Can you spot the similarities?

This is a picture of Dad in his hey days and me now!! Check out how tired his picture is, haha! Can you spot any similarities?

D-News Network - Nana Kwame named!

I just got the feed from the D-News Network (DNN), and will like to share it with you all...

Nana Kwame Named!

DNN, 27 May 06, Tema: The first son of Vivian and Nana Damoah has been officially named at a brief but fun-filled ceremony at the home of the auntie of the baby, Mrs. Mercy Amoo, AC3 Community Eleven, Tema, Ghana.

The ceremony, which started around 8:30am GMT, was attended by the top brass of both families and friends of the parents of the little boy. The dignitaries included Grandpa Richardson, Grandma Damoah, Grandmas Theresa and Rose (aunties of the father), Uncles Charles, Kwame, Atta Panyin, Atta Kakra, Freddie, James; Aunties Abena, Mercy, Maame Efua, Maame Egyabema, Evelyn, Patricia, Ekua, Ama Adoma, Ekua (Kakra's wife); cousins Papa Kwesi, Kwesi Amoo, Nana Abena, Jojo and Paa Kow. Friends of Nana Kwame's parents who were present included Auntie Aba Turkson, Auntie Sue, Sammy Avaala, Steve Larbi, John Ohipeni, Nayra Amegbletor, Emefa Addo, Harry Adu-Agyei, Richard Laryea, Francis Danyi (former Unilever colleagues of the baby's father); Mrs. Larbi, Charlotte, Becky, Auntie Maggie, Auntie Florence, Auntie Pat (colleagues of the mother of the baby, from Kaneshie Polyclinic); Kwabena and Rosalind Adjei-Seffah, Abena Aryee, Seth Attram-Danso, John and Joana Micah, Dannie Adapoe, Ben and Mercy Nyamikeh, Charles Ofori-Atta, Charles Mankattah, Nii Noi, Mrs. Charlotte Adjei (wife of Victor Adjei), Mrs. Esther Mensah (mother of the parents' friend Juliet Gyamfi [T-dear]), Mrs. Elizabeth Akrofi and her friend Gloria, Adwoa Pokua, among others.

The ceremony was jointly performed by Mr. Andoh and Rev. Prince Archin.

After the opening prayer and a short time of singing, Mr. Andoh took the baby outside and showed him the world, and the earth. He introduced him to the world, and putting drops of soft drink and water on the baby's lips, Mr. Andoh explained to the little one that when he tastes a drink, he should say it is a drink, and when he tastes water, he should call it water. When he sees truth, he should call it by its name and not call a lie a truth. Mr. Andoh then went ahead to say the full name of the little boy, as sent by the father: NANA KWAME BASSANYIN DAMOAH.

Once back in the room, Rev. Prince took over. He shared a short exhortation from the word of God. He used the text Matthew 1: 20 - 21:

20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[a] because he will save his people from their sins." (NIV)

Rev. Prince explained that the name of a child is very important, and is given with a lot of thought. He noted that Jesus actually saves His people from their sins, just as His name suggested. The pastor concluded by saying that by the email sent by the father of the child to give reasons for the names, it is clear that the person being named after (the little boy's paternal grandfather), the name was illustrious, the grandfather was a good man and worthy of emulation.

Pastor Prince then led the gathering in prayer: thanking God for the safe delivery and health of the mother, for the baby's growth and upbringing, and for the parents, and both Damoah and Richardson families.

Rev. Prince read the naming ceremony email sent by the father from Nottingham, giving the reasons for the individual names for the baby.
Gifts were then given to the new baby, Nana Bassanyin. Pastor Prince blessed the gifts, and brought the ceremony officially to an end, around 10 am.

A touch of technology introduced into the program was the live transmission of the ceremony via phone to the father of the Nana Bassanyin, who is in school in the UK. Dannie Adapoe and Seth Attram-Danso were the anchormen for the transmission.

Refreshments then followed, with groups of relatives and friends gathering to converse. The proud Dad also had the opportunity to talk to a number of people present by phone.

Story by: Nana Damoah, Roving correspondent

Letter from Dad - 26 May 06

Dear Bassanyin,

I am doing well, my dear. I have finished my exams, and now left with working on my final project. Soon, I will be done and will come home to be with you and Mum. Trust you are doing well. Been following all your progress, and very happy so far, haha. We thank God for your life each day.

