Just a quick update and to post a photo of Weies Kittson, a lady from Holland, who yesterday donated some items of baby clothing, medicines, etc to the clinic in Butre, she also visited the clinic last year for the same purpose.
Francis was on hand as always to help.

SPEECH : To all our loyal helpers, volunteers (past, present and future), UK and Ghanaian staff and those of you who just want to nose around our site. Firstly,. a very Happy and prosperous New Year to you all, "may your god grant you all you desire and a little bit more". Secondly, my apologies, for not keeping up this blog, as much as I would like to have done.

OK, thats the speach finished, now for all the news and updates;

After taking early retirement from York College in August, I had prepared to leave for Ghana almost straight away, however after some routine medical checks I was told I had diabetes and had to remain in UK to establish some medication structure.It came as a bit of a shock, considering I always thought I lived a fairly healthy lifestyle.But, Hey!! look now nearly 6 months on and my blood sugar levels are at normal. Latest research says stress can be a major factor in diabetes. But, thats not to say I have not been stressed in the last 6 months,I have, but in a different way.
Finally I got to Ghana at end of September, and soon got stuck into making some changes. Francis had been very busy in the preceeding months and everything at the centre had been well maintained. The first thing we tackled was the thorny subject of registering the organisation with the Ghanaian authorities, This has not been necessary in the past, as we have managed to finance the various projects ourselves. I wont go into all the details of dealing with beauractic systems in Ghana, suffice it to say, its not been easy. What is worth mentioning, is that we could not register as Friends of Ghana, as the name was being used too much, by other parties and there were all kinds of legal stuff going on which we did not want to be involved in. We were advised to use another name to register and finally it was decided to use Friends of Butre-Ghana, to avoid any more confusion. So at present it is in the hands of the Social Welfare dept and should complete process next month. It justs leaves us with the problems of changing, the website, logo's, stationary etc. More costs !!!!!!! and people sometimes wonder why we have to charge fees to volunteer??????.
The upside to all the changes means we can now work officially with other NGO's and apply for external funding, that way,we would not be so reliant on volunteer fees, fundraising, and my own pocket!!!, though that will continue for the forseable future.
We have looked in some depth at the projects we will continue with and those that have proved unsustainable (for various reasons).
The Butre Turtle Protection project is gaining ground and Fanta's Folly have done an amazing job, collecting eggs, recording landings and dealing with the locals (who, although it is illegal, are still chopping them). But things are improving, and the local people are becoming more aware of the situation, and starting to help.
We have also visited the goverment school project in Abura , where we added some more computers to the ones we gave previously, also, a projector,printer and a photocopier. It was decided that if we can get the copier up and running, it would prove a usefull source of income for the school to sustain its computer lab. We also purchased a vodafone dongle, for them so they could access the internet.
At the centre, we have been making all kinds of repairs and upgraded/tiled one of the bathrooms. The fence around our farm begged to be replaced, and the pickup, needed some seroius repairs done to it.
So all in all, its been a busy and expensive few months. Presently I am in the UK, but going back next week. With plenty to do on the agenda, when I return. Its good I can now leave, the centre, knowing that Francis will take good care of everything and his initiative never ceases to astonish me. He has even painted the centre while I have been gone, (but, PINK????).
Finally, it is worth a mention, about the oil discovery in Western Region.This has and is, such a massive impact on so many things there. People leaving there homes, because landlords are raising rents, food/fuel prices increasing on a weekly basis. large investors coming in to buy up farmland for development, the local people not getting enough fish for food, as it is all going to the big hotels, who pay far more than what the locals can afford. Not to mention the changes that will occur ecologically,we already had some mild pollution on the beach at Butre, where a tanker flushed its tanks out at sea. Having said that, I have to commend the local radio stations for reacting so swiftly in broadcasting the issue. We will see what the future holds, we will bite our lips in anticipation for the positives to come from it all, at this moment in time I cannot see what it will be for the local people of Butre
I will endevour to update these blogs on a more regular basis, from now on, but getting a decent connection for using internet, is not always possible. So on that note, I will finish, and as I said to Ellis one day "its not easy living in paradise", he has now written a reggae song, about it.
Speak soon.

Well it has been some time now since I posted anything, mainly because I have been so busy, as usual. This year is special for FOG and me personally. I am taking early retirement from York College at the end of this month and after a busy family schedule in August, I hope to be over in Ghana in September. I am looking forward to managing FOG from Ghana, however I will be leaving the UK end of things in the hands of our good friends Glyn and Eunice, who helped out over in Ghana last year and who still work at York College.

The sad news of the unexpected death of Nana Butre recently, has left us all devastated. I unfortunalty could not attend the funeral, and that caused me great pain, as he was such a good friend to me. However I should be in Butre when the new Chief is installed and hope I can somehow create a similar relationship with him.


Recruitment for volunteers has been slow this year, we have experienced some cancellations, owing to the increase in University fees, the uncertainty of Further Education cuts, and the general financial situation in the UK. This has caused us some problems, but we carry on.

