Time with Koo Ntakra

GhanaTalksRadio
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Koo Ntakra discusses anything and everything relating to Ghanaian culture. He also brings guest on the show to discuss various topics.

  1. Aug 31

    Street beggars

    In Ghana, most street beggars fall into 3 groups you can easily tell apart:*1. Organized Foreign Rings*Mostly from Niger, Mali. You see women with 2-3 kids at traffic lights. They are brought in by someone who houses them and takes the money at the end of the day. They are the biggest group now — over 60% in Accra.*2. Persons with Disability*Ghanaian men and women on wheelchairs, crutches, or blind. Usually at Makola, Kaneshie, Circle. They beg because formal jobs won't hire them. Many are actually skilled — shoe making, phone repair — but have no capital.*3. Medical / Emergency Beggars*With a hospital paper or photo. "Help me pay for my child's surgery". Some are genuine, some are fake — always verify at the hospital.What Accra is Doing About ItAMA + Social Welfare just repatriated over 1,000+ street beggars last year, but they come back because there's no long-term program for them.LEAP (Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty) pays only GH₵64 - GH₵106 every 2 months — not enough to survive.If You See Them Daily, What Actually Works?Don't just give coins at the traffic. If you want to make real impact:- Buy from them if they sell something — water, handkerchief, groundnut. That's dignified.- For kids: Don't give money. Give food + report to Department of Social Welfare 0800 0800 800. Giving money keeps them on the street.- For disabled: Ghana Federation of Disability has skill training centers. You can refer them.- For mothers with babies: 90% of babies used are drugged to sleep all day. If you see that, call Police 112.If you're dealing with beggars disturbing your shop or area in Amasaman, the best channel is to go to your Assemblyman and let AMA Social Welfare pick them up — they won't arrest them, they take them to a shelter at Madina or repatriate.Were you thinking of helping one person you see, or clearing them from a location? The approach is very different.

  2. Aug 24

    Unnatural death

    Unnatural Death refers to any death that is not caused by natural disease or old age.In law, medicine, and insurance, it’s a specific classification.*1. Main Definition*A death caused by outside factors, not the body failing on its own.*2. Types of Unnatural Death*Type Examples**Accidental** Road accident, drowning, fall, electric shock, fire, poisoning**Homicidal** Murder, manslaughter, assault**Suicidal** Intentionally taking own life**Iatrogenic / Negligence** Wrong medication, surgical error - debated category**Environmental / Animal** Snake bite, animal attack, lightning strikeA natural death would be: heart attack from heart disease, stroke, cancer, old age, pneumonia, etc.*3. How It’s Determined in Ghana 1. Coroner’s Office / Pathologist* does an autopsy if death looks suspicious2. Police report required - for accident, suicide, or suspected foul play3. Death certificate - Doctor will write “unnatural death” or specific cause like “RTA” (Road Traffic Accident)4. Hospital referral - Cases are sent to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) or 37 Military Hospital for post-mortem*4. Why The Classification Matters*1. Legal: Police investigation is mandatory for unnatural deaths2. Insurance: Life insurance often pays differently. Some policies exclude suicide in first 1-2 years3. Cultural / Religious: Burial rites may change. Some churches/traditions have special rules4. Family: Needed for court, inheritance, and closure*5. What To Do If It Happens to Someone*1. Don’t touch/move the body - preserve scene2. Call police - dial 112 or 18555 for Ghana Police3. Call ambulance - dial 112 for National Ambulance Service4. Wait for investigation - Body may go for autopsy before release5. Seek support - Unnatural deaths are traumatic. Talk to family, pastor, or counselor*6. Grief Is Different*Losing someone to unnatural death is often harder because:1. It’s sudden and shocking2. There may be blame, questions, or police cases3. No chance to say goodbye4. Media / rumors can make it worseIt’s okay to feel angry, confused, or numb. It takes time.---Are you asking because:1. You’re studying law / medicine / forensics?2. For insurance or legal paperwork?3. You’re supporting someone who lost a person this way?Tell me so I can help you more specifically. And if you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, you can talk to someone in Ghana at +233 24 401 9115 / 20 - Lifeline Ghana.I’m here for you

