Writing / essays / public thought / fragments
Essays, notes, public commentary, stories, and unfinished thoughts on design, Ghana, Blackness, memory, masculinity, coloniality, politics, and survival.
featured / #001
The iron hisses. Pfffffffssss. You know this sound the way you know a name being mispronounced. The shirt on the board is white. Keep saying it. White. White in the way that things become white after you have worked at them past the hour when working at things
#002
⊞When you enter a building and the only Black people, or the only people with your skin colour, are the cleaners, something shifts in you that no diversity slogan can calm, because your body has just walked into a diagram the world keeps pretending it didn’t dr
#003
⊞The first ridiculous thing I learned about leaving home was that a haircut could cost the same as my groceries. Not nice groceries either. Struggling-international-student groceries. The kind where you stand in the aisle comparing two brands of rice and choose
#004
⊞Decolonising Philosophy, Education, and Design What does it really mean to decolonise education, beyond adding African content to existing curricula? In From Colonialism to African Futures , I reflect on how colonial legacies continue to shape philosophy, scho
#005
⊞Blackness is not a personality type. It’s not even one feeling. It’s more like a room you walk into and realise the walls are already listening. Some people meet Blackness as pride first. Others meet it as danger. Some meet it as a passport problem. Some meet
#006
⊞There is something worth pausing over in the way certain bodies move through Indigenous spaces with such confidence. Not the confidence of the soldier or the administrator. We recognise that choreography, have named it, built entire archives around its documen
#007
⊞I was sick and alone in a strange country. Australia. Three weeks in, and I did not know anyone, not really. Just housemates in a shared space, including guys from India, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh. We nodded in the kitchen, shared the bathroom rota, kept it
#008
⊞Design often feels like something distant, something that happens in studios or boardrooms. But what if design has always been closer than we think. What if it lives in the ordinary gestures that sustain life. In my recent talk, “Land, Story and Design: Cultur
#009
⊞Sometimes I wonder if we even know who we are anymore. We say we are fighting, but for what? For freedom? For dignity? For justice? Or are we only fighting the ghost of the white man, so consumed with opposition that we have forgotten what we are actually tryi
#010
⊞I didn’t become a man in one moment. It wasn’t a single conversation, a ceremony, or a rite of passage. It was slow. Uneven. Sometimes quiet and painful. Sometimes loud and awkward. Mostly invisible. I became a man through watching the men in my life carry wei
#011
⊞It was 1990 when Efua first stepped onto Amanful Road in Ketan. The earth beneath her feet was warm, reddish-brown and fractured like old pottery, dust rising gently with each step. The Atlantic breeze brushed against her skin, whispering promises she couldn’t
#012
⊞The room sits. The chair sits. The table sits. The air does nothing. A window does less. The wall repeats itself, white, white, white. My hands rest, not moving, not meaning. Time does not pass, or if it does, it passes by limping. Nothing changes. A breath go
#013
⊞We taste the salt of our own sweat in the air, we who have laboured under this same sun through countless seasons of promise and betrayal. The harmattan winds blow red dust from the north, carrying whispers of our ancestors' disappointment, settling in the cre
#014
⊞Prayer: God, I'm here, shaking and confused, feeling things I can’t control. My heart is racing, my body restless, filled with desires and fears I don’t fully understand. Please help me through this chaos. Guide me, steady me, and lead me through the storms ra
#015
⊞On a freshly-cut pitch beneath an endless sky, football unfolds like poetry in motion. Each pass paints strokes of possibility, each run a subtle brush on the canvas of the match. Players glide effortlessly, exchanging the ball with an intuitive harmony, dance
#016
⊞Ghana’s economic struggles are multifaceted, but one of the most striking aspects is how the country’s cultural history and practices have shaped its modern economic landscape. For decades, Ghana has grappled with systemic failures, and the informal economy ha
#017
⊞Decolonising Design in Africa Download
#018
⊞The prevailing Western concept of time, with its relentless segmentation into hours, minutes, and seconds, invites a sharp critique for its role in shaping a society obsessively preoccupied with productivity and efficiency. This granular parsing of time commod
#019
⊞The selection of colours in political branding, such as red and blue, often holds significant symbolism, and the choice by Ghana's major political parties—NDC and NPP—provides a fascinating study in contrast and cultural context. Traditionally, in the United S
#020
⊞For most of my life, I've found myself in the midst of heated debates and passionate discussions about the future of Africa. As a scholar and an observer, I've sat through countless meetings, conferences, and informal gatherings where the air was thick with rh
#021
⊞I must admit, I often feel a deep-seated envy, a sentiment exacerbated by my Western education. This feeling is not merely about desiring what others have but stems from a need to validate myself within the Western context. It's a relentless push to prove my w