Francis has been busy connecting with other NGO's in Ghana and as a result has managed to do some good work in the Butre community, recently he aquired a number of water filters, that he distributed throughout the village, clinic and schools.




























Well done Francis.

It was also the 50th anniversary of the secondry school and FOG donated some money for the festival. Regarding the school, there has been some repairs and other works done by a friend, who wishes not to be mentioned at this stage.
There has been another person, who with the help of Nana (deceased) completed a library building in the town. I am hoping that FOG can help with this by supplying some books and maybe computers, I look forward to that and helping the local football team aquire some kit.
 I think I will be continuing my busy lifestyle when I go over, but it will be a different sort of busy, than the life I have had in UK, I know this from previous experience.
So there we have it for now.
Philip

Good News: We are now Taking enquirey's for volunteer placements for this year. It has taken some time to get things re-organised in Butre, but it has been worth suspending operations there, for a while, just to improve the volunteer experience and make it more rewarding than before.
We have uploaded some photos in the galleries of kids Xmas party at Butre ( that Auntie Ellie donated for), I understand that some photos are coming of the Kids Xmas party in Abura (that FOG helped with), we will upload those as soon as possible.Finally some photos of some medical people th\at Francis encouraged to donate to the Butre clinic.
News to date in Butre: the bridge has collapsed for the third time, and it beats me why they spend so much money and do not seek professional help. I gave advice when I was there in October, but this was not used. Highlighting some of the issues of dealing with the communities there, basically there are "too many chiefs and not enough Indians"
Francis has been assisting a UK NGO, to help with the primary school, mainly regarding repairs and maintainance.
I understand that the Turtle project has had a good season, with more awareness amongst the local community, this is improving all the time. Lastly, we are still involved in the potential for setting up a library in  Butre, Nana has agreed to provide somewhere, and so that is moving forward.
Thats it for now, so we are looking forward now to placing more volunteers in the communities in this coming year.

Take care.
Philip

Happy New Year "Afehia pa" to all who have visited the site and especially, all those that have contributed to the projects in some way (volunteers, fundraisers and helpers).

What we managed to achieve in 2010;

• Rebuilt/restored part of kids nursery in Butre (completed by volunteers of E4A)
  
• Paid for 2 street lights in Butre
  
• Distributed clothes to the needy of Butre
• Volunteers assisted in schools and clinic in Butre, (painting buildings/teaching etc)
  
• Francis persuaded some Doctors to provide medicines for Butre clinic
• Completed collection of rainwater and drainage for the centre
• Set up fishing boat, nets etc, to provide jobs and raise funds for FOG
• Repaired mini bus and pick up, for volunteers and to raise funds
• Liased with local business to consolidate Turtle project
• Provided funds for kids party in Butre and Abura
  
• In August/October, started to completly re-organise volunteer projects by appointing Francis Quayson
• Glyn and Eunice Venables volunteered to help with administration

• To finish re-organisation of FOG projects and improve in country support
  
• Start recruiting and placing volunteers again for Butre and Abura
• Organise library project for Butre
• Repair steps to Fort Batenstein
• Continue to liase with other NGO's to help with repairing schools and providing for the clinic
• Continue to work closely with local businesses, Chiefs, local commitees,in helping support projects
• Finish research and book on history of Butre and Fort, to be sold locally, to raise funds.
• Creation of more schemes to raise funds for projects          
  

Now completed uploading photos of Russell and E4A crew, Chloe,Sophie and Becky to Friends and Volunteer gallery

This is just a quick thank you to Glyn and Eunice ( my friends from York college), who came with me in August 2010 and who helped me so much and who's work for FOG is now reeping benifits. They helped streamline accounts documentation and daily work sheets, identified, some deficencies in staff reporting, and helped me investigate some of the issues raised by some volunteers. (see friends gallery) see also the tale of the baby, when we went for refreshments after Mums mass. Eunice literally got left "holding the baby", while the mother disappeared and could not be found for an hour. (see images of ghana)

Just updateds all the recent volunteer feedback including the latest being Becky's. You will see from the last 2 reports that issues were raised concerning food and transport. These matters were addressed on my recent visit and from now on these problem's should not be an issue.


I would like to take the time now to mention the passing of my mother Maureen in july.A brave woman, who although fighting her terrible illnessess, never let on about the pain she was in. She was a fantastic supporter of the FOG project and helped raise a good deal of money for the people of Ghana. In fact, her final wish was that any donations at her funeral should be for FOG, and I used this money to install the 2 new street lights in Butre. While I was there in August they held 2 masses for Mum, one in Abura and one in Butre. Mum was much loved by the people of Butre and the Chief of Abura had adopted her as his mother. She will be sadly missed, by so many people.
God rest her soul.

WOW!! it has been sometime now since this blog was updated, since the last time, I have been over to Ghana twice. I was there July/August and just recently this October.

