DISCUSSIONS - ARCHIVE

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	DISCUSSION SERIES II
April 6 1999

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The session began at 6pm EST/11pm GMT and ended 9:30pm EST/2:30am GMT. The following people were present: Harry Ofori, Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, David Gyimah, Joseph Oppong, Dr. Akwasi Amponsah, Dr. Kofi Appiah, George Twumasi, Emmanuel Aouad, Kofi Manu.

NAME: David Gyimah
MESSAGE: Ok ...just getting a hang of this. Sorry for the delay to any amanfoor waiting..... I guess we're here to talk about a film on prempeh. I'd like to start by thanking harold for this opportunity.. and that something fruitful comes of our chat.. ok

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Thank you David, I know they will show up. You are very prompt. Thanks for coming.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Thank you David, I know they will show up. You are very prompt. Thanks for coming.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I thought there is supposed to be a discussion at this time.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

J, yes there is a discussion going on....but as you know Amanfoo...they are always late!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

This discussion will revolve around the whole idea of making a documentary for Prempeh. Gyimah has a lot of ideas in his head that he wants to discuss with Amanfoo and see how best to implement his plans for the film. He will also take suggestions from other Amanfoo and try to see who has rare Prempeh documents, such as video cassettes, pictures, etc.

Then Amanfoo who went to the Jubilee may want to tell us about what they saw.

The floor will be opened to all other discussions.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hi Harold,
I hope I have successfully e-mapped to the discussion forum. Is there a synopsis I can add to, comment on, or contribute towards evolving? Please let me know. thanks

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Wow, welcome, George. Yeah I think we can all use your expertise. Lets hope more Amanfoo get here so we can proceed. Sofoline boys are always late. True to tradition!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I may not have any archival footage or vidoes on Prempeh but I certainly am ready o contribute in my capacity to help this happen.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I am trying to get a hang of this tool myself. it is great to be communicating with some amanfoos with vision. Thanks for taking your time to come out.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Senior as a documentarist or filmmaker how what are some of the ingredients you would be looking for to enhance your making of a film about our beloved Alma Mater?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

hi harold, hi george.. I hope Joppong can see this. unfortunatalty everytime I try to post a message it takes me back elsewhere In answer to Joppong's question.. A good stoty.. strong narratives.. which we have an abudance of.. and people comfortable telling those stories..

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I know Prempeh is fifty now and I hope you are thinking like I am but how would you go about sampling your amanfoo who would give narratives and also is the sampling going to be generation based or.....?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

hi joppong, I'm afraid my wife and i are trying to grapple with the set up. For a while we had no idea anyone was here. And anytime i post a message it takes me into another screen.. ah well.. your question.. yes

NAME:

MESSAGE:

There are some more people out there now.You have to be clicking on other topics by other individuals to know where they are at. I just suggested a moment ago that the confusion could be dealt with by asking everyone to simply reply to your topic. I will follow up to get everyone out here in a second.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hello David and Harold and amanfoo. It is quite a bold idea to make a film on a high school (college) in Ghana, considering the fact that, they do not even have one on the Universities. Over here, in the States, most universities do have a web presence, though, I am not sure, whether they have films on them. At the same time, this brings to my mind, a film we watched in Prempeh College, about a Girls School in Uganda. It was a very well made film and we were very impressed.

Thus, a film about Prempeh College, will be very special and should not be taken lightly. In the able hands of David, this film will underscore the fact, that, a pre-dominantly christian school in sub-saharan Africa, can produce students of very high calibre. I still believe though, that, we should turn it into a co-ed. This film should portray the strengths of the school. If it is a success, I can see outside philantropists donating money to the school fund. It can be a reall success story for black Africa.

Just warming up.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

thanks joppong. What would make a good film on prempeh?? strong narratives.. and we have tons of those. There's quite a lot of work to do in gathering material e.g photos videos etc to include, but at the early stage the pre-requesite is on a about four strong narratives threading the whole story, with subplots ie focuses on other people . In my minds eye i can see a docies modeled on the WGBH style.. you know the guys who made "eye of the prize" narrated by Julian Bond

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Obviously as a filmmaker you have your gameplan about making an effective film I guess at this point our [other Amanfoo] job is to give suggestions that would further enhance the quality of this production.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Harold I think you should designate yourself to moderate this discussion so that it would have a meaning and direction for all of us.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

harold, pardon me for jumping into the fire. but before, I go on i should thank you and david for bringing this idea up and making it possible for all of us to share in the discussion.

i have a few questions. how soon is david going to film the documentary? I presume it will cover the period from the inception of Prempeh College to the present. What sort of substantive contribution do you require from us besides the interviews, etc.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

snr ohemeng thanks for the question and for showing. Good questions. I think there are substantial questions within the researching stage to be looked at. There are some among us who know the history of prempeh inside out.. clearly such people are invaluable. What we need is a film body: a team of people who constitute in some way the brains or finance or shooting team. I'll elaborate

NAME:

MESSAGE:

As i was saying. i don't think it will happen tomorrow. It's a worthwile project for which I'd like those with the expertise to throw their hats in the ring. Yes it will cover the start of prempeh. Clearly the availability of film and other cinematic material would almost dictate the emphasis on what's to be included in the film. I have some ideas, but would like to hear what you have to say first....