Tomorrow, 27th May, you will be officially given your name. I just want to write to you and give you some background and the reasons for your name.

Mum and I are happy to honour a great man, during your naming ceremony. Someone who made such a great impact in my life – nurtured me, challenged me, and taught me so much with his actions, words, friendship and love. I am happy, together with your Mum, my darling wife Vivian, and with the blessing of my Mum and both Damoah and Richardson families, to honour my late Dad, George Nana Kwame Bassanyin Damoah, a man we called Bombay.

A little history lesson for you. My father was named after his late grand uncle, Nana Kwame Bassanyin I and II, the late Omanhene of Wasa Amenfi, and uncle to my Dad’s father (Nana Kwabena Damoah), who succeeded Nana Bassanyin on the throne and became Nana Premang Ntow II. My Dad’s cousin, the nephew of Nana Premang Ntow, who became the successor of Nana Premang Ntow II, is the current Paramount chief of Wasa Amenfi, Kasapreko Nana Kwame Bassanyin III.

My father, your Grand dad, was born on 10 June 1937, a Thursday and yet was a Kwame. I was born on a Tuesday, and yet I am Kwesi Awere (named after my grand uncle, the brother of Nana Premang Ntow). By our traditions, we don’t split the names. And, thus, the full name is given in honour. As my Dad before me did and his Dad before him did, so I emulate and do.

Your Granddad bonded with your Mum Vivian in a massive way, calling her “Darling” and saying “Lovely!” anytime they met or talked on phone, and we are excited to honour him.

So, it is with great pride that we name you, our son: Nana Kwame Bassanyin Damoah, with the following further explanations:

Nana: because you are a true son of Wasa Amenfi and named after a prince, and also because your parents are royal priest and priestess in the house of God. Our prayer is that in due time, when you are able to make that decision, with our constant guidance and example, you will accept the Lord’s Lordship and enter this royal priesthood as well.

Kwame Bassanyin: Kwame Bassanyin is the name of my Dad, who was named after your great great grand uncle. Bassanyin is, therefore, an important family name. However, I have thought deeply about it and have an understanding I would want you, my son, to understand and live by. “Bassa” means arm in our language. “Nyini” means “well grown or strong”. Putting the two together, “Bassanyin” means for us “A well grown arm or a strong arm”. We pray you, Nana Kwame, will grow up to be a strong arm; of support, of valour, of excellence - for your God, your nation and your family. And we pray that you will learn to trust in the Greatest Bassanyin of all, the Arm that we trusted in as we waited for you to come to us, the Great and Mighty Arm of God that never ceases to save, care for us and do great and mighty miracles, even the miracle which is you.

Damoah: that is our family name.

Welcome to our world, our son. Looking at you further proves God is working in our lives. I have attached two pictures of your Grandpa, after whom you were named.

I love you.

Your proud ‘online’ father,

Nana Damoah
Nottingham, UK
May 2006

Thanksgiving Scripture Text:

1Sa 1:27 I (We) prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my (our) request. [Insertions added]

My official auntie, my cousins and Auntie Emefa

Mum and I, as well as Grandma, are staying with my Uncle Fred and Auntie Evelyn, till Dad comes back from school. My auntie Evelyn is the 'official' auntie, hehe - the title agreed between her and Dad. I have three cousins who look over me, with Sister Esinam as my 'official' cousin. She is very zealous with her ministrations over me, hehe.

This picture here shows Auntie Emefa, who is a friend of Mum and Dad, with my cousins Akofa and Dzifa, and Auntie Evelyn.

With Mum and Grandma

Here I am with Mum.







With Grandma, Dad's Mum. Everyone calls her Mama, so I guess I will have to call her Grandma Mama!

Pictures at Fourteen

These are the pictures taken when I turned fourteen (yeah, in days, hehe). They were taken on 13 May 2006 by Uncle Kwasi Dako.

Events for last week (ending 20th May)

Last week was eventful as well. My auntie Maame as well as Uncles Kwame and Paul came over to visit. I also went to the hospital with Mum and Grandma, to the same Oxford street we went the last time.