Since Becky's visit in May/June, I felt the need to look into some issues ( see Chloe's feedback), that had been raised. We have for the moment suspended placing volunteers in Ghana, until 2011.It is difficult to put down here all that I had looked into. However I took the issues seriously and with a lot of personal expense to myself, have endeavored to put things right. The issues with Transport have now been resolved, with FOG's Pick up and Mini bus back in service. I have now appointed a new project manager Francis Quayson, to oversee all of the volunteer projects. I personally will be going to stay in Ghana in 2011 to manage the whole provision. Overall the feedback we have had from volunteers has been very good, but there is always room for improvement and that is what I am and will always be committed to. I know that research into other organisations who work in Ghana, have there strengths and weaknesses. FOG has one of the best locations and accomodations for volunteers in Ghana, the projects to help the needy and support the local community is forever present. I am determined to make our organisation one of the best in providing a worthwhile and fulfilling volunteer experience

We are still working with the projects (mainly in Butre, for the time being) and have paid for the cost of 2 street lights to be installed. Also, there are some projects started to help the local people raise money to fund further developments locally.
Hopefully, I will be updating this blog more frequently from now on. So watch this space.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or requiring more information please contact us, we have not stopped the service.

We wish Becky a safe journey on Monday, Becky is going out to work in Butre for 2 months, she will meet up with Chloe and Sophie who are still over there.

Russell and the E4A team arrive back safely in UK last week. (see Russells report) They had the unfortunate experience of arriving at Accra airport to find that the airline they were booked to fly with had ceased operations. Luckily they managed to get flights home with Afriqiyah airlines, who they highly recommend. They worked very hard on the nursery and completed on deadline. We hope to be receiving Russell's report and maybe some photos soon

We have been in communications with a couple of American University students (Julie and Brendan)who are doing some good work in Butre, among other things they have completed some interesting surveys of the residents of the vllage. Their blog site is,   http://wearebutre.blogspot.com

thats all for now folks.

The E4A boys left Butre last Sunday, to spend 3 weeks travelling around Ghana. They managed to finish the Nursery building, all that is left is the painting. Chloe and Sophie are leaving for Ghana tomorrow and among other things have offered to have a crack at the painting of the Nursery. So we wish them a safe journey and Akkwaba ( welcome) to Ghana.
Philip

Katie who went out with FOG last summer has sent in her report is now on the volunteer reports page, see link. http://www.friendsofghana.org.uk/page14.htm
Katie has been madly busy at University (her last year) and has found it difficult to send in her report, but we thank her for her efforts and realise it is not easy (especially when you are busy with other things) to do. Good job you kept a diary Katie!

Russell of the E4A group, has just sent photos ( taken over the last 3 weeks), through the centres new internet connection. So I  am attaching some here and the rest as they come in will go in the gallery (Construction photos). Russell informs me that the work is going well and the group are all in good spirits, they love the location, also they met a backpacker in Accra who travelled to Butre with them and donated 2 weeks of his labour to the project. it looks like the project will cost more than anticipated (whenever is it any different!), so as well as the money that comes out of volunteers fees, it looks like FOG will have to donate the balance from its rapidly diminishing funds, so the work can continue and be completed, quickly. There is some suggestion (from Nana Butre, the Chief) that this new part will be used as an orphanage.
More news to come.
























Week1 ( March/2010) you can see from this picture where the walls had collapsed due to rainwater undermining the foundations.


























Week 3 and new walls are going up. ( see gallery for all the photos so far)

• Well the Engineering4Africa team arrived safely, I have spoken with Russell and the team are now settled in to the centre. they have started the work on the nursery school and are forging ahead after only 1 week.

• Sophie has now come on board and will be travelling out with Chloe in May to work with the children of Butre, (maybe the new classroom will be ready by then?). Becky will be following up, going out end of May untill July.
• I, meanwhile, am trying to write a small  booklet for the Butre community to sell to visitors, and I am not finding it as easy as I thought, due mainly to the lack of spare time I have these days.
  

• Anyone wanting to know the meaning of the new sign on the front page: This is an Adinkra sign for Sankofa (go back and take) or in the Ashanti proverb " It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten" It is often represented as a long necked bird leaning back with an egg in its beak. I attach this Ghanaian poem which somes it all up.
• "That bird is wise.
   Look. Its beak, back turned, picks for the present what is best from ancient eyes,
                                Then steps forward, on ahead
                                To meet the future, undeterred."

Latest: Stop Press:

Russell, Shawn, Owen, Martin and Kieran are all leaving for Butre Ghana, next Sunday,  for 6 weeks. They will be working on the Nursery school restoration project in the village.We thank them for their dedication and enthusiasm and wish them a safe and pleasant journey.


Fanta : (Fantas Folly) Butre Beach has recently been on national television, speaking about the Turtle conservation project, vote Fanta for president?


Internet: Progress at last, it looks like we have some sort of internet connection at the centre, by way of Vodafones mobile network.

Just a quick update, check out the YouTube video clip on Projects page. This is the first of many baby turtles being released in Butre, since we started the protection project this year. My many thanks go to French Philip and Fanta who took up the challenge and have stuck with what is a difficult project for so many reasons. Also the efforts being made by The Hideout at Butre. Well done!!