NAME:

MESSAGE:

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Webmaster please find my comment just emailed to you. We need to build a bigger and better Sofoline University in the new century! You may reach me at my phone number for the interview.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

A few questions: 1) How many hours will the film be?

2) Will it be divided into parts Part (I) --History Part (II)--Academics Part (III) Sports

3) Will it try to provide representation for the various Ghanaian ethnic groups that passed through Prempeh or blend them all into the idealized Ghanaian ? Outsiders are going to be watching and they will be asking all sorts of questions.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

A better Sofoline University indeed!!! A call to action! Lets use "dawuro" to make it known to the world at large!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Dr Amponsah, pleasure making your acquaintance. i have noted your comments. How would we achieve this?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Snr Aouad, good to talk to you. I agree with everything you've said. making a film on Prempeh is in the scheme of things not such a huge logistical feat. That the uni's don't have one is sad, but I do believe if we have the capabilities- and we do to show what a school in Ghana has achieved: doctors, presidential hopefuls, eminent persons, etc etc. then its a magic story. People in the states and Britain, on the strength of what the school has achieved would marvel. It's a classic fairytale story. Many compare us to Eton. Quite frankly we're better than Eton. If we had half there resources we'd be running the planet.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Emma, you have raised three great questions. What do you suggest for your question #3?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

This is a great idea. The website actually tells a great story! The material for the script is there to be developed. However, we need to make it a democratic process, meaning, a film ' by Amanfoo for Amanfoo'. The documentary should inspire the youth of Ghana for scholastic archievement and it should promote African Personality and Ghanaian culture.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hi David, Hi Harold, and Joppong Esquire, Can I add my 2p worth of input now as follows?

DEVELOPING THE STORY:

1. ESTABLISHING A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE :

eg. The great tribes of Africa; the OYO and Ashanti empires and the passing of that era into colonialism; the zeal of a colourful and proud people (symbolised by Edward Wilmot Blyden) blending in with the missionary spirit of the colonial master; the birth of a synergy of positive exchange that gives rise to a generation of "public school" type instituions in West Africa of which Prempeh College is one of a select few - Fourah Bay, Achimota, Holy Child etc.

2. THE BEGINNINGS -

The Pioneers of change - Rev Pearson and the Prempeh class of 49; the post world war effect on the development of Prempeh during 50's; the royal connection to the Ashanti throne; the iconic development of the school during those formative years;the key milestones

3. THE MAKING OF AN INSTITUTION

The initial impact of Prempeh College graduates on the immediate society - athletics, graduation into universities in Ghana and subsequently around the world; the metarmorphis to key international academic institutions; the establishment of a defintive intellectual capital threshold of an international standard etc.

4. ICONS OF THE TIMES

The seeds of greatness, past, present, and future; a vision for tommorrow; the future leaders of a modern African renaisssance?

I am trying to sum up a possible perspective

Guys what do you think?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Snr Aouad, I'd seriously consider looking at a three parter 40 minutes each way. I'm a little sceptical, bcus I'd prefer to have a 1hr omnibus edition that would be broadcastable.. to whom.. well ghana tv for one, the african american and British market to follow. I believ its always best starting off with a 40- 1 hour project and if one feels there's enough material to hold for more then that can be looked at. As a taster, i remember recording a project for BBC Radio which included the Rear Admiral of Ghana's navy ( an amanfour ) and two of our leading headmasters. their interviews were fascinating which would be a strong feature of the film. Equally strong would have to be the narrative that binds these interviews together. I understand our scottish headmaster has some great stories...I also understand from speaking to Moncho several moons back that the orginal architectural model of the school is somewhere in Ireland- in the hands of the architect who put the school together.. for me the theme begins to take shape.. questions looking at the representation of ethnic groups will have to be looked at... that's what I call the initial resaerch to establish what and where we need to be concentrating our efforts