  3. Aug 21

    Talent in churches

    Talent in Churches Church is one of the biggest places where talents get discovered, nurtured, and used to serve.*1. Common Talents You’ll Find in Church*Talent How it’s used in church**Singing / Choir** Praise & worship, choir ministries, soloists**Instrumentalists** Drums, piano, guitar, trumpets, bass**Dance / Drama** Mime, cultural dance, choreography, skits for sermons**Media & Tech** Sound, lighting, livestream, graphics, video editing**Speaking / Teaching** Preaching, MC/Host, usher announcements, Bible teaching**Writing** Sermon notes, songs, poetry, church bulletins**Art & Design** Banner design, stage decor, flyers, church branding**Leadership / Organization** Youth leader, protocol, event planning, fundraising*2. Why Churches are Great for Growing Talent*1. Safe space to practice - You can start small on a Sunday service before big stages2. Mentorship - Older musicians, pastors, and leaders train you3. Purpose-driven - It’s not just about skill, it’s about impact and service4. Exposure - Church programs, crusades, and conferences connect you to other ministers/artists5. Character building - Talent + discipline + humility is what lasts*3. Examples of Ghanaian artists who started in church*Lots of our biggest names started in church:- Joe Mettle - Worship leader- Diana Hamilton - Choir- MOG Music - Choir director- Sonnie Badu - Started playing keys in church- Efya, Bisa Kdei - Choir backgrounds too*4. How to use/grow your talent in church*1. Identify it - What comes naturally and blesses people?2. Serve consistently - Join a ministry: music, media, drama, ushering3. Train - Take vocal lessons, music school, media training. Many churches now run schools4. Be faithful with small - Sound guy today, producer tomorrow5. Stay teachable - Talent without character burns out*Bible perspective**"Use whatever gift you have received to serve others"* - 1 Peter 4:10*"Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings"* - Proverbs 22:29---Are you asking because:1. You want to discover your talent and use it in church?2. You lead a church and want ideas to build a talent ministry?3. You want to know how to monetize church talent without losing the purpose?Tell me which one, and I’ll go deeper with you

  4. Aug 10

    Akan names ( Days of the week ) and their appellations

    Akan Days of the Week + Appellations / Day Names In Akan culture, the day you’re born on gives you a "soul name" or Kradin. Each day also has male and female appellations.*1. The 7 Days + Meanings*Day Twi Name Meaning Male Name Female Name**Sunday** Kwasiada "Day of the Most High God" **Kwasi** Akosua**Monday** Dwowada "Peaceful/Calm day" **Kwadwo** Adwoa**Tuesday** Benada "Warfare/Valor day" **Kwabena** Abenaa**Wednesday** Wukuada "Spider day" - associated with Anansi **Kwaku** Akua**Thursday** Yawoada "Bold/Brave day" **Yaw** Yaa**Friday** Fiada "Love/Fertility day" **Kofi** Afua**Saturday** Memeneda "God's day / Serious day" **Kwame** Ama*2. Appellations / Praise names for each day*These are used to praise or identify people born on that day:1. Kwasi / Akosua - Sunday bornAppellation: "Otumfuo" = The powerful oneTrait: Leadership, responsibility, spiritual2. Kwadwo / Adwoa - Monday bornAppellation: "Dapaa"Trait: Peaceful, calm, gentle3. Kwabena / Abenaa - Tuesday bornAppellation: "Ogyam" = WarriorTrait: Bold, hot-tempered but brave4. Kwaku / Akua - Wednesday bornAppellation: "Ananse"Trait: Clever, witty, creative like Anansi the spider5. Yaw / Yaa - Thursday bornAppellation: "Otuo" = Gun / BraveTrait: Courageous, determined, stubborn6. Kofi / Afua - Friday bornAppellation: "Kɔkɔbɛn" = RoosterTrait: Loving, romantic, traveler7. Kwame / Ama - Saturday bornAppellation: "Bretuo" = War clanTrait: Serious, hardworking, blessed*3. How it works*Example: If you’re born on a Friday and you're a guy → Kofi.People might call you "Kofi Kɔkɔbɛn" as your appellation.Bonus: Sometimes a 2nd name is added based on birth order.Ex: Kofi Nti = Kofi, 3rd born*Fun fact*Most Ghanaian surnames you hear - Kofi Annan, Yaa Asantewaa, Kwame Nkrumah - come from this day-name system.Want me to:1. Make you a chart you can save/share2. Give you Akan proverbs for each day3. Tell you what your day name would be if you give me your birthday?

