Posted in Africa, AfroSpear, AfroSphere, Child Exploitation, Economics, Exploitation, Fair Trade, Geopolitics, Ghana, Globalization, Imperialism, Life, Robert Beckford, Slavery, Work | 5 Comments

5 Responses

1. on September 26, 2009 at 11:02 pm | Reply Yvette

   This documentary reminds me of many of the worldwide tales of economic imperialism I recently read about in the book “Tales of an Economic Hit Man.” What I’ve begun to think about more and more is how those of us who live in the west and are of African descent can impact those on the continent of Africa (and the larger diaspora). I’ve always felt that we have a unique perspective where white people are concerned and could use that perspective to positively impact the lives of those who suffer under the policies of the IMF, World Bank, and multinational corporations.

   At some point though, we mustn’t only confront the thieves who mask their intent by pretending to be consortiums, working to eradicate hunger and poverty. Soon, we’re also going to need to confront the role that religion plays in the psyche of those IN Africa who are being brutalized as well as those who are perpetrating the brutalization. Did you hear the general manager of the goldmine say “…Obuasi ore is associated with sulfur….this was given to us by God.” Trek a little further up the west African coast to Nigeria and you’ll be confronted by the phenomenon called “Africa’s witch children” whereby parents beat and murder their own children because local charlatans (priests) tell them their children are possessed by demons. Go even further to Cameroon and you’ll see where security forces have smashed up the street stalls, where thousands of people earned a living, in order to clean up for the Pope’s visit.

   Christianity is being used as tool, both internally as externally, to manipulate poor and uneducated ppl in Africa. Moreover, the combination of illiteracy, poverty, tribalism, and witchcraft is a toxic brew in many parts of Africa….. At some point ppl must begin to understand that the power to transform their lives rests with them, not some external God who lives in the clouds. I’m not an atheist but I do believe that my belief in God is measured by my confidence in myself….not the other way around.

   
   
2. on September 26, 2009 at 11:55 pm | Reply globalfayre

   Thank you for posting this – a great documentary.

   Global Fayre is a Fair Trade retailer, and dedicated to empowering people in developing countries.

   Hopefully many more people will view this film and understand the power they hold as consumers.

   
   
3. on September 27, 2009 at 6:19 am | Reply Chris Scott

   I live here in Ghana, now in Kumasi and in the 70s near Obuasi, both featured in the film. It is a fact of life “Ghana has so many resources; but the people are so poor
   I suggest Beckford continues making this a trilogy. Part 2 could focus on the complicity of the Ghanaian elite in this scandal and part 3, hopefully, could celebrate an active Ghanaian citizenry joining the ‘war’ on foreign exploitation before it is too late.

   
   
4. on September 29, 2009 at 5:31 am | Reply Desire-Joseph K.

   Colonisation has never ended but the difference now is that Major Economic giant Countries seek to be new Colonialists,i.e:China,India,Russia,Middle East and possibly South America.

   
   
5. on September 29, 2009 at 8:49 pm | Reply villagerainbows

   On behalf of the people who live in my Traditional Area (part of which is in the area of Obuasi), I wish to express my appreciation for this very informative documentary. Beckford has focused attention on three situations which face ordinary Ghanaians and citizens of other countries in Africa. The IMF/World Bank imposed policies to which Beckford refers have ensured the perpetuation of these deplorable conditions, and it remains for governments such as ours in Ghana to hold out against these – it is the responsibility of Ghanaians to pressure our government if we wish to see our circumstances improve. For those in the west who also desire that change, it is the actions of consumers acting with their pocket books and pressuring their politicians that will make that possible.

   The issue of unfair subsidies in food production goes beyond that of rice. Ghana used to produce virtually all of its own poultry products but now imports the majority of it from the United States and Holland, both of whom heavily subsidize agricultural production, and from Brazil, where continued clear cutting of the Amazon Rain Forest enables cheap agricultural production. Despite the implementation of modern methods and large scale, Ghanaian poultry producers have found themselves unable to compete and as a result are in the same position as the rice farmers.

   When will the West begin to acknowledge the effects of their actions? We can only hope to see increased awareness through documentaries such as this one. Well done, Robert Beckford. Yedassi-oo. Thank you.

   Nana Amoako Agyeman, Edubiase Nkosuohene