Well here we go for another year 2010. I realise I have not updated this blog for a while, been very very busy at work (York College) and running FOG and all the other stuff over in Ghana. So whats happened since last time? well Emma returned after what seems a successful working vacation in Butre, and has written an outstanding article on her visit there (see volunteers reports ) and sent me a few pictures ( in friends and volunteers gallery). She managed to do a good job for us in presenting the generator to the upper school in Butre, hopefully they can run some of the computers FOG presented to them awhile back. Good to see also that the painting in the nursery is still going on, as it has'nt had a lick of paint for years.

Still having enquiries about volunteering, some expressing problems they have had with the larger organisations, like I have said in the past, a lot of these are like agencies, they do not have direct contact in the field, I should know as FOG has been approached by a number of them.

Well it would seem that so far this year, volunteers are going out from March/April/May and I will be going out in July with 2 members of York College staff who would like to be involved in the projects.

Whats happening in Butre, well I understand that an NGO has come in to complete the nurses accomodation at the clinic, which is great news. Fanta tells me that the turtle project is under way with a lot of eggs collected for hatching. Finally record number of visitors over Xmas, staying at Fantas and the Hideout, (Josh even had to help accomodate people at the centre, as there was no more room at the inn).

As we leave 2009 behind, I would like to make a small comment on how FOG has progressed since it started only just over a year ago. It was always my wish, that our endevours did not outstretch thamselves, and that by providing a more personalised approach to volunteering we can make a difference. This seems to be the case, with the volunteers we have had last year, all have given such positive feedback about their involvment in the projects  there. I am looking forward to 2010 and the challenges it will bring, it is not an easy thing to negotiate all the local politics, something that has to be done to keep an equilibriam in what we do there in Ghana.

So to all our visitors to the site, have a Happy New Year and maybe you will consider how you can help us, help them.

Philip.

Latest news on FOG at the minute is , we have had a good many enquiries about voluntereering recently, Emma who has had a bad experience with one of the bigger organisations, will be going out to work with us on some of the Butre community projects in November. Also we are linking with an organisation of engineering volunteers based in Wales, they have just set up a website www.engineering4africa.org ( please take a look). they are interested in working on the bridge and collapsed nursery project in Butre.

Other news: Turtle Project, Kirby Doak is in Butre at the time of writing this and has had meetings with Tess (the Hideout), Fanta/ Philip ( Fanta's Folly) and the community. Turtles (Green)are being sighted up and down the beach. We are hoping now, that Kirby and the organisation he is working with (www.ncrc-ghana.org ), will designate Butre as an official conservation area. There is still much work to be done in this area, especially working with the local community.

Well thats all folks, for now. I would like to finish with a few lines that I felt as a volunteer,

"Who is the third who always walks beside you?

When I count, there is only you and I together

But when I look ahead up the white road

There is always another one walking beside you."

T.S. Elliot " The Wasteland"

Greetings having not long returned from Ghana I have managed to grab some free time and give a brief update on my visit;

Volunteers; Neil and Katie were there for three weeks and managed to accomplish some of their task's they mainly occupied there time with, (at Butre),weeding the clinic and fort, painting part of   the nursery, holding a kids party, selecting and handing out clothes, meeting the Chief and attending various meetings. At Abura, they met the Chief,   painted the latrines, held a kids party at Emmanuel school and visited the JHS school where they had a meeting with Ernistina (headmistresss) and were shown the computer room.

Projects; I had a meeting with Kirby Doak an Australian gent who has been commissioned by the NCRC to try to organise a Turtle conservation project for the Western Region of Ghana, as a result of which I held a meeting in Butre with the fishermen and local business people. Met up with a young woman Liz Gentilcore who represents an NGO in UK http://www.lincsuk.org.  they are interested in building a school in Butre and F.O.G may be able to assist with advise and expertise.Had a meeting with Nana Butre on projects needed in the village.

1) the repair of the nursery wall that has collapsed, I surveyed this and an estimate is bieng produced. 2) Construction of Latrine block to stop people using the beach as a toilet, the site of which is to be decided.3) An estimate was obtained for electricity to the JHS school (so they can run the computers we donated), however it was far to high for our small organisation to pay, however we are considering the purchase of a small generator, which may help in the short term. 4) the nurses quarters have not been completed at the clinic and the money has run out, however for now the nurses will be housed in temporary quarters and FOG contributed some money to have electricity connected there.

On top of these there were variouse small projcts discussed while I was there, one being the production of a small tourist guide booklet to bring in a little income to assist various tourist projects.

In Abura, as mentioned the latrines and gitter were completed at Emmanuel school. Several meetings were also held to try and get some formal paperwork done on the land and partnership arrangments between myself (FOG) and Madam Suzy, FOG has funded a surveyor to draw up and prepare the necessary documents, these negotiations are still ongoing as I am writing this. Nana Abura has been very helpfull with this process.

Finally a visit was paid to the JHS school and the meeting with Ernistina held and I must say we were very impressed by her dedication and professionalism, FOG is looking into possible ways to help with building a library and new computer room.

Well I think thats it for the update, it is very difficult to write about all the things I was involved in. But it is all still worthwhile. The look on a small child's face when getting a toffee is priceless.