  5. Aug 7

    Ghanaian artist organizing shows in abroad

    Ghanaian artist organizing shows in abroad

  6. Aug 3

    Animals and their Akan names

    Animals and their Akan namesAkan is widely spoken in Ghana. Here are the most common animals + their Akan names:*1. Domestic animals*English Akan Pronunciation tip**Dog** Kraman kra-man**Cat** Nkwakwaa / Pusu n-kwa-kwa / poo-soo**Goat** Aberewa / Mmprako ah-be-re-wa / mm-pra-ko**Sheep** Odwan o-dwan**Cow** Anantwie a-nan-twee**Pig** Mprenku / Prako mm-prehn-koo**Chicken** Akokɔ a-koh-ko**Rooster** Akokɔberan a-koh-ko-be-ran**Hen** Akokɔbaa a-koh-ko-baa**Duck** Akɔtɔn a-koh-ton**Turkey** Akɔnɔwa a-koh-noh-wa*2. Wild animals*English Akan**Lion** Gyata**Elephant** Esono**Monkey** Ɔkɔ**Baboon** Mmoa**Leopard** Ewia**Hyena** Kɔkɔdɔm**Antelope** Otwe**Buffalo** Bɔkɔe**Zebra** Zebra - same, but sometimes akɔtɔkɔ**Snake** Wɔ**Tortoise** Kɔtɔkɔ**Crocodile** Densɛm**Hippopotamus** Mmoboro*3. Birds & other creatures*English Akan**Bird** Anomaa**Eagle** Akwɛ**Owl** Apotoyewa**Parrot** Akonɔ**Bat** Apan**Fish** Nsuo mu nam / Nam**Crab** Mɔkɔ**Ant** Nsowa**Bee** Ewiaa / Enwia**Mosquito** Mɔnkɔ**Butterfly** Nantwinini*4. Fun Akan proverbs with animals*Akan people use animals a lot in proverbs:1. "Gyata na ɛyɛ ɔkyerɛkyerɛfoɔ" - The lion is a teacher. = Be brave and lead2. "Kɔtɔkɔ nim asɛm a ɔnka" - The tortoise knows things but doesn't talk. = Be wise and quiet3. "Sɛ abɔnten so bɔne a, anantwie ani bɛberɛ" - If there's trouble outside, the cow will be scared. = Trouble affects everyone*Quick notes*1. Akan has dialects - Twi and Fante spellings can differ a bit. Ex: Cat = Pusu in Twi, Nkwakwaa in some areas2. "Ɔ" and "ɔ" are real letters in Akan. Ɔkɔ = monkey3. Kids in Ghana learn these through songs and storiesWant me to make you:1. A full A-Z list with pictures2. Animal sounds + Akan names for kids3. Just farm animals, or just wild animalsWhich one should I do next?

  7. Jul 31

    Music promotion

    Music promotion = getting people to actually hear your song, not just release it and hope Whether you're an artist, producer, or label in Accra or anywhere else, it comes down to 3 things: Music + Audience + Consistency*1. Before you promote: Get the basics right*1. Song quality - Mix/master should be clean. First 10 seconds matter most2. Cover art - Eye-catching, tells the story. No blurry phone pics3. Distribution - Get it on Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack, YouTube. Use DistroKid, TuneCore, or local distributors4. Social pages - Bio, pinned post, link in bio with all streaming links*2. Free/Low-budget promotion strategies*Channel What to do**TikTok + Reels** Post 3-5x/week. Use a 15s hook. Dance, story, or challenge. This is where songs blow up in 2026**Instagram** Behind the scenes, snippets, lyric posts. Engage in comments + DMs**YouTube** Visualizer, lyric video, performance video. YouTube is still king for long-term discovery**WhatsApp Status** Biggest promo tool in Ghana. Send to friends, ask them to repost**Playlists** Pitch to Boomplay, Spotify, Audiomack curators. Also DM playlist owners**Radio + DJs** Send to DJ Breezy, DJ Mic Smith, radio presenters. Personal DM + follow up**Collabs** Feature other artists, producers, dancers. You tap into their audience*3. Paid promotion that actually works*1. Meta Ads - Boost Reels to people who like your genre in Ghana, Nigeria, UK, US diaspora2

  8. Jul 27

    Divorce (part 2)

    Divorce (part 2) Divorce is when a marriage is legally ended by the court.It means both people are no longer husband and wife in the eyes of the law.*1. Main reasons people go through it*- Constant conflict or no communication- Trust issues: cheating, lying, hiding money- Abuse: physical, emotional, or financial- Different life goals: kids, career, religion, money- Growing apart over time- Long separation*2. How it works in Ghana*1. File a petition at the High Court / Family Tribunal2. Give grounds: adultery, unreasonable behavior, desertion for 2+ years, or living apart for 2 years with agreement3. Court settles: child custody, property, maintenance/child support4. Decree granted: marriage is officially dissolvedFor customary/traditional marriages, the family heads often settle things first before going to court.*3. What it affects*- Emotionally: Grief, stress, but also relief and a chance to start fresh- Kids: They adjust better when there’s stability, clear schedules, and parents don’t fight in front of them- Money: Splitting assets, new budgets, child support- Community: Can come with stigma in some churches/families, but you’ll also find support*4. Before filing, some people try*- Marriage counseling- Mediation - neutral person helps you talk- Legal separation - live apart first to test itDivorce is tough, but it doesn’t mean failure. Sometimes it’s the healthiest way forward for both people, especially when the home isn’t peaceful anymore.Do you want me to go deeper on any part?I can explain legal steps in Ghana, how to tell kids, or how to handle emotions and finances after divorce.Which one would help you most right now?

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About

Koo Ntakra discusses anything and everything relating to Ghanaian culture. He also brings guest on the show to discuss various topics.

Information

  • Creator
    GhanaTalksRadio
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    254
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Time with Koo Ntakra

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