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I took a short break and it seems so much transpired between you guys while I was away. David you must have heard so many perspectives on the subject at hand. As the man who would ultimately undertake the challenge, does it seem we are making progress so far and if so what are some of the ideas you have thus so far garnered?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

george whoaahhh! sound to me like your 2ps worth is that of an associate producer? don't tell me you're a producer already or work in that medium. If not I like what i hear and i say you put yourself as a part of a production team.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Well, Harold:

My suggestion to question 3 would be to show how aspiring Prempeh College Students prepare to enter Prempeh after they have been accepted. We could pick all the 9 regions in Ghana and showcase their culture and how the whole town (village) says farewell to the new student as he begins his journey to Prempeh College full of so much hope and aspiration. This will depict Prempeh College as a National melting pot, not just a regional entity. Prempeh College has gone Global and to command the respect of a global audience, the film should show that we in Prempeh College have transcended all regional borders.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Barimah Twumasi, that will be spectacular, the historical record, the royal connection, the beginnings, the makings, and the future!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Senior Twumasi, at this stage why don't you tell us a little bit about your background. I know you are into broadcasting production also, but do you mind sharing your experience with the others? Don't hesitate to lead us into the IMAGINATION CORPORATION OF AFRICA that you and I discussed earlier.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

snr joppong, Yep i believe we are widening the berth of the how's where's why's and what's in otherwords asking searching questions. One main concern. film making/documentary making is never quite democratic. Out of the thousands who've passed through prempehs doors not all will be featured, but people can contribute in other ways. We need to be asking questions of finance. i got an email a while back from a snr asking for good bankable ideas he could finance. Well clearly this is one of them. Cutting to the chase, a filmlike this could take about £100,000 to make: most docies cost around that figure. the turn over though would be huge for its investors. i note that some 5000 people have logged onto the Amafoor web site..if you consider sales, advertising revenue, sponsorship, broadcast rights both in Ghana, abroad etc.. that's a lot of money. I'd like to hear from those who have influence with sponsors in raising money. Edward Boateng CEO of Global Media Alliance- formerly CNN is someone who could add value.. and I know there are many others

NAME:

MESSAGE:

David, Money and minds are the life blood of any great institution. We need strategic plans, endowment, generous contribution and committed Amanfoo with vision like you to make it happen. I think Ghana is ready for a great Amanfoo university which is free standing and less dependent on the government.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Emma, that is also a superb idea. We can go across the whole West African Region. In my class there was a Liberian, a Togolese and 2 Sierra Leoneans. And then there were the 2 Indians. In fact, we can track down a majority of the people who were flown from overseas to attend Prempeh.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

George's panoramic sweep is awesome. It really gets the creative juices flowing.

Over to you David.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Dear David, The idea of a Documentary on Prempeh is not at all out of place and I rather think it is long overdue. I recall watching a documentary in 1986 with my Daddy (one of the Pioneer Students of Prempeh)on a High School in Malawi, which at the time was the pride of the then President Kamuzu Banda. It was equated in all feats to Eton of the UK. My Daddy was so much in awe of the entire contents, naturally rivetting him to his seat, all because almost every scene reminded him of the founding and the early years of Prempeh,and how the vision and the efforts of Rev Pearson, Major Butler and Otumfour Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh blosomed out into what their imaginations could not even perceive. I'm deeply sorry I cannot recall the title otherwise it would have been easier to refer to and easily spur you on to making something better. You can still reach it David, because I believe it was filmed by BBC hence the repeated referring to Eton college in their content. I will even say, please come up with a suitable title and let's plan the content as we go along to befit the title, obviously with our intended viewers'taste being taken into consideration.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

MMmm gone very quiet. Harold!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I'm still here. New people are entering. I guess they haven't posted anything yet because they are trying to check out what they've missed so far.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Dr Amponsah, pleasure making your acquaintance. i have noted your comments. How would we achieve this?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

I will be marching with you brother Harold with my dewuro- "from sea to shining sea" for Prempeh! I declare! Amen! (Well, Amanfoo, I must confess: I've lived among our African- American brothers for so long that I am begining to sound like a Southern Baptist Preacher!).