I will be leaving for Ghana tomorrow, returning 3rd September. Charlotte will be answering any emails to the site while I am away. Neil and Katie will follow me out for 3 weeks and hope to involve themselves in the projects.For myself I will probably be my usual busy self, having meetings, visiting projects, working on the centre, and lots lots more. However I am determined to get at least one days fishing in while I am there, ( I think the Elephants may have to wait).

So I look forward to updating the site when I return.Watch this space.

Nyame Adum.

Philip

Latest update

Have just completed pre-departure briefing for 2 new FOG volunteers, Neil and his daughter Katie. They have been very generous so far and not only funded the completion of the latrine project and water gutter for Emmanuel school, but also sponsership for one of FOG's workers in Ghana. They will be arriving in Ghana towards the end of July and there placement is for 3 weeks.

The long awaited Report/diary from Charlotte is now posted in the VOLUNTEER REPORT page, and is a fantastic insight into some of the difficulties and experiences of our volunteers, well done to all the volunteers for their reports.

I will be leaving for Ghana in a few weeks, with a very busy programme ahead of me. As it will be my 60th birthday when I am there, I am hoping to get take the time out to go and see the elephants in Mole ( I probably will not get the time, but one can always hope!).

FOG is growing steadily by the day and is making an impact on what we do. Even if it is only by way of our contact with the people of Ghana, both young and old, we are showing we are all part of the global village, and are there to help each other.

Apologies and thanks to all those who have offered their services to FOG in the past year. It is a difficult process for us to select the right candidates and is usually determined by FOG's situation at the time of your enquiry. So please do not be detered, try us again in the future.

May your god/s go with you.

Philip

Just a quick bit of news, We have just recieved another generous and much needed donation from St Dunstans school and St Dunstans Parish. It is with these wonderful donations we have managed to continue with our building of Emmanuel School in Ghana. Now we have 6 classrooms, and 2 latrines built, there are still a number of targets in need of completion, for example, electricity to the school ( so they can use the computers that F.O.G. donated last year). Potable water, is a must, as well as finishing the drainage system around the school. These donations will go a long way to helping with these projects.

So I would like to say a big thank you, on behalf of the people/children of Abura, Ghana, to Deputy head Sharon Baker,the pupils, staff, and parish of St Dunstans for all your support.

I will be visiting Ghana soon to supervise the starting of some of the above projects and will keep you updated as to progress.

May God bless you all.

(check out photos in Friends gallery)

Just a quickie, to say that Carlotte and Louise have now returned to UK after their placement in Ghana. The reports I have had so far have been positive. They managed to do some teaching in both Abura/Butre schools and assisted the organisation and building of 2 latrines for Emmanuel School. They are very enthusiastic about returning (possibly in February 2010) to get involved in more local projects. Charlotte and Louise will post some stuff on this blog soon, telling us about their experiences.

Liam and Bradley are still out there ( Bradley returns to UK this Saturday). They have been very busy, with the help of local people, they have managed to build steps up to Fort Batenstien. This will certainly make it easier for everyone, especially tourists, to visit the site.

Finally I understand the children of St Dunstans in UK are still interested in what is going on, especially with the school and the kids of Emmanuel school. I would just like to thank them for their interest and support over the past few years and to say that maybe, one day when they are old enough, they may wish to travel to Ghana and visit the school.

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Hi from  Ghana!           Subject: Hi from  Ghana!           From  : Liam Harvey  <liamdharvey@goo glemail.  com>           Date: Fri,20 Feb 2009 17:03:32 +0000

                                                                    Update from  Ghana!

          Hey guys! Hope everything  in England/Australia is brilliant. I hear the weather  in England has been           fun.  I'm a little pissed that  I missed all the snow.           Ghana has been fantastic!  Brad and  I are really starting to settle  in here.                      Our flight was long but great fun with a hot and clammy stop over in Nairobi airport on the           way.  I met a Kenyan man who was stewarding  on the plane to Accra, Ghana.  He told me that  Ghana  is           truly one of the most peaceful and friendly countries  on the African continent.  From what  I have seen,           it could  easilv be true.           We arrived at Accra  airport and were  met by Josh, the Ghanaian man who  has been looking after us           during our time  here. Jo (the driver) was also with him. We were given a warm  greeting  before with           jumped  into the Toyota  pick up truck and began the five-hour  drive to Butre, a small fishing village  in           the  middle of the Ghanaian bush where we will be spending the  majority of our time. The drive was           anazing  and quite surreal. Everything is so different  here, from the sights, the smells, the  noises and           the people.                       The Ghanaian people arc amazing. They are a friendly,  kind and proud people. When we           stopped  off on the joumey to Butre we had a bite to eat and met a complete  stranger  who looked at us           and with a big grin said,  "dis Ghana" with words that rang with pride.                      The house where we are staying  is amazing.  It's right on the beach and the sound of the sea           never leaves your ears. It's a paradise! Palm trees  line the beach  in either direction and the white sand           and clear blue sea make it seem too unreal. The house we are in is more than comfortable. The best bit           about it is the veranda  that looks out on the beach and is equipped with a hammock  and a breeze.                     The weather out here is seriously  hot. We arrived in the Hammotan  which is the wind which           blows in from the North and  brings with it the sand of the Sahara. You can barely see the  horizon as           the haze is so thick. The good thing about it is that  it blocks some of the suns  heat so it is much cooler           especially  in the night. The Hammotan left the week after we got here and was  replaced with a thick           tropical  heat. The nights are accompanied by the sweats and  in the day you only have to walk for five

