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APPRECIATION: ‘Pretending to be President’

I’ve never shaken so many hands and signed my signature so often in just one day. That was the day my maiden book ‘Pretending to be President’ was officially launched. It was a launch like no other.

I didn’t want an official ceremony where the first copy of the book would be sold to the highest bidder. So I opted to do something different – launch it on radio. I got a lot of support from the managers of Joy FM who generously gave me the airtime to make history.

For that I am grateful to programmes manager, Kofi Owusu and Chief Operating Officer, Ekyi Quarm and Chief Executive, Kwasi Twum.

I am also grateful to news editor, Matilda Asante who unexpectedly showed up in the studio to say a few nice words of encouragement.

“He brings humour and a lot of wit to what is a very difficult and challenging job,” she said. “There is so much stress and tension in this work that if we didn’t have him jumping on tables and going out through the window and bringing some excitement to the job, we’d be bored to death.”

The bit about tables and windows is true. But that’s not all I do. That’s why she added: “You did yourself proud and you did all of us extremely proud.”

Then there was KSM who graciously put his rehearsals on hold to put in an appearance in support of his “nephew”.

“For me when we are talking about any person in Ghana now who has this gift of satire and wit, it is Ato Kwamena Dadzie,” he said.

My head swells when I hear words like that and when they come from a man like KSM, my head begins to feel like a weapon of mass destruction that could go off anytime and blow up some few buildings.

Before KSM came on, BK Oduro ‘officially’ launched the book had made the ‘Kokomlemle Declaration’, making me presidential candidate of the Noko Fio Party.

I am grateful to both KSM and BK Oduro.

Outside the studios of Joy FM dozens had gathered – waiting for me to come out and autograph the books they had bought. And autographing was the highlight of my day. I signed. And signed and signed and signed – at the forecourt of Joy FM and at the El Wak Stadium where the Joy FM Invitational Football Tournament was staged. It was a humbling experience and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who have spent Ten Ghana Cedis or more buy copies of the book so far. I am even more grateful to those who bought a ‘pack of ten’. They included deputy information minister, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, presidential advisor, Christine Amoako-Nuamah legal practitioner, Ace Ankomah.

Words are not enough to express my gratitude to Albert and Comfort Ocran for the enormous work they have done to kick start my career as an author on such a good note. It’s been a life-changing experience and it wouldn’t have been such fun without them.

I am also very much encouraged by the many people who keep telling me that “this is just the beginning” – urging me to write even more books.

Indeed, I can’t wait for the next one.

For now, I want to focus on selling ‘Pretending to be President’.

I am working with the team from Legacy and Legacy to make it available in as many outlets as possible. By the end of this week, much of this would have been sorted out.

In the mean time, you can get copies of the book from the Joy fm frontdesk, Silverbird Bookstore, Altar Bookstore and Airport Shell. On Legon Campus please call Prince on 0249532561. And for all other enquiries please call 0249999555.

Once again, thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this project the success it has been so far. It would be an even bigger success if you buy a copy for yourself and one for a friend. It’s just Ten Ghana Cedis. No matter what the president says, the ‘ecomini’ is still very hard. But if you are reading this, I’m sure you can afford to buy this book. Please, don’t pretend to be a pauper.

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Comments
1. Wascarat
  10 Mar 2010 | 07:59 AM
  Waiting anxiously at AMAZON!!!

On another note and as I always say, those who want to achieve always find ways to do so, those who don't want to always find REASONS not to do so.
Even though I haven't read the book yet but from the comments coming I would like to think that this is a massive contribution to the progress of our nation.

You have the balls to stick to your principles and I will keep on whining till you direct your energy to act on the political platform.
We are all behind this because you have convinced us that you can do better if given a fair chance!!

My only fervent hope is that you won't end up like the bunch of hyprocrites like the Pratts & Co.
  Ato's Response  
  Never say never! Only time will tell.
 
2. atta, korle-bu
  10 Mar 2010 | 08:46 AM
  I was there, and I thaught it was a good show and the book makes exciting reading.
except that I should have bought 2 as ma wife continue to fight with me as to when she wants to read it.
kudos, and please more grease.
  Ato's Response  
  It's not too late to get an extra one. Don't let your wife beat you over this.
 