#022
⊞The question of what makes the best president is a complex one that has been debated by political philosophers, theorists, and the general public for centuries. In the context of Ghanaian politics and culture, this question takes on particular significance giv
#023
⊞As the sun set on the Ghana of the 1990s and early 2000s, it cast long shadows of figures larger than life. The newscasters of my youth, with voices deep and commanding, didn't just report events; they were the pulse of a nation brimming with pride. Abedi Pele
#024
⊞As I write this article, I am embarking on a journey of understanding a concept that struck a chord within me - racial capitalism. The term, new to my lexicon, sparked a sense of discontent and an insatiable curiosity. It's an exploration into how racial dynam
#025
⊞Growing up, many of us believed in a kind of script: you go to school, get a job, start a family, and eventually retire to enjoy the fruits of your labour. But at some point, we wake up to the fact that this script might not be all it's cracked up to be. Let's
#026
⊞In a world where narratives are deftly moulded by the lexicon of media giants, a closer examination of the language used unveils not just a powerful tool of communication, but also a potential instrument of manipulation and control. This piece navigates through the fluctuating...
#027
⊞As you navigate the bustling streets of Lagos, Accra or Cairo, the diverse human mosaic of Africa comes alive. From the wealthy business tycoons zooming past in their shiny cars to the resilient street vendors, every individual forms a unique stitch in this ri
#028
⊞The recent by-election in Asin North was a revealing spectacle, casting a harsh light on the murky world of Ghanaian politics. It had all the elements of a political drama - vote-buying, political maneuvering, and politicians shamelessly pandering to the elect
#029
⊞From the dusty landscapes of my native Ghana to the sprawling metropolises of Australia, I have traversed continents, surmounting innumerable challenges to attain the enviable position of a Ph.D. holder. It has been an arduous journey, lasting not just the fou
#030
⊞As we delve into the crux of the argument, it's important to first acknowledge the charisma and political acumen of John Mahama, the former President of Ghana. His tenure had its merits and he did make efforts to spur growth in Ghana. However, the idea of his
#031
⊞In the throes of Ghana's political heartbreak, the citizens find themselves confronted with a palpable sense of disillusionment, not unlike the heartache that follows the bitter end of a romantic relationship. For many Ghanaians, the once-rosy promise of a bri
#032
⊞In the annals of Ghanaian political history, few figures have loomed as large as the indomitable Sam, a Member of Parliament who rose from humble beginnings to become the very embodiment of the common man – or so he would have you believe. Sam, a tireless cham
#033
⊞By Yaw Ofosu-Asare, Explorer of Political Chimeras In the ever-shifting sands of Ghanaian politics, I find myself bearing witness to a bizarre metamorphosis – a grotesque exchange of ideological skins between two once-distinct political animals. The New Patrio
#034
⊞As I sit down to write about corruption in Ghana, I can't help but feel a deep sense of sadness and frustration. It's the one thing we seem to be really good at. Move over, chocolate and kente cloth. Corruption is our national treasure, our pièce de résistance
#035
⊞Step into a world of ancient tradition and cultural heritage as we embark on a journey through the mystical realm of Ghanaian naming. Discover the unique Akan naming system, steeped in historical significance, philosophical depth, and theoretical rigor. Explor
#036
⊞The history of Christianity in Africa is complex and varied, with the religion having been brought to the continent by European colonizers and later spreading through various means, including missionary work and independent movements. In Ghana and other parts
#037
⊞Exploring the Impact of Population Growth on Africa's Economic Development Africa, a continent that is home to over 1.2 billion people, is projected to more than double its population by 2050. This population growth, while having the potential to be a driving
#038
⊞So you're thinking about applying for a PhD in Australia, huh? Congrats! You're about to embark on a wild, whirlwind adventure filled with late nights in the library, endless cups of coffee, and more acronyms than you can shake a stick at. But first, you gotta
#039
⊞So, you've decided to pursue a PhD - congratulations! This is a significant undertaking, but also an exciting opportunity to delve deep into a subject you are passionate about and make a real contribution to your field. One of the first steps in the process of
#040
⊞A PhD proposal is a document that outlines the research you intend to conduct as part of your PhD studies. It is a critical element of the PhD application process, as it provides the basis for your research degree and helps to ensure that your project is feasi
#041
⊞Welcome to the wild and wacky world of young school children in Ghana! Here, no two days are the same, and there's always something new and exciting to discover. In the morning, the alarm clock goes off at the crack of dawn, and it's time to rise and shine. Th
#042
⊞This article could delve into the traditional philosophical foundations of Ghanaian culture, including indigenous religions and worldviews, and how they have influenced contemporary thinking.
