

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