3. Francis Doku
  10 Mar 2010 | 08:46 AM
  I am sure you shook as many hands on your wedding day....
  Ato's Response  
  Not quite. When is your book coming out? Refer to Wascarat's statement above.
 
4. okaatus
  10 Mar 2010 | 08:51 AM
  Kudos Ato, Amassing book but I will like to plead with you to donate some of the books to schools and other public institutions so that children and the whole nation will also learn the essence of uprightness,principles and the need to call the spade a spade.

More grease to your elbow Ato.
  Ato's Response  
  Thanks for your suggestion. But I think I have a better way of helping out. When it bears fruit, you shall see. For now, just go out there and buy some of the books.
 
5. Godwin, AGOSEC Kpetoe
  10 Mar 2010 | 08:58 AM
  Well done Ato. I've for a long time now hidden the fact that you are an inspirer to me from you. Well u've heard it now. I thought you would advise the google team to put an advert of your books on your page instead of chelsea, Man U and Arsenal shirts.I'm going to get a copy of your book today. I hope I can get one from Ho. Don't forget you promise sending some copies to bookshops in and around Ho.
  Ato's Response  
  The books will be in Ho very soon. I will let you know.
 
6. naa
  10 Mar 2010 | 09:40 AM
  Ato well done again and I am surely waiting for your second book. I bet it's already in the pipeline. Kudos.
  Ato's Response  
  Yes, it is.
 
7. Numbu
  10 Mar 2010 | 09:42 AM
  @Okaatus,Ato just started,he can't donate now,maybe you should buy some and donate to these institutions.
I am so familiar with this book because i have read most of them.I used to buy The Dispatch news paper because of the Imported Ghanaian,by Alba Sumprim.So when Fukour came on board i was so elated.Congratulation!
 
8. Banske
  10 Mar 2010 | 11:14 AM
  Nyame a otumi ade nyinaa ye no nka wo ho, na onbo wo ban se osrani banbofo pa.Akodee biara a ebe sore atia wo no, erengyina wo Yesu din mu-Amen!
Maakye.
 
9. John Couffie
  10 Mar 2010 | 11:34 AM
  Ato,the book really made interesting reading. The only thing some of us miss in the book is the harsh language/criticism. But I also realised that a 'President' needed to mind what he said. All the best as you "focus on selling ‘Pretending to be President’". However, we would be glad if you could continue posting new articles on this blog.
 
10. Quame
  10 Mar 2010 | 12:39 PM
  Massa, ay3 adze papa! more grace and power to move on!
 
11. Emmanuel ROCKY
  10 Mar 2010 | 12:43 PM
  Thank God this is all over, i hope i can now have my piece of mind with so many trumpet blowing here and there about presidency. Now get back to serious business about social issues thats what i want so that the debates and criticms can continue on the blog.
But Ato You pretend being J.A. KUFOUR did you invite him to the lunch of the book? God bless Ghana.
 
12. Joana
  10 Mar 2010 | 12:49 PM
  Congratulations Atu on your book, however I was expecting you to give credit to Almighty God and your wife. You didnt give credit to any of them.
 
13. me
  10 Mar 2010 | 01:15 PM
  Hope you sell a ton of these book so that kind words are not the only encouragement you get... Keep on keeping it real man.
 
14. Isaka Bawumia
  10 Mar 2010 | 01:48 PM
  Congratulations Ato, the discipline to write, put it together into a book is not easy. Add your daily work routine to it and no doubt you will find yourself very very busy. I hope Daavi/Auntie/Sister - your wife isn't complaining. Soon she will say it not your money she married. But if the money is not there, she will have something more unpalatable to say. Its was nice to meet you last Saturday. I have your Zain number and will call you soon for what we discussed...... Once more well done. Signed the Unofficial NDC Spokesperson on your blog: Isaka
 
15. Otu, USA
  10 Mar 2010 | 02:22 PM
  Ato, I am in US and how can I get one? I guess u have to make some available at the African markets. And by the way I added u on Facebook but cos I am not a woman u didn't accept my friendship, shame on u.........lol
 
16. Wiredu
  10 Mar 2010 | 02:33 PM
  Ato, I am sure even the Americans will be concerned if that head of yours becomes a weapon of mass destruction.... laugh!!!
 