#043
⊞Are you ready for the ultimate travel guide to West Africa from the perspective of your favorite Ghanaian grandma? Buckle up, because we're about to take you on a wild ride through the cultural, religious, and sporting wonders of this beautiful region. First s
#044
⊞Ghanaian music has a rich and diverse history that has been shaped by the country's political and economic atmosphere over the years. During the colonial period, Ghanaian music was heavily influenced by Western music, as the country was colonized by the Britis
#045
⊞Ghanaian music has always played a crucial role in reflecting the society and culture of the country. From the traditional rhythms of the drums to the modern sounds of afrobeats, Ghanaian music has always been a platform for artists to express their thoughts,
#046
⊞Masquerading, also known as "fancy dress" or "fancy mas" in Ghana, is a colorful and festive tradition that has a long and rich history in the country. Contrary to popular belief, masquerading is not a new or imported tradition, but rather has deep roots in th
#047
⊞As the old man sat in the afternoon sun, basking in the warmth of the tropical climate, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. He had lived a long and fulfilling life, and now, in his golden years, he was able to sit back and enjoy the
#048
⊞Adinkra symbols are visual symbols that originated among the Ashanti people of Ghana and the Gyaman people of Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa. They were traditionally used to communicate ideas, proverbs, and historical events, and have since been adopted by many
#049
⊞One, Two, Title In varius varius justo, eget ultrices mauris rhoncus non. Morbi tristique, mauris eu imperdiet bibendum, velit diam iaculis velit, in ornare massa enim at lorem. Etiam risus diam, porttitor vitae ultrices quis, dapibus id dolor. Morbi venenatis
#050
⊞One, Two, Title In varius varius justo, eget ultrices mauris rhoncus non. Morbi tristique, mauris eu imperdiet bibendum, velit diam iaculis velit, in ornare massa enim at lorem. Etiam risus diam, porttitor vitae ultrices quis, dapibus id dolor. Morbi venenatis
#051
⊞One, Two, Title In varius varius justo, eget ultrices mauris rhoncus non. Morbi tristique, mauris eu imperdiet bibendum, velit diam iaculis velit, in ornare massa enim at lorem. Etiam risus diam, porttitor vitae ultrices quis, dapibus id dolor. Morbi venenatis
#052
⊞One, Two, Title In varius varius justo, eget ultrices mauris rhoncus non. Morbi tristique, mauris eu imperdiet bibendum, velit diam iaculis velit, in ornare massa enim at lorem. Etiam risus diam, porttitor vitae ultrices quis, dapibus id dolor. Morbi venenatis
#053
⊞One, Two, Title In varius varius justo, eget ultrices mauris rhoncus non. Morbi tristique, mauris eu imperdiet bibendum, velit diam iaculis velit, in ornare massa enim at lorem. Etiam risus diam, porttitor vitae ultrices quis, dapibus id dolor. Morbi venenatis