A lot of people from Mum's workplace at Kaneshie polyclinic came over to visit me, and there was a lot of laughter in the house.

Over the weekend, Auntie Patricia, Mum's good friend, came to visit on the Saturday.

A weekend with a Unilever touch and being on my own

On Saturday, Mum left me alone for the first time, with Grandma. I told you I was becoming a big boy, didn't I? In her absence, Uncle Charles (remember him, the first photographer in my life...) came to visit with his wife Auntie Patricia his wife and my two cousins Ayeyi and Aseda.

Mum and Auntie Evelyn returned home with lots and lots of people, three people! Uncle Sammy Avaala, Uncle Kwasi and Auntie Emefa, who are working or used to work with Unilever, and used to work with Dad, phew! Uncle Kwasi (he is the son of the nice doctor Mum and I went to see last week) took some more pictures of me.

On Sunday, I got a visit from Uncle Ato and Auntie Loretta, with their kids, big sisters Ewurama and Eyram. Uncle Ato seemed to be fascinated with my nose, and I overheard him remarking as such to Grandma, haha. The nose must be a prominent feature in the family then...

Dad called in the afternoon on Sunday, and Mum put the phone to my mouth so I could cry for him to record. I showed them I was smarter - I held the phone!! Anyway, Dad got my crying enough to record for his listening pleasure!

Just turned fourteen!

Hurray, I turned fourteen yesterday, did you realise? I am growing quite well, I think, and earth isn't pretty bad, is it?

And, yes, I know you wanted to ask, okay okay, I am counting in days!

Pictures from Uncle Glover

Hi, it's me oooooh, Kwame! This week hasn't seen much happening. I have been home doing what I like doing best - u know, sleeping and eating! It is called Adidas - di (eat) and da (sleep), haha...and both in plural too, that is where the 's' comes in. See I am taking my grammer lessons quite seriously?

These are pictures taken by Uncle Glover when he visited with Auntie Jemima and big brother Danny. Enjoy them...

Second trip abroad

This week has been a bit quiet, except for my second trip abroad, to a road called Oxford street. We went with Uncle Fred to see a friendly doctor who smiled lovingly at me and told Grandma and Mum that he knows my Dad. Apparently, his son Kwasi is Dad's very close friend. Uncle Kwasi wanted to come and see me in the hospital but I think Grandma and Mum realised I was in a hurry to go home to relax!

I have been receiving comments on this website now, and I have enjoyed reading them, in the short times in between eating, sleeping and shouting! Haha.

I have heard from the grapevine that most people who come to see me, or view my pictures online, have one aim in addition to others: to do a quantitative assessment whether I have the trademark of the Wasa Damoahs! Oh yes, I do. My nose has been handed down, haha.

My pictures at 1 week

These are the pictures I promised would come soon.




My Uncle Fred took them, over the weekend when I turned seven days!! Stating it as one week doesn't make you realise how much I have grown, does it?











Check out my relaxing pose...

Another busy Sunday

Yesterday Sunday 7th May was another busy day. Well, I spent some time awake at dawn, and it was nice to see Grandma and Mum keeping me company!

During the day, I got more people coming over to see me. Uncle Theo and Uncle Seth, who came with his wife Auntie Mama Pat (whew!), as well as Aunties Pearl and Naomi. More gifts were brought for me. Dad called in the evening and the phone was brought close to my mouth so he could hear me crying and shouting, haha...

Letter from my Dad

Finally, I got to hear from my absentee Dad! And I do want to share the letter he wrote with you all. So, here goes...

Dear Nana Kwame,

Kwame, my son, how I wish I could be in Ghana right now to see you, to hold you in my arms, and to gaze upon your face. How I wish I were in Ashongman this very moment to behold the miracle of your arrival, the gift of your presence and to partake fully in the joy you have brought us all - your Mum and I, our families and our friends?

I am writing to you from Nottingham, in UK, and I trust all is well with you, and that you are being taken good care of. I have been calling home to ask of you almost everyday since you arrived, so don't think I am not close enough, haha! I even heard your voice on the phone and I was so excited! You really can shout, boy!