 I of3                                                                                                                    

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          minutes before you're  drenched.                         By far the best food out here is the fruit. We have been feasting on Pineapple,  Papaw,           Bananas, oranges  and coconut.  Everything is bursting with flavour  and juice  and tastes delicious.                    On our first fulI day here we  met Francis a Ghanaian man a couple of years  older than us who           speaks  really good English. He started teaching  us the local Language (Twi) and had us sitting in front           of a whiteboard  whilst he tested  us. It was fantastic  and now three weeks later our Twi is getting  quite           good.  Francis is a really nice guy and explained  Ghanaian culture in huge detail. Josh,  Francis and Jo           cooked us a feast of plantain,  beans  and fish on our first day here which  got you sweating just from the           chili. On our fourth day we went into Butre village  to meet the chief. We dorured  our smartest  clothes           and went to the chiefs palace where we were greeted warmly  in Twi and asked what our mission is for           the time that we are in Butre. We explained  that we would  like to build some steps to the old colonial           fort that sits on the hill above the village.  Hopefully this can encourage  tourism and bring some money           into the community.  We also expressed  an interest in working  in the schools teaching                 English. The           chief smiled brightly and told us that we have his blessing  and that if ever we should  need any help           then we should come to him and he would get the community  involved.  We asked if we could get a           picture of him and he insisted on donning his traditional  robes. We got a brilliant shot of him with           Brad and me on either side  looking fairly out of place.           We walked around the village of Butre and met dozens  of the local people.  It really is the most           beautiful village.  Many of the huts are made of mud and the roofs are mainly corregated iron. It seems           almost  untouched  by westemers  and the kids will run after us calling "Broni, Broni" meaning  white           man. The Butre people are amazing and so friendly. We were greeted so warmly and constantly  met           with "Akwaba" meaning welcome.              It almost makes me ashamed  of the way that England treats           foreigners as it is often with hate and fear. Here it is with  love and warmth.              I have been given the           African  name of Kojo and Brad has named Yaw. The names  refer to the days of the week on which           we were born.           We have been into Takoradi,  the closest town which  is the busy center  of the western  region of Ghana.           Here we bought small  bits of food and I had a'Ghanaian  hair cut' - a shaved head.                     On my Birthday we wondered  down to the hideout which is a small barlrestaurant where you           can hire out a small bungalow or a tree  house for the  night for around  6 cedis  (3 pounds).  We went           with Francis and met Tony the  night watchman  there who is an amazingly  friendly man from Butre.           George and Quasi, two locals who  run the place were  also there. We all guzzled Apoteshe  (a lethally           strong  Palm Wine that  is distilled  in a den in Butre) and spent the night dancing  to loud Ghanaian           reggae. Tony made me a hat out of palm leaves and flowers that  I've still got now.           Sometimes we will go to the hideout during  the day and relax in a hammock  on the beach - it's really           so beautiful. Tony loudly and with a thick Ghanaian accent often says,  o'here, it's paradise!"  It's true.                    The food has caught  up with Brad and me at last and short sessions of Diarrhea  in the morning,           afternoon  and evening  are  ritual. We have to fight each other for the toilet.  Most of the food  here is           delicious  but the national  dish, Fufu is not exactly  a favorite and always gets me running next day.                    We  bought the timber that we need for the steps  in the first week that we were here. The price           more than doubled for us as white  people so Brad and me had to hide outside the timber yard whilst           Josh and Jo negotiated  a good price. We have been working on the steps for a couple  of weeks  now.           It's hard manual work that blisters your  hands after the first day, but it's fantastic! Tony and Yankee  (a           friendly local guy that tells us off for smoking) often  pitch up and insist on helping us with the work,           basically giving  us days offas every time we get up to do some shoveling  they grab the spade  and tell