NAME:

MESSAGE:

snr appiah I am so glad you brought that up that film. i saw that doccies as well. in all intents and purposes it was a very good film.. now here's the rub: I was a rookie producer at the time. I've seen that film recently, and i can confidently say: a film on prempeh would be much stronger viewing. I'm currently talking to an aquaintance at Channel 4 to see whether ultmately they would be interested in funding this project: trouble there is that of they say yes, a lot of the control we seek will be out of our hands.... but the docie on Malawi's Eton was great. What I had in mind with prempeh was an idea that worked backwards. In 97 a couple of guys met at an amanfoors house one evening. It was pure magic. I hadn't seen most of these guys for up to a decade. The device to give the film a strong storyline would be to have a couple of amanfoors meeting up and telling their stories, which adress issues raised by snr Twumasi. if you've seen The JoyLuck Club: the technique of reminiscing is very similar and effective.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

David: I concur with your brilliant strategy for this documentary film. I think you have the blueprint!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Snr Appiah, Snr Gyimah suggested a title sometime ago in another discussion with Amanfoo. It was, "THE STOOL: A SEAT OF EXCELLENCE!" Now, what do you all think about this title?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

The question of finance is crucial. Any amanfoor millionaires out there ? It is time to repay the alma mater. The tuition at Prempeh was insignificant in those days, compared to Eton and the education was about the same.

Hopefully our academic achievements will translate into some big global companies soon.

Adios for now.

I have to tutor somebody in organic chemistry right now. Exam time is 3 days away for this undergrad.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Harold , As moderator, Is there a guilotine on our disco. Another.......10, 20, 30 mins or 1 hr. What do you think??

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Seniors I just thought of it and realized that this discussion has been "unilateral" in the sense that the points of view shared are from Amanfoos abroad only [I hope I am not mistaken]. I was wondering how we could engage or notify Amanfoos back home about our plan and hopefully get them to participate in this venture.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

merci beaucoup snr amponsah. I very much appreciate the time given by all to this process. I'm not winding up: that's the moderators job, but after 2 hours on line, my thoughts are: clearly, there is an appetite for this project. Saddly, unlike the brilliance of Snr Ofori who has single handedly built this web site: filmning takes a team. We've hit the iceberg tip: we need to crawl on board. There are others who have missed todays brainstorming. I think we should take the opportunity to inform them of some of the thoughts so this conversattion can develop elsewhere on the amanfor site. To me this is an incredible story. It's my firm hope that while, I have the opportunity to tell other stories because of my work,this one won't get assigned to the history pages any longer. the only think keeping us back is apathy......

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Snr. Aouad: Your are right. Prempeh exemplifies the splendor and diversity in Ghanaian society. Let's showcase our College as microcosm of Ghana.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hi David, Harold et al,

I thought I'd share in the views of others before participating further.

David, some ideas for you. With regards to making the film, I think I quite like the idea of a three part 40 minuter. My suggestion on the financing of the film is as follows:

1. Why dont; we clone a working title like say, from "Stardust to Stars", a docu-drama; The idea would be to evole a journey through the life cycle of an individual from an aspiring fair serf to a jubilant hero of inspiration - an African people hero -

The journey of the character's life would be a montage which sums up the aspirations of not just us (amanfour) but that of every inspired walk. In Mandela' Long walk to Freedom, his old college is potrayed as a citadel of strength. I genuinely believe Prempeh College and its thousands who have passed through, can be "tourch-borne" and symbolised by our character. I that with your experience, the sales pitch document will be a train smash. Any way more of that later.

The character will have an identity which evolves with the trials of and humour with which we have all become accustomed to in our repesctive dailly endeavours. Each 40 minuter will have a cut-back to Prempeh College and the aymbols and deeds of inspiration to which most sub-Saharan Africans can and will readily identify with. In a nutshell, we can make t5he Prempeh College story, a universal flame of inspiration for all people of the diaspora. I beleive thats what we all want and believe in.

2. The Selling of the film.

Through mutual efforts, I believe we can get pre-sales in all the key Afrrican television markets, the John Hopskins University, International Corporate Sponsors, and European and American PBS pre-sales.

Most importantly, I also be;lieve we can tap into the Rockefeller, Carnegie and Ford Foundations, and secure the patronage of Baroness Chalker, whose WB credentials can open doors into the Virtual University's funding.

David as a footnote, you probably remember me more as Abicus than George. that should put my media background into perspective

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Snr joppong, You're absolutely right: this is a slow and laborious process of getting people involved. Converting those who think otherwise of it. It'll take a while, but hopefully by the end of 2000 there should be something in the can we can look at. Consider this: spike lee in the making of Malcolm X. That film should have been made years ago. It wasn't. Spike also added that his film, supported also by a wealth of blacks, was not supposed to be the definative film..other should follow. I feel the same about Prempeh. There are a zillion stories worth telling. If you don't mind me saying, but Harold, I might sign off in the ff 10 mins. WE've started something. lets not throw it away

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Harold, David, Akwasi, How about: (i) 'THE PRIDE OF THE ASHANTI KINGDOM'; or (ii) 'PREMPEH COLLEGE:THE BEACON OF THE NATION'; as the title of the 'doccie'? I must confess, I wish I was the first to suggest the title David gave! Ha Ha Haa!!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