I am doing well with my studies, and thinking of you everyday. Your uncles Charles, Bryan and Geoff sent me some pictures, and they are lovely. You are a cute boy, my son. I went to Boots supermarket here in Nottingham last Thursday and printed out some of those pictures. I have them pasted all over my room here, and one is framed as well. I am finishing up on my first project and some essays and will start exams soon. Then, it will be time to work on my final project, and then...coming home to see yooooooooooouuuuuuuuu!! No more absentee fatherhood, haha.

Since this is my first letter, I will keep it short. This was just to let you know that I am in touch, haha, though not in body! This should be the first of many many letters I intend us to exchange as you grow up and as I do grow too! There is so much love in our hearts for you, Nana; we pray God to give us grace to be there for you, to love you and to bring you up well.

God bless you my child, and akwaaba.

You will read from me again. Find attached a picture of me.

Dad

Meeting Grandpa Richardson

Today was another special day! Grandpa Richardson, Mum's daddy, came to visit me from Mateheko, Accra. Uncle Fred went for him and he spent a long time with us in the house. Mum's friend, Auntie Charlotte, also came and brought me a lot of gifts. Daddy called Mum this evening from faraway, and they spoke on the phone.

Uncle Fred took more photos of me today.

A week since coming home

Today is 6th May, 2006, a week since I got home to Ashongman from the hospital. Yesterday, Auntie Mercy came to visit us and brought a big big hen for Mum, to celebrate my arrival. Grandma used it for soup for Mum and she liked it a lot. Everyone is home today.

A week on earth!

Today is Friday 5th May 2006 and it is already a week since I arrived. How time flies! I hear Mum and Grandma telling Dad (when is he going to come and see me?!) on the little thing Mum keeps talking on and holding that I am a week old and that I am growing big and sleeping well too! Of course, I am full and surrounded by lots of attention. Uncle Fred has taken some pictures of me today but Dad will get them later. Then, with Dad's help, I will let you see them too.

Growing up and getting to know more people

A day after going to Ashongman, Uncle Fred and Auntie Evelyn returned from a faraway place, called Thailand. They were so so happy to see me!

On Tuesday 2nd May, I went with Mum to the hospital with Grandma Rose; Uncle John Micah came to drive us. Dad's mother, Grandma Lizzy came there with Auntie Maame and Auntie Mercy. Grandma Lizzy was so happy to see me and thought I looked so much like Grandpa Bombay. I am getting to know that it will not be possible to meet Grandpa Bombay. We returned to Ashongman, and Uncle John, Grandma Rose and Auntie Maame left.

Within the week, I got to see more people, who are interested in me! Uncle Seth and Auntie Gloria , Auntie Jemima and Uncle Glover, with their big boy Danny, Uncle Theo, and many others. Wow, so many people in so short a space of time, and they all look similar!

Going home

The day after my arrival, 29th April 2006, Auntie Mercy, cousin Nana Abena and Uncle Paul, Auntie Ekua and Uncle James, and grandma Rose came with me to the house of Uncle Fred and Auntie Evelyn, at a place called Ashongman. We climbed over hills and it was a long way from my first 'home', the hospital. Everyone was very happy, and I got to meet my cousins Dzifa, Akofa and Esinam. How on earth am I going to mention all these names? I can't even remember my own name! I hear people calling me Little Nana. Well, it must be my size right? But I thought I was a big boy, or...

I can see Mum is tired...and Grandma Rose is such a great help to Mum. Auntie Evelyn and Uncle Fred are not at home, since they had travelled.

Plenty visitors

On the very first day of my arrival, a lot of people came to visit me. My aunties Mercy, Ekua, Theresa; my uncles Charles, Bryan and James; my cousin Nana Abena was also at the hospital, but I didn't get to meet her. The camera was very busy, and I wanted to sleep. Aw, let me sleep now, please!

My first day on earth

I was born on 28th April 2006, in a little room in a hospital called Lister hospital. It is on the Spintex road in Accra, the country of my parents Nana and Vivian. I was born around 8.47am. There was a lot of excitement at my arrival; I think a lot of people were waiting for me.



A few hours after my arrival, my uncle Charles came to visit me and Mum, and came with a little box with lights, called a camera. And flashed the lights in my face!

Later Uncle Bryan and Auntie Theresa also came and brought another camera, and took photos.