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           us to sit down.  It's really nice. We have made some good friends and are on brilliant terms with the           locals after only a few weeks.                    We have done some teaching  in the schools  too. The kids are fantastic  and there is a real thirst           for knowledge  that  I don't remember feeling or seeing  at school  in England. They are really smart too           and often pick things  up in a second.           We spend our evenings chilling  out at the hideout or at Ghana spirit, a backpacker's  paradise literally           on the beach with cheap food,  drink and accommodation.               It is run by an English couple that we are           good friends with. They  invite us for a curry every Thursday.  We will soon  return the favor. We have           met people from all around the world who somehow  end up in Butre staying at Ghana spirit or the           Hideout. Yesterday  we spent the night having on a bonfire on the beach with a bunch of English           medical students volunteering  out here. The locals from Butre sat there drumming  late into the  night           and  brad and  me danced  like madmen with Tony and a few Rastas who  live on the beach. We know           them well now and they treat us like Butre men.                      There are people from England, Sweeden,  America,  Scandinavia  and.  many more who  pass           through and we will spend the nights on the beach exchanging  stories .           We  befriended  a Rasta who runs a coffee  shop two seconds down the road. He is a complete  madman           and  is like a Rasta version  of Old Gregg; "I've got all things  that are good".  He insists on showing us           his stuff and will run off and return with pictures that he has drawn that  he wants  us to see.  He asked           me to write a letter to his English girlfriend  explaining to her that he has crashed  her car. We spend           surreal  nights sitting on the beach engrossed  in a laughing  fit with Tony and           Zion  Ellis(Old Gregg). It's like a childhood dream  come true.           The  next few weeks are going to be more of the same  I imagine  (hopefully without the diarrhea).           Anyway that's more of an essay than an update so  I'm going to stop there.  I'll keep you posted. I hope           all you guys  in England and Australia  are well.  I miss you all. Take care and speak soon         

 Ciao,         

 Liam

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Well, things are now moving along with Liam and Bradley now at the center in Butre, they have been there now for almost 3 weeks. From our phone conversations they are over the moon with their placement, and to quote Liam " when we have talked to other volunteers from other organisations, we feel we have struck gold in comparison". So far they have managed to construct some steps to fort Batenstien, working with The Butre Tourist association. They have also been overwhelmed by their welcome from the Chief and local residents. They have met the Headmasters of the schools and hope to be doing some teaching in the local schools. They will also be going to see the Chief of Abura on Saturday and hope to do some work there in the community, among which may be to start construction work on some latrines for the school which F.O.G has built in the village.

Pre- departure meeting was held on 7th February for Charlotte and Louise, who will be leaving for Ghana next month.

Photos to follow soon.

I was interviewed by the BBC on Saturday evening, about our work in Ghana and of all things the recent Ghanaian election ( why they picked me to discuss that subject I do not know). So it looks like FOG is starting to attract some attention especially in the media and other quarters. We were also invited to Londons Guildhall a while back, which was quite an honour, however our associate Sharon was taken ill and could not attend.

more updates later.

p.s.

it would be nice if some of the visitors to this site would make some comments on this blog.

Well its New Years Eve and I thought it was time to update the site blog. 2008 has been an extraordinary year for F.O.G. It started with all the anxiety and wasted time concerning the container being kept in the port for 1 year. Some problems at Emmanuel School, with some bad managment causing financial difficulties. However the container problem was resolved by our good friend Thierry Cauchy and staff at GREL who by the time I arrived in Ghana in August had managed its release and the contents safely stored in their warehouse in Takoradi. I also need to thank once more Ebeneezer Kojo Kum (lawyer), Robert Grierson (assistant principal)and staff of York College, Hugh Bayley (MP for York) and his secretary and finally the shipping company and Ghana Port authorities for their extraordinary help in the final successful outcome of this project. As mentioned in previous blog, 2 schools in Abura, 1 school in Butre, 1 GREL school and 1 Vocational/Technical school  in Takoradi each  recieved 10 computers (complete with keyboards etc) per school. The Abura Vocational/Technical school recieved  21 computers, this school also recieved a number of other items including some woodworking machines, tools etc. We are using 2 computers at the centre and some other equipment to further enhance the provision of our volunteers for their work in the communities. There are still plenty of other items including clothing etc that has been stored untill I can next visit in July 2009 and these will then be distributed to the poor/needy locally. It was hardwork when I was there organising the repacking and logistics of such a project and it left me exhausted with little time for myself, however I wallowed in the feeling that all was not in vain. I also managed to try and resolve some of the problems at Emmanuel school handed Madam Suzie another donation to assist her in the running of the school and the kids got some toys.

So as the year went on and I continued to work on FOG projects and try to hold down my job at York College (which is becoming more and more demanding), things started to improve, especially on the volunteer front. We had a lot of enquiries (and still do) , but many turned out to be unsuitable or just plain time wasting. However through a mutual family friend I met Charlotte and Louise (sounds like a film!), who had a negative experience with a volunteer company, untill we met. After lots of meetings and getting to know each other, it was agreed they will be going out in March 2009 to help in the schools in Abura and Butre.Since we first met they have been hard at work raising the money with all kinds of fundraising, and I take my hat of to them for all the hard work they have put in. Also we have 2 young men Liam and Bradley who will be going out in January 2009 for 3 months, to work on a variety of projects including repairing the steps up to Fort Batenstien in Butre.

So I am hoping for good things in 2009, there will be the usual challenges of course, one being the fall of sterling against other currencies at the moment and the general world recession, which will make fundraising that much harder.

 But as my Ghanaian friends allways tell me "God will provide", and I believe them.

Wishing all our readers a Happy New Year and lets pray for peace in the world in 2009

Just a quick blog, to comment on my return from Ghana. It was hard work, nearly 3 weeks spent working in the GREL warehouse ( lost lots of weight ), sorting the contents of the container. Then we delivered computers and a number of items to various of schools, ( will post the list and more details on my next blog ). There remains some items to be distributed to the needy of the region, and this will have to be accomplished on my next visit. At least that way I can be satisfied that all the hard work and generosity by so many people in the UK and Ghana contributed, willnot have been in vain. Finally again a big thanks to GREL and their staff, who without them we may have lost the container for good.