01.20 a.m GMT; Harold as I wind up .. any thoughts on the next step in this process. For my end, in 1997, myself and Edward boateng undertook a special project. Four of ghana's top tv journalist were flown to South Africa: their first time ever, to record a programme. We shot a series of films in one week in Soweto, cape Town , joberg etc and then in the next week, edited it: i'll try and make that availabelf ro harold so it gives an idea of production values. The most recent short promo I made on nobel peace prize winners Medecins sans frontieres should give a perspective of the prduction's look... now then waiting for last orders if you don't mind me saying... IT HAS BEEN A BLAST- THANKS LOADS

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Okay Senior Gyimah, we can end it in 30 mins. Its now 1:30AM GMT, we can end it at 2AM GMT.

Amanfoo lets make use of this last 30 mins

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hi Harold,

In rounding off (its 1.35am) I would hope that you will put us in touch with David and company, with a view to help as much as I can through the African Broadcast Network, to make this film happen. I will be in touch to enahnce our discussions on the Imagination Corporation of Africa. Chao

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Okay, Senior Gyimah, thank you very much for coming. You've done Prempeh a great honour.

As for the rest of us in US Timezone, its only 8:40Pm here, so we can stay until the cows come home. What do you all say?

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Okay Snr Twumasi, thank you for coming. We will talk later! Da yie!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

abicus.. how u doin? Are u in Britain. If so you're burning some oil. Lets talk on this.. and that goes for all amanfoor. Abicus, sounds like you have your head wrapped around this. Lets talk. The only forseeable hurdle will be over financing ie the crew, stocks, archive, various interviews. I think a strong candidate as a subject for a narrative would be Ghana's presidential hopeful, Mr kuffour. Mr kuffours road to the presidency is a docie in itself. I won't be supprised if ff the interest in ghana ( the queen and her foreign ministers last visit) that a BBC team is busily planning a brief to follow Mr Kuffour in his campaign: that's the currency that lends itself to the school as well... Now then last orders, i'm about to snooze, 2 minues more

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Senior Appiah, both titles you suggested are great. Now you've got me confused about which of the three we've heard so far is the best. But I may have to go with 'PREMPEH COLLEGE:THE BEACON OF THE NATION'

NAME:

MESSAGE:

my formal thanks to Snr Harry Ofori. To all the amanfoor that pitched, thanks for your time. For those that couldn't, theres time. Once again, this has been an experience. Clearly the net has a lot to offer: Harold, you've made brilliant use of a great telecom divice. may more of the same occur, and I hope to participate on the sidelines in the future. Goodnite and God bless Ps My wifes going to give me an earful: 1.40 in the morning. work at 6.am.. know what I mean. have a great chat of what's left bye for now

NAME:

MESSAGE:

David, good hooking up. I will call.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Thank you, thank you for your very kind words, Senior. Goodnight!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hi Abicus! This is your little boy Kofi Appiah admiring your brilliant contributions and I must say this is way above the jokes and exclamations you used to emanate from Freeman Dorm 2, with 'EC' as the moderator! I feel a litle uncomfortable as the Doccie centering on a main character other than the well informed Narrator who would be seen as an unbiased assessor/evaluator the quality of the institution and its products in question. I would also want it to be more focused on our nation with highlights on how this particular College has influenced Africa in particular and the entire globe as a whole. I however concur with your vision on the marketing of the Film. Excellent idea, Abicus!

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Snr Appiah, it looks as if we are the only 2 left here.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Harold, I gotta leave - I just got paged from the Hospital and would have to tend issues, more especially at a time when even Bill Clinton is showing concern for Medical Mistakes! I just had one of the best times on the Net and can we do this a lot more often? Keep well, all you guys - 'Markus', 'Abicus' and co. I learnt a lot from you. Kofi.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Okay, Snr Appiah, have a good nite. We will do it again in January.

NAME:

MESSAGE:

Hello Seniors,

I am sorry I couldn't make it for the conference. I got the message late. I may be the last but not the least. Well, about the film, I don't think it's a bad idea. A lot of people would love to watch a film about Prempeh College, especially, if it comes out a good one. I have read the messages from the board and I can say almost everybody have a dream for the film. Now, let's focus on a story. I would suggest we build the story on the following foundation: a portrait of an african education, specificailly, that of Prempeh College. Then we should decorate it with the following: intelligence, action, comedy, romance, success and failure.

First, we should write a novel and based on the novel, then we make the movie. I believe if we can make a good story, getting a producer wouldn't be much of a headeche.

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