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Who is Michael Kwamena-Poh, the blogger behind lb@p?

I come from Mamfe, Amanokrom and Adukrom. Yes I know these names do not resonate with a lot of people. Those familiar with them will agree with me that these three little towns, nestled on the majestic Akuapem hills, are the most beautiful towns in all of English-speaking West Africa.

Akuapem refers primarily to a range of seventeen towns nestled on an elevated mountain range to the east of Accra, the capital of Ghana. These seventeen towns are as colorful as they are historic.

I was born in Adukrom 44 years ago to parents who were both teachers. I am the last of six children. I spent my early years in Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana and home to fascinating historical artifacts.

Kumasi is the capital of the great Asante Kingdom which at its height covered an area larger than that of modern Ghana. The clever Asante stationed representatives in every important town they conquered and introduced their language and culture. They also co-opted some of the cultural norms and practices of those they held sway over.

This strategic positioning, introduction of Asante culture and norms, coupled with the territorial integrity of Asante (at the height of its power, the Asante Empire covered an area larger than modern Ghana) is one of the reasons, if not the main reason, why the unofficial language in Ghana is the Asante version of Akan. Kumasi is also home to the ‘Golden Stool’.

The Golden Stool was ‘conjured’ from the sky in broad daylight at a Durbar of Asante Chiefs by a famous fetish priest known as Tomfo Anokye. Tomfo Anokye’s origin is debated till this day, however, it is believed he was originally from Awukugwa, one of the seventeen towns on the Akuapem Ridge    

I attended university in Nigeria which is 400 miles to the East of Ghana. Nigerians claim, rightly so, to be the largest Black democracy in the world. I attended Ogun State University now Olabisi Onabanjo University; Same university, same town, different name. Bisi Onabanjo was a former governor who was instrumental in the location of OSU now ONU at its’ present location in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. I majored in African history and set off on the 400 mile journey back to Ghana after spending seven years in Nigeria.

My working life consists largely of stints at wireless phone companies. The fondest memories are reserved for tiGO where I actually began what can be considered ‘proper’ work. tiGO used to be Mobitel that is when they had the ‘real’ name. tiGO I am not too enamored off or sure about. tiGO is the second largest wireless phone company in Ghana and was the first wireless phone company in sub-Saharan Africa.

I came to the United States in 2002 and settled in Frederick Maryland where I have since remained. It must be something in the water. The writing ‘explosion’ occurred in late 2005 following the publication of my first poem. It was not really an explosion as opposed to a drip-drip which has now become a floodgate, of motivational poetry, in particular.

I love writing poetry, the inspirational sort that is. My poems are meant to inspire, encourage and motivate. I also share strategies dealing with life optimization; strategies ‘hidden’ openly in the bible.

This is my story. I welcome all who visit my blog with open arms to journey with me and enjoy my writing.

Welcome and as we say in Ghana, ‘Akwaaba’ and in Yoruba land (in Nigeria) ‘Ekaabo’. 

Posted under optimized Mindset