Phil

Well we are now into the month of June, and I   can report some good news regarding the container. After much   frantic effort   by various parties, the container was finally released from the port earlier this month and is now unloaded/stored securely in   GREL's warehouse.Although some charges were incurred (Friends of Ghana will shoulder this burden), the final cost was nowhere near what the final bill would have been. This massive final cost was accrued as result of the container bieng laid up for over one year and included storage and container hire charges.
I will not waste time and space explaining the bungling and lack of efficiency on the part of certain individuals in Ghana, particularly in the early days.However I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people both in Ghana and the UK for a successful outcome to this project.
The Ghana Port Authority Manager, who kindly waived the storage charges.
The Shipping Company, who also waived their charges.
Hugh Bailey MP for York who gave needed support.
Robert Greirson Deputy Principal, York College, who has maintained interest and support throughout.
Mr KojoKum Lawyer, who under much sufference from myself constantly causing him hassle, dilligently assisted in bringing all of the the loose ends to a final conclusion.
Felicity Acolatse and his assistant John Forson ,who did some amazing work, with great efficiency within the port.
Theirry Cauchy GREL manager, well what can I say about this man? we all owe such a debt of gratitude to him, without him none of this I think would have been possible. GREL itself for showing its commitment to the social welfare of the people of the Ahanta district and allowing Thierry the use of its infrastructure to facilitate the containers progress and distribution.
Finally my friends and family who have propped me up when I have stumbled under this burden of responsability,in particular my mother who has had to put up with all my moaning and groaning.


So now begins the next phase, I will be travelling to Ghana on 3rd August  and am looking forward to organising the distribution of the items and making sure they get to the people for whom they were intended. Hopefully on my return I will be posting some photos and a report on how things went. So now is a time for celebration and joy, and once again a big thanksto all of you that helped in this project. I would like to give you an old Irish Blessing:

" May the road rise up to meet you,
  The wind be always at your back,
  The sun shine warm upon your face,
  The rain fall softly on your fields, and
  untill we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."

Philip.
 

• The container of charity goods is still in the Port of Takoradi. It has accrued rental charges of approx £4000 plus.   The York College Principal, Hugh Baley M.P. for York and Friends of Ghana have all written letters to the Port manager begging him to waive the charges,   explaining that all the problems are not of our doing, and the container project was done in good faith by the people of York to help the Ghanian people. As   I write this we have heard nothing from the Ports manager.   However with the brilliant assistance of   our Lawyer Kojo Kum and Thierry Cauchy (manager of GREL rubber estates) and his team out in Ghana, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So fingers crossed that when I go to Ghana in August the container will be out and I can organise the distribution of the items and to the people they were intended for.

• As mentioned above I will be going out to Ghana with my good friend and ex VSO volunteer Dr Stijn Van Teeffelen, and his son Boris in August and   I dare say that Stijn will do some consultation work with the local people, as did his wife Yvette last year

• Neil (another ex VSO volunteer) and is wife Dawn went out in March and although were only in country for a short time they checked out the projects there and presented a favourable report on their return.

• St Dunstans school in Surrey are now linking up with our school in Abura and writing penpal letters to the kids there. Also they provided yet another generous donation to the school fund, maybe enough to provide some latrine facilities there. So thanks once again for your support St Dunstans.

• Liam Harvey and friend are to go out in January 2009 for 3 months to work on various projects, he then intends to travel accross Africa to Zanzibar where he spent his early years growing up.

• 2 more volunteers Charlotte and Louise intend going out in March 2009

• Finally, I am still recieving reports on various bogus volunteer organisations (  I will not name the countries involved ) however it is enough to say, beware and check them out first. Many will quote cheap unrealistic fees, that will leave many volunteers stranded in Ghana. As a registered VSO global educator I take exeption to the amount of these bogus enterprises that have sprung up purely to make money and not deliver what they promise, which is to help those who want to help others.
• Philip 14/6/08

• News so far  on the container: Just when I thought  all the paperwork was complete (so I was informed) and we thought it was about to be released,  I was informed by our Lawyer Kojo Kum on Friday, that although we had been given  exemption on the clearance, we did not have exemption for the vast amount of money accrued since July 2007, for storage and handling in the port.I  am hoping that the  Minister involved  will look kindly on us and exempt the charges. Otherwise I do not know what is the fate of all the goods donated and all the hard work that went into this project.

• Watch This Space.

• Good News is , the roof on the Abura school is now  complete, thanks to Sarkodie, and a small donation from UK.

• Sharon (Deputy Head of St Dunstans) is trying to revitalise the penpal scheme between her children in UK and the kids at the Abura school. Also hoping to participate in a Dfid initiative, which will allow linking for the 2 schools and maybe staff exchange visits.

• Two volunteers Neil and his wife Dawn going out at the end of the month for 2 weeks, ENJOY IT.