17. Kwame Ahenkorah
  10 Mar 2010 | 03:40 PM
  Ato,
to make more money, you need to conduct a regional tour and autograph as much as you can. That is the way to make more money, also the books needs to be available on Amazon, the Accra Mall bookshop and the duty free shop at the airpot. You actually need a marketing team to put this together, this is your moment and you must not let it go to waste, as the pastors will say, this is your breakthrough.
 
18. amorefire
  10 Mar 2010 | 05:24 PM
  Ato, I noe you're a stromg man and there is doubt about that. My advice is that get ready to handle the excesses of fame and now that some people have 'done you good' be careful not to keep silent when they hit below the belt. In fact my mummy said in Fanti that "s3 obi y3 wo papa a, nna waahaw' paaaa"
We are quietly watching and waiting!
 
19. BNT
  10 Mar 2010 | 07:12 PM
  All I CAN SAY IS CONGRATS ATO. WE NEED THE VOLUME 2
 
20. Friendly Fire
  10 Mar 2010 | 07:52 PM
  Enough of this self promotion crap. Now get back to real work. Expose the corrupt politicians.
 
21. Vincent - UCC
  11 Mar 2010 | 06:46 AM
  Congrat! Ato. Please send copies to Cape Coast so that we can also get a copy. In fact I am waiting impatiently to get my copy.
 
22. Afi
  11 Mar 2010 | 08:33 AM
  Ato, I don't live in Ghana, where can I get a copy of your book?
 
23. Mimi
  11 Mar 2010 | 02:35 PM
  Hi Ato, am so happy about you what you have done, I pray this is just the begining of greater things. By the way those people you mentioned as your mentors in your write up about PAV Ansah, have they written books yet? God bless you.
 
24. Stephen
  11 Mar 2010 | 03:15 PM
  Very innovative way of launching your debut effort as an author.

Congratulations. Coming from a fellow writer, I know how hard it is to get published, especially in GH.
 
25. onero, london
  11 Mar 2010 | 11:42 PM
  you this guy paa, do you want to tell me that only those in ghana should read this book? is it because ROPA is not ready?
we in london also want to see how you pretended to be president
 
26. Moses W.Baddor
  12 Mar 2010 | 11:29 AM
  Hi Ato, I am in Kumasi and I will like to know where in Kumasi I can get a copy of your book '' Pretending to be President.''

Moses W.Baddor,
Odeneho Kwadaso, Kumasi.
 
27. Esther
  16 Mar 2010 | 08:53 AM
  Hi Ato, i had my husband buy a copy for me (its on its way to me in Cairo) but unfortunately he didnt get it autographed. Promise you would autograph it anytime. Thanks
 
28. jammingjerry
  18 Mar 2010 | 08:05 AM
  many will criticise what you do on joy fm but only the highly discernible ones like me will always appreciate and listen to you. Keep it up, Ato.

I have been thinking of how to get in touch with you face to face and highlight on some points. I have been harbouring some ideas that i feel will help lift this country onto better pedestal, and it has always been like what you do on air, but my has to do with churches.I have the feeling that only you and joy fm can help me to put this ideas across Ghana and to the rest of Africa. call me on 026-656 39 89 when you're ready to share your time with me.

Hear from you soon.

Jerrr.
 
29. masha_woehd_yahoo.com
  22 Mar 2010 | 09:19 PM
  I have been thinking of how to get in touch with you face to face and highlight on some points. I have been harbouring some ideas that i feel will help lift this country onto better pedestal, and it has always been like what you do on air, but my has to do with churches.I have the feeling that only you and joy fm can help me to put this ideas across Ghana and to the rest of Africa. call me on when you're ready to share your time with me.
 
30. His royal highness?
  26 Mar 2010 | 01:42 AM
  Ato, congratulations on this new book. I wish you many more success!
 
31. Edward Kuma
  09 Apr 2010 | 02:09 PM
  why are people wasting their time and money on this concert party book from that stupid fool? A book without reputable publishers can never be regarded as a book.
 
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